Features
On the road to recovery
Maddy Hammack
May 11, 2007 - 1:41:40 AM

March 4, early Sunday morning, the call that every parent of a teenager dreads was recieved. Christopher O’Keefe (‘06 alum) was rushed to St. John’s Mercy emergency room after hitting a tree with his car.

He was alone, seatbelt broken, on his way to a party. Chris was thrown from his car, sustaining extensive neck injuries. The doctors predicted severe brain damage and paralysis. While in intensive care for six days, he was in a medically induced coma, keeping him from moving, thus preventing his spine from collapsing.

Chris had to undergo three different surgeries. The spine surgery Tues., March 6, was the first and most imperative, requiring the staff to turn him without harming his vertebrae.

A tracheotomy Wed., March 7 preceeded his March 8 jaw realignment.

Surgeries went "better than perfect," and Chris began to wake up, according to his parents. Now at home, he is not only going to walk again, and doctors say that he might even be able to play lacrosse again.

"Seeing my best friend in the condition that he’s in really puts things into perspective, and I hope that people don’t make the same mistake of waiting for it to happen to them, before they learn their lesson," said Annie Niehoff (12).

Those close to Chris say he is the nicest, most genuine person there is. Whether it’s talking about problems or just meeting new people, he is always smiling and having a good time.

"When I was a freshman, Chris took me under his wing and made sure no one messed with me," said Carlos Martinez (10).

With the more authoritative law enforcement on the roads between LHS and Sperreng, it is hoped that students will drive more carefully. Be safe, whether it’s choosing not to drive drunk or simply buckling up before driving.