InternationalCory Garabedian --- the long road to recovery
Published: Wednesday January 18, 2012
Cory with mom Leslie Ani before the accident.
Providence - Cory Garabedian woke up from an induced coma inside a Providence, RI, Hospital with a sense of reassurance.
Returning the favor were members of his family, friends and associates, many of whom gave the 23-year-old up for dead. Cory defied the odds and pulled through a horrific accident on Christmas Eve that took a partial leg and resulted in numerous other surgeries.
It was not the way anybody would have wanted to spend a joyous holiday, least of all someone who had the world by the tail and was prepared to play college football. As of this writing, it's been 17 days of recovery for the young man.
Meanwhile, dozens of well wishes have come from around the country who read his story on-line. One reader named James reported a similar situation of a John MacArthur also involved in a similar accident.
"That incident became his turning point for the new direction of his life," the reader said. "Today, he is one of the greatest pastor-teachers in Southern California, including his church in Panorama City with over 3000 members. Through his TV, radio and websites, he touches millions."
Which begs the question, what next for Cory? We read and hear of stories concerning people who use their disabilities for the common good. People overcoming their impediments are the inspiration we need as a society to motivate our lives.
Cory is that type of person. He could coach. He could also compete with another class of heroes. He could be the leader and the teacher he always dreamed.
One of my best friends was a coach who mentored his cross country teams for 40 years --- within the confines of a wheelchair. The list knows no end.
"Cory is tough," says his mom Leslie. "I call him the original ‘Rocky' for I have seen him suffer tremendously and be braver and stronger than most men who ever dared to suffer. His doctors have decreased the pain medication and weaned him off his ventilator. The worst suffering has only just begun."
Leslie Garabedian goes on to say how her son has already touched many lives, including David Krikorian, a tremendous fighter for the Armenian Cause.
"Cory is an amazing and humble man," she confirms. "He's blessed with a strong corps of friends, family and supporters who are all praying for his speedy recovery."
Leslie Garabedian said her son is becoming more aware of his surroundings but is limited in his communication skills at this time.
"He's been asking doctors questions and getting honest and positive answers," she added.
Word travels fast inside AYF circles. Within moments, an entire community of Providence was touched by the unexpected tragedy to a native son. In a matter of days, Cory Garabedian's welfare was embraced by many, many hearts across the country.
"His smile could light up an entire convention center," said his friend, Mgo Kassabian, a North Andover AYF'er. "He always gave you a hug, even if he didn't know you well."
Kassabian pulled out a cell phone and quickly called up a photo showing the two of them together, each pointing a finger at the other.
"I look at that picture and I want to cry for my friend," he said, his voice cracking. "It could have been any one of us. In times like these, sad as they are, it makes our own difficulties seem so small and insignificant. Knowing Cory, he'll be back in a blaze of glory."
In an Armenian School class that morning, I happened to mention Cory's story to a group of adolescents I teach. Most of them are junior AYFers and were familiar with the story, calling out his name. We used the incident as a point of reference.
"I would try to become a role model for my peers," said one 13-year-old.
The outreach for Cory has only just begun and least of it would be any pity or contempt. The last thing this gold-medal athlete would ever want is sympathy.
A fund has been created to assist with medical costs. Checks can be written out to: Friends of Cory and sent to Sovereign Bank, 184 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI 02914, attn: Ryan Purcell.
More to the local front, a major fund-raiser will take place at the Providence AYF's annual Victory Ball Jan. 28 at West Valley Inn. All proceeds from a raffle will go toward his benefit.
"Cory needs people to sit with him during the day, especially the early morning hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.," said Steve Elmasian, his advisor/coach. "He gets agitated when he wakes and needs someone to settle him down. If interested, please e-mail his mom: garabedian5@yahoo.com.
