|
On May 11, 2009, 19 year old Gabriel "Gabe" Goreham was in a devastating motorcycle accident in which his legs were crushed. His life was saved by a very sweet soula former firefighter named Jorgewho used an impromptu tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Gabe was airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital, where both legs were amputated at mid thigh. He remained a hair's breadth from the edge of life for many days.
Gabe has run a cruel gauntlet since then. He has been in unimaginable pain, suffered endless fevers and major infections, and has had 10 surgeries so far. Family members and friends take shifts 24 hours a day to make sure that Gabe never suffers alone and that he feels their love and strength each moment. Each day, Gabe has fought for his future life, reaching through the pain to perform the body movements and adhere to the strict diet that continues to bring his body back to health.
At last, on June 16th, Gabe was well enough to receive skin grafts to cover his open wounds, 37 days after losing his legs. These huge grafts have, blessedly, taken well, and there is real hope for Gabe's future again.
Now comes the long rehabilitation processfirst to rehab to adjust to life in a wheelchair and ultimately to prosthetics, which will cost nearly six figures for just one pair. Then to find an accessible place to live in which Gabe can take back the reins again and feel normal! He is very, very determined. He is a fighter. He will thrive.
Gabe has always been an athlete and a free spirit. He has inspiring bravery and a giving life philosophy, especially when it comes to children. He wants to be a teacher, wants to share what he knows. It is our profound wish that he recover his mobility and enjoy life to the fullest.
|