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Ethan Younger Timeline Pre and post 11/5/11

Ethan Younger

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Page 1: Ethan Younger

Ethan YoungerTimeline

Pre and post 11/5/11

Page 2: Ethan Younger

November 5th, 2011On November 5th Ethan went over to a friends house. They had gone to a skate park earlier in the day and Ethan called us on his way home. He asked permission to eat dinner and spend the night. About 30 minutes later the phone rang again; it was Ethan’s cell but the police were on the other end. An officer told me that I needed to come down right away; that an “incident” had occurred. I asked if Ethan was ok and he said, “Yes but you need to come.” At that time I thought that Ethan was in trouble. Being a juvenile probation officer I was imagining possible outcomes and was already feeling my temper rise. I thought maybe firecrackers in the park, or maybe his skateboard had dented someone’s car? I told my husband to wait at home and that I would take care of the situation. The home was only 2 blocks away and when I arrived I knew that something was seriously wrong. Crime tape was blocking off half the neighborhood. A camera man was setting up. A police officer was waiting for me. Everything turned cold and panic started to set in. The officer told me that Ethan had been shot with a shotgun and was on his way to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He asked for some basic information and then asked if I was ok to drive. I was absolutely NOT ok but stated I was and then ran to the car. I called my husband and then I called my father. I don’t remember what I said. We arrived at the hospital and went straight into the trauma unit where Ethan was being worked on. The room was crowded with doctors and nurses. The hallway was crowded with police officers and firefighters. Everything was very surreal and I felt like I was going to vomit. Someone brought us plastic bags just in case. Then Ethan was being wheeled into emergency surgery, I remember seeing someone literally on top of him holding pressure. This was the beginning of our nightmare.

Page 3: Ethan Younger

Ethan prior to Nov 5th, 2012

After a cross country meetIn Alaska with his brother Zack and

sister Madison

Page 4: Ethan Younger

Sometime during the first week in the PICU. Ethan spent 4 weeks in intensive care. He was battling an infection. He was undergoing surgery every other day. This became our

regular nightmare. A day of surgery where we prayed, then a day of rest where we prayed. This was a rollercoaster for us. We took these pictures at the urging of friends but it was hard. We couldn’t imagine wanting to remember what he looked like. All we

wanted to do was forget. Ethan underwent 13 major surgeries during this time.

Page 5: Ethan Younger

During the first week Ethan would briefly wake up. He was disoriented and heavily medicated. He would wake up screaming and cursing. He didn’t think we were real and he was trapped in some kind of dream state.

Multiple times he thought he was trapped in hell. We were told this was probably a side effect of the narcotics. One day he asked for his cell phone. He said he could prove he was alive if he had his phone. We gave him the

phone and he went back to sleep. We took this picture afterward. To prove he “was alive”.

Page 6: Ethan Younger

Ethan was shot with a shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot. Six were removed, 1 remains, about 7 exited his body.

Page 7: Ethan Younger

Wound site with skin graft sites below. This was during one of his wound vac changes. The site looks good and flat which is what they want prior to the skin graft.

Ethan had to have a fasciotomy on both sides of his calve to relieve pressure and prevent compartment syndrome.

Page 8: Ethan Younger

Support and Recovery

Ethan and TigerSitting in a chair for the first time in 3

weeks.

Page 9: Ethan Younger

Visits from friendsEthan with the team from

AZPX Ethan and his friend Louis who also had a surgery

that day. Louis was supposed to be there that night but thankfully went home after the skate park.

Page 10: Ethan Younger

Day 40 -Discharge day!

All smiles.

Ethan with PCH Chaplain Charles. Charles visited with Ethan almost every day and was a great support during our stay.

Page 11: Ethan Younger

Home before ChristmasA dream come true.

Page 12: Ethan Younger

All together again…Gifts! This board was sent from Berry Wardlaw and Jennings Skate Shop in Alabama.

Page 13: Ethan Younger

http://www.theneedisnowpch.com/Ethan at the “Beach Ball Gala” trying to raise money for the trauma

department expansion.

Page 14: Ethan Younger

Ethan at physical therapy. PT is twice a week where Cori works with him patiently. PT is hard physically and emotionally. Ethan is grateful to be here, but it’s hard dealing with what he has lost as far as physical ability

Page 15: Ethan Younger

The Future

The title of this slide is a miracle itself. Ethan has a future, which no matter the hurdles, is a true gift. We are so thankful to still have our son.

Ethan will need to continue working hard at recovery. He will need several more surgeries; reconstructive and artery replacements as time goes on. I am sure he will meet these challenges with the courage and strength he has shown throughout this whole ordeal. He is truly meant to do great things!