Mission Hospital Releases Photo and Statement from Hiker Nick Cendoya
<0> Mission HospitalTamara Sharp, (949) 230-6852 </0>
Nicolas (Nick) Cendoya, age 19 from Costa Mesa, is all smiles from his hospital bed at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif., as he recovers from injuries sustained in his harrowing ordeal in the Trabuco Canyon after becoming lost with his friend, Kyndall Jack, on Easter Sunday.
“There are so many people to thank,” said Nick. “I want to thank all those who never stopped trying to find me and Kyndall, especially Amanda and her friends who were the ones to find me. To my parents, friends and family – so many supporters I didn’t even know I had. Thanks to all the nurses and doctors here at Mission for the great care I’ve gotten.
“I want to thank the officer for risking his life to save Kyndall, and wish him the best in his recovery. I also want to thank the firefighters who climbed up to save me. And, I want to thank the media for keeping attention on us to help get us rescued.
“The whole time I was lost, I felt the presence of Jesus and my friend, Carlos, who died last year of cancer. I felt they were both with me, inspiring me to stay alive. I was so relieved to hear that Kyndall was found and will be okay. I can’t wait to see her face-to-face and give her a big hug. I just want to see for myself that she’s okay.”