Like most teenagers, Chelsey Thomas, 17, enjoys going out and driving around with her friends from Jackson Memorial High School.
But on the rainy evening of April 20, 2009, the driver of the car Chelsey was riding in attempted to swerve out of the way of an oncoming car. The oncoming car smashed into the passenger door, and the car spun out of control, finally stopping on the side of the road next to a tree.
Emergency workers arrived at the scene. Chelsey, unconscious, was put on a breathing tube and rushed to the Regional Trauma Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
"When Chelsey arrived, everyone knew it would take a real team effort to stabilize her," says Michael Lospinuso, M.D.
After observation, it was determined that Chelsey had numerous injuries, including a broken neck that required a spinal fusion.
"Dr. Lospinuso and the entire team were simply amazing in the care that they provided to my daughter," says Chelsey's mom, Karen. "During all of our conversations, Dr. Lospinuso was honest and up-front."
After spinal surgery on April 21, Chelsey remained in the pediatric intensive care unit at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was discharged on May 5, wearing a halo to stabilize her spine.
"Over the next few months, Chelsey improved much quicker than anyone could have anticipated, which shows her determination," says Dr. Lospinuso.
While continuing her outpatient rehabilitation, Chelsey was excited when Dr. Lospinuso removed the halo in August. "I felt like I was really on a road to recovery," Chelsey says. "The six months after my accident were very difficult for me, but my goal is to make it back to Jackson Memorial High School sometime during the year for my senior year."
As of press time, Chelsey is still working toward that goal.
"We are truly blesses to live in an area that has a regional trauma center like Jersey Shore University Medical Center," Karen says. "I cannot say enough about the care that Chelsey received from the physicians, nurses, and staff at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital."
About the Doctor
Michael F. Lospinuso, M.D.
Board certified in Orthopedic Surgery
Freehold | 732-863-4790
