By CAROLYN SZCZEPANSKI
After just five days in Iraq, a bullet from rebel militia fighters confined Tomas Young to a
wheelchair in 2004. Since his return, the Northland native has become a nationally known anti-war activist, exposing the ugly reality of partial paralysis and the human toll of the Iraq conflict in "Body of War," a Phil-Donahue-directed documentary about Young's life.Released this spring, the movie has won critical acclaim and created plenty of award buzz. But Young's personal battle continues. Late last week, his family rushed him to the intensive care unit at St. Luke's Hospital.
Cathy Smith, Young's mother, says a blood clot in Young's right arm migrated to his lung on Friday. Over the weekend, he fell into a coma and, when he first woke up, the signs were worrying. "He went through a place where he wasn't able to communicate," Smith says.
Once he regained the ability to speak, Young was moved out of the critical care wing. But on Sunday his condition deteriorated and he returned to the I.C.U. A few miles away, at the J.C. Nichols Fountain near Country Club Plaza, more than two dozen anti-war activists rallied for Young. Among the participants were Smith and Ellen Spiro, the producer of "Body of War," who has kept close ties with the family and flew to Kansas City when she heard the news.
This morning, a hospital spokeswoman listed Young's condition as "fair." Smith says she's optimistic he'll be out of the I.C.U. soon, but it will be a while before he's back home and even longer before he makes a full recovery.
"There's no long-term memory loss, but his short-term memory was affected and some of his fine motor skills are a problem," she says. "And his speech isn't where it was before [the coma]."
His room is quickly filling with cards and flowers, though. Smith says she's been overwhelmed with the support from around the country, including musician Eddie Vedder, who contributed an original song to Young's "Body of War" soundtrack.
Young with Eddie Vedder.
To reach Young, send letters to: St. Luke's Hospital, 4401 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 64111
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well said Killer. I support u for your service. I have no respect for this guy. He knew what he was getting himself into.
I started watching this film and I turned it off. I'm sorry to say but it disgusted me. Yes I do support these troops they need our support not us being against them. This guy signed up after 9/11 he knew what he was getting into. My son signed up BEFORE 9/11 he served a year in Iraq and he is a full supporter still of his commerades. This movie would piss him off like it did me. I'm sorry what happened to Tomas Young but again I SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!!! He is a disgrace to the rest of our veterans. You signed up for it. you weren't drafted like my husband was and again it was not Bush's fault. You knew what u were getting yourself into!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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God Bless him & all but is he out now protesting against Obama for still being in Afganastan and now Libyia. Why did we bomb Libyia , why did Obama feel it important to go there? I hope this poor man finds some peace,but it will not be through a bunch of liberals & musicians who use him to propagate their message. it all gets old-but bottom line he volunteered, he should have thought about that before he agreed to defend against all enemies domestic and foreign -to bad they do not get to choose.
BullSh***. I hope you take your antiwar crap and shove it. You volunteered to go didnt you....blame Bush so you were so stupid you were duped? You are a fool and I think your ass ought to head somewhere else. Your a disgrace to the rest of us Vets....2 times in Iraq and one in Afghanistan and proud!!!
Can someone get Tomas to go to www.gofreewheel.com and learn about the most amazing wheelchair attachment that will allow him to get out and go!! Pat Dougherty (c6/7) is the inventor and developed it so he can be out with his kids hiking, attending hockey games, cruising around at the ski hills ...
First to you Tomas Young-my hat is off and thank you for your service.I hope you are well and recovered from your recent hospitol stay. I saw your documentary today and as a Viet Nam vet who served without really knowing why-I couldn't agree with you more. I wish one time one politician would put his ass on the line(some did-most didn't). Robert Byrd was great wish I was from West Virginia. Well my friend you stay well,please take care of yourself,dont give them the satisfaction --be healthy-God Bless.Brother in arms.
If anyone can help me find a current address to send something to Tomas & Cathy...We know they just went to another hospital. Perhaps in Chicago?
The sooner, the better ~ It's a big card & the station would love to get it to them, ASAP. I can be reached at WMNF 88.5FM ~ 813-238-8001 Ext. 100 in Tampa, FL.
Thanks!
Peace,
Miss Julie
I saw Body of War for the first time last night with about 50 others in a backyard in Orange County, CA. The audience was made up of peace activists, members and supporters of Military Family Speak Out, Veterans for Peace and Iraq Vets against the War. We were all very moved by the life of Tomas. Please know that you are loved by many people and that we will do everything we can to bring all our loved ones home from this illegal "war".
I am in tears. I rarely cry. I was against this war from the beginning. I could see our chief was lying about WMDs. Tomas is a TRUE hero. He and the other soldiers were and are out there because they truly believed they were fighting for our freedom. No matter how I've always felt about the war, I always believed that. God bless the troops. Support them by bringing them home. I'm praying for Tomas.
Your heroic stand against the war demonstrates true courage. You are standing up for the values this country was once proud of.
Many of us are following your progress and are keeping you in our thoughts for a full recovery.
Jo Faubush
My nephew is a fighter....and he is blessed with orneriness....God love ya Tomas....looking forward to see your smile again....
Love you
The Moyers had already aired in March.
And madam--hasn't someone told you that KCPT is not a commercial station? Pledge drives are not "infomercials" and news and public affairs shows do not draw pledges, which is why they get pre-empted during pledge drives and why Moyers and similar shows do repeats during pledge drives.
Tomas,
My Prayers are with you and soon you'll be back raising hell... (the truth)...
You are an inspiration to us all and you've been working soo hard so I don't begrudge you this little temporary rest... (he he just kidding)...
Peace Brother
Thomas
Tomas,
My Prayers are with you and soon you'll be back rasing hell... (the truth)...
You are an inspiration to us all and you've been working soo hard so I don't begrudge you this little temporary rest... (he he just kidding)...
Peace Brother
Thomas
Occasionally we're blessed with heroes .... strength to you Tomas during your recovery.
Thank you to The Pitch for being one of only TWO local media to cover our vigil for Tomas yesterday. (The other was KKFI.)
KCPT pre-empted Moyers show on Body of War for an infomercial on Friday night.
While we are all focusing on the presidential primary, Tomas lays in a hospital literally fighting or his life and our soldiers continue to suffer horrific injuries and die in Iraq.
If our media paid half of the amount of attention to the war as they do to the insignificant stories they cover, this war would never have been waged in the first place. Sadly, the American public doesn't know what is really going on in Iraq. The surge is NOT working and the daily death count continues to rise.
Tomas is a true American hero and his wonderful film should have played at every theater in his hometown instead of at just one theater for only two weeks.
Wake up, demand a more responsible media. We MUST hold our elected officials accountable and we can't do that if we are not told the stories we NEED to hear.
There are no words that can describe the valor and courage of Tomas Young, his family and other disabled veterans that have served our country.
When, indeed, are all Americans going to listen to their voices of truth about this war that our Washington Politicians continue to sustain?
May we support these lost Heroes in every possible way.
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