Victor Lopez walked back into HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce eight months after a life-threatening motorcycle crash, this time to thank the team that helped save his life. Lopez, who is now back home recovering and cherishing time with his family, returned to the hospital to express his gratitude to the medical professionals and first responders who cared for him during his critical moments.
Last December, Lopez was brought to the hospital in a coma-like state after a serious motorcycle crash. Doctors feared he might not survive. Dr. Jason Moore, a trauma and acute care surgeon at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, said the team was very concerned about significant traumatic brain injury and signs of anoxic brain injury, which is lack of oxygen to the brain from a significant head injury.
Lopez spent nearly three months in the hospital before he was able to return home to his girlfriend Stefany Sorto, their son, and their newborn daughter Juliet, who was born in January while Lopez was still hospitalized. Donny Stefani, deputy chief of operations for the St. Lucie County Fire District, said crews immediately called a trauma alert and notified the local trauma center at Lawnwood so they would be prepared. Lopez credits his recovery to the medical teams who cared for him and the family who stood by his side.