Jake's Road to Recovery
As most of us were celebrating the holidays, the Ramirez family was struggling to make sense of the hit-and-run tragedy that left 19-year old Jakob Ramirez in serious condition with extensive injuries including a fractured spine, a fractured shoulder, 3 fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a collapsed lung, and a concussion. Jake had been on his motorcycle when he was struck by an uninsured, unlicensed driver--whose license had been revoked--who was driving an unregistered vehicle. Witnesses confirmed that the driver got out of the vehicle, saw that Jake was potentially critically injured, and fled the scene.
Jake was rushed to the hospital for treatment. It was touch and go. Within two days he was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, Boyle Heights White Memorial Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries. With his mother Angelica and his sister Mikayla by his side, Jake spent the holidays in the hospital under the diligent care of Dr. Itamura and a team of specialists. No family wants to spend the holidays like this, in a hospital hours away from home, away from extended family, and sick with worry as a loved one struggles to recover from critical injuries… but what mattered most last Christmas was that Jake was alive.
Jake is now out of the hospital, but has a long way to go in his journey. His shoulder required 3 metal plates and 16 screws. It will never fully function the same. He is now out of his immobilzer, which is great news, but for many months ahead he'll have to make frequent trips to Los Angeles to continue his ongoing clinicals and physical therapy.
Those who know Jake know he’s a fighter. A former Dos Pueblos high school quarterback who led his team to the CIF Championship game, Jake is now facing a much more serious challenge, but he's doing so with the same good nature, faith, and determination he's known and loved for.
Those are the same qualities he shares with his mom Angelica, who has remained strong despite the injustices of this ordeal. The hit-and-run driver was on the run for approximately 3 weeks before being caught. During that time the family was made aware of the suspect's prior history of victim intimidation and willful cruelty. The fact that he remained on the loose for 3 weeks after the hit-and-run, and fearing he may pose a further threat to them if not caught, added tremendous stress on the family at a time when they were already stressed and distressed. Finally thanks to the help of witnesses, the suspect was arrested on felony hit-and-run charges and multiple misdemeanors, but shockingly was soon after released. He didn't have to post any bail, and isn't required to be monitored while he awaits trial, despite previously fleeing and evading arrest. He enjoys his freedom as the Preliminary Hearing continues to be delayed and postponed. In the meantime the Ramirez family continues to struggle with physical, emotional, and financial strains in the wake of the accident.
The suspect was provided free representation by a public defender. But the Ramirez family would have to pay for a private attorney if they choose to pursue legal action beyond the minimal attention that has been paid to the case so far by the District Attorneys Office. Unfortunately they simply can't afford it on top of all their other obligations. So they remain at the mercy of the legal system that has so far favored the suspect.
Financially, the insurance payout of $15,000 for Jake's Uninsured Motorist coverage is being medically liened to reimburse state insurance coverage. And they've already been warned that if/when this goes to court, even if they were awarded a financial settlement, it would be nearly impossible to collect it from the suspect. So the bills and expenses continue to rack up for Jake and his mom with no end or relief in sight. Not least of their worries is that Jake's motorcycle was totaled in the collision. Without any insurance money coming in to help pay for a replacement vehicle (a car this time), Jake and his family will have to find a way to come up with money for that as well once he's cleared to drive.
Jake is well loved in the community, as are his mom and sister. Those who know Angelica Ramirez know that in addition to being active in the community as a professional, a team mom, volunteer, church-goer, and friend to many, she is always one of the first people to step up and offer help to others in need. Now more than ever, she and her son are the ones who can use some help and support. Many people, aware of the challenges the Ramirez family is facing, have offered to help. This GoFundMe account was established to do just that: help this wonderful family in a tangible way during their time of need. Please consider donating, and consider sharing their story with others who may be able to help. Truly, any amount is appreciated.
