2005 Franciscan Profile in Children's Courage Award

Nicholas Prefontaine

What started out as an ordinary school day ended as a day that changed Nick Prefontaine's life forever. He left early for school, forgetting the helmet he always wore when snowboarding. Losing control of his snowboard is the last thing Nick remembers about that day.

Although he was initially in a coma, Nick's condition gradually improved. After a month at UMassMedicalCenter, he was transferred to FranciscanHospital for Children, where he learned to swallow, walk, talk and read again. Nick first communicate dby blinking, then by thumbs-up signals, then by drawing, and finally by speaking.

As an inpatient for two months at the hospital and then in outpatient therapy six days a week, he was determined to improve as quickly as possible to return home to his family, friends, and his education. Doctors say his recovery is nothing short of miraculous and Nick is grateful for it all.

In spite of his continuing months of therapy and recovery, Nick graduated eighth grade with his classmates and entered Saint John'sHigh School with his friends. As he steadily moves towards his goals, Nick's future is brighter than ever.