Cory Garabedian: The Long Road to Recovery

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—AYFer Cory Garabedian woke up from an induced coma inside a Providence hospital with a sense of reassurance.

Returning the favor were members of his family, friends, and associates, many of whom gave the 23-year-old up for dead. Cory defied the odds and pulled through a horrific accident on Christmas Eve that took a partial leg and resulted in numerous other surgeries.

It was not the way anybody would have wanted to spend a joyous holiday, least of all someone who had the world by the tail and was prepared to play college football. As of this writing, it’s been 17 days of recovery for the young man.

Meanwhile, dozens of well wishes have come from around the country from those who read his story online. One reader named James told of a John MacArthur involved in a similar accident.

“That incident became his turning point for the new direction of his life,” James said. “Today, he is one of the greatest pastor-teachers in Southern California, including his church in Panorama City with over 3,000 members. Through his TV, radio, and websites, he touches millions.”

Which begs the question, what next for Cory? We read and hear of stories concerning people who use their disabilities for the common good. People overcoming their impediments are the inspiration we need as a society to motivate our lives.

Cory is that type of person. He could coach. He could also compete with another class of heroes. He could be the leader and the teacher he always dreamed of becoming.

One of my best friends was a coach who mentored his cross-country teams for 40 years—within the confines of a wheelchair. The list knows no end.

“Cory is tough,” says his mom Leslie Ani. “I call him the original ‘Rocky’ for I have seen him suffer tremendously and be braver and stronger than most men who ever dared to suffer. His doctors have decreased the pain medication and weaned him off his ventilator. The worst suffering has only just begun.”

Leslie goes on to say how her son has already touched many lives, including David Krikorian, a tremendous fighter for the Armenian Cause.

“Cory is an amazing and humble man,” she confirms. “He’s blessed with a strong corps of friends, family, and supporters who are all praying for his speedy recovery.”

Leslie said her son is becoming more aware of his surroundings but is limited in his communication skills at this time.

“He’s been asking doctors questions and getting honest and positive answers,” she added.

Word travels fast inside AYF circles. Within moments, an entire community of Providence was touched by the unexpected tragedy to a native son. In a matter of days, Cory’s welfare was embraced by many, many hearts across the country.

“His smile could light up an entire convention center,” said his friend, Mgo Kassabian, a North Andover AYFer. “He always gave you a hug, even if he didn’t know you well.”

Kassabian pulled out a cell phone and quickly called up a photo showing the two of them together, each pointing a finger at the other.

“I look at that picture and I want to cry for my friend,” he said, his voice cracking. “It could have been any one of us. In times like these, sad as they are, it makes our own difficulties seem so small and insignificant. Knowing Cory, he’ll be back in a blaze of glory.”

In an Armenian School class that morning, I happened to mention Cory’s story to a group of adolescents I teach. Most of them are Junior AYFers and were familiar with the story, calling out his name. We used the incident as a point of reference.

“I would try to become a role model for my peers,” said one 13-year-old.

The outreach for Cory has only just begun and least of it would be any pity or contempt. The last thing this gold-medal athlete would ever want is sympathy.

A fund has been created to assist with medical costs. Checks can be written out to “Friends of Cory” and sent to Sovereign Bank, 184 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI 02914 (Attn: Ryan Purcell).

More to the local front, a major fundraiser will take place at the Providence AYF’s annual Victory Ball on Jan. 28 at the West Valley Inn. All proceeds from a raffle will go toward his benefit.

“Cory needs people to sit with him during the day, especially the early morning hours from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” says Steve Elmasian, his advisor/coach. “He gets agitated when he wakes up and needs someone to settle him down.” If interested, please e-mail his mom, at garabedian5@yahoo.com.

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Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.

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