Today I visited a very special person. A person that I met 6 years ago, whilst on duty, going about my daily routine, responding to accident, shootings, to chest pain to asthma attack.
On the 11 September 2004, this healthy young lad, just 4 months old, was in his car seat, in the back of mom and dads car, going home. Dad stopped at a red robot…and then…his entire world was turned upside down.
A car came flying up behind them, and smashed into the back of his car, completely destroying the back of his car, ripping his car seat away from the structure.
He sustained a very severe head injury. I arrived on scene, assessed, stabilized which included passing a breathing tube into the trachea (Endotracheal tube) and ventilated him to the trauma unit. The prognosis was very bad, severe multiple brain bleeds filled his little head. The doctors said that he had a 5% chance of survival….
But the family wouldn’t accept that. They prayed day in and day out.Everyday I visited, mom was by his side, praying some more. And just when all hope was gone, a miracle happened.
He opened his eyes.
And so started a very long recovery period. This young lad was released from hospital, and from that day, for the last 6 years has undergone extensive physiotherapy. He flew off to China, where he underwent Stem Cell Treatment, saw specialists in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and now Johannesburg. His brain damage resulted in blindness as a result of optic nerve damage, and is mentally and physically disabled. He has multiple seizures daily, and is 100% dependent on mom.
I have thought about this young man for the last 6 years. Every day he has been on my mind, the one case that has always had me wondering and thinking and worrying. One day last year, while thinking about that accident, I felt inspired to write a poem. https://carlsstuff.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/that-special-one/ And after another posting, My sister Jeanette searched the Net, and found him for me. So after contacting his mom, Lisa, I planned a visit. A visit that I was expecting to be very emotional. But…it wasn’t, in fact, it was the complete opposite.
Today i saw Keanu Santos for the first time in 6 years. A patient I had treated, that affected me greatly, that inspired me to continue working the road, and help these little precious people.
and let me tell you. WOW. What an amazingly happy boy. In his own way, he communicates with his mom, and watching these two with each other, you cant help not feel the love. Its all powerful, this bond between mom and son. Yes, he is handicapped, yes he is blind…but he is ALIVE, both physically and in personality. It just makes all I see on the road, all worthwhile.
(picture courtesy of Lisa Santos)
I do know that Lisa would like to send him to Germany for further Stem Cell Treatment, which will obviously cost a fortune. I hope this comes through for him.
His story can be found on http://keanusantos.webs.com
I am very glad I visited him today, and will definitely do so again, and I take my hat off to Lisa, for being such a strong and loving mother. And to you Lisa, well done for placing him in a car seat that and every other day. All parents should take heed, and follow your example. If he had not been in one; he wouldn’t be here today.
Carl's Stuff 
That’s wonderful – glad you finally made contact again with Lisa and her extra special little boy 🙂
Oh wow Carl!! Glad you got to see him again.
This is so fantastic Carl. You are an inspiration to us all. Well done xx
That’s so awesome Carlie. I’m so happy that you enjoyed your day with him 🙂 He looks so cute!
Hi Carl
I want to say thank you for the visit. It was really good to see the man who saved my child’s life.
There are no words to express the greatfullness i feel towards you. I remember that nite like it were yesterday. And although there are many times where i breakdown in tears – i try my best to just appreciate & be gratefull for the fact that i still have my little angel. And most of all that he’s ALWAYS happy & smiling 🙂 Have u seen his laugh video on my fb? He’s only ever laughed twice. Once when he was a yr old. And in 2009 but that one went on for a few days. I woke up one morning at 5am & i heard the most beautiful sound. My little man was in his bed laughing his head off 😀 I phoned everyone i knew then & there just so they could all hear him laughing. It was AMAZING. I think i was more excited than a mom who’s just seen her child take his first steps!!! But unfortunately – he hasn’t laughed in a LONG LONG time 😦 But my little boy is healthy and happy & i cherish every moment with him. Thank you AGAIN for what you did for my little angel. And thank you for always thinking of him, using him as your inspiration & the support at the time.