Student to return from hospital

By Laura Frazier, Features Editor frazier13@up.edu

After collapsing at the basketball court by Fields and Schoenfeldt halls almost two weeks ago, sophomore Aaron Myers has made a remarkable recovery and plans to be back on The Bluff following Easter break.

In an interview with The Beacon from his room in Emanuel Hospital, Myers said he felt great and expects to return to full health.

"I've been feeling good for a few days now," he said.

On March 23, Myers had a seizure and was without a heartbeat for about 35 minutes, according to Portland Fire and Rescue. Public Safety responded before Portland Fire and Rescue arrived. Myers was alternately shocked and given CPR by the Emergency Medical Technicians and, after six rounds of shocks, was taken to Emanuel Hospital.

Myers has no recollection of the incident.

"I really don't remember anything that happened," Myers said. "I've just heard what they told me."

Myers said it's weird to hear what happened to him second-hand.

"I heard that my heart stopped and it was kind of a shock," Myers said.

Doctors have no explanation for Myers' seizure. He had no pre-existing medical conditions.

"They don't know why my heart stopped," Myers said. "There's no reason why it stopped. It's kind of weird."

Myers was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital. By March 26, Myers was upgraded to serious condition, and only a week later he was upgraded to fair condition.

Junior Trevor Webber was on the court with Myers the day he collapsed.

"When I saw it first, I was worried he wouldn't come back," Webber said. "I was praying for him as much as I could."

Last Thursday, the UP community came together to pray for Myers at a candlelight vigil at The Chapel of Christ the Teacher.

Senior Kyle Buchberger, Myers' resident assistant in Schoenfeldt Hall, noticed Myers' absence.

"It's been a huge loss, and we've missed having his presence around," Buchberger said.

Buchberger said Myers attends his floor dinners every week. He also said he was the only resident to attend every women's soccer game in the fall, as well as every men's and women's basketball game.

"What was so hard initially, and is now one of the most exciting things, is that he is one of the nicest and most participatory kids in Schoenfeldt Hall," Buchberger said. "We're excited to have him back."

Upon hearing the news of Myers' return, junior Jeff Makjavich was amazed.

"His rate of improvement is incredible," Makjavich said. "It's astonishing. It's really a miracle."

Buchberger expects Myers may have a hard time transitioning back to school and said he will support him however possible.

"We realize it's not an easy transition. The most important to us is we want him to come back at a hundred percent," Buchberger said. "We want him back to full health."

Myers is grateful for the prayers and support from UP.

"I'm doing a lot better," Myers said. "Thanks for all your prayers, and I'll see you soon."