Raising Mario Twice

This is the true story of one family's heartfelt encounter with a tragic event. It is also a guide on how to survive the medical system and navigate through the stresses of a long-term recovery. On August 8, 2002, at the age of eighteen Mario Scharmer sustained a traumatic brain injury from an auto crash. The doctors put Mario in an induced coma for twenty-one days. It was not expected that he would live. Many people prayed for Mario and his family and even though Mario lived he was in a persistent vegetative state for another one hundred forty-one days. Doctors did not expect Mario to have any meaningful recovery. He came home quadriplegic. He wore diapers, couldn't talk, walk, eat, or move. The first few years of taking care of Mario were extremely challenging. It has been a difficult journey, but neuron by neuron Mario has kept improving.After seventeen years Mario is still severely disabled, but living a happy, productive life. He is very active in his local community and continues to inspire others through his love and art. www.MarioLoveProject.com MariosLoveProject@gmail.com