Children recovering from wreck injuries

by Kevin Lilly
Pharos-Tribune news editor

May 15, 2008 11:59 am

— ROYAL CENTER — A child involved in a deadly two-vehicle accident on Ind. 25 in late March recently returned home from the hospital.
After 43 days in Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, 8-year-old Brody Snider was discharged on Friday. He had been hospitalized since the crash on March 28 at 300S and Ind. 25, northeast of Clymers.
Brody’s father, Jerry Snider, wanted those who had come to the family’s aid to know that his son was recovering.
“He’s really doing well,” Jerry said. “To see the way he was when we first saw him compared to how he is now, we really feel blessed.”
Brody had suffered a traumatic brain injury, a shattered bone in his right leg and cuts to his face.
He is now getting around on his own by using a walker. He gets tired easily, Jerry said, but with his mother, Terra, by his side, the Pioneer Elementary second-grader went to school Monday.
“He’s really coming around,” Jerry said.
Brody is expected to recover fully. In addition to the physical, occupational and speech therapy he received while hospitalized, he is scheduled for physical therapy throughout the summer.
Jerry’s younger son, 6-year-old Connor Snider, is also recovering from the two broken ankles he suffered in the wreck. He is still in a wheelchair, but has since returned to school at Pioneer Elementary, where he is kindergartner.
“I would like everyone to know that Connor is doing well,” Jerry said.
On May 20, the pins placed in Connor’s ankles are scheduled for removal, Jerry said. At that time, he should be put walking casts and taken out of the wheelchair. Connor will also be attending physical therapy this summer.
Two people, including the boys’ grandmother, Jean C. Snider, died in the crash.
Jerry said the community had helped the family tremendously.
“There were a lot of donations, cards, prayers and money,” he said. “Just a lot of overwhelming things.”
In April, the Logansport Elks Lodge 66 hosted a benefit spaghetti dinner and auction for the Snider family. All the proceeds went to expenses for Brody and Connor.
“We just cannot thank the community enough for everything that they have done,” Jerry said.
Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com