Hello from
Northwestern New Jersey. We all know, intellectually, that life can change in an instant,
and if you've stumbled onto us, you've probably experienced that instant. Our instant came
on March 2, 1998 when our then 12- year-old daughter, Maria, was struck by a pick-up truck
while rollerblading through a busy intersection. She was airlifted to the closest trauma
center where we were told that she was not expected to survive due to a severe diffuse
brain injury. Indeed, we later found out that she had been admitted with a Glasgow Coma
scale of 4. Three days later, we listened with dread as the doctor explained how he wanted
to test for brain death. Fortunately, Maria, always having been an "A" student,
passed that test. Following 1 month in the acute hospital setting, 9 months in a rehab
facility and 16 months in a residential school and hospital, she finally came home on
April 20! , 2000. She is continuing to progress, and we cheer each step, no matter how
minor. Reality, however, is never far away, and we realize that however grand the
progress, she will always be dependent on others. Right now, that is us her mother and I.
Our lives, those of her brothers, family and friends, and especially her own, have changed
sadly and irrevocably. Maria's beautiful smile and joyful laughter often are the only
things that help me get through the day. We have been devastated, financially, socially
and emotionally.
It has been almost three years of constant learning and battling to help Maria regain
as much as possible--and the brain injury is not the enemy, but rather the doctors,
insurance companies, and state and federal service agencies. My goal, as part of the
Recovery Awareness Foundation, is to offer support and education to anyone in need. It's
clear that our best help is going to come from each other, and we, Joan, Ila, Miles,
Paulette, and myself want to be there for you.
Frank Tetto
Maria's Dad
Recovery