PUEBLO, Colo. – Eight-time World Finals qualifier Fabiano Vieira is set to continue his recovery from multiple injuries sustained on July 1 at the PBR Touring Pro Division event in Stamford, Texas, at the 90th annual Texas Cowboy Reunion rodeo, at an intensive rehabilitation center in Dallas.
Jilian Vieira shared an update with fans on her husband’s condition Sunday afternoon on the family’s social media channels.
“For many days I tried to talk, record videos or write to let you know what happened to Fabiano, because I know he has a lot of people who are rooting for him, friends and fans, but my emotions wouldn't let me and it's very difficult to talk about it,” Jilian said in a statement. “Today, safely and supported by God and friends, I felt free to write here that after 27 days at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, TX, Fabiano is being transferred to Dallas, TX, to an intensive rehabilitation center.”
Read the Vieiras’ full update HERE
Vieira sustained a skull fracture and two brain injuries attempting to ride Stone Cold Crazy during the Touring Pro Division event. The 37-year-old was immediately transported to Anson General Hospital in Anson, Texas, before being transferred to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for additional care later that night.
Doctors elected to perform emergency surgery on one of Vieira’s brain injuries on July 2, and Vieira has continued to show progress in his ongoing, uphill battle.
According to Jilian, Fabiano spent 10 days in the ICU as doctors continued to monitor his progress and go through the process of removing him from a medically-induced coma on July 5 and taking out his breathing tube on July 6. Fabiano woke up on July 8, but remained sleepy because of medication he was taking for pneumonia. Doctors transferred him out of the ICU three days later and into a different room as his vital signs began to stabilize. This was also done out of a sense of security with an increase in coronavirus patients in the ICU.
Vieira is now ready for the next stage of his rehabilitation process, Jilian explained.
“Every day (there is) hope and God (is) working on every detail,” Jilian said. “I am happy to say that (Fabiano) is ready to begin physical, motor and mental rehabilitation with all the necessary care. This week he has already started to whisper a few words.
“He has a long way to go, but he is a strong fighter and confident in God. I have faith that he will achieve his full recovery. As he says, “’I am a Cowboy.’”
Stock contractor Renato Teixeira and his family, along with bullfighter Lucas Teodoro and his wife, Ingrid, created a GoFundMe for Fabiano and his family on July 16 to help with the increasing medical costs.
Fans wanting to make a donation can do so HERE. (Fans in Brazil can also make a donation on the Vakinha platform HERE).
The Western Sports Foundation is also offering assistance to the Vieira family during this time.
RELATED: Click here to donate to the Western Sports Foundation
Jilian continued to express her gratitude for everyone’s help over the past few weeks. The messages, prayers and donations have not gone unnoticed.
“I sincerely thank everyone who is praying and in some way helping,” she wrote. “I'm sure Fabiano still has a very big mission here on earth and will come back with that infectious smile. Thank you all and the Hendrick Medical Center team for everything they did for Fabiano. Thank you Dr. Trammel and Dr. Brown.”.
Vieira was the No. 10-ranked bull rider in the world at the time of his injury.
The 37-year-old became the fourth oldest bull rider to win a premier series event this past April when he won the PBR Las Vegas Invitational, presented by Union Home Mortgage at the Lazy E Arena in Logan County, Oklahoma. Vieira concluded the first half of the season 13-for-32 (40.63%) with a victory and three Top-10 finishes.
Vieira turns 38 years old on Wednesday.
The Perola, Brazil, native made his PBR debut in the United States in January 2010 and qualified for his first World Finals the following season, beginning a stretch of eight consecutive World Finals appearances in which he became a fan favorite worldwide.
Vieira and his family’s well-being remain on all of our minds at the PBR, and we will provide additional updates as they become available.
Follow Justin Felisko on Twitter @jfelisko