FAMILY PROVIDES UPDATE ON JERRY FOWLER, POTRERO MAN WHO FELL INTO WELL

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By Miriam Raftery

April 10, 2013 (Potrero) – Jerry Fowler, who suffered serious injuries after falling into a well in Potrero on March 13, is now out of the intensive care unit at Sharps memorial Hospital but is still on “some life support” according to his parents, Thell and Normal Fowler.

“As of now, he is awake a lot of the time and sees us with his eyes and moves his head when we talk to him.  He can move his arms and legs, squeezes our hands and rubs his thumb on the back of our hands to let us know he knows it is us,” his parents wrote in an e-mail to concerned community members. “His doctor says he is not out of the woods yet, but he has a long way to go.  At first the doctors said that from the damage of the fall he may not ever wake up, but he has proven them wrong.”

An X-ray revealed a cracked breast ribcage as well as fractured bones in his cheek.  He also underwent surgery for damaged organs in his abdominal area following internal bleeding from the impact of his fall. Fortunately, his parents report, an MRI on Fowler’s spine, legs, arms and skull found no damage and no brain swelling.

Next, doctors plan to move him to a rehab center, where he faces a long recovery time. 

The accident triggered a dramatic rescue as emergency responders raced against time to free Fowler in the confined space, partially submerged.

His parents also voiced appreciation for prayers and donations received.  “Thank you all from our hearts,” they wrote.

An independent trucker, Fowler has no medical insurance.

Donations to assist the family with medical bills may be made payable to the Potrero Community Center Foundation (PCCF) and sent to PO Box 116, Potrero, CA  91963. Specific that the donation is for Jerry Fowler.  Donations are tax deductible.


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