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Zambian woman’s ambitions waylaid by Metrolink crash

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Racheal Mofya, 27, from Zambia, experiences snow.
Racheal Mofya, 27, from Zambia, experiences snow.

Fate brought Racheal Mofya to the U.S. to further her goals — and put her on the commuter train that collided with a freight. She has been hospitalized, unconscious, ever since.

She has not regained consciousness since the deadly Metrolink crash on Sept. 12, which left her with a fractured skull, a broken ankle, a dislocated hip, third-degree burns, and lacerations on her face and one of her legs.

But “we gain little increments of hope,” said Pat Abruzzese. He and his wife, Joanne, have spent hour after hour by Mofya’s side in the intensive care unit at County-USC Medical Center.

Mofya, 27, an exchange student from Zambia, had been living in the Abruzzeses’ Simi Valley home for a year when the crash occurred. That day, she had taken an early train home from her classes downtown. Joanne Abruzzese was at the train station, waiting for her.

Members of Mofya’s adopted Simi Valley family have stood by her bedside and prayed for a miracle ever since, joined in spirit by Mofya’s large family back home in southern Africa.

One of her older sisters, Martha, who is also studying in the United States, flew in from Minneapolis to join the vigil the day after the crash and has rarely left her room. Another older sister, Agnes, who lives in Zambia, is trying to get a visa and raise money for a plane ticket. The Abruzzeses are helping her.

Both families continue to hope that Mofya will one day awaken and resume the extraordinary journey that took her from her impoverished country to California as one of eight students chosen from 200 for a highly competitive Rotary program. Mofya was close to finishing her business studies at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles, the Abruzzeses said. Her plan was to work for a year in the United States to save some money, then return to Zambia to open a cosmetics business.

Right now, those dreams seem a long way off.

Mofya recently got skin grafts to replace flesh burned in the early moments of the crash. Doctors say she also may need a corneal transplant.

If it was fate that led Mofya to Metrolink 111, fate also played a role in bringing her from one of the poorest nations in the world to the Abruzzeses’ upscale home.

Pat Abruzzese, finance officer for a Chatsworth cabling company, said he just happened to be in the office of the local Rotary Club one day when he heard the executive director say that they needed a family to host a student from Zambia for a year. On the spot, he offered.

“We didn’t put much thought into it,” he said. “But I knew we had the room, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ ”

Studious and soft-spoken, Mofya is devoted to her studies, Pat Abruzzese said. She calls the Abruzzeses Mom and Dad and has developed a close bond with their two children, Jaime, 20, and T.J., 16.

“She fit right in with us,” said Pat Abruzzese. “She became part of the family.”

English is the primary language in Zambia, an independent nation in southern Africa that has a small middle class, widespread AIDS and grinding poverty. Mofya, always proper, spoke “the Queen’s English” and corrected her Simi Valley family when they uttered American colloquialisms, Pat Abruzzese said with a laugh.

Mofya is one of six children raised by a grandmother in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, who stepped in after both parents died, one of malaria and the other of a gastrointestinal illness.

Mofya’s family had a small farm on the outskirts of Lusaka, a city of 1.2 million. Mofya is ambitious, viewing her stay in the United States as an opportunity not only to open her own business but to create jobs for other Zambians, Pat Abruzzese said.

She crammed courses that normally take 18 months into one year, and she got straight A’s, he said.

“She was competitive. She knew she had been given a chance and wanted to make the best of it.”

Their life together soon had its routines. Mofya would be up early every morning, waiting for Pat Abruzzese to take her to the Simi Valley Metrolink station. She rode the commuter line to and from her Los Angeles campus every week day, he said.

“She’d be at the bottom of the stairs and say, ‘Dad, I’m ready. Let’s go,’ ” he said.

Mofya also carved out her own territory. After joining a singles group sponsored by the family’s church, she became friends with dozens of local young people, the Abruzzeses said.

On Sept. 12, Mofya phoned home to say she was taking an earlier train because she had plans. Joanne Abruzzese was waiting for her at the Simi Valley station when she got word of the crash.

The Abruzzeses spent the next 12 hours calling hospitals and combing lists of the injured. Eventually, they joined the other frantic families gathered at Chatsworth High School.

At 3:15 a.m., someone called to say that a woman who matched Mofya’s description had been taken, in grave condition, to County-USC Medical Center. Could they come immediately, with a photograph, to identify her?

They found Mofya swollen and covered in bandages. Monitors beeped. A ventilator wheezed over her silent body. Joanne Abruzzese had the grim duty of calling Martha Mofya, 30, who has been in Minneapolis since January studying nursing. Martha sobbed and said she had seen a news report on the crash the night before and “had a sinking feeling.”

Her church friends have organized regular visits to her room. Their prayer chains have grown to include supporters from Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, and England, people who heard about Mofya’s story and were moved.

Friends bring food for the Abruzzeses, Martha Mofya, and whoever else happens to be standing vigil, the family said. They crowd a nearby visitors lounge and exchange news about Mofya’s condition.

Pat Abruzzese’s eyes grow soft as he talks about his daily visits to the young woman who has become like a daughter to him.

“I’m waiting for the day when she opens her eyes, looks at me and says, ‘Hi, Dad,’ ” he said.

Los Angeles Times

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

115 COMMENTS

    • I want to share this testimony to every one on this site. Am Rose Ricado this is how i was helped and cured with hiv and cancer by this great man of spirit called Dr Iwajowa. One day i was reading a blog when i come across a short comment saying about how this man cured him from hiv positive to negative with this, i found his email ID and his number then i quickly called him for a help to cure me from hiv also i was scared of calling him because i read that he is a spiritual man and i have never done this before so he told me not to be scared then i obey him. Also, i was so happy of what i read from a blog site on how am going to be cured with this, i make all the requirement done by me now am so happy with hiv negative not longer positive also with the cancer that was in me was gone and t

  6. It is my prayer that Rachael Mofya regains her consciousness as soon as possible and I wish her a speedy recovery. And to her family and the Abruzzeses, it is important for them to know that their belief in God should be their strength at this trying moment. Indeed He who keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleepeth.

  7. My prayers all to our dear sister Mofya and the Abrusseses family who opened their doors to our dear sister. Everything happens for a reason and the good Lord know why it had to be Mofya but meanwhile, you are doing the right thing and let everything in the hands of the Lord for he knows better. While miles away, we shall support you in spirit. Concerned Zambian

  8. I dont like the way there are describing Zambia in this article. Well its sad for Mofya,i wish her God blessing and mercy. Spare her life Lord coz she has unfinished business for our lovely and beautiful country Zambia. (Proud and free).

  11. “Racheal Mofya, 27, from Zambia, experiences snow.” Obviously some American wrote this. They always try to make us look like we r from the caveman era.

  12. Our prayers are with you Mofya.

    Father Christmas was not very happy though with that bloke talking aboutt AIDS and all that rubbish. I thought America had high levels of AIDS as well.

    My prayers to your family and the lord God will see you through this.

  23. May Mofya regain her consciousness. The discription of our country as being an empoverished country should cause us to ask why so empoverished when in 1969 the Kwacha was equal to the British pound. In the archivels at UNZA library, information shows that in 1975 1 kwacha was equal to the 1.15 US dollar. Where did we go wrong? Of course certain national and international policies went wrong. Let the political liberators rest (KK,RB and Sata). Let us allow the HHs’, the Mutatis’, the Magandes to steer the nation.

  25. Please note the description of Zambia as a country throughout the story above. it is like describing chipulukusu in Ndola. It adds salt to the wound when you hear about the rampant corruption going on.
    Praying that this girl gets better. With good leadership the description of our country will change and people will attend good schools in Zambia and go abroad by choice.

  27. Very touching indeed but as my fellow bloggers have observed, God knows why this had to happen. Mofya keep faith in Christ and everything will be okey whether in health or death. He has never forsaken his own. I pray that you get well soon coz we (zambians) are with you in spirit.

  28. Am wishing my sister Mofya a quick recovery. We are praying for you down here in Zambia Psalms 121. Don’t worry about the description of our Country lets just put our heads together and pray for our sister and have faith in him (God)

  30. Rachael, having spent 4 years with you at UNZA, am so saddened and my prayer is that God Almighty touch every part of your body and heal you. Amen.

  33. my heart goes out to you Mofya.May the Almighty God lay His healing hand on you so that you may be well again.Get Well Soon,My sister.

  36. quick recovery Mofya. # 26 will still pray for u if it happend to u. We pray for the devil in u ti come out in Jesus name………

  38. Mofya May God you healing, may He touch you with His divine Hand. Sad story indeed, learn to thank God for eveything that comes into your life, Rachael had no idea what was coming and am sure she would have liked to be sitting in front of the computer like us, but that was not to be. thank God for every day you wake up in divine health, don’t complain about the small flu you have.

  39. Mofya are you the daughter to my former lawyer Nigel mofya? if so get in touch i will send you US$200 for your up keep( i know you wnt see this but am sure your relatives will see it) that man saved me from the gallows.

  41. 39, the woman is in a coma, how can she get in touch with you? Sad story, we pray in Jesus name, that she will be healed.

  42. #26 What a let down. Bet you are a perfect family. Mofya, make the good lord be by your side and hope you wake up one day. To the Abruzzeses you are a great family thr lord God will surely reward you. God bless

  45. Well, God’s will has no Why? I don’t know why it happened. But I say this quote from the bible. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Mofya, may God’s will prevail in your life. I am sure God has something in store for you. You could have died on the spot. Either that or, God spared you for a purpose. Whatever the outcome – Might God is in control. Will pray for you.

  48. Racheal , in the most High Name, you are going to be healed! Thanks to the family standing vigil by your bedside, you will be blessed too! You people commenting senselessly on this blog do not know what it is to live overseas. God forgive you.

  51. #47 The muppet`s name is suspect but then again this is America. Why go to talk about poverty and AIDS when the issue is our dear sister being in coma. Won`t blame LT though.

    LT any chance this nonsense could have been sensored?

    Ba #26 just sit and wait until it happens to your sorry mother back home in Kalingalinga. Sorry to say but she will not be airlifted to the Percy!

  52. I hope this lady gets well soon and I would like to wish her family God’s blessings during this trying time.

    One observation is that let us build our country so that we don’t have to travel outside the country for such things as education, better jobs or better medical care.

  56. All things are possible to them that believe. I encourage the Mofya family to believe that we have a God that heals as long as we believe in him. I will stand in prayer with you.

  58. Very sad indeed.

    But there is healing in the balm of Gilead,

    Call upon Jehovah Rophi, the Lord your physician Ex 15:26

    May He keep His angels charge over you Psm 91:11

    …and by His stripes you are healed Isa 53:5
    AMEN

  60. Firstly , wish a speedy and complete recovery to Mofya.

    To the doubters , yes we are a impoverished nation. Just because we have ministers driving VXs doesnt mean we are extraordinary,and just accept that Zambia cannot be represented by Manda hill or arcades.

    Hats off to the foster family. What fantastic people… And yet your kind are scorned here with all sorts of insults and name calling.
    we are indeed hypocrties

  61. Get well soon nothing is impossible with God Almighty.We have his Son Jesus Christ as the greatest physician He will see you through Amen.

  62. #57 Tinola It don`t matter like you Irish (Americans) say. The poor and AIDS bit should have been edited any way.

    Thanks for the info though!

    Back from the pub guys.

  63. Get real guys! This story isn’t real. Pay close attention to the tone of the English used in this article. It’s our own Zambian choice of words. Play around with the image of “Mofya” above and you’ll see that it can be “split”. LT should stop playing around people’s minds with serious issues. Infact LA Times can sue them for this. Shame on LT.

  64. That’s how much dignity we have lost as a nation. I do not like the way Zambia is being described, but fail to dispute becoz that’s what it is, POOR.We have the chance to move forward, but when Sata is just calling people names and insulting without articulating economic policies, what do you expect.
    To the lady, sorry for all the pain, but God is with us all. You shall come back, God willing.

  65. Tonga Bull. I am not going to call you names or insult you. The article is from LAT. Google it mate.

    Look at #57.

    You may be right but what ever it is, I do not the muppet at all. All thayt por and AIDS stuff sucks.

  66. OOpss! Tonga Bull. I do not like the muppet saying all the stupid stuff like poor country and AIDS. What a wank*r he is!

  68. MOFYA IAM PRAYING FOR YOU .IT SHALL BE WELL WITH YOU GOD IS FAITHFUL AND HAVE A PLAN FOR YOU.EVEN FOR YOU TO BE STILL ALIVE TO THIS TIME AFTER WHAT HAPPEND IT MEANS GOD IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU AND YOUR LIFE IS IN HIS HANDS BEING MONITORED .JESUS LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU .SO DO I .SISTER IN CHRIST.

  69. MOFYA i wish you a speedy recovery.family members pray for her unceasingly without internal complaints and questioning God..Pray and hope for her best.

  73. Tonga Bull, no wonder we say Tonga’s can not rule Zambia, go on the LA Times website or do a search. I saw this story before LT posted it. This is real. The woman is sick and it is such a touching story.

  74. #63…Tonga Bull google man. Are you really Tonga? Story true as cited at LA Times. The way Zambia has been described is fair in my opinion.

  76. God be with u mofya and whatever the outcome Lord God,u r mighty and giver of life and we shall praise u endlessly even as u take back….

    now..i dont understand why peole r complaining about how zambia is described by a super power and world leading economy(despite the credit crunch)….be realistic and true to yourselves people…ZAMBIA IS POOR,IMPOVERISHED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT…IT TRULY IS AIDS INFESTED….ITS A FACT…LIVE WITH IT…if u want to argue make sure u vote for good leaders and make your own contributions,make a change…dont say crap while ur sipping coffee and pure orange juice ABROAD while the real zambians cant afford kapenta and roller meal or a bata pair of shoes.

  77. Tragic story – I was in charge of the project that Rachel was a student in and in which she won her scholarship for going to USA. I know her very well and she is a hard worker.

  79. Mofya you will be fine accoding to the Bible God heald in mathwe
    even in Exo God Heald he shall see you through ma sister I no you cant read but we ar praying for you may the Lord hear our cry

  80. #26 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN REAL ISSUES U AR A MAD PERSON YOU JUST WANT ISSUES AYABUPUBA SO THAT YOU CONTRIBUT MAY GOD HELP YOU RELLY

  81. sad story but saddened about the way her background is being potrayed but anyway i dont know what Racheal Mofya’s background is but Zambia is the place to be. As mentioned, already her parents died of other diseases other than HIV/AIDS. Zambia is not impoverished as described, most of you have been gone for decades and have lost touch about home. we can not convience you about this one but please come and see for yourselves. shanties are everywhere, can you talk about a country in Africa which doesnt have such – even much worser than what we have. You guys abroad are not just proud of your own country. choose a country other than Zambia as a place to be in Africa.

  82. # 76, ala ninkufilwa. Superpower kuli iwe wine we nchushi. wali butuka insali kumyenu kunganda. that superpower of yours cant even afford a visit to Africa and Zambia, described as the Warm Heart of Africa, Zambia – the Real Africa, Zambia in the Sun, Zambia the Butterfly in the heart of Africa. Never had a chance to get first hand information on Zambia and its inhabitants, the most friendly people (as described by many a tourists that visit). HIV/AIDS is all over the world and Zambia is not the most hit. we muchona na we, you shall never even have a place (house) to call your own when you return ala uka tumbula amenso, ukalila umu lopa!

  84. its a pity Zambia is described in this manner and hey, its not represented by Arcades & Manda Hill. You seem to have been long gone, the best is come to ZED, and you will be amazed. I have never known Zambians to be hard working as they are now. It is simply a beautiful Zambia and Zambian. those of you who live abroad, you shall never have a home to call home, when you come to your sense and decide to, you shall be lost and have no where to start from.
    Ndipo mukalifya mutima the way you describe your own country as if you were born and bread ku vyalo and yet you just went there mubukulu. Eimwe bamuselela kwakaba, so what ever you want!

  85. That was realy touching realy need people wo have a heart Like the Abruzzeses.May God heal Recheal and bless tham Abruzzeses.

  87. Guys, especially you in diaspora, check out this blog. You will be able to download tons of Zed music to help you feel closer to Zed.

    www . deejaywolf . blosgspot . com

  88. Guys, this accident would have happened to her anywhere ele including pa Zedi if it was mean”t to be. The writer of this topic makes it look like going to USA caused the accident. Believe in destiny and fate at times!

  90. *Total# of people infected with HIV/AIDS globally is 39.5 million and sub-saharan africa stands out at 24.7 million out of the total 39.5 million (63% or two-thirds of the global total).

    *Total# of new infections(2006) was 4.3 million globally and sub-saharan africa had 2.8 million out of the total 4.3 million(65% or two-thirds of the global figure).

    *Sub-Saharan had 72%(almost three-fourths) of the global HIV deaths

    *Zambia in particular,with a population of about 11 million, has a prevalence rate of about 16%.Lusaka accounts for 22%,Livingstone 18%,Copperbelt 18%,Northern province 8% and N/Western 9%.

    *What is the impact of HIV/AIDS in zambia?(please read my next posting)

  91. Wishing our sister Rachael a speedy recovery and to the family,we’re with you in prayers.To you the Abruzzeses’ -you’ve touched our hearts in a very profound way…..Only God will reward you.

  93. A quick recovery to you Mofya!! May the Lord touch you rigth now!!!! By the way Zambia is not an impoversihed country…

  95. it’s really sad but our hope and faith are just in God’s hand, as we pray for our dear sister and the family. we just speak healing upon her in Jesus name coz with him all things are possible.Get well soon sis

  97. LESA ELAKUPALA NKASHI YANDI GOD IS BLESSING YOU MY DEAR SISTER AND GOD HAS HIS OWN WAYS IN HEALING, YOU ARE HEALED IN JESUS NAME I PRAY

    YOU WILL FINISH YOUR COURSE WITH FLYING COLOURS YOU WILL BE THE BEST STUDENT AT THAT COLLEGE

    GET WELL SOON

  99. its sad the way zambia is portrayed, they make it seem like racheal came from a stone age country. zambians are intelligent, hardworking pipo. its because we are divided thats why we dnt prosper. pipo who go abroad think they are special and better than the pips back hme. lets change our attitude and work towards achieving a common goal. lets make a difference

  103. Mofya get well soon. the description of zambia as an impoverished and AIDS infested country is sad reading. these are the same descriptions that make young pipo like mofya be decieved and go abroad only to end up in hospital or on a death bed in a foreign country. its a pity that many of brothers n sisters are living horrible and difficult lives trying to make a living by doing all sort of odd jobs just to stay abroad, in countries where they are not even welcomed. its a pity indeed..us pipo in zambia are the happiest as this our only beautiful God given country where we are free be anybody we can be. by the way with all this porn in America AIDS is also rife………wat a wicked country!

  107. i agree with #103. why live like lost soul in a foreign country when you can lead a happier life back home.we are poor yes, but its definately not depressing to live in zambia.i wouldnt pick any other country over my beautiful zambia.im coming home soon as i finish my studies.

  108. hope god gives Mofya the strength and determination to pull through this fragile time,i feel for her sis and the family in america hope you take each day as it comes and keep on praying.God will answer your prayers.Inshaallah.A fellow Zambian sister.

  109. Time and unforseen occurences befall us all because of been in a wrong place at a wrong time,hence i just wish you a quick recovery Mofya.Keeping the faith in the almighty is your only stronghold.

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