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Mobile, Alabama (WALA) — A Mobile teenager who suffered a traumatic brain injury and a broken back after a car accident is starting to get back on his feet.
“He suffered several injuries, the worst of which was a traumatic brain injury. He also had a broken back, a broken pelvis, a perforated bowel.”
Thursday, he spoke for the first time since the crash involving a Wave Transit bus in May.
“He tried to say his first words for the first time since the accident. Still very, very whispery, still unsure what he’s saying but it’s an achievement that he can do that because some people never regain that,” said his mother Beth Jones.
It’s a small but an extremely important step for 16-year-old Anthony Lafrenier’s family and friends also known as “Team Anthony.” They’re celebrating this victory. It’s progress and a small piece of hope for them.
“He tried to say his first words for the first time since the accident. Still very, very whispery, still unsure what he’s saying but it’s an achievement that he can do that because some people never regain that,” said his mother Beth Jones.
Four months later, he’s getting better but the road to recovery is long and daunting. Right now, Anthony is at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. His mom and dad have been going back and forth.
“We’ve rented an apartment there. We alternate days there when we can be off work. We’ve gone through all of our vacation, sick, all of our leave time but we’re still making it work,” Jones explained. “He’s got to re-learn to walk to talk to eat, even to sit up, correctly that’s all things he has to learn to do.”
A long way to go, but he’s getting better everyday. Anthony’s mom says at this point their counting the blessings.
“I’m thankful he’s still with us. It could have been so much worse. I’m thankful we still have Anthony and he has a chance to recover and fight,” said Jones.
Anthony is a leader in the JROTC program at his school, Davidson High School and he’s also involved in a youth program with TEAM Sheriff. Jones says he works at a local restaurant and just bought his first car with his own money.
There are a few events on the horizon including a 5K race sponsored by his JROTC program that’s set to happen in December. There is also a GoFundMe account set up for donations.
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