Dr. David Spain, chief of trauma and surgical critical care at Stanford Hospital, and one of Ricky's doctors, was the reunion organizer. Spain says getting together people who have gone through extreme trauma is beneficial. They realize they are not alone and are better able to cope with their own circumstances.

Ricky wasn't expected to live at first--what with renal failure, brain rattling, collapsed lung, crushed leg and hypothermia. Then he wasn't expected to continue on without a leg amputation. Today he can drive, ride a bike and even do squats. He has endured 12 surgeries and is now taking classes at West Valley College.

The truck Ricky was driving that fateful night missed a curve, crashed down a 30-foot cliff, veered off trees and overturned. Thus he was left unconscious and hanging upside down for 16 hours before being found by close friend Andrew Brady. Andrew and his father, Scott, had miraculously located the truck, just a glint spotted from the road.

The search was about to be called off, since sheriff rescue teams had canvassed the area for hours. The truck, in a Calabazos creekbed, was nearly impossible to spot, but the Bradys zeroed in on the right area, even though they have no idea why they picked that particular spot.

Ricky, a high school junior at the time of the accident, was able to graduate with his class, thanks to his own perseverance and the dedication of his teachers. Without their support he wouldn't have made it, Dona says.

Ricky will face a lifetime of rehabilitation but he wants to devote himself to rescuing others. He's hoping to train for EMT work. Said his mother during her speech at the trauma reunion, "Ricky is truly my hero. He has strengthened my life in so many ways."

Ricky's rehabilitation, both mental and physical, was fraught with many dark days of setbacks.

Dona also commented on the incredible power of prayer. She works at Condon's Hair Salon in Azule Crossing.

RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY SERVICE: Anna Norman of Los Gatos High and Wendy Shieu of Saratoga High each won $200 as a Violet Richardson Award recipient from the local chapter of Soroptimist. The award is given to those ages 14­17 who volunteer in health care, the environment or fighting drugs, violence or discrimination.

Norman was recognized for her work with Sunday Friends, where volunteers work with children in shelters. Shieu received the award for her service in the high school Key Club, where she co-captained the relay team that raised $4,000 for cancer research. She has also helped with creek cleanup and visited a nursing home.

The awards will be presented at a luncheon ceremony April 21.

LOCAL ART TO FLORENCE: In a surprise invitation, Saratogan Nacera Guerin was selected one of the artists who will show their work at the Florence Biennale in Italy. The committee saw her work on her website and were suitably impressed.

Biennale 2005 will be held in the Fortezza da Basso Dec. 3­11. Guerin had never heard of the event, nor corresponded with anyone involved with it. She was so amazed that she emailed the officials back, "Are you sure you mean me?" Yes, indeed, came the reply.

The Biennale is an official participant in the "Dialogue among Civilizations" program, in collaboration with the United Nations. "I believe that dialogue is an opportunity for people of different cultures and traditions to know each other better, whether they live on opposite sides of the world or in the same street." says the U.N.'s Kofi Annan.

YOUR HEALTH: TAKE CHARGE: Los Gatan Joan Schreiner, a cancer survivor, has written a book called Still Here! Taking Charge of Your Health Care. She will share her experiences and wisdom on March 31 at 7 p.m. in Los Gatos Town Council Chambers.

Schreiner, who has undergone a half-dozen operations, will discuss why and how people should become actively involved in their own health-care decisions.

WILDFLOWER WALK: Fort Ord sports some of the largest stretches of undeveloped coast along Monterey Bay, and it's rife with oak woodlands and vernal pools. Naturalist Greg Meyer will lead an easy, 5-mile wildflower walk April 17, 10 a.m.­4:30 p.m., through the trees and sandy trails of that coastal area.

This year's rains have produced some of the largest wildflower displays in the past 10 years. The hike is $34. Call Saratoga Recreation at 408.868.1248.

Judy Bingman, she of the peripatetic camera, is recently back from training her lens on Death Valley, and reports it's the best wildflower display there in perhaps a half-century.

Got a tip for Saratoga Sampler? Send email to maryanncook@earthlink.net.