PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — The road to recovery remains long and murky for Nick Rose, a recent Riverside Academy graduate tragically struck by a vehicle last month while walking outside a restaurant on a senior trip to Panama City Beach.

Rose remains hospitalized in Florida with brain trauma injuries, but his family extends a sincere thank you for the overwhelming wave of support that’s formed from the St. John the Baptist Parish community in the weeks since.

Jane Clement, Rose’s aunt, said the experience has been eye-opening.

“Nick’s always been a fun-loving guy with a lot of friends,” Clement said. “We realize now since this happened how many friends he really does have and how well liked he is.”

As of press time Friday morning, the extent of Rose’s brain injuries were unknown. Since being hospitalized, he has undergone surgeries to relieve brain swelling and to have a trach inserted and is connected to a ventilator.

According to the Facebook page Nick’s Journey to Healing, Rose has opened his eyes more than once and reached for the nurse’s hand but has since been put back on sedation for stabilization.

Clement said doctors wouldn’t have more information on the timeline for Nick’s recovery until he is ready to wake up fully.

“Everyone heals at their own pace, and it’s going to be a long journey,” Clement said. “We are so overwhelmed and grateful for the continued prayers and support.”

According to Clement, a benefit account under the name Nick’s Journey to Healing is accessible at all First American Bank branches.

Tina Edler said Rose graduated with her son, Dane, and she’s known him since he was a Cub Scout.

“Nick is loving, kind, generous and always has a smile on his face,” Edler said. “He’s like a big ol’ teddy bear who gives great hugs.”

Edler is involved in coordinating a community action group that convened this week to organize fundraisers for Rose’s medical expenses.

A second meeting is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday inside the Riverside Academy cafeteria.

With so many people in the community rallying to host their own events, Edler said it was necessary to bring all ideas to the table in one meeting.

A blood drive is being hosted from noon to 4 p.m. today at the Norris P. Millet Library on U.S. 51 in LaPlace.

Live music from four bands will rock a benefit from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Baba’s Sports Bar and Grill, located at 509 Main Street in LaPlace.

Jambalaya, pastalaya and white beans will be served. A $10 cover charge will be donated to Rose’s family, and children under 12 are admitted free.

The music lineup is as follows: Peyton Falgoust performs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Katfight plays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Shot Time takes the stage from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and Giacomo performs from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

According to Melissa Miller, longtime friend of the Rose family, a larger fundraiser is being planned for the third or fourth weekend in July. The July benefit weekend will include a barbecue, food sales, softball tournaments, a car show and poker run, live bands, an inflatable water slide and a “party with the princesses” breakfast. Date and location are to be determined.

“Strong for Nick” unisex T-shirts are being sold for $21.99 at the following link: bonfire.com/strong-for-nick-t-shirt-fundraiser/.

The public is welcomed to donate to Rose’s family online at gofundme.com/nicholas-rose.