Miracle on Rio Fuerte: The roller coaster of healing

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The roller coaster of healing

Two forward, one back, but always moving forward. Hayley now has treatment for her diabetes insipidus,a consequence of head trauma, and the other issues are being addssed one by one. We are waiting for the results of her MRI for more information. Hayley has this amazing spirit of acceptance and determination. Almost as though she knows something that we don't ... She is being our leader and guide. Julia's visits are so important to remind us that we never travel alone and that the quality of some friendships can be sacred. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and encouragement.

4 comments:

UnknownJuly 14, 2012 at 6:39 AM
Life can be tough.... but you can be tougher!!!
Keep it up Hayley! Stay strong!
With love, respect and admiration,
Bianca Mettey
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Pat SpierJuly 14, 2012 at 9:00 PM
We are all with you in thoughts and in prayers on this journey Hayley and also Susan, Bryce and Janet! You have been through so much and are such a strong girl Hayley. We are proud of your hard work and determination to get better! We are also looking forward to hearing from you again, when you feel like it.
Love, Pat Spier
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AnonymousJuly 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM
We are hoping that your health continues to improve! Just keep plugging at your goal, one day at a time. And as Pat said above, we have all of you in our thoughts and prayers as each of you travel down your own journey on Haley's trek to normal.
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UnknownJuly 16, 2012 at 8:46 PM
Power to you, Hayley! We all have read about your miraculous achievements and know that you have the courage and will! Steve and I can't wait to visit with you! Our prayers continue for you, your Mom and Dad, and for your Grandmother Janet as they stand beside you through this brave journey. Love Kathi & Steve
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THE MIRACLE ON

RIO FUERTE

El Fuerte, México
On June 2, 2012, three young volunteers: Hayley Brown, 18, Julia Tower, 17, and Liam Guzman 15, were flying on a medical mission in Sinaloa México, when the Cessna in which they were passengers hit power lines, crashed into the Rio Fuerte, breaking up on impact.

The pilot died, but the three young survivors were miraculously ejected or partially ejected from the aircraft. Three fishermen happened to be very nearby and rescued the three teens, safeguarding them until help arrived. The river was only half full. If it had been normal depth, the fishermen would not have been fishing there, nor would they have been able to move to save them.

Much has been written about this miraculous event; the news stories are filled with details. Although they say the crash was “not survivable,” against all odds, all three young teen survivors are recovering.
News Report from El Fuerte

Newspaper Article

AOPA August 2012

The three kids wanted to help the fishermen who saved their lives: Andrés Armenta Armenta, his 16 year old son Andrés and a friend Sam, aged 20. We learned that the family is extremely poor, and their only wish is to help their children receive an education. We can help realize their dream.

As of March 2013, $8,250.00 has been raised and $2,500 has already been sent down to them. The remaining funds are being allotted to both education and to creating shelter for the Armenta family.

To contribute to the Fishermen's Fund, click on the Donation button. All funds will be managed by The Flying Doctors of Mercy, a 501(c)(3) California Nonprofit. Donor's names will be given to the Fishermen, and listed permanently as Fund Donors.

HAYLEY BROWN

For now, our three teens are facing a long road to recovery, at differing levels.

Hayley Brown (18) was sitting just behind the pilot, and suffered the most severe injuries. She received blunt force trauma to her head and chest, resulting in a collapsed lung and traumatic brain injury (DAI), along with severe infections, fractures of her spine and left leg, and damage to her pituitary. She was placed into a medically-induced coma in México, and was airlifted to the USA on Thursday June 7, 2012. Hayley is following a physical and cognitive rehab program, and has begun University with a reduced load.

READ MORE ABOUT HAYLEY

JULIA TOWER

Julia Tower (17) returned to the USA from México on June 6, 2012 and followed a course of surgical interventions and rehabilitation. Julia has had surgery to fuse lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, and to reattach severed ligaments. Her right orbital bone has been repaired, her spleen laceration has healed, her clavicle was repaired, lacerations mended, and her broken left foot has been repaired. Julia will need surgery on her right knee to repair torn ligaments.

Julia has an excellent prognosis for a full recovery, and maintains her positive and loving attitude. Following the accident, and despite considerable injuries, Julia helped coordinate the rescue effort and alerted the fishermen to her friend Hayley on the other side of the plane. Julia started University in September 2012 and is doing well.

READ MORE ABOUT JULIA

OUR ANGELS

HAYLEY E BROWN FUND

Brian Moffitt ... Janet Lapp... Gary Felix ... Terry Allen ... Fred Kalinoff

FISHERMAN'S FUND

Janet Lapp ... Terry Allen ... Philip Klein ... Patricia Cruz ... Lynda Noppe ... Fred Kalinoff ...

Jean Skoblar Rea ... Jean Slater ... Cathie Slater Eroh ... Jeanette Slater Ham ... Carla Slater Kettrick ... C Whalley ... Gary Felix ... John Ruley ... Angela Bates ... James Blodgett ... Allison Howard ... Gregory Caldwell ... Kelli Marovish ... William Allen ... Karen Clayton ... Martina Jackovich ... Julie Mccoy ... Susan Canale ... Brian Moffitt ... George Renfroe Jared Nelson ... Connie Dieken ... Bianca Mettey ... Alan Thomson ... Ted Richter ... David Dunn ... Rafael Salem ... Jim Ott ... Pilar Horowitz ... Erika Camacho ... David Lee ... Richard Wetherell ... Gary Felix ... Philip Manly ... Ernie Guzman ... Richard Coorsh ... Rich Jennings ... Dan Brennan

Angels appeared from everywhere:

Eileen Bardolph (Liga neurologist) and Alan Black reassured and supported everyone from the very beginning. Karen and Bruce Hoffman donated 5 days to shepherding the families around Los Mochis. Robert and Sharon Hatch were on site at IMSS in El Fuerte and helped us all the way through.

Bianca Mettey nursed Julia and became a surrogate mother to us all. Steve and Kathi Blythe helped organize, well, a lot. Pat Spier handled the media inquiries. The whole Board rallied around Winnie Parish's inspiring leadership.

Jody Goodenough volunteered her King Air to make two round trips from California to Los Mochis with her able co-pilot Julie McCoy. Both gave at least two full days of their lives to us. Julie researched and found an Aeromedevac company and made all the arrangements.

Erik Knudson supervised the accident site; Dolores Serrano, Michael Apodaca, Ernie Friesen helped at the scene and afterwards, Dr. John Goodno and Dr. Carleton Wallace and Lori Welling RN came to El Fuerte IMSS hospital immediately to supervise, help out and support us. The volunteers at each clinic rose to the occasion by continuing to provide care when devastated by the news that weekend, with some needing to leave their duties to help out. Renee Vinyard gathered our belongings from our hotel rooms and brought them to Fatima.

Carlos Alvarez MD, our Trauma Surgeon, helped save the lives of the kids and was a charming, thorough and loving presence. Ernie Guzman MD acted as both father to Liam and our personal pediatrician! The Governor of Sinaloa offered us hotel accommodations and meals during our stay in Los Mochis and help with our medical bills in México. The Mayor of El Fuerte was on hand to offer support. Kaitlin Turck, Vice Consul American Citizen Service from the US Consulate in Hermosillo came to the hospital twice and smoothed out border issues. The local people in Sinaloa were lovely.

Julia's parents John and Deborah Tower, and Hayley's parents Bryce and Susan, who came right away to México and stayed strong in the face of the unspeakable.

Words cannot express our gratitude.