Most mothers with a son in high school are concerned with their child not missing curfew.

Some are tied up, making sure he passes chemistry.

Perhaps just staying in school.

But those are the least of Samantha Rogers’ concerns.

Her main priority is making sure her son makes a full recovery.

Junior Connor Beliew was injured in a car accident in June, leaving him in critical condition. He was soon sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for bleeding of the brain and neck fractures along with other minor fractures of the ribcage and hand.

After eight weeks in the hospital and a craniectomy procedure to remove a portion of his skull to allow his brain to heal, Connor said he is excited to return to school on Monday so he can see his friends again.

Many of these friends, along with family, will gather Tuesday at Chicken Express, 4708 W. 7th St., from 6-8 p.m. for Chow Down and Raise Hope for Team Connor, a fundraising event that will feature live music from Kosmic Girlz and Koltrane Band.

“He has some friends, the Kosmic Girlz, who came to visit him several times in the hospital with their parents,” Rogers said. “Their mom, Tammy, and Suzanne [Jones] got together here in Texarkana to come up with fundraiser ideas.”

Rogers is grateful to have their support.

“I knew a lot of people were wanting to help,” Rogers said. “Sometimes it just makes people feel better to be able to do that.”

With the upcoming start of school, Rogers knows Connor will be glad for a break in the routine of speech, physical and occupational therapy. And she understands students will be unsure of how to react.

“I think it’s probably only natural for some of the kids to just kind of be scared and not knowing what to say,” Rogers said. “I mean adults go through the same thing. They don’t know what to say or what to do.”

Shortly after the start of school, Connor will be back in the hospital for another surgery Sept. 5 to replace the bone in his skull. His mom will continue to closely watch his recovery and be grateful for the progress they have made so far.

“He’s been reminded several times by several people who have taken care of him of what a miracle he truly is,” Rogers said. “To be where he is right now is just…I would say mind blowing, but we’ve had lots and lots and lots of prayers.”

Check back later for more on Connor’s story.