Kyle Frable, a 30-year-old volunteer fireman for Kunkletown Fire Company, is improving but has a long way to go.

Frable was attending a candlelight church service when a call to respond to a house fire came in. Just as he had done so many times, he left the church service for the call of duty.

Frable suffered serious injuries from a fire hose that bucked backward and took him down, resulting in multiple pelvic fractures.

While recovering at home, he suffered a saddle pulmonary embolism, an uncommon occurrence when a large clot gets stuck in the pulmonary artery.

“If you understand what that is, you realize Kyle has thus far beat all odds,” said his sister, Karena Thek.

“He truly has the best cheerleaders and prayer warriors on his side along with a fantastic medical team that refused to give up on him,” said his other sister Kacie Sheridan.

Encouraging updates

Frable has begun to wake up and give signs that he has brain function and can understand what is happening. He has been able to blink or slightly nod to answer questions and communicate with family. He recognizes them and smiles when they visit.

Although he is still on the ventilator through a tracheotomy, Frable has tried to talk.

Last Thursday night, he was moved to a long-term rehabilitation facility where the focus will be to ease him off the ventilator, and then to focus on occupational therapy and physical therapy.

“Now, the hard part will really begin for him as he begins to try to get his body moving again and regain function,” Sheridan said. “Please continue to keep Kyle in your prayers. While we are excited to see how far he has come in this ordeal, he still has an enormous journey ahead on his road to recover.”

The family would like to thank everyone who has been so supportive and they truly appreciate all the thoughts and prayers for Kyle.

“They certainly deserve an update, especially when they are positive. We just pray we can continue to send more positive ones,” Sheridan said.

There will be another blood drive in honor of Kyle Frable from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Polk Township Volunteer Company on Route 209 in Kresgeville. To schedule an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3x0FuFf.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with medical expenses.