Victim in truck crash recovering

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By Joe Beck -- jbeck@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- James Brogan continues to make good progress in healing from serious injuries he received after his truck crashed into a tree about a month ago, his mother said Wednesday.

Carey Brogan said James, 16, remains hospitalized in Inova Fairfax Hospital, but he is now able to walk with someone supporting him and taking food through a straw. She said he is also able to talk by moving his lips while his mouth remains wired shut for at least four more weeks.

"He is talking up a storm," Mrs. Brogan said. "He's very thankful he's alive. He realizes what a terrible accident he had. We show him pictures of his truck, and he can't believe it."

Brogan has been in the hospital since Jan. 11 when his pickup left Browntown Road shortly after 8 a.m. and hit a tree. His injuries included several fractures, a collapsed lung and head injuries that left him in a coma for several days.

Since the crash, friends, family members and classmates at Skyline High School have conducted fundraisers throughout the community to help the family pay for some of the costs associated with James' recovery.

A silent auction and spaghetti dinner fundraiser is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the high school. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Children under 6 are free. Tickets at the door are $12.

"He's been reading his Facebook messages," Mrs. Brogan said of James. "He's just amazed at the community support he's receiving. He said it's unbelievable."

Mrs. Brogan said James still faces weeks of speech, occupational and physical therapy at the hospital.

She said the family is waiting to learn at what point he can start working on home-schooling material to make up for time lost in school.

"Everybody recovers differently at a different rate," Mrs. Brogan said. "The speech and language therapist works with him daily to get him to speak properly and look at pictures comparing and contrasting things."

The moral and financial support the family has received through their ordeal continues to fill her with gratitude.

"We're thankful for all the prayers and grateful to God for giving our son's life back to us," she said.