Girl, 13, struck by vehicle, friends seek help for the family
By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

Shelby Fry

A vehicle struck a 13-year-old Westlake Village girl, Shelby Fry, earlier this month, and Shelby’s single mother needs help, according to longtime friend, Linda Gonder-Perlstein.

Shelby’s mom, Patti Fry, just started a new job seven months ago and hasn’t yet earned leave of absence pay. But Fry will be required to stay home and help her daughter to recovery.

"I can’t work for—I don’t know how long—because my daughter has extensive injuries," Fry said. "In the meantime, there’s no money coming in."

Shelby was attending a church function on Sun., Oct. 5 at Newbury Park First Christian Church when she and some of her friends walked down Reino Road near Kimber to get some lunch at a nearby Carl’s Jr., according to Fry. Before the group got to the fast food restaurant, a vehicle struck Shelby. Details of the accident are still under investigation.

"She’s got four broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured hip, numerous abrasions and she chipped some teeth, so she’ll need some dental work," Gonder-Perlstein said.

"This is a parent’s worst nightmare," Fry said. "You can’t put it in words. One of the hardest parts is to see my daughter in such pain."

Many people hope Shelby will recover soon.

"She’s probably one of the sweetest girls I know," said Pastor Jim Buckley of Newbury Park First Christian Church. "I’ve known her since she was a little girl."

Shelby performed in church musicals and was loved by just about everyone, Buckley said.

"The good news is she’ll be okay," the pastor said. "She’ll be in pain for a while, but she’s been a trooper."

Shelby was released from Los Robles Regional Medical Center on Sunday.

Gonder-Perlstein worked out a benefit fund for the Fry family. She said it had to be done.

"That was one of the first things she worried about," Fry said. "She didn’t think I would. That’s just the kind of person Linda is. She’s always out looking for other people’s welfare. And she’d help me if she could, but she’s a single mom, too."

Any help is appreciated, Gonder-Perlstein said. "The medical insurance is going to cover a lot, but there’s a lot that won’t be covered," she said. "Patti also has another daughter who’s living at home and going to college, and so she also has to pay for college expenses." Checks to assist the Fry family can be written to Shelby Fry in care of Patti Fry and sent to 31568 Agoura Road, No. 2, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Additionally, the Newbury Park First Christian Church is collecting funds for the Fry family. Checks can be written to Newbury Park First Christian Church benevolent love fund. The church is at 801 Knollwood Drive. Call the church at (805) 498-2129.