FELTON, Calif. - On Wednesday, people from across the state showed up at several events to support Scotts Valley native Bryan Stow.
"For me, it's sad it happened to such a nice guy," says James Ancheta.
This is the first time Ancheta ever stepped foot in St. John's Church in Felton. He drove from Capitola, but wanted to pray for Stow, a man he never met.
"I understand that some brain damage might occur," says Ancheta. "So, I'm hoping it will be lessened, that through our prayers God will cure him."
On Wednesday, dozens of people packed the church for a special mass for Bryan and his family. It's where Bryan's mother Ann works. The support is spreading across the state.
"I have seen people from Sonoma to Sacramento and Stockton," says Jennifer LaRault, Brian's co-worker at American Medical Response. "They have come from all different areas from the north to the south.
LaRault said thousands of people showed up to this barbecue fundraiser in San Jose, even Dodgers fans.
"It's a game and everybody is out to have fun," says Dodgers fan Adella Avila. "For people to take it to that extreme is really sad."
They're all rooting for Bryan to make it through.
"Bryan is a fighter," says LaRault. "He's young and he's in good shape, so we are all praying that everything works out."
"For his family, that they could see the community here, feel the peace and feel the love that we have for them," says Ancheta.
The church said it raised more than $1,000 for Bryan's medical bills. There's a $100,000 reward to find Bryan's attackers. AMR contributed $5,000 to it.
Submitted by Azenith Smith, Central Coast News
