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vnw.thenewsargiis.coiii K ■ edited by I. wiles News & Features Tuesday, December 15, 2009 The News Argus Page 9 What a difference a year makes for ‘Mr. Ray LaTasha Miles Sports Editor For 64-year old Ray Famble, Thanksgiving means more than eating turkey with family, and going shopping the next morning on "Black Friday." A year later, Famble, a shuttle driver at Winston- Salem State gives countless thanks for his miraculous recovery after his involve ment in a near-fatal accident. Friday Nov 28, 2008, at approximately 5:30 p.m. after working on campus, Famble blacked out while driving his classic 1985 Mercedes 500 SL coupe, and he ran his car into a condo unit at an impact of 35 miles per hour, according to police reports. The vehicle was totaled. Famble does not recall, but said he was told that he was pronounced dead on the scene and that the unit was set to call the coroner. Famble said his physicians told him his blood sugar had probably reacted. He said he elected not to eat that day because he was waiting for a special dinner later that evening. Famble said his neurologist also said the acci dent could have also been coupled with the fact that his body was tired, and Famble dismissed the rumors of what some people thought had happened. "Words are floating around that 1 had a heart attack," Famble said. "That had nothing to do with it. I don't know how that got out, but that is not true." Famble lost and gained consciousness throughout his transport to the (Baptist hos pital). He suffered nine broken ribs, a broken neck, multi ple brain injuries, a smashed right wrist and ankle. He also sustained injuries in his chest and knees. Many of these injuries led to multi ple surgeries. His abdomen was cut and left open to ensure that he had no internal bleeding. Famble remained in the hospital 45 days, but was in a coma for 17 days. His memory was not fully intact, but Famble recollects one of his first memories on day 25 in the hos pital. "Something that really sticks in my mind after I regained some consciousness, was the number of people that visited me," Famble said. "It was unbelievable the support of the campus police, the staff and the students I was showed. Even today, it's hard to explain the response and the outpouring support. I got so many phone calls, letters and visits. I got so many cards and flowers in my room that when I was discharged, there was no way that one single SUV could transport it all. "It got to the point where when the phone rang on the nurses' stations, they would say, 'Don't even worry about it. It's for Mr. Famble.'" "Even the medical staff, the nurses, the doctors, my church, it was just absolutely unbelievable how people Photo by LaTasha Miles The “stylish” Mr. Ray Famble one year later. responded," Famble said. "It's just hard to imagine how so many people could respond to a little old coun try boy, the son of a share cropper, like that." Before the accident, Famble drove the shuttle 10 to 11 hours a day for one year. Since returning to work April 1, Famble's duties have been adjusted. He has been pro moted to shutfle supervisor, and he coordinates the shut tle schedules, does adminis trative work, and drives a limited amount. "I thought I was a rock star," Famble said with a chuckle about his return. Famble lost 52 pounds as a result of the accident. Although he has gained 12, he has a net weight loss of 40 pounds. "I've learned the value of Thanksgiving, and that's the most important thing. If nothing else. I'm thankful to be alive. Zetas serve turkey, fixings to Sunrise Towers residents GO TO THENEWSARGUS.COIHI TO HEAR LIVE PODCASTS OF THE CAMPUS CREW. Sorority has been serving Thanksgiving meals to sen iors, disabled and low-income residents of Sunrise for the past 10 years. James Cherry Chief Online Producer The residents of Sunrise Towers had something special to look forward to for Thanksgiving Nov. 20. Winston-Salem State's Omega chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. held its annual Thanksgiving dinner at Sunrise Tower in Winston- Salem. Sunrise Towers is the head- cjuarters for the Housing Authority of Winston-Salem and provides housing for the seniors, disabled, and low- income residents. Dr. Sadie Webster, co adviser and a member of Zeta Phi Beta for more than 50 years, said that the Omega chapter has had the event at Sunrise for more than 10 years. Gwen Bonner, site manager of Social Services, said the sorority members served everyone present. "They served staff and mainte nance," she said. "The food is delicious." The organization cooked and served four turkeys, corn, green beans, rolls, potato salad, angel food cake, stuff ing, cranberry sauce, gravy, macaroni and cheese, jello, and tea. Bonner said that there are approximately 200 residents in the building. The meals were served in the building kitchen. Some meals were delivered to resi dents unable to come down stairs. Bonner said she enjoys see ing people put a smile on their faces and eat together. "It brings them together." The event is a part of the 'Z-Hope' program, which stands for Zetas Helping Other People. "It's always something that we do voluntarily," said Shriee Campbell, a member of the Omega chapter. "It's a tradition for our chapter." Dr. Rebecca Caldwell, a computer science lecturer at WSSU and co-adviser of the chapter said, "1 think it has a great impact on the commu nity. It's something they look forward to. It's the highlight of their Thanksgiving." The organization holds other charity events for the holidays such as the upcom ing "Toys 4 Tots drive" and "Sleep Out for the Homeless," awareness program hosted by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations Shields is the winner of the QEP contest. The QEP Development Committee selected Shields’ slogan, “Rams Write: Improving Writing in the Major.” Faion, a mass communications major, was awarded a $200 cash prize on Nov. 23. THENEWSARGUS.COM THENEWSARGUS.COM THENEWSARGUSXOM Oliver Moving Services “Serving all of North Carolina” Let us move for you! Ask about free boxes and name tags We offer a student discount! $20 delivery $10 pick-up Contact Mr. Oliver O: (336) 642-4404 for storage prices C; (336) 231-4027
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Dec. 15, 2009, edition 1
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