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$28,000 donated to fund for injured motocross rider
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More from County NewsVentura County residents have donated more than $28,000 this month to the family of a 17-year-old youth injured in a motocross accident.
Community members and family friends have contributed time and resources to help raise money for the Justin Eubanks Benefit Fund, which was opened in late July.
"The outpouring of the community has been great," said Justin's grandmother, Joan Eubanks of Ventura. "So many people have come through and donated."
The fund was opened at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust by Justin's aunt, Jenny Davis, to help the family pay for mounting medical bills. Those bills could total close to $1 million.
Justin "J-Banks" Eubanks has improved since he went into a coma July 21 after the accident, Joan Eubanks said. The Ventura High School student has been moved from the intensive care unit to the critical care unit at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, she said.
"The swelling in his brain has gone down," she said. "His eyes open a lot, and he can lift his arms and legs, but not on command. There's no real recognition yet."
He can also breathe on his own.
Louise Nelson, owner of Beach Flower Gifts in Oxnard, set up a donation jar in her store with information about the family and their situation earlier this month.
"People have been very generous," Nelson said. "The expenses of what the family is incurring are so much more than the family can afford. I just wanted to help them out."
One woman donated $300 after winning a jackpot at the Chumash Casino and Resort, she said.
"It's just so touching how everyone has been so supportive," said Justin's mother, Kandy Eubanks.
She spoke of an 8-year-old boy and his friends who opened a snack stand in their neighborhood and raised more than $200, which they donated to the fund.
"That one just touched my heart," she said.
To contribute, visit any Santa Barbara Bank & Trust branch and mention the fund's name, or write a check to Justin Eubanks Benefit Fund and mail it to any branch of the bank.
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