Six weeks earlier, Gray never thought she’d be in this position.
Gray — a 2008 Lakota West High graduate who earned countless awards on the basketball court — held a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 11, at the Drake Center in Cincinnati before being released.
“I don’t remember a lot of things that happened the last couple weeks,” said Gray, 19, a University of Tennessee sophomore. “I do feel very lucky to be sitting next to my mom and my family.”
Gray underwent elective surgery on July 2 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Knoxville to repair her rotator cuff.
What followed was a scary ride that included the discovery of an unrelated brain aneurysm that began to hemorrhage, causing a stroke on the left side of her body.
She was flown to University Hospital in Cincinnati and admitted on July 13. A week later, neurosurgeon Dr. Mario Zuccarello performed a 12½ hour surgical procedure to clip the aneurysm. A disease in an artery in her neck also was found.
Gray then arrived at the Drake Center on July 23 for rehabilitation to help build her strength, and improve walking and swallowing. On Tuesday, she was discharged 2½ weeks sooner than expected.
“It was hard,” Gray said. “I looked at it as another challenge in my life; another building block to get through.”
Carter, who fought back tears during the 30-minute press conference, said she was “blind-sided” by the news of her daughter’s life hanging in the balance after successful shoulder surgery.
“Call it serendipity, divine providence,” said Dr. Mark Goddard, a Drake physician. “She had a fluctuation in blood pressure, and that was a red marker that something was wrong.”
About two hours after the shoulder surgery, Gray’s lungs filled with fluid. It was then determined she had a brain hemorrhage.
“With this situation,” Carter said, “you learn to take time to enjoy life and do all the things you’ve wanted to do. Cherish every moment in your life.”
Gray was named Ohio’s Ms. Basketball as a senior at West and is the Lakota district’s all-time leading scorer.
As a freshman for the Volunteers, Gray appeared in 27 games, averaging 7.6 minutes, 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds.
“We are very excited and encouraged with the great news that Amber will be going home from The Drake Center in Cincinnati today,” Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said in a statement. “Amber’s strong will, positive attitude and determination, coupled with the excellent work of her medical team, has allowed for her release two-and-a-half weeks ahead of schedule."
Gray will stay in the area for the next month before heading back down to Knoxville to rehab. She will begin taking classes again in January.
“I want to be with my family,” Gray said. “That’s the best medicine I can have.”
Gray was asked if she thinks she’ll ever play basketball again.
“Of course I do,” Gray said. “I’m definitely not giving up.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.
About the Author