Young boy recovering from fatal Christmas Day crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Louis Romero, who loved ones call "kid" is spending his birthday in the hospital.

His family says there is some good news, the drain tube for his brain was removed Monday. He is starting to open his eyes and respond to them but they are still searching for hope during this difficult time.

On this day ten years ago, Sandra Kelly says her son Louie Romero was born but instead of celebrating his birthday the young boy is in the Intensive Care Unit at Community Regional Medical Center fighting for his life.

Louie was in this car with his cousins, when an SUV t-boned the family on Christmas Day in Hanford.

Related: Hit-and-run victim delivers healthy baby after losing boyfriend in crash

Kelly says Louie was life-flighted to the hospital where he is now hooked up to countless medical machines and tubes.

"He has one in his mouth his chest his head his groin everywhere it just looks like a bunch of wire," Kelly said.

Loved ones say the fun, loving kid has an infection, brain damage and is struggling to breathe on his own. A heartbreaking reality for this mom to see.

As for the recovery, Kelly tells us doctors are telling them it is going to be a long road.

The family says they are so thankful for the Terry House which is where they have been staying during this entire ordeal.

They have also set up a GoFundMe account and have planned a dinner fundraiser to help with the unexpected medical expenses for the family.