Teen Grateful for Help Since Mom’s Death

Juan Reyes, the Placentia teenager whose life was shattered when a car accident claimed the life of his mother and severely injured his 10-year-old brother, said Tuesday that he is heartened by the community’s response to the tragedy.

“I just want to thank all the people who helped me,” he said in an interview. “I am very thankful for that. A lot of people helped.”

Juan’s mother, Micaela, 51, and his brother, Elfego, were being driven to church by family friend Socorro Corales Robles, 64, in September when the car hit a wall. Micaela died at the scene; Elfego was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange where doctors had to amputate his left arm and remove part of his colon.

After the accident, the community rallied around Juan, 18, now the sole caretaker for his brother, who has Down syndrome. Students at El Camino Real Continuation High School in Placentia, where Juan is a senior, held bake sales. A neighbor organized a carwash that raised more money. Also, UCI Medical Center raised about $14,000 from nurses, staff members and the Associates, its philanthropic support group.

Since the accident, Juan said, he spends most nights watching over his brother in the intensive care unit at the hospital. Elfego is still in critical condition but is improving.

Juan said that before the accident he and Elfego would often go to the park and play basketball. At home, he said, Elfego liked to have his big brother read to him.

The bond between Elfego and his mother also was very close, Juan said. She spent much of her time taking care of Elfego’s special needs, and the child was sensitive to her struggles as a single mother.

“He never asked my mom for anything,” he said. “If she didn’t have enough money to buy him a toy, he’d understand.”

Despite the community’s generosity, the brothers’ future is uncertain. Juan has been unable to attend school since the accident but still hopes to graduate in June. He lives with his aunt in Anaheim.

No matter what happens, he said, he will always be there for Elfego.

“I’m going to finish high school and go to college and try to do the best for me and my brother,” he said.

Donations for the brothers may be sent to El Camino High School Student Body/Juan Reyes Fund, 1351 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Placentia, CA 92870; or to UCI Medical Center, the Associates, attention Reyes Children’s Fund, 101 The City Drive, Route 100, Orange, CA 92868. Make checks payable to the Associates/Reyes Children’s Fund.