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Written by:
Robin Miller
09/21/2006 - 07:00 PM
Neenah, Wis.
Cristiano da Matta with Kelly Pettit and Dr. Chris Pinderski aboard Dan Pettit's Gulfstream - before takeoff to Miami. (Photo: Michael Levitt) ยป More Photos
His head has one of those gigantic Frankenstein scars where surgeons opened it up to save his life on Aug. 3 and closed it a few days ago so he could resume a normal life. His tiny frame is even smaller since he's lost 15 of his 132 pounds after nearly losing his life that afternoon at Elkhart Lake. He walks deliberately yet doesn't require any assistance and immediately recognizes old friends and crew members.
But the most noticeable, important and miraculous thing about Cristiano da Matta is that his splendid personality remains in tact.
The critical head injuries have affected his short-term memory and physical appearance but they didn't damage that great spirit, sense of humor and smile which made "Shorty" such a likeable creature.
"We are most thankful to have our son back," said Antonio da Matta, the patriarch of this close-knit Brazilian family who has been camped outside Cristiano's room at Theda Clark Hospital with wife Maria and sons Felipe
"As we all know, he was hurt very badly and almost died. When he started to get better and to wake up, then you just pray that he can be normal again, or close to it. But this is just amazing. As you can see, he's the same old Cristiano.
"Dr. Johnson calls him 'A walking miracle.'"
Considering how severely his head and brain were damaged when he struck a deer and it slammed into his cockpit during a Champ Car test at Road America, it is miraculous that da Matta is leaving Wisconsin today and flying to his American home in Miami to continue his rehabilitation.
It's even more incredible to see him interact with family and friends.
On Friday afternoon, sporting a T-shirt with No. 33 (his 33rd birthday was last Tuesday), the 2002 CART champion greeted his visitors by identifying them by name, played the guitar and told stories while holding on to girlfriend Vanessa.
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