OT - Good news: paralyzed Rutgers DT breathing on his own
Some good news for you on American Thanksgiving. A positive follow up to a tragic story that hopefully will have a very happy ending.
Eric LeGrand is a Rutgers defensive tackle who was hit during a game against Army and paralyzed entirely from the neck down. Initially, he was diagnosed with a complete spinal cord injury and placed on a ventilator to help him breathe. Two days ago, the NYtimes is reporting that he has been "reclassified" (downgraded?) to an incomplete spinal cord injury and is breathing on his own, sans ventilator. Basically any improvement to his current condition is a good sign for hope of future rehabilitation.
"We want to thank everyone for all of the love and support for Eric, it has really been beneficial to his recovery," the LeGrand family said in a statement. "Please continue to keep Eric in your prayers."
So today we can also give thanks for that.
November 25th, 2010 at 6:09 PM ^
November 25th, 2010 at 8:48 PM ^
the thread about one of the useless, steaming piles that call themselves journalists, and only 2 with thoughts for a young man who probably wanted nothing more than an education and a chance to compete. I've died and woken up at the RCMB.
Good luck Eric. Your toughest opponent awaits. I hope you enjoy a stunning victory.
November 25th, 2010 at 9:00 PM ^
Good luck to you Eric, after spending 6 weeks at the hospital this fall I know how important any piece of good news is. I wish him the best, this is the greatest challenge anyone can face, all that you can do is push to get better and stay positive, the rest is up to God.
Your in my prayers.
November 25th, 2010 at 9:13 PM ^
Good to hear. I hope one day Eric can lead Rutgers onto the field just like Brock Mealer did for UM.
November 26th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
This was the first thing I thought of when I read this. Not necessarily that he would be able to lead Rutgers on the field, but that he gets the support and has the drive that Brock Mealer has. I can only pray that this doesn't stand as a traumatic experience that Rutgers soon forgets about. (Not that I have any reason to think that based on the school or anything, I just hope they stick with him and allow the kid to attempt to have some sort of lifestyle).
November 26th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
He has a long road ahead of him, but any improvement is encouraging. Would love to see him make that walk across the field!
November 25th, 2010 at 9:59 PM ^
Great news! Regardless of all the BS that's been going on lately, it's great to hear a positive story like this. Best wishes to him and his family!
November 25th, 2010 at 11:42 PM ^
On a day when football sometimes overrides thanks, something that puts the two together.
November 26th, 2010 at 1:02 AM ^
Thankful for modern medicine and the spirit of the young man.
November 26th, 2010 at 8:20 AM ^
That is great to hear. I hope this young man can improve even further in the months to come. Spinal cord injuries are a terrible thing. While I was in my first year of med school my youngest sister (who was 16 at the time) got into a serious car accident and fractured three vertebrae. She was extremely fortunate that she didn't end up paralysed. When the paramedics arrived she was in shock, running around wildly screaming.
I have another friend who is a few years older than I am. Two months ago he and his wife and kids were camping with friends. The adults all got drunk and went swimming in a pool that was about 6 feet deep. He decided do dive in head first and now is paralysed from the neck down.
These are devestating injuries that change not only the lives of the person, but all those who love them as well. I will keep this young man in my thoughts. Good luck Eric!
November 26th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Good luck and keep up the good work.
November 26th, 2010 at 11:09 AM ^