JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A First Coast soldier injured in a suicide bomber attack while serving in Afghanistan is making great progress at the VA hospital in Tampa.
First Lieutenant Ryan Timoney is at the polytrauma center at the VA hospital in Tampa.
Timoney's parents said the trip was hard on him physically and emotionally, but things are improving now.
The Timoneys said the doctors and nurses are great and that Ryan is busy with therapies scheduled each day.
Good news was also delivered when he arrived in Tampa -- Ryan's hearing was not damaged. He does have some problems with his eyesight, specifically his ocular motor nerve. His parents said doctors told them these often heal themselves within a year.
Doctors also said Lt. Timoney does not have any damage to his spinal chord that would cause paralysis. Doctors are estimating his will have his tracheostomy tube removed within a week.
Ryan's mom Diane said his thinking skills are "sharp" right now but that he has trouble finding the right words that make sense and is having some trouble with his memory.
Diane said Ryan has a clear memory of the attack that caused his injuries and that he has been dealing with the trauma and handling it well.
The Timoneys said they are confident that Ryan's willingness, can-do attitude and good sense of humor will help them to see continued improvements in Ryan's condition.
Diane said they, "remain so very grateful to God and everyone in Jacksonville (and other places) who continue to pray for him and us."
First Coast News