Charlie Sheen Makes Large Donation To Injured Teen Teagan Marti
MILWAUKEE (CBSMiami) – When Teagan Marti came crashing down to the ground from a Wisconsin amusement park ride in 2010 she nearly lost her life. Her long and recovery has inspired everyone involved in it and now has a big donation from an unlikely celebrity.
Charlie Sheen donated $10,000 to Marti and her family Thursday to help them buy a therapy dog for Marti's recovery.
"I think it's really great he is helping us out," Teagan Marti said.
"I'm in such disbelief," Marti's mother, Julie said. "I was crying…What a guy. What a guy."
She suffered brain, spine, pelvis, and internal injuries when nets and air bags that were supposed to catch rider on a free-fall ride weren't raised. Marti spent three months in the hospital in Wisconsin and South Florida and initially had no use of her arms or legs, but through physical therapy is able to walk again with a walker.
Julie Marti said she was in financial trouble with the medical bills and her recent divorce. Their house is being foreclosed up and insurance isn't covering physical therapy costs anymore.
Sheen's donation will buy the family an English Golden Retriever puppy that is being trained in Wisconsin to turn on lights, pick up objects, and be the teen's constant companion.
The long and winding road between Sheen and Marti came together thanks to Lucia Wilgus of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She helped spearhead funding for the dog and sent a letter this week to Sheen through the actor's godfather, who is a Wilgus family friend.
Sheen said he decided to give more for extra costs. "If there's a need for more, I told them to call me," Sheen said.
"I like to pay it forward," Sheen said. "People come into your orbit for a reason. You don't always know what that is ahead of time, but if I ignore these requests, then I don't have any opportunity to see where these things lead us, or lead me."
He said he doesn't like to publicize most of his donations, but wanted to talk about this one to inspire others to donate.
"I am really grateful to Charlie Sheen," said Julie. "I think other people should learn from him."
Teagan Marti gets the dog on her birthday in September and told CBS4's Cynthia Demos that she plans to name the pup "Charlie".
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