Making her way back
“On August 14 she didn’t see him coming, now she is fighting for her life and needs your support,” says Marco Jimenez, Kim Hagen’s boyfriend.
This is the first readable line on Kim Hagen’s Web site, www.bringkimback.com, and describes Jimenez’s current mission in life – to bring Kim back.
Hagen, a 1995 Lake City High School graduate, was nearly killed when she was struck by a car Aug. 14, 2006, in Eugene, Ore., while crossing a poorly lit intersection.
The left side of Hagen’s head hit the car’s “A” pillar, which is the part of the windshield frame, and she suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The left side of her skull was shattered and the neurosurgeon removed four skull flaps because the swelling was so extreme.
The flaps were frozen, then surgically reattached six weeks later when Hagen emerged from a coma. The neurosurgeon then put in 12 plates which now hold her skull together.
Miraculously, Hagen did not break a single bone during the accident. Doctors told her parents, Post Falls’ residents Ron and Marsha Hagen, and sister, Christine Hagen, that Kim’s healthy lifestyle and athletic physique likely saved her life.
Jimenez, a Los Angeles-based commercial television producer, created the Web site primarily to share information about Hagen’s accident and to keep her friends and family informed about her medical condition.
“I will do everything in my power to bring Kim back,” says Jimenez, who likens himself to the fictitious movie character, John Creasy, played by Denzel Washington, in “Man on Fire.”
Creasy’s mission in the movie is do everything in his power to return a kidnapped 9-year-old to her family, similar to what Jimenez is doing – everything in his power to bring Hagen back.
After five weeks at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center in Spokane, was able to return home to her parents’ house for Christmas. Although there have been numerous “ups and downs” and there is still a long road to travel, Hagen continues to progress.
“Kim is a fighter,” says her mom. “She walks independently now but is still challenged with balance and has a limited range of motion. Every day we take baby steps.
“The power of prayer, a very good neurosurgeon, and great medical care has helped her get where she is today.”
Since Hagen’s hospitalization, there have been more than 50,000 hits from all over the world at www.bringkimback.com. The site averages 400 to 500 hits a day, o Jimenez says, and continues to be viewed daily by the world she help inspire.
There is a fundraiser page on the site that features upcoming events that are organized to help contribute funds to the Kim Hagen Foundation Inc.
Jimenez started the foundation with the hope of eventually helping others in similar circumstances by developing Web sites for families who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
“I had all I could handle, and was unable to answer all the calls of concerns when I was busy caring for Kim,” says Marsha Hagan. “The Web site really helped to keep everyone informed about her progress.”
While growing up, Hagen was interested in dance, gymnastics, sports, and even modeled successfully during middle and high school. She traveled after high school and, while visiting friends in Vancouver, became interested in the performing arts. She moved to San Diego in 2000 to pursue her passion. Hagen was residing there at the time of the accident and was in Eugene performing at a fair.
Hagen is a multitalented artist who has performed artistic, acrobatic and aerial routines and stunts, including stilt-walking and fire play internationally in clubs, theaters and corporate settings.
It has been seven months since the accident and Jimenez updates Hagen’s Web site frequently. The March 6 entry reads: “Everyday Kim is getting stronger. She responds to e-mails, returns calls voluntarily and is slowly re-learning all of the everyday life things that are taken for granted.”
Hagen continues to receive rehabilitation at Kootenai Medical Center that involves treatment in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy.
Marsha Hagan says the whole family has been involved in the rehabilitation process, and “that it truly has been a family affair.”
ABC anchor Bob Woodruff’s injury and experience in Iraq has been an encouraging story to the Hagan family. Woodruff and ABC cameraman Doug Vogt were injured Jan. 29, 2006, in a roadside bomb explosion while reporting on the war.
Woodruff nearly died and suffered a very serious brain injury. He was airlifted to Germany where he had surgery and pent 36 days in a coma, and Americans watched and wondered if he would live, walk, talk, or even think.
“It was nice to have a celebrity be so public with his journey,” says Marsha Hagan. “Bob Woodruff was far enough ahead of Kim’s progress, that it was very encouraging to watch – especially when Kim wasn’t progressing and we felt discouraged.”
Today Marsha and Ron Hagen feel blessed and very grateful.
“People we don’t even know have said prayers and have helped out. Kim is making her way back, and that is cause for celebration.”