Small Victories Highlight Folsom Firefighter's Road To Recovery Following Coma

FOLSOM (CBS13) — A Folsom firefighter is continuing the fight of his life after being involved in a violent collision.

The January accident put firefighter Eric Williams into a coma and turned his world upside down. Full of life, love and a passion for his job, Williams was living his dream.

But one Tuesday morning along a bike trail near Folsom Lake Crossing, his life would cross paths with a moment of impact that would test his strength and faith.

A bicyclist came out of nowhere at a high rate of speed, colliding with Williams and sending him into a coma. He would emerge from that state, but his severe brain injury meant his fight had only just begun.

For Williams and his wife Alicia, every little victory is a giant step, and every silent positive thought sent his way speaks volumes.

The family says they aren't ready to talk on camera, but they did send a progress report and a note of appreciation.

In the world of TBI (traumatic brain injuries) recovery time is your most valuably resource. It is hard to sit back and see everyone around us going on with their day to day lives while we wait for change/improvement in Eric's condition. It is almost like time is frozen in our world. That being said, Eric is only seven months out from his injury. That may seem like a long time to people on the outside but it's only a fraction of time in his recovery process. Eric is slowly getting back to some of the things that he loves. We make sure to incorporate as much home therapy in with the fun. At this point his deficits are still in the moderate range. I would have to say that this time of his recovery has been my favorite. His previous (before accident) personality is starting to shine through. He is hilarious and caring. His compassion and drive continues to inspire us every day.

We would like to say thank you, but I feel like that is not enough. We are still so overwhelmed and grateful for the continued support we receive till this day. It is truly a reflection on Eric, and how he touched so many lives. The one thing that this journey has thought us is how fragile life is. There is no time for bad days.

-Family of Eric Williams

And so his battle continues, and his future is uncertain. One thing we do know is the firefighter is just that—a fighter whose inner strength is far more powerful than any obstacle on life's path.