PROVIDENCE, R.I—Seven weeks after losing a leg in a near-fatal auto accident on Christmas Eve, Cory Garabedian walked out of Rhode Island Hospital, bent on a new lifestyle.
With stark memories of that horrific mishap still dancing in his head, the 23-year-old seems determined to put the past behind him, lost limb and all.
Plans to check into Dean College and play quarterback on the football team are being put on hold. So are a lot of other things on Cory’s personal agenda. For now, therapy remains the top priority and learning to walk all over again with an artificial leg.
“If I master the prosthetic, then maybe I’ll try and get involved with sports again, even if it’s on the coaching side,” he said. “If I should coach, it will be with the AYF, church, or some other Armenian sports team. I’d like to give back what the Armenian community gave me growing up.”
Words from his Facebook page as he left the hospital are bound to uplift even the most sympathetic: “Today is the day when my hospital nightmare ends. I’m going home and never looking back. To everyone, just take life day by day because you never know when it’s going to be your last.”
According to Cory’s physicians, he may never have survived such an ordeal had it not been for his strong physical condition and uncompromising faith.
His liver, elbow, leg, and lugs all underwent treatment. He was on a respirator and feeding tube for weeks.
“Much of my recovery had to do with the military and the discipline of how to deal with adversity,” he felt.
The dream of someday visiting Armenia, whether in an athletic capacity earlier or now, still burns in his heart. A trip to that country with the Homenetmen was negated when Cory was called to duty in Cuba with the National Guard.
Although basketball and track were his forte, the star athlete was named Most Valuable Player in a Division 4 Super Bowl for his high school football team before all his AYF and ACYOA friends, who showed up with their tricolors to cheer him on.
ory often thought of those halcyon days while recuperating at the hospital. The fact he was seldom without visitors, whether it was his peers or clergy from different churches, made the recovery process more tolerable.
“When I awoke from a coma, I had no idea what had happened to me or where I was,” Cory said. “After gaining consciousness, only then did I realize that part of my right leg was missing. I immediately looked down and couldn’t believe the limb was missing.”
Cory said he watched movies and read about people missing body parts, never thinking he would be victimized.
“Some nights, I’d lay there in tears thinking my life was over,” he said. “After being discharged, I definitely have some huge adjustments to make, like negotiating a shower or a car, even my own bedroom.”
Garabedian credited his mom Leslie and younger brother Humberto for their ongoing motivation to heal, along with their constant surveillance. The adjustments were slow and agonizing at times.
He whiled away the hours watching television when guests weren’t present. Cory’s mom and AYF coach/advisor Steve Elmasian never missed a day, often joined by his aunt Kristen Garabedian and grandmother Frances Garabedian.
“My aunt from Minnesota [Janine Garabedian] heard what happened and flew out immediately to spend a week with me in ICU,” Cory said. “Throughout my hospital stay, I had a great support system that reached out extensively.”
Meanwhile, funds continue to trickle in for Cory’s medical expenses, compounded by some $6,000 that was raised at the Providence “Varantian” Ball. Other events have also taken place throughout the Greater Providence community as Armenians have rallied around this young man.
Elmasian didn’t just hold a daily vigil by his athlete’s bedside but played a catalytic role in helping to alleviate the financial burden suddenly thrust upon him.
“Cory came out of his coma and hasn’t looked back,” Elmasian noted. “He has to deal with the loss of a leg but is focusing on the fact he’s still alive and thankful to God for that. He told me to look around and see others who needed more help than himself. That says it all.”
Readers can contribute to Friends of Cory, c/o Sovereign Bank, Attn. Ryan Purcell, 184 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI 02914.
A fundraiser on his behalf is planned for March 1 at Ladder 133, located at 133 Douglas Ave. in Providence, a block from where his grandfather grew up inside the old Armenian neighborhood.
Tom Vartabedian
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Sending warm wishes and prayers to Cory. Thanks to Weekly for keeping us updated. I look forward for more good news about Cory.
We as people and better yet Armenians can all learn something from Cory, after everything he’s been through and lost, all he can think about is giving back to the Armenian community that raised him.
When someone endures a situation like Cory has, they tend to realize what matters most in their life, and it’s easy to see that it’s his family, friends and Armenian community. Cory is a direct example of the strength, courage and faith that runs through our bloodline. He is not the first one to be beaten up to his last breathe only to come back stronger and more determined, he’s just another Armenian.
Thank god for the Steve Elmasians of the community, they always tend to find the best and keep them coming back.
Cory, I know someone who lost half an arm and both legs in an accident his freshman year at Princeton. He’s now a medical doctor, known for fundraising, and the head of his own clinic in his specialty (hospice care) at a top medical school (UC San Francisco). He’s a phenomenal human being, his prosthetics are remarkable. Nothing can stop you – just be open to God’s plan that will always find a way to you if you let it. Don’t be afraid of what seems new in the plan. I’ll keep you in my prayers. With all the praying done for you, I’m sure you know you have lots of help!! Best to you