Hundreds of car collectors come together to support bullied Alabama boy

In Clanton, Alabama, 10-year-old Hunter Blankenship made a simple choice that would ultimately have a profound impact on his life. Hunter, a car-loving autistic boy, decided to wear rainbow-colored glasses not as a statement, but simply because he loved the look. However, his innocent choice led to a traumatic incident when an older child teased him, calling him a homophobic slur and telling him to kill himself.

Hunter’s mother, Meghan Fancher, was horrified when Hunter grabbed a knife and threatened to harm himself. This led to Hunter spending two weeks in the psychiatric ward at Children’s of Alabama hospital in Birmingham. Desperate to show Hunter that life could be joyful and that people cared about him, Fancher took to social media with a small request for a few cars to come and greet Hunter upon his release.

What happened next was beyond their wildest dreams. Sergio Sanchez, owner of a local restaurant, saw Fancher’s post and reached out to car clubs in the area. The response was overwhelming, with roughly 1,500 show cars and over 1,500 friends showing up to support Hunter. The sight of so many people coming together for him brought tears to Hunter’s eyes as he realized the love and support he had in his community.

The gathering of car collectors, all fans of Hunter’s rainbow-colored glasses, had a profound impact on Hunter. He now wears his glasses proudly, thanks to the kindness and support of those who came out to show him that he is loved and valued. Fancher credits this incredible display of support with saving Hunter’s life, giving him hope and a renewed sense of belonging.

In times of emotional distress or crisis, it’s important to reach out for help. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can be accessed by calling or texting 988, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine, which can be reached at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org, are available to provide support and assistance.

The heartwarming story of Hunter Blankenship and the outpouring of support he received serves as a reminder of the power of community and kindness. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the transformative impact that a simple act of compassion can have on a person’s life.