Story Published:
Nov 16, 2009 at 12:06 PM PDT
Story Updated:
Nov 16, 2009 at 12:06 PM PDT
Speaking in a whisper, USC tailback Stafon Johnson told the media he will be heard from again in the future.
Repeating the final words of his late grandfather, Johnson said Saturday at the Coliseum prior to the game between the Trojans and Stanford, “God has a plan, ‘run Stafon run.’”
It’s been a couple of months since the freak accident when he had weights slip from his hands, crushing his larynx and throat. This was his first visit to the Coliseum since prior to it.
He was accompanied to the stadium by his mother, Kim Mallory, uncle and two of the doctors treating him.
Since being discharged from the hospital Oct. 14, Johnson has undergone three surgeries. He had the tracheotomy tube and feeding tube removed, but is still under doctor’s orders to rest his voice to prevent further damage to the vocal cords.
The rehabilitation process has a long way to go, but Johnson has improved to the point where he’s eating solid food, swallowing and breathing on his own.
Dr. Jason Hamilton, a throat specialist, calls his recovery, “miraculous.”
“Anybody looking at him today would say that. He’s an athlete who is very determined, has never believed he is the underdog and you can see the results.”
The doctor said the rehab process involves three areas: Speech, swallowing and breathing. He said Johnson has shown great discipline during that time.
“He’s followed the regimen to a T,” he said.
Johnson, a former prep star at nearby Dorsey High School, communicates on his laptop computer. He and his mother, who has lived with him since the accident, have developed a non-verbal way of communicating. When she calls on the phone, he answers by pushing a button once for “yes” and twice for “no.”
Johnson’s faith has sustained him during the recovery, according to his mother.
“He’s had to depend on his faith and strength to carry him through this ordeal,” she said.
Because of the accident, he’s only been able to watch USC games on television, not in person.
Asked if he watched the Trojans when they lost to Oregon, 47-20, he put his head down on the table, drawing a laugh.
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