This web site has been created to keep the University community up-to-date on the condition of UNH soccer goalie and team leader James Hilaire who suffered a serious injury after a collision with an opposing player during a game Wednesday, Sept. 24 against Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass.
Recent News
Friday, Feb. 20
James and Robbie Sabadoz, the Merrimack College player involved in the collision, met for the first time on Thursday, February 19 at O'Connor's Restaurant in Worcester, Mass. The two shared stories about their experiences since the accident and found two dinner specials on the menu (the 'New Haven' and the 'Merrimack'). Here are a few pictures from the night (Click to view larger).
Thursday, Feb. 5
James recently wrote a letter to thank everyone for all their support throughout his recovery process. Here's what he wrote and would like to share with everyone:
Extending Gratitude,
First and foremost I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support which was offered to me during my time in the hospital as well as throughout my recovery. The enormous amount of love and prayers I have received from everyone has been most humbling. I cannot thank enough, all those who supported me and drove hours to come see me as well as friends, family, numerous schools and communities, and to every unknown supporter who kept me in their prayers, please know that those prayers have given me inspiration and strength to endure. In parting, I want all of you to cherish your loved ones and friends like there was no tomorrow, to live your lives to the fullest by continuing to help one another, and be true to yourselves. Life is great when love shares patiently.
With love from the bottom of my heart,
James Hilaire
Goalkeeper #1
Men's Soccer Team
University of New Haven
James' Condition
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Over the past two months James has continued rehabilitation. He was released from the Louis D. Traurig Transitional Living Center on December 19 and returned to his sister's house in Naugatuck, Connecticut. James began his out-patient treatment at Gaylord Hospital on December 22 where he has continued physical, cognitive, occupational and speech therapy.
James' teammates and coaches visited him at the Louis D. Traurig Transitional Living Center on Thursday, December 4. The team enjoyed an afternoon of eating pizza and playing the latest Nintendo Wii games (photos below).
On December 10 James was presented with the Stamford Youth Soccer's annual Profile in Courage Award by New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero. "It was wonderful James was able to come tonight to accept his award," Cepero said in a press release (photo below).
As of today, James is continuing his out-patient rehabilitation treatment three days a week. Further updates on his status will be posted as he progresses.
Thursday, Nov. 6
Over the past three weeks James has continued to improve in his rehabilitation while at Gaylord Hospital. Today he was released and moved to the Louis D. Traurig Transitional Living Center on the hospital's campus. The living center gives patients the chance to "practice problem-solving techniques and enhance social skills through peer interaction," while continuing therapy. While at the hospital James has been an inspiration to many others who have watched his determination and dedication during his rehabilitation. He will continue physical, cognitive, occupational and speech therapy while at the living center and be able to return home on the weekends. James is setting his goal on returning to the University of New Haven and completing his coursework for graduation.
Saturday, Oct. 25
James returned to Kayo Field Saturday afternoon for the first time since he suffered a head injury in a game on September 23 against Merrimack College. Saturday was Senior Day for the Chargers who recognized the team's four seniors, including Hilaire, prior to their game against the College of St. Rose. Complete story and photo from the day - click here.
1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
James was discharged today! He is on his way to Gaylord Hospital which is located in Wallingford, CT. where he will start the next phase of his recovery -- rehabilitation. On behalf of the staff at Boston Medical Center, we wish James continued success with his recovery. He is a fantastic young man! If you would like to stay updated as to James' progress please connect to: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jameshilaire
12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
James continues to be in good spirits! He still is listed in fair condition in BMC's intermediate care unit. A Caring Bridge page has been created for James, which will be a great way for him and his family to communicate with everyone as he continues his recovery. The site can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jameshilaire. (Unfortunately it doesn't have the latest condition report on it.) Again, and we hope this doesn't sound like a broken record, thank you very much for your continued support for James and his family over these past few weeks. It is greatly appreciated.
3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008
James is back in the intermediate care unit again! He ‘stepped down' over the weekend. He is responsive, communicative and talking! And he was very happy to read today's emails. He is very thankful for all of your thoughts, prayers, notes and cards!
4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
James suffered a setback and is back in the Intensive Care Unity at BMC, where he still is listed in fair condition. If you recall in a previous communication it was discussed that this type of injury does require time to improve and heal. The family continues to appreciate the hundreds of kind notes, cards and prayers they have received and continue to receive from all of you.
10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2008
Continued good news to report! James ‘stepped down' to an intermediate care unit yesterday! He now is listed in fair condition. James is breathing fine and now is using a letterboard to communicate with family and hospital staff. He is doing this because his jaw is still wired shut from the surgery to repair it last week. He has started to work with occupational and physical therapy staff. So we are off to a strong start for the week! The family continues to be grateful for all of your continued support and prayers. The emails received now number into the hundreds, and they are overwhelmed that so many people are reaching out to James. Thank you for keeping James and his family in your thoughts.
9:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008
We have good news to report this morning! James has been upgraded to serious condition. He is conscious and awake. He is breathing on his own and able to follow/respond to commands. We continue to deliver all your emails to James' family, who are so appreciative of all the prayers, good thoughts and well wishes. On behalf of them, thank you!
11:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2008
James remains listed in critical condition in the surgical intensive care unit at BMC. It is important to understand that this type of injury does require a lot of time to improve and heal; therefore it is not uncommon for James' reported condition ("critical") to remain the same for days. It is not an indication that things are neither improving nor declining. James had another comfortable night and he is resting comfortably. At this point, we will post updates when his condition warrants them. The family continues to be overwhelmed by your e-mails and are deeply grateful to all of you who continue to hold James in your thoughts and prayers.
3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
James remains in critical condition at Boston Medical Center. He's still resting comfortably while being medically sedated. The next update will be Monday morning between 10 and 11 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
James remains listed in critical condition but he had another restful evening last night. He continues to be medically sedated so as to allow for further healing, which is normal for this type of situation. The next update will be this afternoon.
3:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008
James remains in critical condition but is resting comfortably. His sister Regina said, "We deeply thank everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers. We have received so many e-mails, from James' teammates, friends, and members of the UNH community, as well as from people who don't even know James but share his love of soccer. It is overwhelming that so many of you are reaching out to us, and we greatly appreciate each note we have received. Thank you so very much." The next update will be tomorrow morning.
9:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008
James remains listed in critical condition. Last night he underwent surgery to repair his broken jaw. He had a good night. He and his family have received an overwhelming number of e-mail messages sent by his teammates and the University community. At this time visitors are still not permitted. Next update will come later this afternoon.
4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, 2008
James remains in critical condition at Boston Medical Center.
12 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, 2008
James remains in critical condition at Boston Medical Center.
James' sister, Regina said Friday, "We very much appreciate all the thoughts, prayers and well wishes we have received from the UNH community."
Students who need assistance in coping with this are encouraged to contact the UNH Counseling Center at 932-7332, the Residence Life staff at 932-7076 or meet with a resident assistant or director.
Please keep James and his family in your thoughts.
