Family Of Aurora Teen Struck By Lightning Is 'Waiting For A Miracle'
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - A teenager struck by lightning on May 1 in Aurora remains in critical condition, and a family friend told CBS4 Health Specialist Kathy Walsh his mother is by his side 24/7, praying for his recovery.
Brian Tena Cardenas is in a medically-induced coma in the burn unit at the University of Colorado Hospital. The 15-year-old was struck by lightning as he was walking home from school with his two sisters.
The three were crossing a field near East Alameda Avenue and the Aurora Towne Center when the lightning hit. Cardenas was knocked to the ground and his clothes were burned off him.
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Family friend Araceli Trevizo told Walsh that ever since the incident, Cardenas' mother and countless family members and friends have been by his side. Trevizo said she's been told the doctors are not optimistic about Cardenas' condition, but his family has faith.
"The family is kind of waiting for a miracle. They have a lot of faith that's he's going to recover slowly, but there is going to be a good improvement for him. We're praying and hoping that something good can happen in the end," Trevizo said.
Dr. Gordon Lindberg is the medical director of University Hospital's burn unit. He told Walsh two weeks ago that between 30 and 60 percent of victims can recover from a direct lightning strike. But he said, "The thing we worry most about is long-term effects on their brain."
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Cardenas and his family to help with medical bills.