Local

Paulding Co. names special day in Tripp's honor

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. — Parents of a Winder toddler recovering from a brain injury received a special announcement Tuesday about their little boy.

Tripp Halstead’s parents left the 2-year-old’s hospital bed for a few hours to greet supporters several communities away to receive a proclamation, declaring April 1 as "Tripp Halstead Day." Paulding County Commission Chairman David Austin presented the Halsteads with a plaque at the county offices.

The proclamation comes after Tripp was struck in the head by a limb outside his day care in October during Superstorm Sandy. Channel 2 Action News has been tracking his difficult recovery since. Tripp's mother, Stacy Halstead,  told Channel 2’s Linda Stouffer her son had a great night and smiled a few days ago.

“Oh, that was the best thing that ever happened. Yes, it was just a little (smile). It makes me cry just talking about it. It was so sweet because we hadn’t seen that in four months,” Stacy Halstead said.

Paulding resident Gail Stegall's child once suffered brain injury and recovered. She never met Tripp, but feels called to rally Paulding County to help.

“God has a purpose for this child. He has a place for this child on earth. He's going to see him better," she said.

Stacy Halstead said she's overjoyed about the outpouring of support from people she doesn't even know.

“I use the word overwhelming way too much but it just really is, that people have fallen in love with our little boy and that they want to help. You can't express how much it means that everyone loves him and wants to help and wants him to get better," she said.

“Thank you from my family and to everyone who is going to participate. Thank you very much,” said Tripp's father, Bill Halstead.

Click here to follow Tripp's journey. Also click here to visit his special section.