'Really awful': Milwaukee boy recovering after being hit by unlicensed driver needs ramp installed outside of home
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been a couple of months since 13-year-old Cameron Malatt was hit by a driver on Milwaukee's north side while riding his bike -- a new Christmas present -- right after the holiday.
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Since then, he's undergone five major surgeries and blood transfusions, with more scheduled in the future.
According to his father, Daniel, Malatt broke bones from head to toe and still has a hard time walking.
"Even with how long it's been since the accident, his face is still got a dark bruise right here where his skull was fractured all the way around here," Daniel Malatt told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. "He's got two appointments every week and I have to help him down the steps because he can't walk by himself so I gotta be the crutch."
Even though doctors said Cameron is recovering well, he added there's still a long way to go.
"It feels really awful," Cameron Malatt said. "It really just stinks that I can't walk and go outside."
That's why the family is raising money to help cover the costs of medical bills but also a new ramp that would be purchased and installed outside of their home.
If they're unsuccessful, Malatt said they might have to move.
"Thank you to all the people really that are donating," Cameron Malatt said, adding that the one thought that keeps him motivated is "knowing I'm going to be able to walk again."
As for his message to other bikers?
"Watch out for people because people aren't gonna watch out for you," Cameron Malatt said.
The accused driver in the case is 38-year-old Michael Mack, who reportedly told police at the scene he "felt a loud bang."
Officials said Mack is unlicensed and had a suspended driving status, and later also found a bag of meth.
On Thursday, March 5, during a preliminary hearing, Mack pled not guilty after a defense motion to dismiss the case was denied.
He'll appear in court again next month before his trial.
If you want to donate to the Malatt family, click here for the GoFundMe.
Cameron, who is an avid bike lover, is also searching for small dirt bikes, mopeds, go karts, etc. that he could fix up and eventually ride when he's recovered.
If you know of any, send a message to his father here.