After they were out of school June 4, Michael Maroney and a group of friends were on their way to a friend’s house when a vehicle rear-ended them at a stop sign.

This accident has had a immense impact on Michael’s life and will continue to impact him for an unknown period of time because of the traumatic brain injury. Family and friends, led by Kathy Schmid and Sue Schuster, are hosting a benefit event for Michael from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Maxx Bar & Grill, 17646 Central Ave. N.E. in Ham Lake. See more in Eric Hagen's ABC Newspapers story.

Friends and family have been by Michael Maroney’s side since he was in a car crash on June 4. Michael has made significant progress and goes through three half-days of therapy every week at Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. (From left to right) Eric Maroney, Joey Benik, Michael Maroney, Brittany Streich, David Maroney and Debbie Maroney. Michael also has an older sister named Sarah. (Photo by Eric Hagen)