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Skull surgery needed for former WVU student Ryan Diviney

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– More operations are required for former WVU student Ryan Diviney, who was permanently injured during a brutal attack in Morgantown in 2009.

During the attack, Ryan was knocked to the ground and kicked in the head. He suffered a fractured skull, a broken jaw and bleeding of the brain. Doctors were forced to remove a third of Ryan’s skull to allow room for swelling. At the time doctors replaced the removed portion of Ryan’s skull with a titanium mesh. But now, Ryan’s father Ken Diviney, says the mesh needs to be replaced.

Father Ken Diviney with his son Ryan.

“About a year ago I noticed a dimple in his head, near his temple. Now we’re at the point that titanium needs to be removed,” explained Diviney on Morgantown A.M. on WAJR-AM.

Doctors will remove the mesh and for a month, Ryan’s brain will be unprotected as doctors wait for his scalp to heal and make certain no infection has set in.

Then a new polymer plate will inserted where Ryan’s skull used to be.

“That month is so concerning because the only thing between the outside world and his brain is some skin and a membrane of fluid,” worried Diviney.

Ryan has remained in a vegetative state since the attack in 2009. Since then Ken has quit his job and devoted his life to caring for his son, never giving up hope that Ryan may regain consciousness. Ryan will react to pain, startle at loud noises, pull his foot back when it is tickled but Diviney says there are times where his sees glimmers of expressions.

“We’re big Redskins fans here in Washington and we brought up (Cowboys’ quarterback) Tony Romo and I think there was a slight look of disgust on his face,” said Diviney.

Diviney says ever since the attack the Morgantown area and the entire state of West Virginia has been supportive of him and his family, through wishes, prayers and financial support.

“The reality is money is a big deal. Love is free but care costs money. Anyway people can help is always appreciated but that’s not my objective. My objective is to keep Ryan relevant.”

In 2010, Jonathon May was convicted misdemeanor battery and severed seven months in prison for the attack on Ryan. Austin Vantrease was convicted of felony malicious assault and sentenced to 2 to 10 years in prison. Vantrease is still in prison. He was denied parole last July.

For more on Ryan visit RyansRally.org.





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