12/13 Press Conference

December 13, 2010

Aloha,

Thank you for attending this press conference for a briefing on Theresa Wang's recovery. It has been a difficult 3 1/2 weeks since I answered that fateful phone call from North Hawaii Community Hospital's ER, and we would not be here today without the care and support of so many people. I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for all of the prayers, concern and support that have come our way, not just from family and friends but also from the greater Hawaii community that have been touched by these events and adopted us like their own. Thanks especially to the good Samaritans who stopped to help and call 911, to the first responders and rescuers, the EMT staff, the ground and air ambulance crews, the NHCH ER staff, and the talented surgeons, physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and support staff at The Queen's Medical Center. Most of all, we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all He has done to heal everyone affected by these events.

Theresa has come a long way in her healing journey that began on November 19. The major surgeries to her legs, arms and neck are now complete and while she is still in serious condition, her vital signs are being controlled and she is improving in small steps. Over the past week, Theresa regained consciousness from the most recent surgery and now can nod her head slightly to yes and no questions. She is slowly regaining movement in her right arm and leg and can sense some feeling on the left side. The next major goal is to wean Theresa off the ventilator so she can breathe naturally. Once Theresa's condition improves to the point where she can transfer from the ICU to a step-down unit, then her physical, occupational, speech and cognitive rehabilitation therapies can begin.

We ask that all concerned continue to remember Theresa during her healing process, and to give her love and strength by keeping Theresa in your thoughts and prayers. In order to keep our growing ohana informed of Theresa's progress, some friends of ours have created a website at http://www.hulaterri.blogspot.com where updates will be posted on a regular basis. HulaTerri is Theresa's self-chosen nickname because of her fondness and dedication to the practice of Hula. The updates are based on entries in an e-mail diary that I sent to close family and friends up to now, but because of the outpouring of concern and support shown by the Hawaii community at large, we feel it is time to share this story with anyone interested in Theresa's progress.

While our HMSA health insurance will cover much of Theresa's medical costs incurred while in the hospital, there are substantial out-of-pocket expenses including travel costs, my living expenses while in Honolulu, medflight transfers not covered by insurance, and anticipated rehabilitation needs. To aid with some of these costs, we are seeking monetary donations through a PayPal link at the blog site: http://www.hulaterri.blogspot.com Donations are also accepted at any First Hawaiian Bank for savings account number 68-076211.

Theresa's injuries were life threatening and the road to her recovery will take months if not years to complete. But we have faith in our Lord's healing powers, and with your ongoing prayers and support, I fully believe that one day soon Theresa will once again practice medicine by offering the same love, support and guidance that we have received in this difficult but inspiring journey.

Mahalo,


David Chen