UI student returns after fall
Amanda Andaverde, right, looks into the eyes of her mother Emerald Banda, Monday evening at Trinity Mission Health & Rehab of Holly in Nampa. Amanda returned Monday to Idaho after remaining in an intensive care unit in Seattle since falling from a window at a University of Idaho fraternity in September. Charlie Litchfield/IPT
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jmeyer@idahopress.com
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
NAMPA — Beating doctor's expectations after a fall from a third-story fraternity house window at the University of Idaho in September, 19-year-old Amanda Andaverde and her mother made an all-day ambulance trek back home to the Treasure Valley Monday.
Emerald Banda spent weeks by her daughter's side in intensive care at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center. She said she "feels great" that her daughter is back home to start the next step of her recovery with her friends and family.
The pair arrived at Nampa's Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Holly Monday afternoon.
UI looks in to fraternity house safety
In response to two falls from upper-level fraternity windows within two weeks in September, University of Idaho administrators have asked Greek houses to conduct safety audits and review risk management policies, according to a report by the school's newspaper, the Argonaut. UI will assess risk management and alcohol policies, which school officials say haven't been reviewed in a while. After the accidents occurred, Matt Kurz, Greek adviser in the dean of students' office, said houses were tasked with reviewing general safety issues, which he called "clear, apparent safety hazards," such as loose railing on balconies.
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It's a step that doctors told Emerald wouldn't happen, she said.
"When you see her, you think she recognizes you," Banda said, with Amanda's stepfather Sam by her side. "The doctors call it a 'minimally conscious condition.' But I know with all the stimulation we've been giving her, talking to her, touching her, reading to her.... that God's the one that's bringing her back."
The sophomore veterinary science major endeavored to someday take care of animals and loved the interaction she got while at school with new friends. Her mother says that when she recovers she'll be a testament to local young people and students, sharing what she went through.
It was early in the morning Sept. 10 that Emerald got the call from Moscow, and eventually found out her daughter was in the hospital in serious condition after falling nearly 30 feet from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
"You never expect you're going to get a call like this. Then to see her like she is now... it's hard," Emerald said. " She can't talk to me or tell me what's going on or how she hurts or how she feels.
"It's her eyes that talk to me now and tell me what I can do for her and what she needs."
The family had prepared for a move from Caldwell — set for the day after the fall — and had already sold many of their possessions and packed for the move.
Now they're staying with a family from their church and "feeling strong with family and friends."
"We're together now. She has her brothers and sisters here, her friends here to stimulate her. I see her as being there, as a live person," Emerald said.
"My hope for the future is that God is going to bring her back alive to us."
Emerald said the family has set up a account through Home Federal Bank called "Benefit Amanda," that people may donate to. She also said any donation of furniture or anything to help the family is greatly appreciated.
