Wednesday, September 10, 2003
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Wednesday, September 10, 2003 |
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Difficult recovery ahead for injured Marine By JOHN MUNFORD
For Malia Isaac, the word "Mom" had never sounded sweeter. That was the first word uttered by her son, Josh Isaac, since he nearly drowned during a qualification exercise at the Parris Island Marine recruit school in South Carolina June 30. Josh, 19, graduated from McIntosh High School this year before entering Marine recruit school but the incident has left him in a coma, unable to respond to directions. But he said "Mom" three times Monday, and it was a sign of hope for Malia. "Honestly, it was the happiest moment I've had ... in I can't tell you when," Malia said Monday evening. "I just bawled, I was crying so hard." Doctors have been telling Malia that her son will likely need round-the-clock nursing care for the rest of his life. The bad news is also the good news: patients react differently to brain injuries, and while there's no way to tell how much better Josh will get, doctors will not discount a solid recovery. "They've told me miracles happen all the time and not to give up hope," Malia Issac said after another day of helping her son in rehab at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Hospital. The military originally wanted Josh treated at a hospital out of state, but Malia was assisted by U.S. Senators Zell Miller and Saxby Chambliss and Congressman Mac Collins in getting him to Atlanta for treatment after he spent six weeks in intensive care following the incident. She hopes they can help get him in a long-term care facility in nearby Fairburn or Union City. Meanwhile, answers about exactly what happened to Josh are elusive. The Marine Corps investigation is not complete, but Malia has learned a few facts secondhand. Officials confirmed that there was a report that Josh was struggling in the water and was denied a request to get out of the water, Malia said. Also, doctors who treated Josh indicated he was underwater for several minutes, not a few seconds as she was originally told. Malia is frustrated at the lack of information. She has been unable even to get a copy of the EMT's report and the hospital records from when Josh was treated; she was told the records will be made available once the investigation is complete. "They haven't kept me totally in the dark," Malia said, adding they won't provide details. "... I hate to be cynical and suspicious but I think there's something they're not telling me." Josh was in really good physical shape, which adds to the confusion about how he might nearly drown during the drill, Malia said. Josh is technically still a Marine recruit, awaiting a medical disposition on his status, a Marines spokesperson said. His recruit unit has already graduated, and Josh received special recognition during the ceremony, Malia said. Josh planned to get his criminal justice degree in college in pursuit of a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was enrolled for the spring semester at the University of South Carolina and had been a volunteer firefighter for Peachtree City, where he had also served in the Boy Scout Explorer programs offered by the fire and police departments. All that changed when Josh was injured. Now, he's got a long road to recovery ahead. He has to relearn how to walk, talk and even eat. Meanwhile, Malia has been surfing through a mountain of paperwork to help her son get the best medical care which now is being paid for by the military. Kind words from friends and others who knew Josh have helped, especially those from members of the Peachtree City Fire Department, Malia added. She hopes one day to have solid answers about why Josh drowned. "I want someone to be accountable, to say 'Hey, we screwed up ... and we'll take care of Josh for the rest of his life.'" Malia said. A contribution account has been set up at the Bank of America in Josh's name to help the family with expenses related to his recovery. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch to the Josh Isaac contribution fund.
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