Update on Extra Inning Softball’s Carlos Arias… A Birthday Surprise as He Turns the Big 5-0!

Today was a special day for Extra Inning Softball Editor Carlos Arias, who was hospitalized with a serious stroke on May 14.

For our newbies and by way of introduction, Carlos has overseen many of our content pieces previously including team rankings, The Last Inning columns and player spotlights through blogs and Extra Star Powers. And he’s a beast when it comes to social media!

Not only did he get to celebrate his 50^th birthday—albeit in the hospital recovering—he got to do it with his parents, Will and Sue, who didn’t think they’d be able to do so with him.

Wrote Sue earlier today:

We’re on our way right now to Modesto to bring a small gift for him and yogurt, though no cake will be allowed.

Also, we’re not allowed to go in to visit him because they have a lock down on this hospital.

Happily, though, that wasn’t the case as the photos attest: his mom and dad did get to celebrate the momentous birthday with “Car” as Sue admitted later:

It totally was a surprise that we were permitted to be with him today.

Carlos’ mom also told us that they remain hopeful he can be transferred back closer to their home for his rehab:

We’re waiting for him to be transferred to a skilled nursing center hopefully somewhere close in our area but no guarantees. Overall, he’s doing well physically and getting stronger all the time, but still has a lot of bouts with anxiety and just frustration over not being able to leave.

Still, things are looking bright for Carlos, who missed Nationals this summer for the first time ever we think. Sue wrote us a week ago today (Wednesday, Sept. 11) that his physical therapy is going in the right direction:

Yesterday was Car’s best day in therapy ever. Using the parallel bars, he took 10 steps three times. They have him working on transferring from the bed to wheelchair with a spotter. Also, he used a walker but had to stop because he was getting a cramp in his right calf. Still, a big win for physical therapy today.

And last week saw another momentous occasion for Carlos as his mom sent this photo of food:

Thought you would enjoy seeing his first meal by mouth: all pureed foods. He was a bit excited about it. 😉 After almost three months of liquid by tube, it was as welcome as a T-bone steak.🙂💖😇

If you’d like to support Carlos and his family with their medical costs, please check out the GoFundMe that has been set up… here’s the link to it:

Care for Carlos #LoveforLos

Thanks to all for the continued well wishes! Carlos sends his love and appreciation along with that of his family too.

Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
Email:  [email protected]