Updates, Shout Outs, Visitation Hours
UPDATES
WANNA SEE A GREAT story on Chico??? Tiger TV reports on just how much Chico is loved <3 CLICK HERE
Update: Sept 7, 2011 1pm
Shaq came to the hospital to Cheer on Chico today! We have posted a picture below so that everyone can see Chico’s smile! It was such an unexpected visit from Shaq, and as you can see, and it truly cheered him up!! Chico has some fluid in his lungs, and will be undergoing a bronchial procedure today to assist with his breathing. Chico will not be having visitors yet — we will let you know as soon as that changes. He will be needing all the rest he can get, and as always we will keep you posted.
Update: Sept. 6, 2011 9pm
****** VISITING HOURS SUSPENDED ******
Chico’s injury is directly related to breathing difficulty, as the nerves that control the diaphragm arise from C3, 4 & 5. Because he was in such good physical shape prior to the accident, Chico has been able to use other accessory muscles to assist with breathing. However, as time as passed, his breathing had become more and more labored, and in order to stabilize his oxygen levels, doctors determined it was necessary to perform a tracheostomy procedure. As I have told some, if Chico was a 40-50 year old man with this type of injury, this procedure would have most likely been done immediately.
Over the next 48-72 hours, they will gradually allow Chico to wake up and try to wean him off the ventilator, in an attempt to allow him to breath on his own through the trach. Also, a special valve will eventually be inserted in the trach in a few days or so, allowing him to talk, however this takes some getting used to and it may be a few days before he can say more than a word or two at a time.
Once his breathing is stabIlized, and special precautions have been taken to prevent skin breakdown, pneumonia, blood clots, etc., Chico’s condition will then be considered stable and he will be ready to begin the rehab process.
As myself and others have previously stated, this will be a LONG process. Unlike other injuries to the human body, spinal cord injuries can take YEARS to fully recover! It can take up to a year, just for the swelling from the initial trauma to go down. So, my point is this, don’t expect there to be any significant change in Chico’s condition to come over night, in the next week, month, or months to come.
With that being said, in an attempt to divert any questions about this matter to Chico’s parents, since there’s an overwhelming amount of things going on, I will be posting all future updates on a weekly basis, unless something new and significant arises.
If you have any questions about Chico’s condition, injury, or treatment, please feel free to contact me at cheeringforchico@gmail.com, Attn: Jason, and I will gladly try to get back to you with an answer or update.
Continue praying for our dear friend Chico, spreading the word about how people can help, at CHEERING FOR CHICO.com!!!
Jason Paul Amadeo, MPAS, PA-C
Update: Sept. 5, 2011 9pm
****** VISITING HOURS SUSPENDED ******
Chico is stable today and for the last few days doctors took preventative measures by placing Chico under sedations & on a respirator to help him breath better. This is in hopes that it will help him rest & heal. These preventative measures were to keep him from developing pneumonia or infections. Please continue to keep him in your prayers! Thanks so much!!! ♥ you all.
Syrjala “Sire\Sue” Garcia, Chico’s Mom & Dad
Update: Sept. 4, 2011 9pm
****** VISITING HOURS SUSPENDED ******
As of now Chico is still sedated and resting, as he has been for the last 3 days. Tomorrow the Doctors will re-evaluate Chico’s strength and condition. From there, they will decide what the next step is in his recovery process. We will certainly keep everyone updated.
Unfortunately Chico was not able to watch the game, but we can’t WAIT till he is able to watch the tigers in action!
As Chico’s parents we want to Thank everyone for the outpouring of Love & Support. Due to Chico needing his rest, the doctors have suspended his visiting hours at this time. However, we would love to have you sign Chico’s journal & visit with family & friends in the Critical Care Waiting Area.
Once visiting hours resume, unfortunately we will have to limit the number of visitors that see him. Chico is aware of everyone that has come to visit and everyone that has sent their prayers and support. Please understand as much as we would love for everyone to visit and see him, it is in his best interest to keep visitors at a miminium.
<3 Keep Cheering for Chico <3
Update: Sept. 4, 2011 12:30pm
*** No Visiting Hours Today ***
Chico had a rough night but is resting well right now. We pray that he can & will continue to rest. Each visit we let Chico know everyone is sending their prayers & support. We will continue to keep you updated!
Update: Sept. 3, 2011 8pm
*** No Visiting Hours Today ***
Chico is continuing to rebuild his strength in ICU throughout the weekend. GEAUX TIGERS and GEAUX CHICO <3 We will continue to keep you updated! Please turn on this amazing LSU game so you can see all of the cheeringforchico.com signs!
CHEERING FOR CHICO ON ESPN 
UPDATE: Sept. 2, 2011 5pm
*** No Visiting Hours Today ***
Plans are for Chico to continue resting through the weekend. Unfortunately, there will be no visiting hours. Please continue to pray and post pictures! Chico’s mom and dad will be in the critical care waiting room on the 2nd floor if you want to stop by to say hello and sign Chico’s journal. ALSO, the cheerleaders brought “Cheering for Chico” signs and t-shirts with them to Dallas…look for for them on ESPN Gameday and during the game. Keep cheering for Chico and GEAUX TIGERS!
UPDATE: Sept. 2, 2011 6:30 am
*** No Visiting Hours Today ***
Chico was able to rest through the night in hopes to rebuild his strength. He will be resting for the remainder of the day. While hoping to see Erin Andrews wear his T-shirt on ESPN saturday, everyone should be cheering on the Tigers to beat
Oregon. Holy Moley, the anticipation !!! Please stop by and visit us in the waiting room if you have some time~~You can sign Chico’s journal!! GEAUX TIGERS, Cheering for Chico !!!!
Syrjala “Sire / Sue” Garcia - Chico’s MOM & DAD
UPDATE: Sept. 1, 2011 9 pm
The Doctors haven taken certain actions to make sure Chico will be able to breathe easier and feel more comfortable. He will be resting for the remainder of the night and most of tomorrow. Please stop by and visit us in the waiting room if you have some time~~You can sign Chico’s journal!!
UPDATE: Sept. 1, 2011 2 pm
**Click on the link below to check out a new story on Chico**
http://varsitysideline.com/cheer-fashion/cheering-for-chico?fb_ref=AL2FB%3BAL2FB&fb_source=home_oneline
UPDATE: Sept. 1, 2011 1: 30 pm
**ATTN: If you are giving blood, PLEASE make sure you are giving to OUR LADY OF THE LAKE (as well as asking to send credit to CHICO GARCIA) OUR LADY OF THE LAKE has ensured us that he WILL receive credit. If you are going anywhere else, there is no guarantee as of now that the credit will be honored.**
**HEY GUYS! PLEASE CHANGE YOUR FACEBOOK DEFAULT PICTURE TO THE CHEERING FOR CHICO PIC! WE WANT THIS TO GO VIRAL!!! KEEP SPREADING THE WORD AND THE PRAYERS!!!!** <3 CHEERING FOR CHICO
UPDATE: Sept. 1, 2011 9 am
Chico will not be having visitors today - as much as he would love to see everyone, he needs his rest so he can be strong enough to breathe correctly. We would love for you to still come and sign his book and hang out in the waiting room — we will let him know that you are all here to support him. Please check back for any more updates! <3 Cheering for Chico!
If you would like to put a picture on the site please email us at cheeringforchico@gmail.com with the subject, “picture for website” and we will try to get it up as soon as possible.
Update: August 31, 2011
Chico was awake and very attentive. He got a surprise from Les Miles:
We need HELP!
We want Chico to see everything that is going on. We think an iPad 2 would be best for that. Please email us if you would like to donate the iPad 2 at cheeringforchico@gmail.com
UPDATE: August 31, 2011 6:30 am
Chico had a good night slept well. Nurses stated he went through breathing treatment and exercising and is doing better and better.
UPDATE: August 30, 2011 10:45 pm
WOW!!!! Cheering for Chico just a received a donation of $4,000!!!!!!!!!!!! BIG shout-out to Paul and Lauren Cobb of Dallas, TX — We all just jumped up and down in the critical care waiting room ~ Your donation has truly inspired us, and you have given us more hope than you know!!!
YES! Get excited and Donate everyone!!! Click the link below, OR Look at the left side of this homepage and click on “How to Donate”
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=MKR2sE6Q84agMQ0oIqvE778zSTWg8yF3SOP_9e8bR2XfCk0mnr8zEY2b44y&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d35d0e363192f28ea2a5d17702da0dbf0
UPDATE: August 30, 2011 10pm
Chico Garcia is looking strong after a day of rest! He is happier now that he finally ate some jello/juice! He was VERY EXCITED that he got a sponge bath (even though he said the elderly nurse wasn’t up to his expectations lol)!!! YES PEOPLE!!!!!! KEEP CHEERING FOR CHICO!!!!!!!
UPDATE: August 30, 2011 5pm
MIKE THE TIGER and the Cheerleaders came to visit :
The 5pm visit went well. He is looking the best he has looked so far. He is sitting up watching the MTV Music Awards and he has finally got to eat some JELL-O and drink some Apple Juice. He is already looking forward by telling us what he wants to eat when he can have his first real meal.
PLEASE READ! Information About Giving Blood
There is a lot of confusion going on about the need for blood and credits to Chico’s bill. There is no need to rush out and donate blood today. The credit to Chico’s bill is $15 not $100. Credits can be applied as long as Chico has an outstanding bill. Blood donations can be made at OLOL or United Blood Services. Some blood centers across the US do not participate in this type of credit system and cannot help. For more info, Susan Connor Begnaud a message. Please repost this! — with Susan Connor Begnaud.
UPDATE: August 30, 2011 6:30am
TUESDAY MORNING - Chico, had a somewhat of a rough night and didn’t rest. With this type of injury and post surgery, he is having some difficuty with coughing “it’s weak”. Oxygen was increased to assit with cough along with respiratory treatments. Nurse stated he was finally able to get him to sleep about 5am. Hopefully he’ll get some rest this morning. A speech therapist should be brought in to perform a swollow test, to see if he can handle any fluids. Chico has been trying to bribe any & everyone for a piece of ice, a sip of water or a piece of fruit anything to moisten the mouth. Also, Xrays were taken this am to see the progress of how his bones are healing from the surgery, waiting to hear if and when an MRI will be done (Will post if I’m told anything during the day). Keep the prayers coming and “CHEER FOR CHICO.” !!
UPDATE: Augsut 29, 2011 9pm
Just saw Chico Garcia and it is so nice to see his smile and hear his voice!! He is so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support! He hasn’t gotten the chance to read any of the wonderful things written about him, be we’ve done our best in relaying the messages! It is obvious to his family that Chico has touched so many lives! What an amazing person!!! Keep CHEERING FOR CHICO!!!
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE::: SPREAD THE WORD
Lady of the Lake has agreed for anyone who comes into the blood bank, donates blood, and mentions Chico Garcia they will take $100 off of his medical bills. PLEASE GO AND DONATE TODAY!!!!
UPDATE: A donation link has been added to www.getwellchico.com. All donations will go towards the care of our friend Chico Garcia. A full story and link will soon be posted on lsusports.net. Please spread the word!!! CHEERING FOR CHICO!!!!!!
Chico Garcia has been extubated and is awake, alert, and in good spirits. Though nothing has changed in his condition, it was such a relief to hear his voice and see his smile!!! It’s gonna be a long road ahead for our dear friend, but we assured him that the world is pulling for him! The rebuilding process has begun and today was step one! Next update at 5:30p Keep CHEERING FOR CHICO!!!!
