Jeremy Renner's Recovery Journey: Daughter Ava Inspires Determination, Says Personal Sports Physician
Jeremy Renner's resilience and resolve to recover from a near-fatal snowplow accident on New Year's Day has been nothing short of inspirational, according to Dr. Christopher Vincent, a chiropractic sports physician and trainer who has collaborated with the actor intermittently since 2011.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Dr. Vincent highlights Renner's remarkable progress, stating, "I've seen so many people with injuries way less [severe] than Jeremy had, and they just give up." One of the driving forces behind Renner's determination is his 10-year-old daughter Ava, whom he shares with ex-wife Sonni Pacheco. Dr. Vincent explains, "You really reflect on life when something like this happens. It's like, 'Okay, what's important?'"
Family and friends have been pivotal in Renner's healing journey, providing support and care throughout his rehabilitation process. Rory Millikin, a close friend and executive producer at Rennervations, has been living at Renner's L.A. home alongside Renner's mother, Valerie Cearly, to help take care of the actor. Renner's sister Kym has also played a significant role, coordinating everything as he undergoes daily physical therapy.
Renner's home has been transformed into a "full rehab center," complete with state-of-the-art medical equipment, thanks to Dr. Vincent's efforts. The Boost Treadmill, designed by a father-son duo, one of whom worked for NASA, has been particularly helpful in Renner's journey to walk again.
Despite enduring "excruciating" pain, Renner, who suffered blunt chest trauma and over 30 broken bones, has made substantial progress. Dr. Vincent or another physical therapist work with Renner daily for several hours, but there is still a long road ahead for a full recovery. "We're still only maybe an eighth of the way there," Dr. Vincent admits.
Nevertheless, Dr. Vincent is confident in Renner's ability to overcome the challenges ahead. "I 100 percent believe he'll be better than he was before," he asserts.