A Polk County baby celebrated his first birthday Saturday, after surviving being abused.
- Baby Levi home from hospital Sept. 20
- Levi recovering from cuts, bruises, burns and a bite
- Yard sale Oct. 22 to support continued medical care
Ginger Faulk said her son Levi was recovering quite well after Polk County deputies said someone trusted to keep him safe -- his mother’s boyfriend -- abused him on Sept. 16.
One week later, Levi’s burns were fading, and his stitches were scheduled to be removed soon.
"He's healed tremendously. Just so well and fast, he's a fighter," said Faulk.
Levi came home from the hospital Sept. 20, just two days before his first birthday. His mother’s friends threw him a welcome home first birthday bash, and Southern Streams Ranch donated its venue for the party.
"I am so appreciative," said Faulk. "I couldn't have done any of this without them. I didn't even know whether he was going to be out of the hospital for his first birthday."
Her friends have also planned a yard sale for Oct. 22 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church to help raise money for Levi's continued medical care.
Polk County deputies said Levi had cuts, bruises, burns and a bite mark the night he was left in the care of Shawn Tucci. Faulk said she usually didn’t leave Levi with him, and she has since broken up with him.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever been through, to be honest,” said Faulk. “It's like having your heart ripped out and just crushed.”
Tucci was arrested in Tampa and charged with aggravated child abuse.
"I hope justice is served like it should be," Faulk said.
Faulk went on to say she's now focused on Levi’s future and his recovery.
"He plays normally, he's still talking and laughing," said Faulk. "He has more faith in people than I honestly do."