Help Vincent "Vinny" Gomez through his recovery

Hello! My name is Josephine Carreon-Huitink, and I am helping the family of a unique person through a critical time. His name is Vincent "Vinny" Gomez. A loving family member and a friend to many, including our son, Justin. I want to share his story...

 

On Sunday, January 30th, a wrong way drunk driver triggered a head-on collision on the 210 Freeway in Lake View Terrace. The crash injured three passengers in one vehicle and the drunk driver in another. Vincent was one of the three passengers, two of whom suffered critical injuries. They were extremely fortunate to exit before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

 

Vincent suffered extensive internal injuries. Many specialists were involved in his care as Vinny will require many surgeries. He went through 3 surgeries the first two days to repair internal organ damages. These surgeries require monitoring as infections may develop. His doctor continued to keep him sedated for four days while on a ventilator. On the fourth day, he started communicating by giving hand gestures, offering a thumbs-up, and giving his friends and family an "I love you"/rock star hand sign. He was removed from his breathing tubes the following day.

 

On Saturday, February 5th, he was again in the operating room to confirm no infections and that the surgeries were holding up. Results from that surgery were incredibly positive, but Vinny would have to be opened up again on Wednesday, February 9th. On February 6, one week from the accident, Vinny could finally eat and drink independently.

 

Vinny has been in the hospital for over two weeks and will be there for a few more. He has been resilient and amazingly starting to do well. It will still be a long road to recovery, with many more surgeries. But he is so positive, shows so much strength, and is fighting for his comeback. He had turned 18 just two days before the accident, on January 28th and had just gotten back from a Kairos retreat the day before, with renewed positivity in Christian life.

 

His family and friends so love him. His grandmother, Gina Brady, and mother, Veronica Rios has been with him through all the surgeries and consistently updates us. His immediate family is at the hospital every day. They love him so much and have gone through the struggles of seeing him go through this. The Anastacio Family (Joe, Jessica, Josef and Josh) has been such a support and have also been there for him. He has been in so many peoples’ thoughts and prayers.

 

 

The GoFundMe set up for him will help Vincent through the difficult road ahead. It will help him with some of his expenses and a tremendous help once he is discharged from the hospital as he tries to go back to “normal” living.

 

Before his accident, Taco Bell offered him a job. He wanted to start working to begin his financial independence, get a car and prepare for expenses. But that will now be on hold as he will need to go to physical therapy. He is also a Senior at Bishop Alemany High School and will have to catch up with assignments before graduation in May. He has applied to 9 colleges and looking forward to his future.

 

Thank you for your help and support. We appreciate your love and prayers.