Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, remains a candidate for re-election as he slowly recovers from a serious brain injury that has left him with an uncertain prognosis, unable to speak in full sentences, his family said Tuesday in the first detailed account of his condition since an accident in July.
Maynard, 52, was unconscious for “a number of days” after falling down a flight of stairs at his home on July 21, but he has been “awake and aware” in recent weeks, able to read, understand questions and eat on his own, according to a statement by his sister, Denise Mahoney. But she said he still has difficulty speaking, other than answering “yes” or “no.”
Her brother is making steady progress, but she acknowledged an uncertain prognosis.
“The medical profession lacks a complete understanding of exactly how the brain heals after trauma and cannot predict a specific recovery timetable for an individual. Each case is different. That said, there has been no diagnosis in Andy’s case that would preclude a full recovery, and his progress has been very encouraging,” she said.
Mahoney’s statement did not say if Maynard considered ending his re-election campaign, nor did she address his inability to campaign. Instead, she looked ahead to January, when the General Assembly convenes for 2015.
“Given all that we have learned to date, we have no reason to conclude that Andrew would be unable to fulfill the duties of his office, which he loves and pursues with great passion, should he be re-elected this fall,” she said. “We will do our utmost to provide frequent updates regarding his progress so that the people of his district can be informed. We thank all of you who have reached out to Andy and his family, and hope you will join us in our sincere and strong belief that our brother’s best days and greatest contributions are ahead.”
In addition to the brain trauma, Maynard sustained fractures to his eye socket, scapular and multiple ribs, she said. “These fractures did not require medical intervention and have all healed. He has the use of all of his extremities and there has been no indication that he will regain anything less than a full physical recovery,” Mahoney said.
Maynard is undergoing speech, physical and occupational therapy. Her statement did not say where he is being treated.
“He listens to music, manipulates a smart phone to review texts and photos, and retains his sense of humor. He is slowly but steadily rebuilding his stamina,” Mahoney said.
Maynard, who is serving his fourth two-year term, is a candidate for re-election in the 18th Senate District in the southeastern corner of Connecticut on the Rhode Island border. It includes Groton, Stonington, North Stonington, Preston, Griswold, Voluntown, Plainfield and Sterling.
His seat had been counted as safely in the hands of the Democratic majority.
Democrats hold a 22 to 14 majority.
