Click here to subscribe today or Login.
KINGSTON — Though Josh Simon has come a long way, his road to recovery from injuries sustained in a car crash last month is still in its infancy.
Josh’s father, Benjamin Simon, 33, said Monday that after spending some time in Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Josh, 12, of Swoyersville, has since been moved to Good Shepherd Hospital in Bethlehem.
Simon said his son has been through a total of eight surgeries in the past month. Josh’s right leg was critically injured from the crash and He also suffered several fractures and bruised organs.
The injuries occurred when Josh’s mother Misty was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche on Wyoming Avenue in Kingston that was hit by a 2004 Dodge Neon on Sept. 13. Two of Josh’s friends were in the car with him and his mother.
Witnesses of the crash say the Neon was racing another vehicle and was reportedly traveling in excess of 70 mph on Wyoming Avenue.
Police have released few details about the accident, including the identity of the driver of the Dodge Neon. Kingston Police Chief Michael Krzywicki told the Times Leader that the crash is still under investigation by state police and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
He added that reconstruction investigations can take several months to complete.
Simon said doctors used a skin graft to cover the extensive damage to Josh’s leg, and that his son could be facing a long time of physical therapy. He also said doctors may also do another surgery.
“As for his right leg, it’s still fifty-fifty,” he said, adding his son is aware that the possibility exists that he may lose his leg.
Otherwise, Josh has been conscious and been able to move himself around on a wheelchair or a walker. Simon, however, noted that his son sustained “severe” brain damage from the crash, and that multiple fractures that he sustained still hurt him every day.
“He has some good days, and then he has his bad days,” he said, adding that because of the brain injuries, his son suffers from hallucinations and both short-term and long-term memory loss.
“They (doctors) said that it (brain injuries) could be a lifelong thing, but they’re trying their best to help him,” he added.
Despite such a traumatic experience, Benjamin said his son has shown resilience.
“It’s hard on him, but he’s trying,” he said. “He’s doing his best.”
Road ahead
Simon hopes that the family will be able to return home in a month or two. In the mean time, he is “overwhelmed” by the strong show of support from members of the community.
Several benefits were held to support the family, which has helped the family pay for bills, gas and other utilities as Josh recovers.
One such benefit will be held next week.
Family friend Tina Stritzinger-Gaydos, 33, of Lakeville, will host Jumping 4 Josh from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Adventure Zone, 3 W. Olive St., Scranton.
Adventure Zone features inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more.
Admission will be $10 per kid/teen for two hours of bounce time. She said the event is for kids and teens from ages 2 to 17. All proceeds will go directly to the Simon family.
Simon expressed his gratitude to all who have kept his family in their thoughts or have contributed.
“It’s truly a blessing is what it is,” he said.