Home For Holidays: EMT Making 'Unbelievable Progress'

BERKELEY, NJ — When a cardiac event landed Megan Franzoso in a critical care unit at Temple University Medical Center in mid-September, it wasn't clear what the future held for the Toms River woman and Berkeley Township EMT.

Her heart had stopped for 45 minutes. She was placed in a medically induced coma to allow her heart to heal while doctors worked to figure out what happened. In those first days and weeks, the goal was simple: Keep Megan alive. Gradually, she improved, moving from the medical center to a rehabilitation hospital, working to regain movement and not knowing how much damage the event had caused.

Now, two-and-a-half months later, the goals are bigger. That's because in mid-November, Franzoso, 28, was able to go home at last.

"While she has made unbelievable progress ... she still has a lot of work ahead of her," family members wrote on a GoFundme where they have been updating her progress. "She will continue with extensive speech, physical and occupational therapy as an outpatient. She is able to walk with assistance and recently has been starting to say a few words!" (READ MORE: Toms River EMT Helps Others. Now She's Fighting To Live)

While Franzoso, a Berkeley Township EMT and a Silverton First Aid Squad member, continues to work on her recovery, there are groups working to raise money to help cover the costs of her medical care and pay her bills, as she is without income while she recovers. (READ MORE: Hospitalized EMT Making Slow Gains As Medical Bills Mount)

To that end, there is a fundraising hockey game set for Saturday, Jan. 5 at Winding River Ice Rink, 1211 Whitesville Road in Toms River. It pits a team of Jersey Shore First Responders — including members from Berkeley, Manchester and Toms River — against the Toms River Blackhawks coaching staff. The Blackhawks are a Tier II travel ice hockey program that competes in the NJYHL, EJEPL, and various tournament throughout the Atlantic region.

The event includes a 50-50, a gift auction and more. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students with school ID, and kids 12 or under free.

In addition to the hockey game, there are a few other fundraisers in December:

Dec. 6: Howell Township PBA will be hosting a comedy night at the Southard Firehouse, 4611 Route 9, Howell. Click here for more information.

Dec. 8: Tri-Boro First Aid in Seaside Park will be hosting a dinner and gift auction. Click here for their Facebook page or call them at 732-830-3236.

Icarus Brewing in Lakewoodis hosting an event for firefighters only that also will raise funds for Franzoso.

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Photo via GoFundme, a Patch promotional partner . To contribute to the GoFundme, click here.