Updated at: 11/05/2009 11:50 PM

Family Prays for Son's Recovery

They rallied for Alex at every basketball game, and now, his family and friends are rallying at St. Mary's Hospital.

"He is in a coma, and he is fighting for his life," said Alex's mother, Debbie.

Eighteen year old Alex Balluff has been in the ICU at St. Mary's since Saturday, when he was hit by a car along Rice Lake Road in Duluth. The woman driving the car left the scene, but was tracked down and arrested on Wednesday. She is currently being held at the St. Louis County Jail pending formal charges.

While the police investigate the driver, Alex's mother and father, Mike, are waiting to see if their son will wake up.

"I'm more proud of him for the fight," said Debbie."For the fight to live."

Even the smallest sign gives them hope.

"You're sitting by him and he hasn't moved, machines are breathing...he's just lifeless, and all of a sudden he yawned!" said Debbie.

While they wait patiently by his side, they're relying on the support of friends, family and even strangers.

"They say that if you ask you get 10,000 angels but we've been blessed with Duluth's 86,000 angels," she said. "The kids at the townhome where he laid on the side of the road--they're praying! People are bringing food, they're so kind and caring and compassionate."

Debbie says that support is vital as Alex faces his next challenge. On Friday, he will undergo major surgery to insert a breathing tube in his throat and a feeding tube in his stomach.

"We're afraid because he's so fragile right now," said Debbie. "The fear of that...the unknown...the worry of what may happen on that operating table tomorrow."

They don't know what tomorrow will bring, but they do know Alex is a fighter, and if anyone can make it, Alex can.

"We have faith and hope that there's another miracle around the bend."