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Where Are They Now? | Parth Patel
In 2014, when Parth Patel was just 14, he was vacationing with his family in India when he was involved in a devastating automobile accident that claimed the lives of his father and grandfather. Parth sustained many traumatic injuries, including a severe brain injury, and remained in India undergoing a series of surgeries and recovering to the point where he was stable enough to travel back to the United States.
After 10 days at the University of Maryland, Parth transferred to MWPH at the end of October 2014. When he arrived, he did not seem to be aware of his surroundings and had a g-tube and a trach. At MWPH, Parth underwent intensive rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies. He had neurological evaluations and was fitted for specialized rehabilitation equipment.
“Everything was very new to me. I knew nothing about brain injury,” said Parth’s mother, Priyanka. “But when I came to MWPH, everyone, from the receptionists and the janitors to the doctors, nurses, and therapists, acted like they were my family. They were always there for anything I needed.” Parth was discharged home from MWPH in February 2015.
Today, Parth is a happy, highly social person. Although he doesn’t talk or walk, he makes connections with others and loves life. “He has come a long, long way in terms of his cognitive awareness and physical ability,” Priyanka said. “He is doing more and more for himself, and he advocates for his needs.”
He loves to listen to music, play Uno, watch YouTube videos, and hang out with his friends. He also likes spicy food and has participated in activities like sailing and rock climbing through MWPH’s Abilities Adventures program. His future goals include getting a job.
For Priyanka and Parth, MWPH continues to hold a special place in their hearts. “Even after 10 years, when I walk in that building, I feel like I’m home,” Priyanka said. ♥