“I fell down and couldn’t move,” said Juan Lara, recalling the day he was shot in the upper neck and throat. He suffered a spinal cord injury as the bullet exited out the back of his head. “I don’t remember much after I blacked out, but I’ve been told I was taken to the emergency room and the doctors started procedures.”
Juan underwent five surgeries, including one that almost took his life. Another left him unable to speak or feed himself. His mother, Jasmin, said, “It’s a miracle he’s alive. He flatlined for one minute during a surgery. I was told after that if he didn’t wake up in 72 hours, he’d end up in vegetative state.”
Juan was admitted to Nexus Children’s Hospital with a complicated trach site and stoma. Jian, his wound care nurse, said, “He struggled in the beginning because he was in a great amount of pain, but in the wound care program he continued to improve. With his determination, the wound officially closed!”
He also participated in physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain the strength and skills necessary to be more independent.
“Therapy started slow. At first, I was freaking out because I wondered if I would ever move again,” said Juan. “At some point, I became more patient and realized I could do this. My therapists helped me achieve what I needed to do. They were able to make me who I am right now.”
Juan’s therapists agree that all of a sudden, something changed in Juan and he became more determined than ever.
“One day, Juan made the decision to work incredibly hard in therapy and we saw very rapid improvement in his strength and mobility,” said Brenda, his physical therapist. “He’s come a very long way in his recovery. I am so proud of the effort he has put forth.”
After discharge, Juan hoped to continue working to improve his left arm mobility so he could do all his favorite activities again — including dancing, spending time outdoors, and playing the euphonium in his high school band. He also looked forward to returning to school.
“Nexus has really helped me be able to recover more,” explained Juan. “I was able to socialize in the activities room and make a bunch of really good friends instead of being cooped up in my room. Everyone was also very supportive and accepted me. I’d really like say thank you to all the staff for their patience and effort that helped me get to where I am today.”
Jasmin also shared, “I give Nexus 5/5! The doctors and nurses were professional and always kept me informed. They were able to pick up where the last hospital left off. Juan came here not moving or doing anything and look at him today!”
