Note: The following appears in the November issue of Orange: The Experience. For full access to all of the publication’s content, join IPTAY today by calling 864-656-2115.
The following letter was received by the athletic department in October. If you or anyone you know can help identify the nurse who helped Anthony Savino, please contact our office at fanfeedback@clemson.edu. Thanks!
Almost 12 months ago on Nov. 15, 2014, I was involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer that left me in critical condition in Rye, N.Y. I was transferred to a Stamford, Conn., hospital with a dissected carotid artery, multiple facial fractures, a fractured eye orbit, blind in one eye, multiple lacerations, blown-up acetabulum and many other injuries.
When I arrived to Stanford Hospital, the EMS didn’t think I was going to make it there and they were waiting for my vitals to stabilize, which was not happening. In the midst of waiting for a world-renowned neurosurgeon, I was praying for everybody to keep me alive so I could see my family again. (Savino and his wife had a son only three weeks old at the time of the accident.)
A nurse came to my side and started to have me do the Clemson cadence count. This nurse was apparently a Clemson alumnus as well, and even though she couldn’t fix me, she used a very good way to get my spirits up. This nurse wasn’t even supposed to be seeing me, but apparently came to my side because of the fact I was a Clemson alumnus.
Shortly after that I was transferred to Yale New Haven Hospital, where I stayed for a series of surgeries. Before my first major surgery, my brother came to my bedside with video from three Clemson football players and a call from Dwayne Allen wishing me luck through surgery and keeping the highest hopes for me.
Even though I will never be the same again because of the accident and my injuries, I would like to give thanks to all those who helped me and my family through one of the hardest times in our lives.
I’m trying to figure out who this nurse is and acknowledge the entire Clemson Family for all their help.
Thank you, and go Tigers,
Anthony Savino
December 6, 2024
