Rutgers DT LeGrand off ventilator, injury update

[Sgt John]

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand has been taken off a ventilator and is able to breathe on his own.

The school released an update on LeGrand's condition Tuesday.

The 20-year-old defensive tackle was paralyzed from the neck down Oct. 16, making a tackle on a kickoff return against Army in a game at the New Meadowlands Stadium. He was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center for about two weeks before transferring to Kessler Institute, one of the nation's leaders in spinal cord rehabilitation.

LeGrand's injury was recently reclassified from a complete spinal cord injury to an incomplete spinal cord injury.

The school says LeGrand has had several visitors at Kessler, including former Penn State football player Adam Taliaferro, who suffered a spine injury while playing but recovered to walk again.

"We want to thank everyone for all of the love and support for Eric, it has really been beneficial to his recovery," the LeGrand family said in a statement. "Please continue to keep Eric in your prayers."

Keep fighting kid! You are going to walk again. :thrash:

 

[MongerKhan]

I don't think the fight in him will let him give up on walking again

 

[MongerKhan]

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (March 30, 2011) –Rutgers junior Eric LeGrand (Avenel, N.J.) was released from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation today in West Orange and will reside at his aunt’s home in Jackson, N.J. for the near future. LeGrand was at Kessler since November 8.

“This is an exciting day for me to return to living with family,” said LeGrand. “My family and I can’t thank Kessler enough for all of the tremendous care and support I received as I continue rehab from my injury. It has meant so much to me to receive so many well wishes and prayers from everyone.”

LeGrand will continue the rehabilitation process as an outpatient twice a week at the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Ocean Township and once a week at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange. Last week, his tracheotomy was removed.

Any updates on Eric’s condition – when appropriate – will be issued by the family through the Rutgers Athletic Communications Office. All updates will be available online at Eric LeGrand Believe Fund.


Glad to hear hes doing better and working hard every day