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WHS teen injured in crash working toward recovery |
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Wednesday, November 04 2009 |
By LINDA HOSKINS
for The Post and Mail
On Oct. 6 a parents’ worst nightmare became reality for Jack and Crystal Funnell of Pierceton. Their sons, Jarrod Lewis, a senior at Whitko High School and Austin Striggle, a sophomore at WHS were involved in a serious accident approximately seven miles west of South Whitley.
With them was sophomore Charles (Chuck) Shepherd, Jr., a sophomore at WHS who suffered a fractured vertebrae in his neck and back from the accident. Chuck is home and doing well with instructions to wear a medical device called a halo.
Striggle was taken to Parkview Hospital by ambulance and suffered severe bruising on his foot, scrapes on his back and complained of dizziness, which was caused by shock. He was released from the hospital shortly after he arrived.
Lewis, however, was critical and flown from the scene via Samaritan Air Ambulance.
“It’s a mother’s worst nightmare, one minute you are having a conversation with them before school, the next minute you get a call that your son is being air lifted to Parkview,” said Crystal.
Upon arrival at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Lewis had numerous tests indicating a severe brain injury. A neurosurgeon implanted two catheters in his head. One implant was to monitor the pressure from brain swelling, and the other was a drain for fluid.
One week later the pressure on Lewis’ brain remained at dangerously high levels, so doctors performed a bilateral craniotomy which is cutting out two pieces from his skull, one on each side, to help relieve pressure. Luckily, the procedure was successful and was an aid in saving his life.
Other injuries Lewis sustained from the accident were minimal showing no signs of spinal or internal injuries. Although he did have a dislocated right shoulder, two small fractures in his left hand, a patch of road rash on his right hip, and a cut on his right temple.
Miraculously, Lewis is progressing very well, and is breathing on his own.
“Jarrod opens his eyes more and is moving quite a bit. The doctor said he is slowly becoming more awake and alert,” said Crystal. “The most frustrating thing is there is no way of knowing how much he will recover, he may return to his old self, he may not.”
Crystal and Jack are very pleased with Jarrod’s progress, stating it’s a slow process but well worth the wait. The doctor reassured the family this is a good sign and it’s a way the brain tries to wake up.
Lewis is still in Parkview with tentative plans to move him to Hook Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. Address for the center is 1500 N. Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, 46219. Pictures of Lewis and his friends can be sent to this address for decorating his room. Pictures are used in therapy almost like flash cards and the staff at Hook encourages this.
Lewis has been a wrestler and football player at WHS since his freshman year, and is also co-president of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, a national career and technical student organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and private schools.
Both Lewis and Striggle were starters on the football team. Lewis is team captain and an inside linebacker and Striggle plays both offense and defense.After the accident, Striggle honored his brother by wearing his No. 52 jersey during the Whitko-Rochester game.
The Funnells currently take turns spending the majority of their time watching over Jarrod at the hospital, in hopes that he will recover and come back as the son they love so dearly.
“Jack and I take turns between the hospital and being home with our other two children,” said Crystal. “I believe our marriage is stronger and our family is closer since the accident.”
The Funnells also have a daughter, Alexis, who is a kindergartener at Pierceton Elementary.
The Funnells are thankful for all their friends, family, WHS and people they don’t even know showing concern for the family.
“There just aren’t enough words to describe how we feel,” said Crystal. “We are lucky to live in such a giving community and there is something to be said about living in a small town.”
Jenna Tackitt, a friend of Lewis’, has organized a benefit on his behalf at the North Manchester Pizza Hut from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Coupons for the event can be obtained by calling Tackitt at 610-4090. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go toward medical bills for Jarrod.
“Jarrod is my dear friend and I’m confident he will come out of this,” said Tackitt. “Just last week, his eyes were open and he followed me with his eyes around the room, I have a lot of hope.”
An online journal tracking Lewis’ progress is available by going to www.caringbridge.com and searching for Jarrod Lewis (with no spaces). Crystal attempts to post daily on her son’s journey.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, November 05 2009 )
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