Hmiel moving to Charlotte hospital
Wednesday, Nov. 03, 2010
Driver Shane Hmiel, seriously hurt in a crash at an Indiana dirt track three weeks ago, is awaiting transfer to a Charlotte hospital.
The former NASCAR driver moved to a pulmonary care unit from ICU on Wednesday, said his mother, Lisa. Her updates have been posted regularly on the Shane Hmiel – Road to Recovery Facebook page.
The driver, 30, is expected to undergo additional care and therapy at Carolina Medical Center. "Wheels up in the morning, Charlotte-bound. ... I cant wait," his mother said.
Hmiel has undergone at least three surgeries since suffering back, neck and spinal cord injuries in the crash on Oct. 8. He was airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and listed in critical condition.
The car Hmiel was driving struck a concrete wall during qualifying for a United States Auto Club race.
Hmiel has since begun physical therapy and, according to his mother, was "sitting up in chair watching Colts game" Monday night.
The Facebook page also has information about fundraising efforts.
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