Trey Johnson, varsity football player for the Platte Valley Broncos, recently took his first walk since his accident on Oct. 12. And according to Justin Gebauer (14), a good friend of Johnson’s, his parents believe that their prayers have been answered. Johnson took a hit on Oct. 12 that led to a critical injury during halftime causing him to pass out and fall abruptly to the floor of the visitor’s locker room. Johnson, who was still unconscious, was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Denver, unresponsive and had to be given a tracheal tube in order to breathe. Johnson began therapy Oct. 27, able to stand up and take some steps on his own.
According to Gebauer, Johnson opened his eyes and was able to recognize his parents and greet them with a smile on Oct. 27; however, he was still only semi-conscious and unable to talk. As of Monday, Oct. 29 Johnson began improving at a fast pace. He can walk, try to talk, and can answer all questions with head nods. He mouths words and is close to engaging the vocal cords. Johnson and his family may only stay at the hospital for a few weeks with rehab continuing at their home.
On the morning after the accident, Johnson was slightly responsive, giving a thumbs-up and opening his eyes. Later that night, his eyes remained open, he was moving and alert, but the doctors still had the tracheal tube in as a precaution; however, Johnson was fighting the tube, attempting to breathe on his own. As of October 14, doctors predicted that Johnson would make a full recovery. Doctors put a sensor inside of his skull to monitor his brain better. He was having seizures so they had him very heavily sedated and no one was able to visit him.
According to Gebauer, who has been communicating with Johnson’s parents, the doctors say that it will take him a long time to relearn how to do typical things.
Johnson’s friend from Platte Valley,Cameron Maxey (14) said, “It’s pretty hard seeing your friend in there. It sucks to go back there and see him and see him laying there like that.” Maxey said it was painful to see his friend unresponsive, but is now thankful that Johnson is improving. Another friend, Logan Sitzmen (14), said “Everybody is coming together and having great support for him.” The support for Johnson has been apparent in Platte Valley and Eaton as well. The EHS marching band purchased blue ribbons that said “Pray for Trey” and wore them on their marching uniforms during Regionals. Haley Cox (14) also made a poster for Eaton students to sign and purchased a bouquet of flowers for Johnson and his family. Students at Kersey made “Pray for Trey” shirts and bracelets. So far, they have made a $1725 profit, but are unsure of where the money will go.