‘First-Class Care’ After a Life-Altering Hit-and-Run
On July 28, 2024, Humberto and his wife, Adriana, were walking towards a festival in Franklin Park when a vehicle drove into Humberto from behind. The vehicle sped off, leaving Humberto face down on the ground, bleeding and unconscious. The next thing he remembers is waking up from a coma at BMC a few days later, with Adriana and his adult children at his side. "I heard them say 'He's waking up!'," remembers Humberto. That was when he first learned about the hit-and-run accident that had caused him multiple major injuries, including a shattered face and leg.
Humberto remained at BMC for weeks after his accident to have reconstructive surgery, and then to begin OT and PT on the parts of his body that had experienced the most trauma, including his neck, hands, and legs.
"BMC was not my hospital before the accident," explains Humberto. "But since being taken to BMC from Franklin Park, I've gotten all my care there because everyone is so good. The doctors, nurses, therapists… everyone knows about my accident and remembers me. It feels very comfortable. First class care by everyone!"
Humberto’s Road to Recovery
At home, Humberto wore a neck brace and was on a pure liquid diet for months because he couldn't take in food through his mouth. He lost a lot of weight and barely slept, replaying what happened over and over in his mind, wondering why this tragedy had happened to him. An avid athlete, he missed biking, karate, and racquetball.
But slowly, thanks to the love and support of Adriana and their children, and the expert care of his BMC team, Humberto gained both physical and mental strength. He dedicated himself to his OT and PT regimen, often doing exercises in the middle of the night when he couldn't sleep. While he prepares for a final surgery on his leg with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nathan Olszewski, he continues to get OT at BMC twice a week. At home, Humberto practices what he learned and prepares for the day he can return to his favorite sports by walking, rotating his legs and arms, and swinging his racket.
Occupational therapist, Grace Ambrose, pictured here with Humberto, says that working with Humberto has been extremely rewarding. "He approaches each OT session with determination and a positive outlook. It has reminded me of the powerful role a patient's mindset plays in the therapeutic process."
Humberto admits it's been hard to accept so much help and is anxious to do his part around the house. "Adriana always cooks what I like, makes me comfortable, and keeps me company," he says. "It hurts me to watch her do everything and not be able to help." But Adriana, a retired certified nursing assistant, feels her husband's story is an inspiration to everyone and is glad to be there for him during what she calls the calm after the storm: "Después de la tormenta, viene la calma."
As Humberto continues his journey of healing, his advice to others is do what your doctors and therapists tell you to do, accept support from your family, have faith in God, be patient, and most of all - "hay que seguir." You have to keep going.