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
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hilaire was honored at the 2009 Fairfield County Sports Night by receiving the Chelsea Cohen Courage Award. Here are some photos from the event.
Friday, September 25, 2009
One year after suffering a life changing accident on the soccer field, University of New Haven senior James Hilaire is on the road to recovery. NBC Connecticut did a feature on Hilaire in a special that aired on Thursday, September 24.
For the complete piece visit the NBC Connecticut website at www.nbcconnecticut.com or click here for a direct link to the video.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Today is September 24, 2009, which is a day that doctors said I would not make it through 1 year ago. Today I thank god and everyone for their support throughout my injury. I am working hard throughout my recovery, and I know that one day I will be 100% recovered from my injury. Doctor's said a 90% recovery but I will push for 100. Throughout my injury I have been a lot of places such as the white house, and I have received a lot of awards because of how positive I have been since the incident. Once again thank you for all of the support, and letters I received while hospitalized. Thank you for keeping track of my injury and progress through the websites and articles which have been published.
Thank You!!!!
- James "Big Time" Hilaire
Tuesday, August 11
The Fairfield County Sports Commission today announced James Hilaire as the recipient of one of its most prestigious awards, the Chelsea Cohen Courage Award. The Cohen Award is sponsored by the Forever Young Foundation, the charitable giving entity of Greenwich native and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young.
The sports commission also announced the Special Olympics Sports Person of the Year, Mark Kurimai, at a press conference at the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame at UCONN Stamford. Both will be presented at the Commission's 5th annual Sports Night awards dinner, Monday, Oct.19 at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich at 6 pm.
Click here for more details.
Wednesday, July 29
James recently wrote a poem about his experiences and road to recovery. Here it is...
Remembering September 24th, 2008
September 24th is a day that I will never forget
And all those years of playing I will never regret
The day started just as any other day for me would
I knew that we would win our game, we actually could
As the ref blew his whistle and we started to play
I wasn't thinking that it could be my last day
The other team was playing a lot better than us
I was getting frustrated and wanted to cuss
As a player came in to attempt to score a goal
I came out very fast and got very low
We collided and his knee hit me in my face
After that I couldn't move I just stayed in place
As I laid on the ground, blood gushing from my head
Everyone looked around and honestly thought I was dead
My coaches were told I would not make it through the night
But there was absolutely no way I would not fight
I was transferred to Boston medical center
Where I got a whole bunch of get well letters
For over a week I was not able to wake
Till an angel came down and gave me break
As I woke up, I had no idea why I was there
All I could do is lie there in fear
Weeks went by and I continued to progress
But I couldn't fight too hard because I needed my rest
I had months of vigorous physical therapy
I started to remember and get back my clarity
I slowly started to remember the 1st half of the soccer game
I now know that there was definitely nobody to blame
As I continued physical therapy and months went by
The tears that my loved ones constantly cried started to dry
I can finally do everything for myself
I hope that nobody else ever has to feel what I felt
I am fighting my hardest to one day play soccer again
I will without a doubt play as a field player I just don't know when
My dream was taken away from me in the blink of an eye
But till this day I thank god that I did not die
I will always have a place in my heart for the love of the game
And a true soccer player will definitely do the same
My teammates call me "Big Time"
Forever that name will remain mine
Once again September 24th is day that I will never forget. ©
Monday, July 13
James was recently selected as the official CONCACAF Gold Cup team liaison for the Haitian national soccer team. The Haitian's played to a 2-2 tie with the USA national team on Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. as part of the Gold Cup opening rounds. Click here for a complete daily blog from James' experience.
Friday, July 10
James was selected as the official CONCACAF team liaison for the Haitian National Soccer Team this weekend as part of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. On Monday James will check in with a complete recap and blog from the events which let up to the Haitian National Team's game against the U.S. on Saturday, July 11.
Monday, June 29
James made a visit to the White House last week and attended a special discussion on health care reform. He had the honor of shaking President Obama's hand and sitting in on the discussion which took place in the White House's East Room. See a picture below of Hilaire just outside the East Room.
Wednesday, June 3
James Hilaire was selected as a co-recipient of the 2009 Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10) Male Sportsmanship Award, along with Robbie Sabadoz of Merrimack College. Hilaire was honored on Monday, June 1 evening at the NE-10's annual awards banquet in Mystic, Conn.
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.
