The scene of the accident

Nick Hogan’s car accident that occurred back on August 26th has left his friend, John Graziano, in a state in which he can only open and close his eyes periodically.

Hogan’s Toyota Supra went off the road and hit a palm tree. It’s believed that Nick was traveling at a high rate of speed. Police say Graziano was not wearing a seatbelt.Graziano, 22, was a Marine who had served in Iraq. His mother is attempting to obtain legal guardianship over his since he will require a lifetime of medical care.

A nurse who was hired by the court to report on Graziano said that he is comatose and may have had a seizure during her visit.

People magazine says that John’s parents are now squabbling over who is going to take care of John.

“Debra Graziano – who is separated from John’s father, Edward Graziano, was given emergency temporary guardianship on Sept. 27, permitting her to seek military benefits on behalf of her son.

Edward Graziano, meanwhile, is contesting her request and seeks to have an independent guardian for John, says his lawyer, Steven Hearn.”

*Read Debbie Graziano’s statement to the media after the jump*

Debbie released the following statement to the media last month:

” I am John’s Mom. I am a private person, my children are my life.

The only “news” I want to hear is from Dr.’s and nurses as to how my son is doing.

During this past week I have been hearing small bites of what is being said in the media, re: my son’s accident.

I can no longer remain silent. One week ago 2 good friends got into a tragic accident.

Two families are devastated, 2 mothers are comforting each other and caring for each others children according to their needs and will continue to do so until as Terry said we walk John out of here.

My son John has been very close to the Bollea family for over 6 years.

The boys relationship began over a love of cars. My son was like an older brother to Nick.

Terry and Linda love my son and saw him as a good role model to Nick. They celebrated with us when John left for Marine Boot Camp, and they celebrated with us when he returned home from Iraq. They are like extended family.

Since day one of this nightmare they have been with us physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.

They brought Nick who himself was in pain from his injuries to sit in a stiff hospital chair for hours with the rest of us.
Bolleas leave hospital
Debbie Graziano said the Bolleas have been at the hospital every day offering comfort, support and food.

They came and faced our family and friends not knowing what response they would get.

They have personally carried in food and supplies not just sending it.

We have cried together, laughed together about our John and his dry hysterical humor, his courage, his love for his family, his generosity.

My son bought me a beautiful car before he left for Iraq so he could know I was driving safely while he was gone and he paid for it with his combat pay.

He is the most naturally cool young man you’d ever meet. His value system is strong, his spirit is strong. He has little tolerance for fuss over anything he has accomplished. He would be angry to know this family was being torn apart in the media by assumptions and down right lies.

Our family has been completely and abundantly blessed by every kind of support from our family, friends and the outreach from the community.

The Bollea’s are simply people in this group.

I can not begin to thank our community for how they have carried us on their shoulders from restaurants, dentists, Palm Harbor Elementary school, my son’s Marine buddy’s who will begin a 2nd tour of duty in Iraq in the fall are here.

His best friend Danny, the driver in the other car is , devastated. His other best friend Mike who leaves for Marine boot camp in one week.

My friends, my brother Chris, John’s grandparents, John and Catherine, and his Uncle John who all flew down from New York.

The amount of people who are here for John is overwhelming to me. Pastor Peter,who is storming the gates of heaven as he leads us in around the clock prayer for our John.

I thank my saviour Jesus Christ for providing for every need through his people and giving me the peace that passes all human understanding.

After him I want to thank my children who have blessed me from their birth and surrounded me with their love now they are caring for me.

At this point my John would be saying, ” Mom, too many words.”

So I’ll close with this, we are two families who love John, it was a horrific accident.

Nick is experiencing every step in the process with us. His parents are holding him accountable as any good parent would. He is a 17 year old who is suffering watching his friend you can imagine how he feels.

Terry and Linda are doing everything to remove any burden from me so my only focus is John. Out of their love for John, period.

Thank you and please continue to pray.

Debbie Graziano”

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