Carlos Santos: Rising from a fall

Some stories have to be told more than once for they carry good lessons in life where others can draw inspiration from. The story of this young man’s courage to rise from a hard fall would, without a doubt, touch people’s hearts.

Carlos Santos was born to compete. Saipan’s gifted athlete was the star quarterback of the Northern Cyclones in the Saipan Youth Football League for five years. His dreams was to play professional football for the Denver Broncos. His father, Roque Santos, promised that he would move the family to Colorado if his son received good grades at Northern Marianas Academy. In 1999, parents Roque Santos and Dr. Chris Ebert-Santos made good on the promise and the family moved their four children, Roberto, Carlos, Aurora, and Anicia, to Frisco, Colorado so they could participate in active sports programs.

In Colorado, Carlos Santos began to take flight. Although he was only high school sophomore, he played varsity football at Summit High School during the 1999-2000 school year. Having played rugby in Saipan, Carlos played on an adult rugby team in Colorado. This lead to Carlos being selected to play on the 18 and under U.S. National Rugby Team. Last year, he represented the United States in a rugby tour in Australia. In this, his second year of high school, Carlos returned as the first string quarterback of the school’s varsity football team.

At the school’s homecoming game in September, his dreams took a terrible turn. His fortune reversed after he ran a touchdown that was recalled by officials. On the next play, Carlos ran down the field with the ball, lost his footing and got hit by two opposing players, causing Carlos to land awkwardly on his head. Unable to move, Carlos was carried off the field in front of his stunned parents and schoolmates.

Carlos Santos was paralyzed from the neck down. He spent the 112 days in the hospital. He was told that his best shot at recovery would happen in the first 24 months. After that any injury would be permanent. Fortunately, the reowned Craig Rehabilitative Hospital is near Denver and Carlos was transferred there to start the long and hard struggle to recovery.

The effect on the Santos family was immediate and had been great. Chris, who served as a pediatrician in Saipan from 1980 to 1999 and who had been Director of Medical Affairs at the Department of Public Health, had just opened up a new pediatrics practice in Frisco. Roque, born on Rota and raised on Saipan, had worked several jobs including as a land appraiser. But, Roque quit his job to help his son in rehabilitation. Chris was left as the family’s main supporter with Anicia, age 11, in grade school, Aurora, age 15, in high school, and Roberto, age 19, enrolled at the University of Denver School of Music.

Fortunately, the family’s new community rallied their support. Emotional support came from many quarters. John Elway, the all-star quarterback of the Denver Broncos and Super Bowl MVP, visited Carlos in the hospital, as did other players from the Broncos. Carlos watched the Broncos’ final game of this season as the guest of team physician Dr. Richard Hawkins in the team’s V.I.P. booth at the Mile High Stadium in Denver. Columbine High School, site of the tragic slaying of 13 persons on April 20, 1999, named Carlos the honorary captain of their school’s football team and had him attend a game to flip the coin at the start of the game. World class rugby player Link Wilsle visited Carlos and various teams sent him shirts and balls. The news media has followed Carlos’ progress with regular reports.

Even some financial support has come to the family. A van has been given to the family to transport Carlos. Money has been donated to change the house to accommodate his new needs.

Carlos has shown that he not only has the natural abilities of a champion, but that he has the spirit of a champ as well. His progress has been remarkable. He can operate an electric wheelchair. He can stand partially erect. He can move his right ankle. He can walk in the pool during water therapy. He can type and has had been sending e-mail messages to give updates on his progress. His goal, although he admits he has had to change his goals many times, is to walk by March. He states, “For everyone on Saipan, you do realize that I will be walking when I come to visit you next.”

Carlos returned to high school on January 22, 2001. Even though he missed months of school. Carlos will not have to make up any classes since he was already taking senior classes in his junior year. He still needs nursing care, and he still attends physical therapy.

The Ebert-Santos family appreciates help from its friends with everyday expenses.

Roque, who lived with Carlos at the rehabilitation Center, still takes care of him full time. Chris, with her new medical practice, is the family’s main supporter. Saipan Marriage Encounter, which consists of over 100 married couples on Saipan, is establishing a trust fund to help the family with their expenses. Marriage Encounter hopes that the people of Saipan will support one of their families and a son who was born here. Donations of any size are encouraged. Boxes will be set with Carlos’ name at the CHC Volunteers Gift Shop, Karidat, and the Northern Marianas College snack bar. Donors can contact Anicia and Tom Dela Cruz at 322-0531, Susan and Tony Satur at 322-1562. Laura and Jack Ogumoro at 322-1066, and Clarie and Rex Kosack at 322-8800 to arrange for payments as well. Any community groups who wish to join in this fund drive are encouraged to contact the above persons. The funded drive will last until the end of February.

Persons who wish to send messages to Carlos and the family may e-mail them at “roque@colorado.net”. Carlos is providing every day that what counts in a person is what is in his heart.