Family: Beaten Giants Fan Now Speaking
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Family members of a San Francisco Giants fan who was brutally beaten outside Dodger Stadium said he is speaking and more responsive than ever since his attack nearly six months ago.
The family of Bryan Stow posted the update Wednesday on its website, saying his latest improvements came a week after he received a shunt to relieve pressure on his brain.
During a speech therapy session, Stow was able to say his full name and the names of his daughter and son.
"We are blown away with all of this," the family said. "Literally one day we got some facial responses and the next, he's talking. His voice is gravelly and you have to be close to hear him, but he is talking. Right now, Bryan is more awake and more responsive then (sic) ever."
Stow, 42, a paramedic from Santa Cruz, suffered severe brain injury when he was attacked in Los Angeles after the Dodgers' home opener against the Giants on March 31. He remains in serious condition at San Francisco General Hospital.
Two men, Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30, have both pleaded not guilty to mayhem, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, and battery with serious bodily injury.
Earlier this month, Stow and his children filed a lawsuit against the Dodgers alleging a lack of security, lighting and other problems at the ballpark. Stow's lawyers say his medical care is expected to cost more than $50 million.
An attorney for the Dodgers has said the team would fight the lawsuit.
During speech therapy, Stow was able to say his birth date and tell his sister he loved her. He was also shown pictures of his children, Tabitha and Tyler. and said, "I would like to see them," according to his family.
Dr. Geoff Manley, San Francisco General's chief of neurosurgery, said Thursday doctors were encouraged by Stow's neurological improvement but it remains unclear how long his recovery will take.
"He remains seriously injured and has several ongoing medical issues that we are currently managing," Manley said. "It is premature to predict where his long journey will end, and he is not out of the woods yet."
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
