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Giants Fan Returns To SF After Beating

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Nearly seven weeks after a brutal beating outside Dodger Stadium, a San Francisco Giants fan still in critical condition with brain injuries was jetted Monday to Northern California for more medical care and to be closer to his loved ones.

The attack on Bryan Stow by two drunken Dodgers fans who remain at large saddened and shamed many Los Angeles residents who donated tens of thousands of dollars to his care.

A top neurosurgeon in San Francisco said at a press conference Monday that doctors in Los Angeles did excellent work in providing aggressive treatment in saving Stow's life. Now, doctors at San Francisco General Hospital will take over by stabilizing Stow from his cross-state transport, pore over his medical records and conduct their own tests for what could be a long road to recovery.

"We have to make our own assessments, be able to go through the information and do everything we can to ensure he can have the best outcome possible," said Dr. Geoff Manley, who oversees neurosurgery at San Francisco General Hospital.

The hospital's internationally renowned trauma center specializes in brain injuries, Manley said, and Stow will be monitored by a team of doctors who focus in neurocritical care.

Manley said he hoped to provide more information on Tuesday.

Stow, 42, was targeted while wearing a Giants jersey during the Dodgers home opening win over the Giants on March 31, bringing attention to a dark pattern of drunken hooliganism at Dodger Stadium.

Stow had been at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center since the attack that forced doctors to put him into a medically induced coma to avoid having seizures.

The Santa Cruz man has opened his eyes and made small movements with his arms and legs but his recovery could take a year or longer, according to doctors.

Manley said the study of traumatic brain injury stands years behind other areas of focus in the medical field, namely cancer research, and it's unknown whether Stow will have a full or partial recovery.

"Right now, what we do know is that if we make him stable here, we tune him up and get him in the best possible shape that we can."

Manley and hospital spokeswoman Rachael Kagan said the goal is to prepare him for rehabilitation -- someday.

"He's not ready for a long-term facility, he is still critically ill," Kagan said. "He will be in intensive care."

On Sunday, Ann Stow thanked the people of Los Angeles for supporting her son. The family also said the move to San Francisco was bittersweet because they would be leaving all the wonderful people they had met in Los Angeles.

An outpouring of support for Stow included fundraisers that ranged from bowling tournaments to pasta dinners to donated services such as haircuts and fitness classes. The events are listed on the family's blog.

Both ball clubs pledged donations to Stow's care -- $25,000 from the Dodgers and $10,000 from the Giants. American Medical Response, where Stow works as a paramedic, has promised $5,000.

Last month, more than $61,000 was raised at a fundraiser at Dodgers Stadium. A barbecue in San Jose organized by Stow's co-workers drew more than 2,500 people, and other events are planned.

Police were still looking for two men suspected in the attack, and $150,000 is being offered as a reward for tips leading to their arrests.

Stow and two friends were leaving the game when he was attacked. Moments earlier, Stow texted a family member to say he feared for his safety in the rowdy crowd.

Following the attack, Police Chief Charlie Beck beefed up security at Dodger Stadium to deal with fights that had been breaking out at games in recent years.

Baseball fans have complained that anyone who dares to wear a rival team's jersey on Dodger turf has too-often been subjected to profane verbal abuse and threats of violence.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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