'Truly grateful': Regina boy injured in crash with alleged impaired driver regains consciousness
Benjamin Dufour, the seven-year-old boy who was gravely injured after being hit by a truck in Regina last month, has shown positive signs of recovery, according to a news release from his family.
“Ben has regained consciousness, can breathe on his own, and has been able to communicate,” the Dufour family said. “He has started regaining his memory and is showing signs of his old personality.”
Dufour was airlifted to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon after being stabilized in Regina after the crash.
Dufour was waiting for a school bus when a truck struck several vehicles before hitting him and crashing into a house, according to Regina police. The driver of the truck was charged with impaired driving and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.
Dufour’s numerous injuries included multiple broken bones, soft tissue damage to his C-spine, as well as a traumatic brain injury.
“We want to thank all the PICU staff for the exceptional care Ben received. We cannot thank you enough,” the family said in their statement.
Dufour has been moved out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and is now residing in the pediatric ward, undergoing physiotherapy.
“[Benjamin’s] physiotherapy indicates he has feeling and movement in his entire body,” the statement read. “Although we know this will still take some time, we are optimistic about his recovery.”
The Dufour family hopes to bring Benjamin home to Regina soon to continue his rehabilitation.
The Dufour’s ended their statement by thanking the Children’s Hospital for the care Benjamin received as well those who supported the family during the ordeal.
“The support we have received has been overwhelming. We are truly grateful.”
The online fundraiser established for Benjamin Dufour in the wake of the accident has now raised a total of $83,845 as of July 5, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.