GREENFIELD — Greenfield teenager Cody Mastin is making strides in his recovery following a horrific vehicle accident that killed his girlfriend, Eastern Hancock senior Lindsay Locker.
Cody is currently at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, where he was moved a few weeks ago as specialist try to help him recover. His mother, Machelle Poindexter, has been by her son’s side every step of the way and plans to remain there no matter how long it takes to get Cody up on his feet.
“He does have a long road, but he will get there,” she said. “Cody is a fighter.”
Family, friends and those who are supporting their fight held an auction recently to raise funds to help the family remodel their home to accommodate Cody and the equipment he needs to get better.
“Money raised will be used to put in a wheelchair ramp,” Poindexter said. “We have to redo a bathroom and might have to widen some doors.”
In addition to the recent auction, which raised over $14,000 for the family, there are plans for a wrestling event at 5 p.m. Feb. 24 at the H.J. Ricks Centre For The Arts.
WCWO Wrestling and F.E.W Frontier Elite Wrestling will put on the benefit show for Cody and his family. Tickets are $10 with all proceeds going to the family toward Cody’s recovery.
As for the recent auction held Jan. 20, Amanda Gorney, who helped put the event together for the family, said the gathering was held at Heartland Resort in Greenfield and was a success thanks to the support of several community members.
County resident Wayne Addison volunteered as auctioneer and around 200 people attended and raised approximately $14,219.
“The community was amazing,” Gorney said.
She noted they could not have pulled off the major fundraiser for the family without the support of so many.
Jigfoot Lures did the dinner preparations, Hometown pizza provided bread sticks and Elle’s Cakery provided desserts while Steve Goeway provided DJ services. Other business donors included, Highsmith Guns, Kirkwood Dentistry, Riley Park Tire, Koenig, O’Riley Auto Parts, Strike Force Lanes, VIP Legacy Theaters, Cory’s Detailing, The Bobber Shop, Tractor Supply Company, Millers Jewelry, Shawna Marie Photography, Advanced Auto Parts, Salon De’Elegance, Chicago’s Pizza, Greenfield Music Center, Dave’s Express Lube, Outlaw Diesel, Dirty Dale’s Diesel, Jamie’s Pet Nanny, All About the Q, Airtron, Knightstown Locker and Current Solutions Electrical Service. Heartland camping groups and many individuals in the community donated auction items as well.
“We could not be more thankful to each and every one who played a part in exceeding our goal and expressing the love for Cody and his family,” Gorney said.
Donations were also received from Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation and The Bailey Christopher Jelinek Foundation.
While Cody’s mother noted there are so many people to thank who have continued to support her son’s recovery, she wanted to send out a special thank you to the first responders and specifically a woman, Jenn Rosier White, who came upon the accident and found Cody.
“She sat with him until help got there,” Poindexter said. “I can’t thank this wonderful lady enough.”
Cody’s mother continues to update the community on how her son is progressing daily on her Facebook page and noted Cody is scheduled to be released to head home in early February. In the meantime, she said the family is thankful for continued prayers and asks for others to remember to pray for the Locker family, who lost their daughter in the crash.
Officials from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department noted at the time of the crash neither of the teenagers were wearing seat belts when the accident occurred on a rainy afternoon. However, Cody’s mother said the crash was so violent she’s not sure a seat belt would have mattered.
“I always say make sure you wear them, but had my son had his on, he may not be here,” she said. “Lindsay, I’m not sure it would have mattered. Do I still advocate for seat belts? Yes. But that was not a factor.”
Her latest post noted she feels Cody is starting to come out of the fog and stated he ate for the first time.
“Chocolate pudding!,” she wrote. “Loved it! He was ready for each bite!”
