Daniel Cain: Former Arsenal Academy star left tetraplegic after drink was 'spiked', needs 24-hour wheelchair care
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HETFORDSHIRE: A former member of the Arsenal Academy who had his drink "spiked" on a night out is now tetraplegic, restricted to a wheelchair, and in need of continuous medical attention, according to his family. Daniel Cain, a 23-year-old electrician from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, had been a fit and healthy young player before a night out with friends in 2020. His friends discovered him to be unconscious and to be a "funny color" on June 9 of that year; he had suffered a heart arrest.
The young man was given CPR up until the time an ambulance came, at which point paramedics seized control and worked on him for 24 minutes until they were able to restart his heart. The football player was rushed to the hospital, where he spent the next 25 days in a coma before being told by doctors that he would likely not wake up.
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Who is Daniel Cain?
Daniel was a fit and healthy footballer who played for Barnet FC's academy development centers and Premier League side Arsenal, as per LBC. However, on June 9, 2020, the 23-year-old experienced a "life-changing travesty" while out with friends when a cardiac attack deprived his brain of oxygen. When they arrived at Daniel, the ambulance crew had to work on him for 24 minutes before they were able to restart his heart. His mother, Tracey Cain, revealed to the Independent, "When I found out I just went into automatic mum mode. I phoned his father who was at work and his sister came back from Essex. At around 3-4am in the morning they tried to prepare us that he was not going to wake up but I said to keep trying."
'He was like a newborn'
Due to the prolonged oxygen deprivation of Cain's brain and spinal cord, doctors informed his family that even if he did wake up, he would have severe brain damage and be in a "vegetative" state. The young man managed to wake up from his coma against all odds, but he was initially completely helpless. Tracey said, "When he woke up he couldn’t do anything, he couldn’t move - he was like a newborn. But nurses said he was following them with his eyes, so they said there was someone in there."
Need 24/7 care
Daniel's mother noted that although his short-term memory had been impaired, his long-term memory is intact. As time passed, Daniel started to regain his cognitive abilities and limited movement. Natalie, his older sister, recalled that before being finally brought home in December, her brother had spent the previous two and a half years in a number of hospitals and nursing homes.
The young man is currently wheelchair-bound and has restricted upper-body movement, necessitating round-the-clock care. He is reliant on his family and requires assistance getting in and out of bed and using the restroom. According to his sister, the former footballer has been going to therapy sessions at the nonprofit Neurokinex since January.
'Let's keep his spirit and hope alive'
Although the NHS paid for the first six sessions, his family must now pay for daily sessions at a rate of £63 per hour as they increase their working hours from four to eight per week. As per Natalie's GoFundMe account, this may cost up to £24,192 per year. As per Daniel's mother, he has been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, but the physio is "his happy place." Natalie stated, "Daniel is incredibly elated and so full of hope at Neurokinex, whilst being assessed and challenged on varying equipment."
She claimed, "Let's keep his spirit and hope alive by ensuring he has the funds to allow for his continuous rehabilitation sessions. "With Neurokinex, he can restart his life at the tender age of 23. He will be empowered to return to full physicality and strength, standing alone on his own two feet once again as well as resuming his previous hobbies and beginning a career," she added.
'Eternally grateful'
On her Facebook page, Daniel's mother has been updating followers on his condition and expressing her appreciation for their kindness. In 2021, Tracey wrote, "Wow! A whole year ago since this post and he's still in hospital and still improving every day. We are eternally grateful for all the love, prayers, healing and support already sent and still being received every day."
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