LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Rising from his Las Vegas hospital bed, Thomas “Eddie” Stanton, 23, awoke from his months-long coma and mustered his strength to accomplish a major, medical milestone—kissing his mother on her cheek.
Jamie Brooks said her son’s recovery has been riddled with obstacles as the family fought to keep his private insurance and prevent his moving to lower care.
“We have had some hiccups with some negligence or neglect, things that haven’t been done that have affected his overall health,” Brooks said. “He has a new primary care doctor, Dr T., who works out of Valley Hospital, who’s a very good doctor. I feel very confident with those three doctors that I have working for him right now.”
On Sept. 9, Stanton and a female were driving near Boulder Highway and Desert Inn Road before they were allegedly struck by Carlos Alvarez, 36, an alleged drunk driver who ran a red light, according to a Las Vegas Metro police report. Five people were injured as a result of the crash, leaving Stanton and the other occupant in a coma. Brooks said the collision and fight for her son’s patient rights have given her a new mission.
“This has given me a newfound purpose,” Brooks said. “I’m going to make sure when this is all said and done, that I can advocate for patients and teach them their rights and what they’re allowed and what they’re not allowed. The way they bully, intimidate you and almost force you to sign things, to do things.”
Brooks wrote in an online message to the community she is thankful for the support her family has received. Her son’s GoFundMe has been able to cover the cost of new medical supplies, braces, bandages, clean clothes, and slings.
“I want to thank everyone for their donations, kindness, and support during this difficult time,” Brooks wrote.
Brooks said she was able to get help and guidance from Senator Jacky Rosen’s office.
“[Rosen] reached out and helped me connect with the right agencies and resources,” Brooks wrote. “Her actions were beyond words, and I will forever be grateful for her help.”
However, the fight continues for Brooks who said she is attempting to learn more about several discrepancies in Stanton’s care. She also said she wants to advocate for more patients like her son.
“Do your own research, consult different doctors, read medical papers that were filed and published, don’t just go on Google, [sic] get medical journals, read papers,” she said. “And don’t give up hope.”
Alvarez is out on bail after a judge ordered him to “stay out of trouble.” He faces four felony charges in connection with the September collision. He is expected to return to a Las Vegas court for a status check of the criminal complaint on Jan. 14, 2025.
