PMCH Superhero Shifting Focus to Recovery After Life-Alerting Accident

After a devastating accident in September of 2025, Angel Arroyo was rushed to Ascension St. Vincent, where he underwent emergency surgery for severe brain swelling. Placed in an induced coma, Angel's brave fight for recovery began. He awoke after five days and regained full awareness nearly two weeks later.

Angel's path toward recovery was, by all accounts, a challenging one. His initial medical needs called for a prolonged and critical stay, beginning with 15 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This was followed by an additional period in a standard hospital room, bringing his total inpatient stay to a full month. This intensive hospital period was merely the first phase of his journey.

Upon his discharge, Angel's commitment to regaining his health became evident as he transitioned into nearly two months of rigorous, intensive outpatient therapy. This demanding regimen was crucial for him to rebuild the physical strength and functional abilities he had lost during his extended illness and hospitalization. The therapy sessions were focused and frequent, a sign of his determination to return to normalcy.

A significant milestone was reached on December 16th - Angel successfully completed his final scheduled surgery. The completion of this final surgical step was not just a medical achievement. It was a profound psychological turning point. With the surgeries behind him, Angel could now fully concentrate on the final phase of his rehabilitation and recovery, allowing him to put all his energy into restoring his health and, most importantly, returning to the vibrant, active life he cherishes.

In recognition of his journey thus far, Angel was recognized as a PMCH superhero during the University of Evansville Men's Basketball Game on January 3rd.

A testament to the power of community, Angel was able to stay close to his family and friends throughout his entire ordeal, thanks to the exceptional care provided by the PMCH Evansville team. The family and PMCH would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Henderson EMS team, the PMCH Emergency & Trauma team, and the PMCH Pediatrics/PICU team for their compassionate and life-saving care.