Yani Cu: The Long Road to Recovery

Earlier in our newscast we showed you the protesters who were charged in the Benque Viejo Magistrate’s Court. The act for which they were charged was a cry for justice, a demand that Deputy Commissioner of Police be charged for an accident which resulted in the death of one woman. They were also there on behalf of Yanie Cu, the Succotz resident who was badly injured in that accident. Cu’s hip was crushed and his arm badly broken, and since the accident he has not walked. Today, we visited his home for an update on his condition. Mike Rudon has that story.

Mike Rudon, Reporting

On August fifteenth at around five in the morning, life changed drastically for young Yanie Cu, his wife and his two small children. As a result of that collision involving Deputy Commissioner of Police Miguel Segura, Cu has been bedridden, unable to walk or even move around – his arm held together by pins, wracked by pain twenty-four hours a day.

Roselia Cu, Wife of Yanie Cu (Translated)

Roselia Cu

“It has been something I can’t explain. Something that no one expects to happen nor is prepared for it. It happened so suddenly, like a stroke. It is so sad as well because he was the bread winner of the family. Now we have nothing. I can’t work. Thanks to the insurance for helping with medication and the operation, which was very expensive.”

The communities of Succotz and Benque, always tight-knit and passionate, have rallied around the family of Yanie Cu. It is on his behalf, and on behalf of Yolanda Valencia who died on impact, that they blocked the road and protested on August nineteenth. And that is why they are in court today.

Roselia Cu

“There is a group of people who went to court today. They reacted to his pain as well. They felt his pain. They went asking for justice. It is because of them that I visited the insurance office. Because of them I have eaten and sent my children to school. They have taken care of them as well.”

The family has had to depend on fund-raising and generous persons to meet medical expenses and bills. But the insurance company has now started assisting in a major way. Roselia Cu claims that two days after the first story on Yanie Cu aired, she received the first call from Atlantic Insurance.

Roselia Cu

“A lot of people have said that I have gotten money. It is true that the insurance company has given us money but I have all the receipts and invoices to show for it. I still need to buy more medication with the insurance.”

It is a tragic story for all concerned, and while Yanie Cu slept fitfully today, his wife cried as she told us how hard it has been for the family to stay together, and to stay strong in the face of it.

Roselia Cu

“First of all, God is keeping me strong. But people also support and encourage me to move ahead. And when I see the smile on my children’s face that gives me more courage. At times he would scream in pain. I could not scream as well. I had to remain strong for him. What’s important is the love that we have for each other.”

The family awaits money from the insurance company to take Cu for further testing and perhaps the removal of the metal pins which have held his arm together. We are happy to note that his condition has improved, if only very slowly, and there is real hope that he will one day walk again. Mike Rudon reporting for News Five.