About The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 12, 2020)
LOCAL The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com Thursday, November 12, 2020 3A 11-year-old hit by truck expected home in 2 weeks BY NICK WATSON nwatson@gainesvilletimes.com The family of an 11-year-old Gaines ville boy hit by a truck last month near his home said they hope to have him home from the hospital in roughly two weeks. Santiago Ramirez suffered two cracks in his skull after being hit by a Ford F-150 Oct. 19 near his Buena Vista Circle home. Javier Ramirez, the boy’s father, said Santiago was moved out of the inten sive care unit last week and hopes to have him come home on Nov. 24. “After a brain injury, they have to learn pretty much everything: walk, talk, eat, get dressed, get ready for school, brush teeth, take a shower, every thing,” Javier Ramirez said. “He has to learn everything. Right now, he’s doing all those things and he’s doing pretty well.” The family said Santiago was riding his bicycle around 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 while outside with his siblings. His mother was sweeping the driveway when a Ford F-150 struck Santiago. Police said San tiago left the driveway on his bike and was hit when he entered the street. Javier Ramirez said his son would likely be doing therapy for the next month or so, adding the staff may allow him to try walking unassisted next week. “It’s amazing what those guys do out there, those doctors and nurses and all of the team,” Javier Ramirez said. “... The only thing I can say is thank you very much for what they do (for) my son.” Santiago’s father thanked the people who have prayed for his son and wished them well in the three weeks since the crash. A Gofundme account for the boy had raised $4,551, more than $3,000 greater than its initial goal, as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Gainesville Police Lt. Kevin Holbrook said at this time no charges will be assessed but added the case is still under investigation. “At this point of the investigation, the physical evidence and third-party wit nesses indicate that the child is at fault,” Holbrook said. The lieutenant called it a “sad situa tion” and asked for local drivers to be mindful and attentive. Santiago Ramirez, 11, sits with a therapy dog. The 11 -year- old was hit by a truck Oct. 19, on Buena Vista Circle in Gainesville. Photo courtesy Javier Ramirez Photos by SCOTT ROGERS I The Times Above: State Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, right, speaks Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Rock Creek Veterans Park as Jack Frost looks on during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the park. Right: The new Vietnam Veterans Memorial is unveiled. •ail gave some SOME GAVE ALL" 1%I VIETNAM 1975 KIA-58JIK H| I .VIA -Ol*'4 ^ "V Mi' Jl row. 7«. 7% TIN- lOM&n&Ff VtTfAANS HXT m VETERANS ■ Continued from 1A I knew we had a commander-in-chief who understood on a personal basis what those sacrifices those young people would be making,” said Deal, drawing applause. “You are indeed a special group of Americans,” he said. “Your service is simply the down payment on the guarantee of blessings of liberty and justice for all. Even more than that, you have made your payment for keeping our country free.” State Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, also spoke at the event. “We have a debt to our military — each and every branch, each and every person and each and every family,” he said. Their remarks were made around a monument donated by Jack Frost, owner of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The black marble structure bears the inscription “All gave some, some gave all.” “We were honored to provide this for the veterans of Vietnam and what it stands for,” Frost said. more voices, more victories. $EMOW WSSHff CANCER msrrnnE When you’re facing cancer, you want a strong team on your side. Even better, two. That’s why Northeast Georgia Medical Center is now a network affiliate of Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University - Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Together, we deliver some of the most effective treatments and promising clinical trials, right here at home. It all starts with more voices - and leads to more victories. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Learn about the collaboration, and choose your cancer doctor at nghs.com/more Emory Winship Cancer Institute Network Affiliates collaborate with Emory on quality and safety initiatives to improve care locally. EMORY WINSHIP CANCER INSTITUTE NETWORK AFFILIATE
