Parents of Slidell 12-year-old hit by truck on Fathers Day grateful for community support [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Grayson Manning is fighting for his life at Children’s Hospital New Orleans after running into the path of a pickup truck while chasing his family’s dog.

The 12-year-old boy’s parents said they aren’t sure how extensive his injuries are, as their son is still on a ventilator and needs several more brain surgeries. They say the road ahead is long.

Dustin Manning had just gotten off work Sunday around 1 p.m., anticipating a Father’s Day celebration with his son.

“Buffalo Wild Wings and playing Golden Tee,” Manning said. “I think we were planning on doing the same thing probably around 6.”

A life-altering phone call put those plans on hold.

Grayson had just gotten home from paintball practice, unloading the car at his mom’s house off Fremaux Avenue in Slidell, when the family’s dog, Muffin, darted out the door toward the street.

Grayson didn’t think twice about going after her.

“He was tunnel-vision on the dog,” said the boy’s mom, Mindy McConnell. “He ran directly into the street …