Injured boxer Daniel Franco has more brain surgery to repair bleeding
Daniel Franco, the 24-year-old boxer from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., who was knocked out last Saturday night and suffered a severe brain injury, has undergone more surgery to repair bleeding in his brain. He is at the Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, and is expected to remain there for weeks and possibly months.
Franco was knocked out in the eighth round by Jose Haro in their featherweight bout at the WinneVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.
Franco's father, and trainer, Al Franco, updated his son's condition on the GoFundMe page the family set up to help defray what are expected to be astronomical healthcare costs for Franco's recovery.
Here's the update on Tuesday from a completely distraught Al Franco:
"Daniel had emergency surgery last night to repair bleeding in the epidural hematoma region of the brain. His initial surgery was to repair bleeding in the subdural hemotoma area. The doctors decided to keep part of his skull off this time to help with the pressure. It will remain off for at least six weeks and he will continue to be monitored under strict doctor supervision. Please continue to pray for him. Continue saying his name, just help sending positive vibes out. My family and I appreciate everyone's love and support in our darkest times. I personally have never felt this much love, fear and pain in my life. I'm lost but I have to maintain as strong as I can be. I will continue to keep everyone posted and please continue sharing his go fund me page. Thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart. I love you son. God Bless.
On Monday, Al Franco had posted this message:
"His brain pressure was high pushing the limits doctors would like to see on the monitor and he ran a fever of 102. This morning they medicated him to fully paralyze him. They don't want any movement or brain activity whatsoever so that he can fully recover. Now we have to wait another 48 hours. I will keep you all posted. Please continue praying, mumble his name anything. Share this information please, so that the energy and love is spread, positive vibes. I have not posted any pictures yet, I'm sorry as I am not ready to let the world see my boy like this. Please be patient. Thank you all, God please bless my son."
Haro has issued a statement that he is praying for Franco's complete recovery:
"I respect all fighters. My heart hurts knowing that my opponent from Saturday night is still in the hospital. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Nothing but love, brotha. We put everything on the line when we step inside the ring. I always tell my brother/trainer that I'm a father first, fighter second, and if he ever sees me badly hurt to stop the fight because my kids need their daddy. I'm very grateful that I won but it really doesn't feel like I won. I always pray that my opponent and myself come out our fight in good health. Let's go Team Franco, you got this!"
Here are some further updates from Al Franco:
No. 5:(Wednesday morning): Our prayers are working, my son Daniel had a good night of rest and free of any complications. His temperature is down and holding at 98.6. Please continue praying and sharing. Thank you, God Bless
No. 6 (Wednesday afternoon): Ok the doctor just left. Daniels pupils are reacting just fine, his temperature and all vitals are doing well. The pressure in his brain hasn't changed and is steady within the range that it needs to be. They lowered his drug dosages and is no longer in a paralyzed state. He is still in a medically induced coma and isn't out of the woods yet. However thing thus far look positive. Please continue sharing, spreading positive vibes. My families gratitude cannot be expressed, your love and kindness will never be forgotten.
If you're interested in contributing to the family's GoFundMe account, the address is https://www.gofundme.com/3x0mfcg