November 29, 2024
Illinois High School Football News
News

St. Charles football player continues recovery, to undergo brain surgery this week

Aidan Carlson suffered serious brain injury after Oct. 4 game

By Aimee Barrows

St. Charles North sophomore Aidan Carlson (left, pictured here with his brother Ashton) suffered a subdural hematoma — bleeding on his brain — and collapsed in the locker room after the sophomore football game at St. Charles East High School on Oct. 4. He is undergoing a cranioplasty Dec. 5, where the part of his skull that was removed will be replaced. (Photo provided)

ST. CHARLES – Aidan Carlson, the St. Charles North High School sophomore football player who suffered a life-threatening brain injury after a game Oct. 4, will undergo a cranioplasty on Thursday to replace the part of his skull that was removed two months ago during emergency surgery.

About half of Aidan's skull was removed, when he had a subdural hematoma, or bleeding on his brain, after walking off the field at St. Charles East High School. He collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, and from there was airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge where he remained for weeks.

His mother, Cristalle Moran, said in an email that Aidan, 15, is making progress. He is back home, and travels to Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton for outpatient rehab four times a week. Moran said Aidan now is able to talk and is getting better use of the right side of his body.

"Aidan still has a really long road ahead of him, even with these great progressions and strides he's making daily," Moran stated in an email. "Everyday is something new for him, but he fights through. The reality of the injury has most definitely hit him, but he tries to stay as positive as possible."

Moran stated there still isn't a date set for when he will be able to return to school, but she is hoping that he can begin working with a tutor soon to help him get caught up with the work he's missed. She said that Aidan hasn't been able to go out much since coming home, but has enjoyed visits with friends and family.

"The poor kid has been through so much in the last two months, and he is thankful he has been given a second chance at life," she stated. "It's really a day-by-day process. Some days are better than others. He is a 15-year-old athlete that has to take it easy and slow, and that's impossible for any teenager."

Moran stated that the family is looking forward to celebrating Aidan's golden birthday on Dec. 16.

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