A Christmas to Remember, a Holiday to Forget
Paxton Zocaro-Retamal, an 18-year-old from Brisbane, will spend Christmas in hospital, a far cry from the festive celebrations he had planned with his friends and family.
The teenager’s life took a drastic turn in August when he was involved in a horrific car crash on Whitmore Crescent, Goodna, that left him fighting for his life.
The Crash That Changed Everything
Paxton was traveling in a Toyota LandCruiser with five other friends when it crashed into a paperbark tree on a median strip around 8:30 pm. The impact was so severe that Paxton was propelled out of the vehicle, suffering a severe, traumatic brain injury. The driver and front-seat passenger, both 17, escaped with minor injuries, while the other three passengers were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
Paxton’s mother, Natalie Zocaro, received the devastating news that her son had been in an accident. She rushed to the crash scene, only to be told by a police officer that she couldn’t see her son. The officer escorted her to the hospital, where she arrived before the ambulance. When Paxton arrived, CPR was being performed on him, and the medical team was unsure if he would wake up or had suffered a stroke.
Against All Odds
Despite the grim prognosis, Paxton defied the odds and started showing signs of improvement. His mother, Natalie, remained by his side, documenting his progress and compiling photos and videos of her son. In an exclusive interview with The Courier-Mail, Natalie described the moment she saw Paxton in the ICU as one of the most traumatic experiences of her life. However, she remained hopeful, and her efforts paid off when Paxton recently graduated from Year 12, a moment that brought tears of joy to the entire family.
The Long Road to Recovery
Paxton remains in the PA Hospital’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU), where he undergoes intensive therapy to regain his strength and mobility. The unit offers a six-day program facilitated by an allied health team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and other medical professionals. Paxton’s mother praised the care he has received, saying it has been “world-class” and that the hospital has become a “home environment” for them.
A New Perspective
Paxton’s accident has given him a new perspective on life. He had previously dreamed of becoming an engineer in the mines but now wants to inspire others through motivational talks at schools. His mother said that the experience has been an emotional rollercoaster, but they are grateful for the care Paxton has received and the progress he has made.
The Investigation Continues
The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the cause of the crash to determine whether speed or alcohol were factors. No charges have been laid, but the outcome of the investigation could have a significant impact on Paxton’s family and friends.
As Paxton spends Christmas in hospital, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.