Emerging from a coma, Gene Ataman arrived at CareMeridian Cowen Heights in April 2008, weeks after his head was crushed during an on-the-job accident at LAX, which nearly killed him. The force caused multiple skull and facial fractures; his teeth and his eyes were impacted by the crushing weight of the luggage transport. Sustaining traumatic brain damage, he has no memory of that fateful day.

During his 18-month stay at CareMeridian, Gene underwent several surgeries and daily therapy and slowly began to improve. He regained his short-term memory, became less agitated and kept his mind active by disassembling therapy equipment. In addition to daily on-site therapy and 24/7 care, the CareMeridian team took Gene for offsite visits to the ocean, the local police station, the John Wayne Airport and even to a local club to play pool. Discharged in late 2009, Gene returned home with his son and daughter-in-law and looks forward to becoming reacquainted with his loved ones and enjoying the simple pleasures of taking walks and watching football games.