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SALT LAKE CITY — A Mormon missionary from Cache Valley remains in a Brazilian hospital after he was hit by a bus, but his condition is improving.
Elder Britten Schenk was hit by a bus on Friday just before crossing the street in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His parents, Steven and Karla Schenk, posted a blog update late Tuesday night after seeing their son for the first time since the accident. They write that he is in very serious condition, with a brain injury, but that he is improving.
After being hit, Elder Schenk was rushed into emergency surgery with a traumatic brain injury so doctors could relieve swelling in his head. He was initially placed in a medically-induced coma but has since been brought out of sedation.
It was good to hold our son. We talked to him and told him of all the love, prayers, and support.
–Elder Schenk's parents
His parents write on a blog dedicated to their son that he remains on a ventilator. They wrote, "It was good to hold our son. We talked to him and told him of all the love, prayers, and support."
"The next few days (will) help us know more about his injuries," they added.
Elder Schenk's brother, Logan, writes on the blog that his family wept for the "sweet lady that was driving the bus." He writes, "She showed up to the hospital later completely beside herself, apologizing over and over."
"We want her to know that she has our love," he added.
Elder Schenk is from Hyde Park in Cache County. He has been serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for approximately 21 months, his brother writes.
A statement from the church says he was serving in the Brazil Sao Paulo East mission, and that prayers are with him, his family and friends.
For more information, visit elderbrittenschenk.blogspot.com.
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