Evan Chacon, 14, who was sent to the hospital in critical condition following a car accident Nov. 14, continues to show signs of improvement as he receives care at a Primary Children's Hospital.

Chacon was a passenger in a southbound vehicle that veered off of U.S. 91, near 8600 N in northern Smithfield, over-corrected and swerved into northbound traffic, striking another vehicle, according to Lt. Cameron Roden with Utah Highway Patrol.

Jeff Fulmer, a close family friend who called Evan's mother, Gloria, "a second daughter," updated The Herald Journal on Evan's condition on how the public can help.

Fullmer said Evan sustained a severe skull fracture, a traumatic brain injury, at least four broken ribs, a spine injury, a broken hip, a broken pelvis, bone damage to his right ear, lacerations of the spleen and liver, internal bleeding, and a lung injury.

Fullmer also said that Evan has been heavily sedated and put in a body-sling -- due his inability to lay flat -- during most of his time in the hospital.

Despite all of these injuries, Fullmer, who has been in consistent contact with Gloria, said she has reported signs of improvement from Evan. Gloria told Fullmer that Evan has been able to squeeze someone's hand, blink in affirmation, gesture, and even mouth "water." Fullmer also reported the fluid buildup in Evan's lungs has been diminishing over the past few days.

The attitude surrounding Gloria and other family members present with Evan have impressed Fullmer.

"If you were to ever speak with her (Gloria), you'll be really blown away that a human being can be as positive in a situation as she is," Fullmer said. "She's a ball of energy. Some of her bigger worries have been for the young man who was driving the car and his guilt and the things he's going through... Also, the driver of the vehicle that hit them."

According to Fullmer, Gloria and his daughter met while working at Alpine Cleaning and Restoration Specialists in Smithfield. They have been close friends ever since.

"As she's gone through different things in her life, she's kind of gravitated toward me and I've gravitated toward her," Fullmer said. "Certainly not in any official capacity, but she calls me her fill-in papa and considers me in that role."

"I do consider her my second daughter."

In order to help Evan and his family, Fullmer has organized a GoFundMe account that has raised $14,481 in five days. He said support of any kind is welcome.

"I just want to help them in every way possible and keep the love and prayers rolling in," Fullmer said. "Obviously the GoFundMe is going to be a massive, massive help to the family as well."

As of Fullmer's interview with The Herald Journal, Thursday, he reported Evan had just gone in for his first surgery.