Surviving locked-in syndrome: How one man confounded expectations of death

[@lambdalambdalambdaa]

Hold up. So his mom died when he was 19 and his stepdad still stayed around even though he was an addict and was in a vegetative state? That man is a champ.

[@mrbeans2425]

Yes he is. I was his neighbor, and we grew up together. got high together, I knew both his step siblings too. But I had no clue he went through all this, He is one strong kid. I'll tell you that. In many ways. I am beyond happy to see him doing better! He is a fighter and it literally brought tears to my eyes listening to him speak again! Because I know that voice! And his little "nah nop" that hasnt changed ONE BIT lol!

[@Lotek117]

For real, that step father is a saint!

[@ohSHATTitsKATT]

Seriously, that is love right there.

[@guptasagar694]

Jacob Matthew Creasman, 33, of Etowah passed away Friday, July 15, 2022 in an Etowah healthcare facility. He was a veteran of the US Marines.

[@bunnybae9365]

​@@guptasagar694thats a different person

[@lalaland12564]

The fact that he took full responsibility for his part in what happened to him is amazing.

[@party4keeps28]

Rare these days.

[@CJM-rg5rt]

@@party4keeps28 it REALLY shouldn't be. What you're saying and I agree with is that sociopaths are incredibly common. Like an absurd amount and it makes lt incredibly difficult to exist amongst humanity without depression. People even turn into opioid slaves to somewhat escape. "These days" isn't parenting or anything.. it's the people who have all the kids, the people who excel in this world get to pass this genetically.

[@party4keeps28]

@@CJM-rg5rt These days, people have learned that it's not only acceptable to deny responsibility for their actions, it's advantageous. I wouldn't even say people that do this are all sociopathic, I'd just say that they've realized much of society will back them as long as they deny the truth, no matter how damning the evidence may be. It's sad, very sad. Ethics are being set aside. What's right or wrong has been twisted. This isn't about a specific gender, race, religion, etc, it's about the major trend of people not accepting responsibility for their own actions.

[@CJM-rg5rt]

@@party4keeps28 I know good people and I know bad people. There's something wrong at the core of too many people. It's just weird to hear you say how weird it is. I barely recognize the people who you talk about as people. They are a infection. You are totally right about him though and people with a soul will always be this way. Not being able to feel guilt isn't normal yet it's scary common.

[@party4keeps28]

@@CJM-rg5rt There are a lot of good people left. Yes, bad people have spread their infectious ways but I think everything will get back on track. In the future, people will look back on our current, unethical absurdities and laugh at us.

[@TRaiiN420]

When I was 8 in 2000 I got hit by a pick up truck in Worcester Massachusetts. I died that day and they brought me back to life at Umass. I couldn't walk talk eat breath on my own. I spent 30 days in Umass and was sent to Boston to the same hospital as Jake. I was there for a month as well. They helped me learn how to do everything again. It's been 22 years and I now do everything like a normal 29 year old would. I think the people who worked so hard and all the countless hours they worked on get me back to 100%. Good luck Jake one step at a time my man. Thank to all the Heros we call doctors and nurses.

[@bobbob-gi1yp]

Are you sure about that?

[@badereric]

reading this and then checking your channel and seeing you uploading gaming content like any other person would was honestly quite touching

[@bobbob-gi1yp]

@@badereric you’d probably would have better aim than me cause all the osu u play

[@Chasedroog]

Sticky train, I was also hit by a truck. I was 19 currently 21. Do you have time to talk

[@rhondazappalewis3685]

God bless you!!! I'm glad you came through your accident... 🙏💕

[@BeautybyDawnMarie]

Jake!!!! I don’t know if you remember me but all I can say is Western Mass Hospital!!! I remember telling you you could get out of there and to see you now this is astonishing!! I’m so proud and happy for you!!!!! God bless you always 🙏🏼

[@Chet_Brinkley]

That's a beautiful thing.

[@TRaiiN420]

Thank you. I was one of those kids you saved

[@BeautybyDawnMarie]

@@TRaiiN420 not sure what you mean

[@TRaiiN420]

@@BeautybyDawnMarie when I was a kid I also spent time in that hospital. So I'm one of those kids that you helped. I understand you wasn't there then.

[@Mia........]

I'm from western MA (spfld) and I never heard of that hospital! Just looked it up

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

I hope he realizes that accidently causing something isn't the same as deserving it.

[@carlcarlson5553]

True that!

[@mrbeans2425]

@@carlcarlson5553 he does. he is in a much better space now. learning to walk again too, still needs the chair tho. and were going to see Nate Bargatze together the end of this month.

[@carlcarlson5553]

@@mrbeans2425 Good to hear! I wish him and all of you the best!!

[@AngieG-ville45]

When I trained as a nursing assistant, we were taught two important things. The hearing is the last thing to go, and always be careful of what you say around a patient, even if they don't seem cognitively aware.

[@jphanks]

Please hold on to that, and remind your colleagues. I was paralyzed and awake while intubated, and had the most horrible experience with two CNAs laughing and mocking my body. I'm still dealing with that night.

[@SanCreatividad-pd1pf]

Thanks for telling this. I will keep it on my mind.

[@Captain_Obvious_Says]

Imagine this, the doctors say there no hope and suggest taking you off life support, yet you can hear and understand everything going on but can’t say anything! That’s so scary to think about and makes me wonder how often it happens :(

[@DTD110865]

That's precisely why I oppose the "Right-to-Die" lobby.

[@Yellow-Rose]

But if there's brain activity then you're not clinically dead right?

[@DTD110865]

@@Yellow-Rose Sure. The trouble is, too often the powers that be don't realize that there still might be some brain activity.

[@nimblebimble]

? Yeah, that’s this story…

[@COWScankill2]

Im wondering why they didnt do brain scans to confirm their thoughts that he was in a vegetative state???

[@raleighamelia7895]

The trauma this guy must’ve gotten from all of this, but it seems like he’s very positive about his second chance in life. I wish him and his family all the best

[@mwmsjuly19]

He seems so incredibly sweet. Best to him and his family.

[@DylanRomanov]

I feel so bad that his mom died and that’s what caused his drug use . I’m glad he’s doing better

[@jkn8705]

A terrifying miracle. Honestly, this is one of my biggest fears...being locked inside your own mind. So happy that he, and the doctors around him never gave up. ❤️

[@DebHickerson]

He is fortunate to have the therapy he needs. My friend's husband, who also has locked-in syndrome, has had to fight tooth and nail with insurance for the most basic care.

[@marygoff3332]

So frustrating. The insurance companies are rip off artists.

[@BrooklynBalla]

@@marygoff3332 Blame America for allowing it.They allow them to charge 60$ for a Tylenol and 90$ for a few strips of gauze.

[@Wikked]

My 27 yr old nephew has LIS , and same... insurance is a royal.pain to deal with, they don't want to pay for ANYTHING. 😡😤😭

[@justthatgirl-ct4jo]

What do they expect them to do? Just die?

[@melissamcclain34]

Locked in syndrome is the illness the young lady had that was recently found fused to the couch in her parents home where she had been sitting for the last 12 years. They say she was only able to move her eyes but she could feel and hear. If only she would have had a support system like Jake. Glad he's been given a 2nd chance❤

[@b_em0]

😔😢😢😢

[@QAsession]

Such a terrible outcome for that young woman. I dont understand how her parents thought that was acceptable. A horrendous pair of humans.

[@c.erine78]

I don't suppose there is anyway now to find out if the young lady's condition was caused by taking a drug like Jake's. Such a shame. He's made an amazing recovery!

[@erinjensen2799]

Oh wow thanks for the update! I did not realize she suffered from this condition. The article I read said she was autistic and they just did not care for her properly what so ever.. I had wondered if they made her stay on the couch, this makes more since. Thank you for the update!

[@lightening791]

So tragic and heartbreaking. May she find peace, love and happiness in the afterlife. That poor young woman suffered

[@AmyCelento]

As a NeuroMovement®️ Practitioner working daily on a child in a coma, this is exactly what I needed to see today. An outpouring of tears and a reaffirmation that I'm supposed to keep going to the skilled nursing facility each day. 🙏🙏🙏

[@denisedecastaneda1995]

👑💖🏆✨💐Thank Y💖U For What You Do Amy Celento💖🥰

[@michaelflanagan1185]

[@naztava5888]

God bless you Amy! Keep on being the light to those who are hurting ❤

[@QAsession]

How wonderful that you saw this video and were moved by it. Many patients need that one health care practitioner who truly goes in there and believes in their recuperation. Having two very very elderly parents we have seen first hand the shortage of humans like yourself who give it their all. On the contrary, they think that its a waste of time to try to help improve the patient's quality of life, that its too late and not worth it. Thank you for all that you do!!!

[@KyleTokes]

You’re an angel Amy, truly doing Gods work! Bless your heart & soul.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

😭 Thank you Jake. As a stroke survivor your story gives me hope.

[@iMonZ00]

How old are you?

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Wow, what a remarkable story. I can’t imagine the torture Jake went through while unable to communicate. This is why patients in comas or similar should always be treated with respect and those around these patients should assume there is at least some level of awareness.

[@taffycat93]

How many times have people been allowed to die when they can still hear, think and feel? The thought is scary.

[@Chet_Brinkley]

Think about being in a box that is sealed so tightly that no one can hear you scream. You can see out but no one can see in. What a miserable, painful, agonizing way to exist. If you wanted to end it you don't have the means to do so. To just lay there day after day, night after night probably not even knowing, or caring if the sun even exists. I believe that people still suffer this type of torture in some 'well meaning ' institutions but they have no voice and are left to die.

[@taffycat93]

@@Chet_Brinkley Btw, you have a lovely writing style. Yes, even on a subject such as this. Peace.

[@Chet_Brinkley]

@@taffycat93 Ty

[@SanCreatividad-pd1pf]

Quite a many.

[@BrokeNerfing]

I always wondered if people in a vegetative state were conscious and just locked in their bodies. That always frightened me.

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

This is strikingly rare. And you will notice that 4 years later, he is still profoundly impaired. Living with help at 28, and the risk of early dementia and seizures will be with him forever. This is the real story of brain injury.

[@yvonnemurray5537]

I really think he needs to go on a college speaking tour to tell his story…he is so open about his drug use…maybe he could help others that are depressed & considering drugs as an option. Maybe even high schools or even elementary schools, whatever…he needs to share his story with as many people as possible. Already on that journey with this interview.

[@dhaendel6598]

This is what he wants to do.

[@Chels-fz5uq]

It’s not necessarily just depression that causes drug use. Some people just want to party

[@MarkPloppin]

Did you hear him speak? This dude can't do a speaking tour.

[@brucegelman5582]

This man should be given the first nobel prize for being a beacon of hope for the human spirit!

[@cindybogart6062]

Agreed!!

[@ABCD-ko5xl]

Incredible how humble he comes over after all the things he must've experienced. I wish him the best

[@cocopersiflage4705]

Bless Jake. He’s a sweet, precious soul.

[@mprest10]

Wow. What a story, and here's to his family, doctors, nurses and rehab specialists.

[@theyard6958]

Sometimes this is the distance a person has to go to realize how speacial they are. You are the new and improved Jake. Im happy for you brother!

[@mrbeans2425]

Jake is one of the strongest most committed people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing! He is kind he is caring beyond generous! I am SO HAPPY to see him doing so much better! Hearing him speak again legit brought tears to my eyes. And Marjorie was a beautiful human being herself!

[@mrbeans2425]

going to see Nate Bargatze with him later this month! hes doing great!!

[@yvonnecamper1435]

What an unbelievable story. I hope Jake continues to improve and live a meaningful life.

[@LindysEpiphany]

Damn Jake your my hero! The amazing plasticity of the brain and body is blatantly apparent here. Jake's situation is helping Drs to understand brain injuries better. In hopes of diagnosing a true vegetative state as opposed to paralysis with brain function. Having had 2 strokes last year I'm thankful for any awareness on the brains ability to heal. Keep up the excellent work Jake!

[@LindaFromSeaAtTull]

*you're

[@kellielejeune4272]

I went through every emotion watching this. It is my biggest fear to be locked inside without a way to communicate to the outside world. I would have been horrified. Truly inspirational.

[@saminaneen]

@Kellie LeJeune,,,,,I personally had the experience of riding in one of these rare Mopars when I was just 16. A friend had her sister visiting from a small town outside of Milwaukee. Even though her particular car was an automatic, the drop top made up for it. (I guess folks never realize just how rare their almost new car was until decades later, and now the car is worth almost 200 large). Yet another stunning example from Volo Auto Museum.

[@selfesteem3447]

I can relate in the aspect of I had grown up in a home full of narcissist being SCAPEGOATED & GASLIT at the same time I had chronic daily headaches every day for 50 years. And then learned what narcissism was at age 50. All of this happened around aged 50... I figured all this out and also figuring out what caused the headaches. I'm still making my way back, & not to make it about me but I can relate to what this is like.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

@@selfesteem3447…What? What does this have to do with locked in syndrome?

[@paranoidhumanoid]

My mother was diagnosed as vegetative after a hypoxic episode (3-5 minutes) but still had brain activity. The first 3 months she was completely still except for some reflex movements and was prescribed amantadine and zolpidem (Ambien) with the hope of stimulating neuro activity. 9 months later, she was alert (eyes opened, movement in head/neck/arms) yet the doctors still said she was vegetative. 20 months now and she is able to mouth words like "hello" when asked but it is a struggle for her. I don't know if she'll ever recover like Jake has but I know she is fighting and so am I. I wish there were more studies and funding for neurological research -- the state of neurology, while making great strides and discoveries no doubt -- is still medieval and primitive when compared with other disciplines. I'm glad to see Jake did not give up and that his team was keen enough to pick up on subtle changes in his behavior and _listen._ That is the sign of a good doctor.

[@jafargholizadeh]

How is your mother now?

[@gif3556]

I have sleep paralysis sometimes, those few minutes when I'm awake and aware I can't move are so unpleasant, good god a year is unfathomable

[@zorkwork3841]

Wow...I think his sense of humor and will ....and love for his family got him through this.Made me cry. So happy for your continuing recovery.

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

remarkable!!! best wishes young man... steady and durable recovery... joy and wellbeing...

[@wavedog23]

Being truly alone can be scary as hell in the right conditions. I can't imagine experiencing his level of aloneness, let alone with people actually around you on a regular basis. Jacob is an absolute mental behemoth for surviving that.

[@RamonaRayTodosSantosBCS]

It took me 10 years to get back to normal after my severe brain injury! No one evens has a clue anymore. It will take time.

[@AugustAdvice]

I don't know why its so difficult for the medical field to understand that an unconscious person may not really be unconscious. Heck, we dont even fully know what consciousness is yet. This should be wide knowledge by now, there are so many similar cases like this. Its something that should be thoroughly discussed in medical school.

[@alladreamwedreamed]

I used to have a career in clinical health care and saw how doctors resented caring for people in a PVS, similar to locked in syndrome. I remember one patient was total care, PVS, on dialysis, really using a lot of resources I guess in the mind of the facility. The doctors would regularly tell his mom that there was no hope and she should withdraw care. She had the most beautiful rely every time. "God will take Michael when it's his time." I have to say I was and still am in awe of her faith!

[@ProjectOcean259]

Ah yes faith… where someone else is suffering but as long as you have your positive thoughts YOU are fine. Atrocious.

[@Chels-fz5uq]

Unfortunately we have to think about all the energy and resources being taken away from others to support one person. That’s reality.

[@salmonflavored]

I never understood this take. Aren't doctors and medicine just interfering with God's will at that point?

[@c.erine78]

WOW! He's recovered so well! There was a woman who was recently found deceased, fused to a couch after 12 years of non movement. Her parents let her sit there. I can only imagine how her life would be if the parents had done what was right.

[@meganjoelyn2207]

What an amazing fighter. This poor guy lived through a horror movie. So impressed at his progress. His mom would be proud.

[@RD9_Designs]

I can't imagine going through what Jake went through! I pray for his further recovery and better use of his body, and for joyful experiences!

[@01jbeals]

This is just incredible! Jake, your will power and strength is truly inspiring. ❤️

[@sandeesandwich2180]

There was a story like this 30 years ago or so of a young mother who had a stroke and ended up in the same locked in state. No one knew she was in there, and her husband and child stopped visiting. She was so angry about her situation that when a nurse (and I think maybe her sisters) thought she was in there and tried to get her to communicate, she refused. Which sounds crazy, but she had gone through years of essentially abandonment, and she was furious inside. (Also, since nursing staff thought she was basically a vegetable, some of them did not handle her gently, and like Jake said, she could not express that they had hurt her.) She eventually did come out of it, with a lot of help, but you can see, after many many years of living like that, how hard it would be.

[@southernhoodoobelle3099]

Do you by chance remember any details I could research on this?

[@WickedT312]

My goodness. We have so much more to learn when it comes to TBI. I'm so glad he was able to come out of this state and communicate with his family. This is an amazing story.

[@KitKat-cv5eu]

I can’t even begin to imagine what that man went through, what an absolutely astounding person.

[@Timetraveler101]

Indeed Jake heart broken story ..but you do have a second chance …take advantage of it!! Go around every school …and tell your survival story .. indeed drugs ruin your brain not matter how innocent they are ..this damage is irreversible!! (Please if anybody read this understand) …i m glad your are improving!

[@miraclman31]

❤️💯

[@patriciagurwitz509]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 you are a miracle whether you know it or not. And inspiration whether you believe it or not.❤️❤️

[@QAsession]

Yay. New and improved Jake. What an inspiring story. May it provide hope to all of us dealing with loved ones in ICU on ventilators.

[@tampazeke4587]

I'm at once having an anxiety attack and feeling profound inspiration at the same time.

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Me just the anxiety attack

[@leahvogel5527]

Thank you for sharing your story Jake. Your story is a powerful message about not wasting the incredibly small amount of time we've each got on this earth

[@nezlquasie]

Please visit high schools and tell your story about "trying drugs" .

[@audiobooksmovingpics4734]

This is an amazing story! Makes me wonder about people being removed off of life support.

[@Chet_Brinkley]

I think the same thing. What a torturous thought. The longer they live the more misery they endure. Where is the god all those people swear is there. God bless America and all that stuff. Did god bless Jake ? Somebody is going to say that if Jake had only believed in god he wouldn't have been put in that situation, right !

[@tubulartopher]

@@Chet_Brinkley Just because God is present doesn't mean you won't experience physical or mental pain.

[@Chet_Brinkley]

@@tubulartopher Go bother someone else with your rhetoric !

[@tubulartopher]

@@Chet_Brinkley No problem. Take care

[@rustyboone1434]

@@Chet_Brinkley the holy Bible doesn't promise a lack of suffering as a believer. In fact it guarantees it.

[@SandyWolf-]

I've said all along when visiting a patient no matter what condition TALK TO THEM LOVE THEM NEVER SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE!! NEVER GIVE UP❤🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@sooz9433]

What a lesson you are for us all. You are an improved Jake... and God Bless you 🧡

[@burstthroughtheconcrete]

Wow, what a humbling story. Just when you think miracles can’t happen and that the human body can only go so far...

[@io132]

my mom is a nurse and she always told us that this was possible in coma patients. to always watch what you said and to be positive.

[@NoName-ik2du]

Being cognitively functional without being able to control your body would be annoying enough, but being able to _feel_ everything still would be pure torture. Glad he came out of it. I'm curious if he has continued to improve over the last year.

[@curtischildress9580]

I was thinking the same thing. What is Jake like now? Has he progressed or reached a level of recovery which can never improve any farther? I pray him well as I pray for all people.

[@melsy203]

Jake - thank you so much for sharing your story! ❤️

[@miraclman31]

You are welcome

[@rachelheinl6384]

Jake is inspiring. I love his motivation and drive to get better!

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

A story of miracles. God bring peace to you and your family. "Take rest, a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." -Ovid

[@mraereed]

Beautiful story! I'm a brain injury survivor with a couple years of seizures following. It's like you can't explain what's happening in your brain, because you don't have the vocabulary or the mental ability to explain it. A lot of people thought I was really okay but I really really wasn't. I'm doing wonderfully now. 🙏❤️✨

[@robmarshall5100]

This goes to show the people in a comatose state their ligaments and body keep moving cuz if they just allow them to lay in a bed then the brain shuts off those parts

[@serialvapist5807]

No one deserves a punishment like that for a mistake like drugs

[@marknc9616]

I watch stories like these with a tone of caution. I worked in hospitals for years. I had heard a number of stories where someone would have a recovery against all odds. That 1% chance of recovery that everyone likes to rejoice about. However, when working in a hospital day to day you see the 99% that don't make the miracle stories. Every patient gets discharged from a hospital at some point. Some enjoy the 1% miracle recovery and make their way ceremoniously out the front door. The less fortunate receive other types of discharges.

[@michaelflanagan1185]

Don't be so negative! Want a hug?...huuuuugs

[@carolynworthington8996]

The voice of experience.

[@aeugh6743]

The support system he seems to have and his willingness to not give up. Bless them all

[@keeleyg2636]

Uda man, Jake!! May God continue to smile upon you each and everyday.

[@suzydoodle6348]

Wow Jake! You really give me hope, thank you for sharing your amazing story. Because of you I'm going to try harder, I'm going to do better. Because of you. I think you just saved my life

[@Chet_Brinkley]

What you just said is a beautiful set of words, do it , get better, be better !

[@Chet_Brinkley]

Hi again Suzy Doodle ! Happy to see your here being beautiful !

[@suzydoodle6348]

Hi Kirk Patrick! Love your Alfred E Neuman photo!

[@Chet_Brinkley]

@@suzydoodle6348 Thank you Ms. Doodle !

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Jake you are worth it. I am amazed by your recovery. You are crushing it!!

[@chrisfinch8637]

Don’t forget, a miracle can sometimes happen, once you believe in it, and there are ways to try to take down all obstacles, before it’s too late.

[@reneerivera1275]

You're amazing Jake! Keep going and keeping cooking. God Bless you. 🍃🌼🍃

[@JenJ2023]

I was in full blown panic when I couldnt feel my legs after an epidural. This is horrific.

[@patriciagurwitz509]

What are uniquely beautiful life story. Unfortunately not everyone can cope easily when they lose someone they love especially a mother. I hope he doesn’t give up on love because I think he is so worthy of being loved by some lucky woman. His strength is so much greater than what he may not be able to do physically.❤️❤️❤️

[@saminaneen]

@Patricia Gurwitz,,,Besides U.S. Code Title 42 being UNCONSTITUTIONAL the CDC as a 501c(3) is NEVER MENTIONED! All powers of Healthcare Emergency in times of war or attack rests at United States Surgeon General Office and Health and Human Services. 1. Masks are unconstitutional 2. Eviction Memorandums ruled unconstitutional. 3. Forced vaccinations are unconstitutional 4. Authority of "lockdowns" only ordained in times of war, invasion, unlawful insurrection as Supreme Law permits.

[@rachelannemarie25]

This is the worst thing I could ever think of happening.

[@Bella-lg4ix]

As frightening as this is, it's truly amazing!!

[@tummyfungus]

"I appreciate that, but no!" LMFAO, he's hilarious

[@Kira36k]

I hope he has the most complete recovery possible and even one that was thought to be impossible

[@sullykhan764]

I wonder how many people in similar situations passed away by them turning their machines of what's more scary is imagine laying there hearing everything seeing everything and you know they come to turn your machines off

[@allisonlew4508]

Honestly, we are revising our wills / paperwork re: death, to say that we DON'T want to be kept alive under these circumstances.

[@cindirose3390]

Amazing and thoughtful report. Wow, I thank you all for this inspiring report

[@owingsmillss]

Wow being fully aware and others not know is scary

[@erikwithakayy]

Jake, you are amazing, brother!

[@bisket2003]

beautiful recovery. Beautiful realization that he messed up and is lucky at another shot. Go out and teach Jake!

[@sharonolsen6579]

Doctors , Nurses .. visitors etc.. should always just assume these people in "vegetative states" are aware.. no matter what the current medical beliefs are.

[@adios2011]

I hope others with similar conditions get now more attention after we know he was trapped hearing everything they said for so long and even feeling pain … it’s unbelievable to me how he is so sane still

[@incisivecommenter5974]

This is giving me so much hope for my husband! Thank you!!

[@lukodaian]

Thank you cbs , always tuned in

[@le_th_]

It's sad what drug addicts do to themselves. However, what a beautiful heart this young man's step-father has. The boy's mother is long dead, but the step-father still looks after him.

[@seamarie3111]

I could be reading into this too much, but I feel like you're taking a rather disparaging/condescending stanse towards adicts. "sad what drug adicts do to themselves" comes off as "what else can they expect?" That might not be your intent, but that's just how it sounded. Adiction is a disease, and they deserve our compassion, rather than our scorn. Perhaps a better way of phrasing it would be "it's sad what drugs can do to people".

[@seamarie3111]

I can agree with you on one point, though ... that is one heck of a stepfather. I heard no mention of his bio-father, so will assume he's also dead or otherwise not in the picture. I could be wrong, though. Anyway, looking after a deceased spouce's adult child whose adiction led to severe brain trauma ... that is some commitment.

[@gordon12121212]

The will to live is the most powerful force in human life. This is an inspirational story!

[@naztava5888]

God bless those people who helped him recover through this tough journey! ❤

[@larswillsen]

To anyone experiencing a dear family member in coma - Talk to them, they hear everything - tell them you are aware and make sure to update them daily on whats going on around the world ♥

[@robb8773]

You go Jake!! God Bless you and all the best!!

[@bwuh]

This story is just incredible.

[@cindirose3390]

"I was so unhappy that I did not think about my future." Now that is the truth of depression

[@auntlizzy1308]

Locked in syndrome is AWFUL!! I had it when I was given morphine for kidney stones. I pray it never happens again.

[@beerus5798]

shi i jus got diagnosed we locked in fr🗣🔥

[@jackknifed_juggernaut]

lmao

[@WooWoo-co4jf]

When I was teaching I told the children that a genetic connection isn't that important, a dad is a man who plays a loving and supportive role in a child's life. It can't be demanded, it comes from earning that rule by their actions.. That man is absolutely his dad!

[@heath2694]

If you are interested in hearing more about Jake's story, there is a wonderful in-depth interview podcast recently released. It's from "Snap Judgement", episode "Impossible Weight". It's fantastic.

[@Apixi]

This guy made me cry😭😭😭 So proud of you for not giving up Jake. 🫂🫂🫂🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 And no, bad choices do not equal deserving suffering. God bless you💪🏾💕 Thank you for inspiring me🫂🫂🫂

[@Studio23Media]

Wow. I cannot imagine how scary and lonely that must have been...

[@ishadow6044]

If it’s my time to go I’m ready,but major major props to this guy and his family

[@darrenyoung3102]

What a inspirational young man. You got the second chance you truly deserved. Hope life brings you good things.

[@NicoleRAINMusic]

OMG this is so sad. Not being able to express himself! Hearing people say things and not being able to respond. GOD bless him! I wish him the best!

[@MAG320]

We are still in coffins with our conscious minds. Only difference is that its just currently moving.

[@genericamerican7574]

Big difference.