Thousands raised for CHKD patient

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - With your help, Chic-Fil-A was able to raise thousands for 7-year-old Jonas Paras, who's been unresponsive for weeks after getting pneumonia.

Thursday night, Chic-Fil-A raised $3500 for Paras' family.

Paras has been at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters for nearly two months. His parents noticed Jonas's flu-like symptons in January.

"He didn't want to go to the hospital, but I couldn't sleep knowing he would be uncomfortable," Paras' mother told WAVY.com

So, the family headed to an emergency room. Jonas had pneumonia, and severe complications, including brain injury.

Doctors told Jonas' family that he may never recover.

"I miss holding him, you know. I want him to come home," said his dad.

Soon, Jonas will return to his Virginia Beach home, and be reunited with his older and younger brothers. And the people eating at the Salem Crossing Chic-Fil-A are helping his family get ready. Money spent at Chic-Fil-A will help the family with medical expenses required for Jonas' continued care. The fundraiser began with the idea of a New Castle Elementary School family-night at the restaurant.

Hundreds of cards, mostly hand-made from students and staff at the school fill Jonas' hospital room.

"Just knowing how much they care about Jonas, it's very heartfelt."

Chic-Fil-A expanded the fundraiser to an all-day event after the community expressed so much interest in helping Jonas. He's pretty popular. He's a basketball and soccer player. He was even the Most Valuable Player for the Redskins - his recreation flag football team. Those days may not come again soon, but his parents believe in miracles.

"He's a special guy and I just, for him to cawl is not Jonas. Jonas is one to jump at you and not crawl at you," said Jonas' dad.

His mom continued, "If I could just even see him smile again to say hi mama - that would just mean the world to me."

Jonas could head home as early as next week, where his family will continue to care and love him. The fundraiser will continue through closing Thursday night.

Fifteen percent of sales at the Chic-Fil-A at Salem Crossing in Virginia Beach will go to the boy's family. Just have to mention Jonas' name.