LJ was just 7 months old at the time of his accident. He was in his car seat, being pulled in a wagon by his grandmother, when he was struck by a car. Launched into the air, LJ hit the side of a brick building, suffering multiple skull and orbital fractures, a traumatic brain injury and a broken leg. That day, the unthinkable happened, a day that no parent or grandparent plans for.
After being on life support for 10 days and spending a month in the pediatric intensive care unit, LJ and his family came to Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick for intensive inpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Unable to move his right arm or meet many of the milestones he had previously reached, LJ's family knew the road to recovery would be long.
LJ and his family stayed in the hospital for two months. His parents always by his side, his grandparents providing constant moral support and needed breaks, LJ never woke up in the hospital alone. Encouraged every day by his amazing care team, the Lopes never gave up hope. LJ had to relearn so much during his stay, but he made great progress and today, with the continued help of outpatient therapies at CSH, LJ is a thriving, rambunctious 4-year-old.
"We can't tell you how grateful we are for the care LJ receives at Children's Specialized," said James and Maria Lopes, LJ's grandparents. "It gives us great comfort knowing our grandson and children like him are getting the best possible care available. The variety of therapeutic specialties LJ received daily amazed us. All staff demonstrated the highest levels of compassion and professionalism. We are so happy to support the work they do to ensure all kids like LJ get the care they need when the unthinkable happens."
As you plan for your financial future, please consider how your support with a gift to Children's Specialized will help kids like LJ reach their full potential. You can make an impact. Get started today by contacting Elena Herskowitz at 1-201-618-3133 or 1-888-CHILDREN ext. 55462 or eherskowitz@childrens-specialized.org.