New comment added to Ed Sirignano's discussion Graduation day

We are so blessed that Brent was able to participate with his amazing Class of 2010. What a very special group of young men and women you have ALL raised. All of these kids are a Class act! Brent's friends and fellow students helped make the day even more special than it already was by taking the time to give Brent a hug and say hello prior to rehearsals. Mingie and I felt so special to witness the Love and support from Brent's friends and fellow students.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, again many friends and fellow students took the time to stop by and say hello to Brent and sign his yearbook. Our hearts were so full of Love and admiration for ALL of these truly caring and loving young adults who made Brent's day.

The graduation ceremony was an experience we will never forget! Mingie and I and our Family were so thankful to God and so very proud of Brent for his accomplishments. We wanted to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE for making Brent and our Family feel so special when he walked up on the stage. Those few minutes of our lives were truely beyond words, but we will say that your Love and support for Brent and our Family will live within our hearts forever.

A special thank you to Brent's great friend Jamie for being there for him on this very special day!

Thank you to ETHS for a terrific event and for allowing Brent and our Family the opportunity to participate.

Good luck and best wishes to the graduating Class of 2010. You are ALL very special and should be very proud of your accomplishments!

For those of you not on Facebook to see pictures from the event, Mingie and I are going to attempt to post some pics on this site. We may need some assistance. LOL

God Bless you

Love Always,

The Sirignano Family

PS To Brent's friends and fellow students: We are very proud of ALL of you for honoring your friend Brent and making good decisions when driving. No texting, no drugs, no alcohol and ALWAYS where your seat belts.

Love Ed and Mingie

Read More

Love this

Eileen Shaughnessy started the discussion BRENT WOWS THE CROWD AT THE BREN CENTER!

What a thrill to see Brent walk at Graduation!

The rules are really that we aren't supposed to cheer when a student's name is read (mostly because then the family of the next kid can't hear their own child's name being read), and everyone usually abides by it mostly in that people will just make a really short quick cheer when their child's name is called so it doesn't interfere with the next reading.

WELL.....it didn't really work that way with Brent! They announced "Brent Sirignano" and a roar of cheering, hooting, and hollering rose up from the whole crowd. For that one moment, everyone apparently agreed that we could suspend the rules to recognize this child's awesome accomplishments in the last few months, and we all just chose to cheer wildly, many standing.

Once Brent finished, everybody went back to the regular routine . It was quite something to watch this moment.......just celebrating Brent......and it was beautiful.

The Shaughnessy clan were very grateful to have been able to see it.

Eileen, Katie, and Brian Shaughnessy

Undoubtedly my favorite part of Graduation was seeing Brent walk with his class!!! He received a Standing O from me and many of his fans!
Gavin said he shook Brent's hand and that Brent recognized him...which Gavin said was the highlight of his Graduation!
Our love and pride in you continues to grow Brent!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!

­!
The Kirker Family

O. C. Register April 29 2010

LAKE FOREST – The overturned Chevrolet Tracker, the bloodied prom-goer lying on the hood of another car, parents rushing to the scene.

Though it was all staged – part of El Toro High School's annual Every 15 Minutes event – it hit all too close to home for many of the school's upper classmen.

Jamie Patton out where El Toro High School held its Every 15 Minutes event. Patton is close friends with Brent Sirignano who was critically injured in a car crash in February, and the crash re-enactment really affected him.

MORE PHOTOS »

The two-day event – put on for the high school's juniors and seniors – included a mock crash, a "grim reaper" who plucked 22 students from classrooms simulating their death and hysterical parents. An assembly at which letters from the "dead" students were read brought many to tears.

As did the story told by Ed and Mingie Sirignano, who's son Brent – an El Toro High senior – was critically injured in a car crash on Feb. 6. The Sirignanos spoke about the aftermath of the accident, and its effect on their son and their family and friends.

Brent Sirignano was put into a medically induced coma at CHOC at Mission following the accident and has undergone a series of surgeries since then. He was brought out of the coma in early March, and later that month was moved from the critical care unit to a room on the same floor in pediatrics. He was released in mid-April and is now undergoing rehabilitation at St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

In late March police said blood tests of Parker Kalmen, the driver of the car in which Brent Sirignano was a passenger, came back positive for THC, a chemical compound in marijuana. No other drugs or alcohol were found in Kalmen's system, police said.

The sheriff's department is concluding its investigation and will pass it to the District Attorney's Office, which will decide if there is enough evidence to press charges, said Lt. Mike Gavin.

Jamie Patton, 17, a close friend of Brent Sirignano, spoke with the Register about the mock DUI event and how it affected him.

Q. What impacted you most about the Every 15 Minute program?

A. The car crash. It showed how terrible the event would be and how a poor choice by a friend can end lives. Even though you know it's a show where they bring the fire department, the police and medics, it's exactly like a real car crash. I was deeply upset. It was emotional. Those two days are a very eye-opening experience.

Q. Have you been involved with the program before?

A. They only do it every other year. I've seen videos before. I witnessed a couple people taken out by the "grim reaper." I'd only seen small parts of it.

Q. How was this year different?

A. This year was my first year with the assembly and car crash. Seeing my good friend, Brent, going through this made it harder. They make the program real for the parents, too. I'm hurting for my friend and for Brent's family. It was terrible for his whole family.

Q. What impact did it have on other students?

A. I think for everyone who knows Brent, it's harder. I hope everyone takes this seriously because it can happen to you. It doesn't matter how smart you are, no one is invincible.

Q. Do you think kids that drink (alcohol) and/or smoke pot might stop doing that because of what happened to Brent?

A. Kids will do what they do. I can't say all people who drink and smoke will stop. I hope they take it more seriously. Why would they take the chance?

Q. What is Brent's situation now?

A. He's still in rehabilitation at St. Jude's. He is doing better. He's a very strong kid and he's a fighter. He walks with a walker and he's eating by himself. He recognized me and even called me on the phone. He tells us how much he misses us and we tell him how we miss and love him. The last time I talked to him, he seemed more excited and in good spirits.

Car Wash Fundraiser Feb. 20 2010

LAKE FOREST - Almost 200 motorists turned out Saturday at a fundraiser to support a local teen still in a coma following a car crash on Feb. 6.

The car wash and bake sale event was held in support of Brent Sirignano, an El Toro High senior, whose recovery has united the 2,200 students at the Lake Forest school.

A group of friends held a bake sale and car wash on Saturday at El Toro High School to raise funds for Brent Sirignano's family. Brent was critically injured in an accident about two weeks ago.

KEVIN WARN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

MORE PHOTOS »

More than 50 students and some parents washed a seemingly unending line-up of cars that poured into the parking lot at El Toro High well past the planned end time of noon. Students also sold baked goods, some of which were donated by Bagels & Brew and Albertsons. Students wore white T-shirts with "Support Brent" on them.

Since Sirignano's accident, students have held daily prayer vigils, made posters and T-shirts and posted messages on a Sirignano family-sponsored blog.

Sirignano, 17, was injured after Parker Kalmen, 17, also from Lake Forest, lost control of his 2006 Scion on a wet road. Sirignano was in the passenger seat. The car spun into a tree, impacting the passenger side. Sirignano and Kalmen had to be extricated from the car. Kalmen was uninjured in the crash.

In a message posted at 8 p.m. Saturday, Bobbi Scott wrote :"Ed and Mingie report that Brent is still in his coma. His breathing is much better today as it takes a little adjustment being off the respirator. He has responded well to all the great care from the nurses. He is actually snoring while the oxygen mask is off."

"They say Brent looks good. They were so thankful to all the El Toro students who washed cars today at the fundraiser. They have heard some of the stories about the day and it has really touched them. THANK YOU to everyone and please keep praying for Brent."

The "Brent Sirignano Fund" has been set up for donations that go directly to Brent's medical care.

Checks should be made out to "Brent Sirignano". Mail to : Wells Fargo Bank Attention: Nghi X. Luu, 24251 Rockfield Blvd., Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Ed Sirignano's discussion Brents visit at home

Hello everyone,

What a beautiful day it was today! We were allowed to bring Brent home today for a trial run. We picked him up from St. Jude hospital after breakfast and were to have him back promptly no later than 8:00pm. We returned to the hospital at 7:59 pm. LOL Exactly one minute to spare!

It was so great having Brent home today with his family and we are now looking forward to Friday, because he will be coming home to stay.

Brent no longer has restrictions regarding his diet and really enjoyed Mingie's spaghetti dinner tonight. Her sauce is the best!! Brent continues to work extremely hard during his therapy sessions at St.Jude as part of their in patient rehab program. We have a meeting with the doctors on Wednesday, at which time we will discuss the best options for Brent's out patient therapy following his return home.

Brent continues to improve daily, but the doctors tell us that he suffers from a condition known as Aphasia. The doctors say that with continued rehabilitation a person can improve to the best of their ability. Brent is walking at times, with the aid of a walker and a guide person, but we are told now by the doctors, that his difficulty walking is not a physical issue, but rather is a result of the injury to his brain. His right side is still improving, but he does have issues with motor skills and has impaired vision in his right eye. When he returns home he will require 24 hour care.

Despite these challenges that lie ahead we feel extremely blessed to have our beautiful son with us and are so excited that he is coming home. Upon his return home our Family will request that friends who would like to visit Brent please call first. We know he is very excited to see ALL of you.

We wanted to thank you ALL for eating at Baja Fresh on Tuesday and for continuing to Love, Pray for and support our Family in so many ways. We also are hearing of so many things people are doing behind the scenes and we THANK YOU from the the bottom of our hearts. Your efforts of kindness and generosity to our Family are greatly appreciated. We truely hope this message finds you ALL in good spirits. May God Bless ALL of you!

Love Always

Ed and Mingie oxox

April 6, 2010 Batteries for Brent

Bobbi Scott Apr 6, 10

We're genuinely excited to let the Sirignanos know that, through their neighbors' generous support of our "Batteries for Brent" program, a total of $3676 was raised for Brent's Recovery fund. Thanks for your help in getting the word out. We far exceeded even our most optimistic stretch goal.

Christine & Jack
The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest

Bobbi Scott Apr 20, 10

Thank you everyone who came to Baja Fresh today for the fundraiser! The manager said they were so busy they worked double shifts and the box of receipts was full! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Every 15 Minute Program (Posted by Bobbi Scott)

El Toro Students and Parents - Every 15 Minute Program

As a parent I am reaching out to all of you who are going to benefit from the Every 15 Minute Program that started today at El Toro High School. The several day program is to educate and remind the students on the seriousness of drinking and driving. The program simulates a car crash using El Toro students as drivers and passengers with a real crashed car, police, fire trucks and ambulances. It is a very dramatic event that will hopefully impact our kids and save lives.

Even though Brent was just a passenger, we can all hopefully learn through him, through his parents heart ache the valuable lesson the Every 15 Minute Program is teaching. My family and I will be thinking more of him these next few days and want to thank the Sirignano family for sharing their personal story so no one else has to suffer what they have been through.

April 17, 2010

Hello everyone,

The transition to St. Jude was a very smooth one for Brent. I think we were more nervous about leaving the care of CHOC than he was, at least I know I was. The team at CHOC is our Family now and leaving our new friends was not easy, however it was time for Brent and our Family to move on to next phase of recovery. We will certainly keep in touch with our new friends and update them on Brent's progress.

The team at St.Jude is working with Brent daily and he continues to improve. His verbalization is improving and he is able to use his right side more each day and is getting stronger. He has even walked with the aid of a walker, during Physical therapy. Day by day Brent's determination is very evident as he regains his in-dependency and he continues to work very hard towards his goal of coming home. We do not know yet when that will be, but we will expect that after Brent comes home, he will then participate in an outpatient rehab program for many months and a educational program designed for brain injury patients. where he will continue to improve his reading, writing, understanding and problem solving skills. We are very encouraged with his progress and THANK YOU ALL for your prayers and SUPPORT during this time and we Thank God that Brent is here with us.

Whatever Gods plan is for Brent and our Family, we will continue to follow His lead and let Him guide us in our lives. May God Bless ALL of you and yours, as he has done and continues to do for our Family.

All our Love

Ed and Mingie

TUESDAY, MAY 18TH at 6:00 pm.......FUNDRAISER - SILENT AUCTION AT PEPPINO'S RESTAURANT (Foothill Ranch). Pre-sale tickets are $20 so get your early as we will sell out. Dinner included at one of the best Italian food restaurants in Orange County. Bid on donated baskets of wonderful gifts and prizes.

Brent's Transfer from CHOC at Mission to ST. Jude in Fullerton

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that yesterday Brent was transferred from CHOC at Mission Hospital to St. Jude hospital in Fullerton. He will continue his rehabilitation in St. Jude Regional Brain Injury program, where we will pray for his continued progress towards his recovery.

Mingie and I and our family would like to thank the team at CHOC in Mission Hospital for EVERYTHING that they have done for Brent and our family to get us to this point in his recovery. It was truly a blessing to be in their care. We will keep you posted on Brent's progress and thank you for your continued prayers. Love you all.

Mingie and Ed

Great news about Brent

Hello to ALL of you Brent supporters,

Mingie and I and our Family are extremely happy to report that Brent is continuing to make progress. After Brent passed his swallowing test and got a taste of real food It didn't take him him long to remember how to eat. He is now transferring from the bed to a wheelchair and eating real food. The G tube has been removed. He remains in the care of an amazing team of individuals at CHOC, at Mission hospital.

Brent is also talking now. He had mouthed the word mom prior to speaking, but his first vocalization happened when I mentioned Mariah's name and he responded by saying "Mariah". "I said yes, Mariah that's right" and then he held his hand up to his ear simulating a phone call and said " call her". I about fell out of my chair scrambling to get my phone. We called Mingie first and when she answered Brent said in a very quiet voice "hello this is Brent" and of course Mingie was overcome with happiness. To hear his beautiful voice again was the sweetest blessing ever. Mariah called when she heard of Brent's request and spoke to Brent. It was quite a night. Thank you for returning our call Mariah! You always were and always will have a special place in our hearts and of course in Brent's.

We transport him from his room in the hospital, in a wheelchair to therapy and he is working very hard to regain his strength and motor skills. His right side is improving, but is still much weaker than his left side, but he is working hard daily to improve. Please pray for his right side to continue to heal and for him to walk again on his own.

The doctors have told us that even bigger challenges lie ahead with many months and or years of therapy that Brent will require to relearn many skills, however, we feel VERY BLESSED right now that Brent is back with us and would like to THANK ALL of YOU from the bottom of our hearts, for your MANY MANY.....prayers and especially THANK GOD for answering our prayers!

Love Always,

Ed and Mingie and Family

April 6, 2010

Hello everyone,

The days go by faster than ever before! God continues to answer our prayers and Brent is progressing daily. He is very determined during his therapy sessions with the wonderful staff of CHOC and Mission hospital. Mingie and I would like to thank our parents for spending so much of their lives the past two months supporting Brent and counseling and caring for Mingie, Eddie and myself. Keith and Amanda have also been amazing! Papa Sirignano tells Brent that he is his hero. Papa continues to encourage Brent to use his right hand and Brent continues to work hard to please his Papa. Its very touching to witness this special bond. We are very blessed to have such caring and loving parents/grandparents in our lives.

It is clear to see that Brents conditioning and competitive spirit prior to the accident is playing a huge role during his rehabilitation sessions. Being part of the ET basketball program and years as an athlete are certain to help Brent with the challenges that lie ahead.

A HUGE THANK YOU to ALL who have supported our Family with prayers, meals, fundraisers and very touching messages and more! Your Love and support of our Family touches our hearts and though we may not have contacted you personally, or replied to a message, we know who you are and we will see you again and cant wait to give you ALL a big hug.

May God bless you and yours with good health and happiness.always!

Love Ed and Mingie, Eddie

New comment added to Bobbi Scott's event TODAY!!!!! Fundraiser for Brent! Tuperware Party

Fundraiser for Brent!

Please join us for a wonderful afternoon for an excellent cause

Good Old Fashioned Tupperware Party featuring entertainment by the infamous Ms. Dee W. Ieye! When: Sunday, March 28thWhere: Lake Forest Sun and Sail Club, 24752 Toledo Lane, Lake Forest, Time: 1:00pm

Batteries for Brent Fundraiser Update!

Batteries for Brent Fundraiser Update!

Through March 12, The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest has collected over $1800 in watch battery revenues dedicated to Brent. We are even seeing folks whose watch batteries are working fine having them replaced in an effort to help. We have extended the program so we now have three weeks left. Our original goal of $1000 is dust; we have no doubt we will hit $2500; our stretch goal is now $3000. The drive ends Saturday, April 3rd.

Many thanks to all the folks who have helped.

Christine & Jack
The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest

Special Thank you to our Familys Administrator

Dear Bobbi,

Mingie and I and our Family would like to express how much we Love you and truely appreciate EVERYTHING you have done for us since Feb 6th. We really are at a loss for words and find it well ???? that someone we have not really known very long would do so much for our Family. We can only say that you are truely a beautiful person and we are so blessed that you and your Family have come into our lives. Its an AWESOME feeling to know that our son is marrying into a Family that we already think of as "our Family".

We will pray for Brent to continue to heal and also for God to watch over Keith and Amanda and guide them in their journey together.

All our Love

Ed and Mingie and Family

Baja Fresh Fundraiser

Baja Fresh Restaurant Fundraiser - Tuesday, April 20th! - ALL DAY!

Come and support Brent by going out to eat! The fundraiser will be held all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A percentage of the profits will go to the Brent Sirignano Fund. Please bring in the flier or tell them you are there to support Brent and put your receipt in the designated box at the counter.You can either eat there or take it home! Baja Fresh is located at Lake Forest and Dimension. Tell your friends and bring the family for a good cause.

* Wear your green "Brent Sirignano Support Wristbands"

NEW * Tuesday, April 20th - FUNDRAISER FOR BRENT AT BAJA FRESH - ALL DAY LONG!!!!!! A percentage of the food purchased will go to Brent's medical fund. Please bring in the flyer (see the below link to print one off) or tell them you are there to "help Brent" and put your receipt in the designated box at the counter. You can eat it there or get take out for home! There are 2 participating Baja Fresh locations and they are at Lake Forest and Dimension and also Jeromino and Alicia. Tell your friends!

Message from Mom and Dad

Hi Everyone,

After 6 weeks Brent has now been moved out of the critical care unit to a room on the same floor in pediatrics. YEAH!!! Today, during speech therapy, he successfully ate a bowl of peaches and drank some apple juice and water. For now his main source of nutrition will continue to be through the G tube, but over time of course the goal is to lessen the G tube feeding and return to a normal diet Brent is improving daily with this process.

The Physical and occopational therapy is going well also. He is now moving his right leg more each day. His right hand and arm are now moving a little more and with assistance he is standing up next to his bed. His legs are doing a little better each day with supporting his weight while standing,

Brent seems to recognize his Family and on occasion, in this last week, has even chosen to give us each a brief, yet very satisfying hug. WHAT AN AWESOME FEELING!!!!

God has listened to ALL of our prayers and is providing Brent and our Family with the strength to recover and be able to move forward, one hour and one day at a time. Please God give this same strength to EVERYONE in their daily lives and especially to ALL of YOU, who have prayed for Brent and our Family. In Jesus name AMEN

We will update the site this weekend to share Brents newest accomplishments.

Love Ed and Mingie and Family