In 1994, the emerging grip of gang violence in El Salvador placed Jose, a truck driver, in a perilous situation. Amidst the escalating turmoil, Jose became a firsthand witness to the brutal impact of gang rule when a fellow driver was fatally shot. However, his own encounter with danger unfolded on August 1, 2001, when he was shot in the head, becoming a victim of the violence that had engulfed his homeland. This traumatic event added a personal chapter to his story, one that would significantly shape his journey toward recovery. Though able to survive the encounter, Jose was forces to run away and decided to come to the United States.

Fast forward to May 7th, 2023 – a critical day when 44-year-old Jose found himself in the Emergency Department, unresponsive and having been witnessed to have had multiple seizures. A CT scan uncovered a significant epidural collection resulting from past surgeries. In the absence of family or friends, a prompt decision by the medical team led to a Left frontoparietal craniectomy, evacuation of epidural hematoma, and exploration of the subdural space.

Post-surgery, Jose displayed promising signs, prompting a transition to acute rehab, but he was still in need of replacing the missing piece of his skull, being protected at the time by a specialized helmet. On October 11, 2023, Jose received a secondary surgery, a cranioplasty to provide Jose with the needed section of his skull. This cranioplasty featured a custom 3D-printed cranial implant to precisely fit the contours of his skull and fill the area that was missing, thus provided marked a turning point in Jose's recovery, aimed at restoring the integrity of his skull.

Within weeks of the second surgery, Jose reported feeling excellent. This remarkable turnaround underscores not only the resilience of Jose but also the dedicated support provided by the medical team. Jose's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. From the traumas in his home of El Salvador to life-saving surgeries in the United States, his journey serves as a powerful illustration of determination and the impact of steadfast medical support. As he looks ahead, the medical professionals stand as witnesses to his remarkable transformation and the hopeful chapters yet to unfold; he has expressed a strong desire to return home, work in carpentry, and reunite with his family.