NASH COUNTY, N.C. — The road to recovery has been painful for 11-year-old Ashley Cone. Good Samaritans saved Ashley, her sister and two of their friends from a burning Jeep over the weekend. Today, Ashley is saying thanks.

It was almost a week ago that 11-year-old Ashley screamed for help as she tried to escape a burning car. The ride back from a shopping trip to Rocky Mount with her two best friends, her sister and stepmom turned into a bad scene along Highway 64 after a driver going in the wrong direction slammed into their jeep.

"I don't remember anything about the wreck or anything. I just remember waking up in the hospital," Ashley said.

Rick Cone, Ashley's grandfather, said he anxiously waited by the phone for news of his granddaughters.

"You feel sick, nauseated, hurt, helpless. You go through all kinds of emotions," he said. "I think that was the longest hour I've ever lived in my life."

Two men coming back from a fishing trip saw the wreck, stopped and pulled everyone out.

"She's a special little girl, her and Natalie both. They're my whole life," said Brent Cone, Ashley's father.

Ashley was cut all over and her legs were burned. Her little sister, Natalie, was not as lucky. She remains in intensive care.

Both Ashley and Natalie have been showered with balloons, cards, and lots of affection.

"I just want to tell all the nurses and all the firemen, thank you," Ashley said.

The four girls injured in the crash have huge medical bills. The Children's Friendship Fund was set up to help their families. You can mail donations to:

First South Bank P.O. Box 8529 Rocky Mount, NC 27804

You can also call the bank at

(252) 442-8375

to contribute to the fund.