Adrian Abenojar, Seattle, WA

Harborview Medical Center
Adrian Abenojar, 18, suffered a central nervous system infection and fluid in his brain following a bout with tuberculosis. In addition to treating him for the TB, doctors drained the excess fluid and relieved the pressure in his brain with a shunt. After a month, Adrian was transferred to the Madison Clinic’s Rehabilitation Department, where he spent several months working on cognitive communication skills, overall muscle strengthening and balance, and learning to manage daily tasks independently. After nine months Adrian had made a tremendous recovery and he continues to do well today.
“Throughout my entire healing process, the team at Harborview made me feel like a member of their family. The encouragement I received really helped speed along my recovery and make me feel comfortable in a place so far from home,” said Adrian.
Harborview is the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center and regional burn center serving Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Harborview’s Centers of Emphasis for neurosciences, trauma, burns, reconstruction and rehabilitation, mentally ill and medically vulnerable, and AIDS/STD treatment provide leading edge teaching, research, and clinical care for all patients.