'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
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.