Jax and Luis

We’re privileged to introduce you to a very special FACE Success Story.

Jax and his dad Luis headed out for a day of fun and were driving north on California’s Interstate 5 when a drunk driver, who was driving the wrong way, collided head-on with them. Both Luis and Jax were ejected from their car, while the drunk driver was fatally injured at the scene.

Jax was in shock, pacing the highway trying to help his dad who was badly injured. Once help arrived, Luis was taken immediately to Scripps Memorial Hospital and Jax was taken to our good friends at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Sorrento Valley. Luis sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures, head bleeding, collapsed lungs, and a broken spine with the possibility of paralysis. Jax sustained internal bleeding, lacerations, trauma, and a spleen injury requiring surgery. To watch the NBC News story on the accident, click here.

Jax and his veterinary team

Luis, a combat veteran, suffers from PTSD after serving multiple tours in Afghanistan. Jax is his registered therapy dog and a main source of emotional support. “They are best friends that do everything together,” says Luis’s sister, who flew all the way from New York with her mother to be here for Luis and Jax. “Their love is beyond words. Jax has made his life a lot easier and less stressful. If anything happened to Jax, he would be devastated.”  When Luis regained consciousness, his first words were his 3-year-old daughter’s name and “Jax is irreplaceable.”

Jax with his dad and sister

With the support of community donors, FACE was able to assist Jax with receiving emergency care at VSH. VSH did not hesitate in helping Jax and worked with FACE to significantly discount his critical veterinary treatments.

Luis has already undergone multiple surgeries and is progressing each day, but has a long road of recovery ahead of him. It could be 6 months before he can walk again. Jax has been able to visit Luis in the hospital during his recovery.

Jax and his sister

FACE wants to thank everyone for ensuring that Luis has his best friend by his side during this time when the two need each other the most. “Thank you for everything you did for Jax and my brother, says Luis’s sister.  “Words cannot describe how thankful we are. From the bottom of our hearts, our family thanks you.”

Jax with a few of his FACE friends