As you can imagine, we learn A LOT about families when they stay with us for any given amount of time. Some choose to share more, others less. It has been neat to watch over the past several months as each of our staff here makes special connections with particular families. For whatever reason (maybe it’s as simple as schedule), we tend to meet those in need of our personal compassion at just the right time, for all the right reasons. I call it divine placement; others may deem it something else.

About two months ago a 23-year-old named Tony from Chino Hills was brought to Community Regional Medical Center via helicopter after a car accident on his way to the YMCA camp that he attends every summer. He was T-boned by a semi-truck out on the country roads. At 23, the kid is a brilliant engineer for Boeing… he and his Father are a two- man team that travel the world working on spacecraft programming and consulting for the company. They were blessed to be able to spend every day working side by side.

Dad, Mike, and Mom, Paula came to Terry’s House the day after receiving “the call” and arriving here in Fresno. A few days later, Matt, the patient’s older Brother flew in from London where he pastors a church. They were with us here at Terry’s House for about 3 weeks. Tony’s mom and brother blogged everyday about Tony’s progress… a great way to minimize the overwhelming phone calls to family, yet still being able to keep everyone informed of what is taking place with the patient. Matt invited me to follow the blog and I have received daily updates even after the families stay with us.

I thought I would share the blog I received this morning with all of you. See below. Today was the first day Tony blogged for himself on day 62 after his  accident!

This is just one of MANY stories that demonstrate the impact Community Regional has even outside the Valley! Had Tony not been brought to Fresno… to our hospital, he may not have survived, let alone be walking and talking and BLOGGING today! Here’s his post below…

Christa Short
Terry's House Management

Find out more at www.TerrysHouseFresno.com

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Post from Tony Hoffert

Hello to all. I'm Anthony and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, and words of encouragement. On June 24th I was involved in a terrible car accident (of which I have no memory of). I was air-lifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California where I lay in a coma for well over two weeks. My initial prognosis was not good. My parents were told that due to the brain injuries I had incurred I would not wake up from my coma or, if I did I would possibly remain in a vegetative state. I believe your constant prayers for myself, my parents, and the staff and doctors at CRMC gave me the strength as well as my parents to endure this ordeal and also helped guide the doctors in the best course of action for my recovery. I have little memory of when I had initially awoke from my coma but as the days went by my memory of work, school, friends, etc. had returned (with the exception of the accident).

On July 29th I was transferred to Rancho Los Amigos, a rehabilitation hospital where I would re-learn how to walk, eat and talk again. Two and a half weeks later I was released from RLA and actually walked out on my own to my parents car.

Today, I had my first follow-up visit with my family doctor. He had recently received my medical reports from both CRMC and RLA. My doctor stated that one of the injuries I had received was so severe that people typically do not survive this type of trauma. He stated that it was a "miracle" that I not only lived but that I could also walk and talk.

I still have a ways to go as I build up my strength and stamina but I am determined, through the power of your prayers and an awesome God to make a full recovery. I'm looking forward to returning to work and seeing my co-workers again. Thank you all and please continue to pray for me.

Tony