KHON2: Husband of Doctor Injured in Head-On Collision Shares Wife's Progress

Reported by: Ron Mizutani Email: rmizutani@khon2.com Last Update: 12/13 7:04 pm

The husband of a Big Island doctor who was critically injured in a head-on collision with an SUV that Colt Brennan was riding in says she remains in the intensive care unit at the Queen's Medical Center. 

David Chen says it's been a difficult three-and-a-half weeks since he answered that fateful phone call from North Hawaii Community Hospital.   

Chen calmly stood before reporters at the Queen's Medical Center where he's sat at his wife side for nearly a month as she fights for her life.

"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," he said.

On November 19, Dr. Theresa Wang suffered life-threatening injuries when police say an SUV driven by Colt Brennan's girlfriend Shatki Stream, crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into her car.  The 47-year-old Wang suffered a fractured neck in three places, several broken ribs, a collapsed lung and broke all four extremities, each injury required an operation.

"Over the past week, Theresa regained consciousness from the most recent surgery and now can nod her head slightly to yes and no questions," said Chen.

"As far as her brain swelling that's much improved to the point she's no longer in a coma and is able to interact and communicate with us," said Dr. Caesar Ursic, Medical Director for Trauma Services at the Queen's Medical Center.

Chen says his wife of 16 years is regaining movement to her right arm and leg and can sense feeling on her left side.  He hopes she'll soon be weaned off a breathing ventilator. 

"The feeling is just one of gratitude that she's come so far in three and half weeks." said Chen.  He says he's received little information from Big Island police and met with Stream only once.  "I feel compassion for her and I feel compassion for Colt Brennan too.  Nobody wanted this to happen and it's just unfortunate circumstances for all involved."

“The couple will spend Christmas in the hospital but Chen has no anger.

"The best way to put is that we're very thankful that we'll be able to celebrate Christmas together."

Chen will post updates on his wife's progress at http://www.hulaterri.blogspot.com which was created by her friends.  He says you can also find information on how to help offset growing medical costs on the blog site.

Video of coverage is available here:
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Husband-of-Doctor-Injured-in-Head-On-Collision/vDNr9PLSDESXP_y2kTk2hg.cspx