Leyton Athlete Returns Home After Serious Injury

Defying the norm, Dalton teenager Drew Haley returned home Tuesday, just 18 days following an injury that resulted in a partial leg amputation.

Haley, a junior at Leyton High School, was injured in the school's football season opener when his knee was twisted on a tackle following a high-reaching catch.

Two days later it was discovered the injury included severe damage to the main artery that supplies the lower leg. At that time, he was flown to University of Colorado Hospital where it was determined the lower leg could not be saved.

In the days since, Haley underwent six surgeries in 12 days. Fortunately, however, doctors did discover that some of the muscle in his lower leg was still alive, allowing for the amputation to be done about half way down his lower leg rather than at the knee. That discovery, doctors told the family, was a piece of good news that will make Haley's use of a prosthetic easier.

Following the surgeries, Haley defied the odds and amazed hospital staff as he went to work on his recovery. His mother, Alison, said typically, amputees undergo in-patient rehabilitation for a week or more, something Drew did not require. She explained that factors in Drew's favor included his strength both as a young person and also an athlete. She said many times others also have additional injuries that slow recovery.

Drew used his strength and determination to attack the physical therapy challenges, showing quickly his strength and adaptability each point along the way.

The other aspect doctors look at is a patient's mental health. According to Alison, Drew again amazed staff with his positive outlook - and constant jokes and quips.

"They said they just don't get this kind of interaction with most patients," Alison said.

Now that he's home, Alison and her husband Matt believe that zany interaction will continue - with his siblings.

"That's how they are with each other," Matt said. "They like each other, and they're not going to cut him any slack."

The Haleys said Drew's new routine at home has been one of rest. He's still doing as much as he can, but now, unlike in the hospital, he does it all on his own without assistance from medical staff, "so it's more tiring right now," Matt said.

Short term, the goal is to work Drew's energy levels high enough to get back into his school routine. And, Matt said, "He can't wait to get back into the gym." Drew also wants to be at tonight's game with Garden County, to be back with his teammates.

On his parents' part, they're also happy to have Drew home, and thankful for the outpouring of care they've seen from the community. Matt said Drew received packages and messages from all over the country while he was in the hospital.

"We want to continue to express immense gratitude to the entire Panhandle and to the doctors and nurses at UNC for what they did," Matt said. "The amount of love shown to our family - the prayers, the vibes, the texts, and packages. It's been awe-inspiring to us."