Community rallies around family of baby injured by sitter

The Madison County community is helping a family whose baby is in the hospital.

Last week police arrested 34-year-old Bessie Perkins. She’s accused of criminal abuse. Investigators say Perkins abused two babies while they were under her care during a span of about six weeks.

Colton Renner, four-months-old, is still in the hospital with shaken baby syndrome. ABC 36 News is told his parents haven’t left his side for nearly the past three weeks while his condition improves. Family friends say Colton is now awake and is eating and breathing on his own.

Family friends started a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs and bills.

They say while the support has been overwhelming, Colton’s mom doesn’t want her nightmare to happen to anyone else.

“She wants to advocate for parents, know who your children are with. Even if you think you know them, make sure you know them, make sure you know absolutely no way this could happen to your child,” said Amanda Gillum, who helped start the GoFundMe page.

The other baby, a nine-month-old girl, was also hurt but her mom says they believe they had their last doctor’s appointment at the hospital on Thursday.