GoFundMe page helps grandson of Oconee County deputy killed on duty in 2008
A GoFundMe page has been established to help the seriously ill grandson of David Gilstrap, an Oconee County sheriff’s deputy who was killed in 2008 while working a school zone in Watkinsville.
Hendrix David Avery, who is 8, was hospitalized in December and has since undergone 19 surgeries, including the amputation of a leg.
Hendrix is the son of Cedar Shoals High graduate Mandi Jo Gilstrap and her husband Tobey Avery, who reside in Grovetown, Georgia.
Mandi Jo Gilstrap’s father, David, was working a school zone when a car struck and killed him.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family with expenses as Hendrix remains hospitalized and is scheduled for another surgery.
The fund has a goal of $50,000 and as of Tuesday afternoon 569 people had donated $34,944.
According to Louisa Herrera, who set up the fund and stays in touch with the family, the boy’s rare gastrointestinal illness apparently stems from the latest variant of COVID.
The child has experienced kidney failure and seizures and has undergone dialysis, blood transfusions and the numerous surgeries.
Herrera said Monday that Hendrix is scheduled for another surgery. She quoted a physician as saying the child is undergoing a “medical odyssey.”
To donate go to GoFundMe, visit https://gofund.me/284b0fee.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: GoFundMe seeks help for grandson of Oconee deputy killed on duty
