Teen hit by car in Northwest Fresno making strides toward recovery

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno teen hit by a car is making a miraculous recovery.

Friends and co-workers are rallying around 19-year-old Janiece Ortiz. She was trying to help two drivers involved in a car accident when she was critically injured.

Officers said they didn't think Janiece would survive, but she was able to pull through and family members say it's because of her heart of gold.

A two-vehicle crash ended with a Good Samaritan severely injured.

It's a picture Rozendo Tello rejected at first in denial.

"When we first arrived there, in all honestly, she was unrecognizable," Tello said.

But as the family learned details of what led off the collision it became readily apparent to Tello that victim was his goddaughter.

"She has a younger brother, and one of the things they have been known to do when they see an accident is run over and be helpful," he explained.

Officers say Ortiz saw an accident on Feland and Shaw Avenues and she planned on getting the drivers some water from her work across the street

But before reaching Texas Roadhouse, she walked into the path of oncoming traffic.

"Whenever one of our Roadies gets hurt like this, we can sure we stay united, stay strong," -- said. "We've actually visited the family."

The warmth she showed others paid back in dividends Thursday. Her fellow Roadies from work set up a donations box and sent food to the hospital.

Many people wrote her cards and her co-workers brought to her on Thursday.

"She's been a wonderful hostess, a lot of people have been dropping off donations on her behalf."

Janiece suffered severe head trauma and internal bleeding. Her godfather says he's thankful for those who have showed her love.

It's love that's showing a girl who gave so much to others that she's not forgotten.

"That was just the main thing, I needed her to know she wasn't alone," Tello said. "There's a lot of people across the valley that do care, and that brings a lot of warmth."