I just came across this article and wanted to let you know that I have read LOTS of articles about Chris.  Your article was well written, and the accounts were very accurate. I should know, I am his mom. It still amazes me today to get on the computer and find so many articles about my son on the computer. I came upon your article because Chris was once again in our local news. We tease that he has become the 'poster boy' for our local news.

When Chris was recovering from his brain surgery, he enrolled in his EMT-I class. It was difficult for him at first because he could not drive and he even was having difficulty reading his books. One of his fellow volunteers was also taking the class with him and she drove him to his classes and studied with him.  I'm proud to say that he passed top of his class! Chris is now a full time employee with an Ambulance Service in Canon City.

He has had some set backs with his recovery starting in Feb. The scar tissue build up has caused some pressure in his brain which has given him some decrease of visual field, some long term memory problems and of course headaches which is not uncommon for people that suffer from traumatic brain injury but none of it holds Chris back. He continues with his volunteer work, he just recently got promoted to the youngest medical lt. in the department and he does a great job!
 
He is still proud of his title of 'Pinhead' and wears that badge of honor very close to his heart. I think it makes him a better person at his job treating patients on a daily basis. He is still gets recognized and is happy to tell his story. He still gets a kick  out of standing in line some where and over hearing some one talk about..."Did you hear about the guy with the pin in his head?"...and he just pulls his base ball cap further down over his eyes and smiles.
 
I am writing a book about our family and Chris's story will be in it. I do not know when it will be done.  Thank you again for your article.
Dawn Clear

WEBMISTRESS NOTE: While I'd love to take credit, the article was found in the Reporter Herald newspaper, as noted at the bottom of the reprint. (reporterherald.com )  Valerie