Opening Day 2012: Celebrating Bryan Stow

The brutal beating of local Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day 2011 has been well-documented.

The tragic story has turned into so much more than a rivalry between two franchises occupying the same state. Today, there is a multi-million dollar law suit, a pair of incarcerated suspects and a family still grappling with their son's intensive rehab.

But the bleakness of mid-2011, when it was unclear if Stow would ever come out of his coma, is replaced with optimism today, Opening Day 2012. 

ESPN reported in March that Stow had been moved to a new rehab facility "because he no longer needs constant medical care." He still needs assistance with many everyday tasks, but he is under an aggressive treatment plan to one day help him earn back some independence. In all, Stow's medical bills are estimated to reach $50 million. 

On March 31, the actual anniversary of the 2011 incident, San Jose residents participated in a Walk for Thought in support of Stow and the Brain Injury Association of California. See footage of that event in the video section above.

In what would certainly be a fitting and monumental milestone for Stow, KNBR 680 AM is reporting that the Santa Cruz County man and former Santa Clara County paramedic could be taking part in the Giants home opening ceremony on April 13 before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mountain View's Tied House invited some of Stow's friends and for the injured paramedic last year. .

Additional reporting by Claudia Cruz.