Ten-year-old Asher Thomson is starting to smile again, more than three weeks after two vehicles struck him while he was riding his bicycle across State Road 52 in Hudson. On Saturday, Aug. 1, neighbors turned that hope into action at the Team Asher Family Fun Day in Land O' Lakes.

The free event, listed on the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce's events calendar, featured bounce houses, a dunk tank, live music, face painting, football activities, raffles, food and local vendors. Attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite football jersey. Donations and sponsorship opportunities were also available for those who could not attend.

How Asher was injured

Asher was struck on July 12 while crossing SR 52 on his bike. The crash shattered his skull, caused a brain bleed and broke multiple bones, landing him in a medically induced coma at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa. The Florida Highway Patrol determined the crash was an accident, and neither driver faced criminal charges.

Doctors initially did not expect him to survive. But as of July 29, Asher was showing facial expressions, including smiling and crying, after coming off the medically induced coma, WFLA reported.

"I just want to hear his voice. I don't care what he says," his mother, Jackie Almeida, told WFLA on July 29.

How the community has stepped up for Asher

The outpouring has come from strangers and neighbors alike. A GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $35,000 as of July 24, according to Tampa Bay 28. Almeida told the station she didn't know half the people reaching out to help.

Lindsay Weber of The Connector Community Foundation helped organize community fundraising efforts for Asher after seeing his story. Mark Price, owner of Priceless Inflatables, donated inflatables and supplies for the event.

"As soon as I heard about it, my immediate thought was, 'That could have been my kid. How can I help?'" Price told Tampa Bay 28 on July 24.

How to help Asher and his family

Residents who missed Saturday's event can still contribute through the GoFundMe campaign or contact the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 727-842-7651 or [email protected] for sponsorship information.

Upcoming community events

• Greater Pasco Chamber August lunch spotlighting Pasco County's Commission on the Status of Women. Details at the Chamber's event page.