Community rallies for boy's family

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque family suffering both the loss of their son after six years in a coma and the balance of his insurance settlement welcomed an outpouring of support from the community Friday.

Carla and Kenny Laweka's young son Nicky died in May. He was hurt when his parents' car was hit by a drunk driver in western New Mexico.

They quit their jobs to give Nicky 24-hour in-home care relying on a $100,000 insurance settlement. But after their son's death, the Lawekas discovered they were not entitled to the $45,000 balance .

Now they broke, behind in their rent and utilities and said they must come up with $4,000 in two weeks to pay outstanding bills. So they announced they would be putting all their possessions up for sale at a three-day garage sale that began Friday. They're holding a three day garage sale to raise money.

"I wanted to help someway or another and they had a Weed Eater," John Naranjo said. "So now I can take this home and hopefully it will help."

By noon the Lawekas had raised more than $4,000. Most of those who stopped by simply donated money without buying anything.

"Today with this outpouring of people coming in to help, to help my family and us, restores my faith in God," Kenny Laweka told KRQE News 13. "I've been in a dark place for an awfully long time, and I have to admit that light was getting dim.

"Today it exploded in front of my eyes where I need sunglasses."

The garage sale continues through Sunday at 601 Marquis Dr. NE.