Tarik Aldalali's progress

In June I posted a brief note about the terrible accident suffered by Gallileo student wrestler Tarik Aldalali. Today I received an update on his condition from Coach Kane, which I'm sharing with you with the family's permission:

Thank you kindly for posting the article on Tarik. Your posting generated letters and cards which I know Tarik and his family very much appreciate.

On Tarik, he has survived! After he was airlifted to Stanford, for about a two-week period, Tarik had a series—almost daily—of surgeries to save him. Unfortunately, during this period, he lost more of his arm and leg.

As I had mentioned in my original email, he had very serious internal injuries, which required a number of additional surgeries. For a while, he had major infections, fluid in his lungs, and high fever. With massive antibiotics, the infections and fever have been reduced.

Today, he is conscious and can write messages. However, he is still on a respirator, can not talk yet and is being fed through a tube. His pelvis is crushed and requires more surgery but they have some metal "stabilizer" keeping his pelvis in place.

Thank you again for your kind messages and prayers.

Coach

Update: I just talked to his mom—they now have taken off the respirator.

Obviously it is good news that he has survived and is making progress. But what a terrible tragedy and what a painful, long struggle lies ahead for Tarik. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to him and his family.

Donations to help with medical expenses may be sent to the Tarik Aldalali Medical Fund, c/o Larry Kane, 405 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94105.