"Rob! If you can hear me, please say something!"

Those were the words Brett Rehrig, 19, cried to his brother Robert "Rob", 20, as he looked over him after an unidentified hit-and-run driver left Rob lying bleeding and severely injured in the middle of Lafayette Street in Tamaqua around 9 p.m. on Monday.Rob, a Tamaqua senior who participates in the Special Olympics and is diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and other mental conditions, is well-known by many in Tamaqua as an avid collector and picker of roadside treasures. Rob routinely spends his free time traveling the streets of Tamaqua in search of discarded items that can be fixed and given away to friends and family.That is what he was doing Monday night when he was struck by the hit-and-run driver, driving downhill, as he was pushing a beverage meister on a metal dolly up the Lafayette Street hill to surprise his family.Rob's family and friends have been traveling back and forth all week between Bethlehem and Tamaqua, providing support and comfort to Rob as he goes through the recovery process in St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill. Nikki, 16, Rob's sister, was so worried for her brother that she didn't eat anything for two days following the accident. Rob's mother, Jennifer, stated that Rob has been through a lot in the past few days and is in much better condition.Some of the injuries he is being treated for consist of a fractured skull, two broken eye sockets, broken nose, deep head wounds, deep cuts inside and outside his lips, missing and mangled teeth, and slight bleeding of the brain.Jennifer pointed out that, despite dealing with all the stitches and constant pain, Rob is slowly getting better and keeps telling his family he wants to go home and play World of Warcraft and Runescape, popular online games.Rob is also expected to undergo surgery sometime today.The Rehrigs and other residents located on Lafayette and Washington streets pointed out that drivers always speed through this part of town to avoid the traffic lights, and mentioned the lack of posted speed limits. Rob's father, Gabe, who has had 10 of his cars hit on this street, said drivers even pass school buses there without slowing down for children playing in the area. He noted that the only pedestrian access to this part of the north ward section is via the steep iron steps that run up the side of the hill.Gabe stated that although the steep Lafayette Street hill is well lighted at night, it still doesn't possess a sidewalk or inclined path for pedestrians.The family is planning a welcome home party for Rob when he is eventually discharged from the hospital. Neighbors Jessica and Marcus Vought pointed out that Rob is always very giving and has helped them many times, including giving items to their children.Rob is known to give away almost all the items he collects.Rob, who memorized Tamaqua's complete trash pickup schedule, loves to hunt for many items he knows his family and friends can use, such as old computers, TVs, microwaves, air conditioners, vacuums and almost anything else that can be fixed or given away.He had a knack for knowing what people wanted as they remembered him routinely playing auctioneer with his siblings growing up. One of the recent items Rob found was a set of four metal blue and white chairs to surprise his grandmother.Another memorable moment was when Rob brought home a water heater, only weeks prior to their water heater failing.In addition to finding treasure, wood carving and agriculture are two other favorite activities.Hoss Huegel, 19, Rob's friend, stated, "Even though most of the items Rob brings home don't work, Rob is strong-minded and will still continue to bring treasures home for his friends and family no matter what effort is involved."The Rehrigs said they would like to meet the first person who stopped to help Rob that terrible night.The family also hopes the incident will encourage all drivers to drive safer, as well as encourage people to possess more feelings toward others.