A Decision That Saved a Baby’s Life

Medical Miracles Gala Honors Baby Who Survived a Horrible Car Crash

We all make decisions every day. Some are pretty insignificant. Others may not seem important at the time but turn out to be enormous. In fact, sometimes one decision can change everything. Even save your child’s life.

On April 17, 2009, six-month-old Abby Jack was buckled in her car seat on her way to grandma’s house. In the blink of an eye, her mom had a seizure and slammed the car into a tree.

When Abby’s dad arrived at the scene, EMS explained his wife was on her way to the hospital, but that the baby seemed OK. They said he could take her home or they could transport her to a nearby Emergency Room to get checked out. He thought for just a minute about the time and money involved with a trip to the ER, but, in the end he decided it was best to have her checked-out just out to be sure.

It turned out to be the best decision of his life. A CAT scan revealed serious brain injury and Abby was transferred to the Level I Trauma Center at University Hospital. She was rushed to surgery to remove a third of her skull and a massive blood clot. Doctors were not optimistic, but Abby surprised them all. Not only did she live, she had no lasting brain damage. Today she is a perfectly normal two-year-old, and will be honored as the 2011 Medical Miracle.

Abby is living proof that miracles happen. She is also living proof of our community’s commitment to provide the highest level of care to critically injured people.

WHO: Abby Jack, 2011 Medical Miracle Honoree and brain injury survivor

Her grateful family and her University Hospital care team, including Dr. David Jimenez, Chair of Neurosurgery, UT Health Science Center

WHAT: 2011 Medical Miracles Gala

WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Grand Hyatt Hotel San Antonio – Texas Ballroom 4th floor – 600 East Market Street

For more information about the Medical Miracles Gala, visit our Web site:
http://www.UniversityHealthSystem.com/foundation