Geoffrey Manley

Our first hero has a story that displays conviction, dedication and determination for his field.

Twenty- five-year-old Police Officer Nick Ferrando was responding to a call in the Mission District when his car collided with another vehicle causing him to be ejected from the car. When paramedics arrived on scene, they found Nick had broken both of his legs and had suffered a severe blow to the left side of his head, causing him to go into a coma.

Nick was rushed to San Francisco General for life threatening injuries.

Dr. Geoffrey Manley, Chief of Neurotrama at SF General, realized immediately the gravity of Nick's head trauma. Dr. Manley carried out an innovative medical procedure on Nick that required him, and his colleagues, to monitor Nick minute by minute, 24 hours a day. For just this reason, Dr. Manley keeps a sleeping bag in his office -- so he is available to provide the constant care that is required of patients with serious head trauma.

After more than a month after the accident, Nick woke from his coma.

Nick credits Dr. Manley for his recovery. Most often people who suffer a head injury like Nick's do not fare as well. Thanks to Dr. Manley, Nick is back on the force in his former position as a patrol officer.

Since his recovery, Officer Nick Ferrando has become Dr. Manley's biggest fan. When we spoke with him, Nick said "to me, Dr. Manley is one of the greatest people in the world. If it wasn't for San Francisco General I doubt I would be able to tell my story today."