Defying the Odds

The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio has been serving patients and bringing healing to the community since 1959. Throughout the years, countless young lives have been saved through the care of our qualified physicians and hospital Associates.

In 1975, Joel Boggess went on a hike in Bracken, TX with his father and a few friends. As a curious five-year-old, Joel wondered off the hiking trail and climbed up to an interesting looking bridge. He had never seen anything like it, so he laid on his belly and excitedly yelled down to his dad. At that moment, Joel felt the ground begin to rumble and saw a train coming towards him. He panicked as he moved out of the way and fell 30 feet onto the rocks below him.

After a long ambulance ride, Joel arrived at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, then known as Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. He was unresponsive and in critical condition. Joel suffered from three skull fractures and had an 80% chance of death or waking up in a vegetative state.

Dr. Allen Kingman, former lead neurosurgeon at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital, immediately took Joel into his care. After surgery, Joel spent about one month in a coma as his brain began to heal.

“This whole traumatic story is a testimony of God’s favor and the incredible medical care that is provided by The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio,” said Joel, now in his late forties. “I owe my life to the people who acted quickly and provided me with the best possible care.”

After six weeks in the Hospital, Joel was released to go home. His recovery began, and he was able to finish school with his peers. Joel suffered minor damage to his optical nerve and had to manage a few learning disabilities, but he is doing well and is grateful to be alive. He is now a motivational speaker who travels around the country to provide inspirational messages about hope and resiliency in difficult situations.

“No one expected me to live a normal life, but I was able to beat those odds,” Joel added. “I use my life now to bring hope to others, and I will forever be grateful to God and to The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio for giving me new hope in my life.”

Through your support, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio will continue to save lives, like Joel’s, for years to come. Please consider becoming a part of someone else’s story of hope, and make a gift today.