Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

David Chen is sure the thoughts and prayers from the Big Island are helping his wife battle injuries she suffered in a vehicle crash Friday on Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

Theresa Wang, 47, remains at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, with numerous broken bones and swelling in her brain that is delaying surgery.

“Please join me in praying for Theresa’s brain swelling to subside,” Chen said Tuesday. “Sometimes it feels like a game of whack-a-mole but these prayers are making all the difference.”

Wang was driving south on the highway when struck by a vehicle driven by Shakti Stream. Colt Brennan was a passenger in Stream’s SUV and also was flown to Oahu for treatment.

Stream reportedly has been released from Kona Community Hospital, while Brennan underwent surgery Tuesday on a broken collarbone.

Meanwhile, Chen remains by his wife’s side and, in a series of emails, explains a number of complications his wife has faced.

Wang already has under gone surgery on the injuries to her legs; further surgery is needed on her arms and neck. Surgery on her neck is on hold until the swelling subsides, Chen said.

In his latest update, Chen said his wife is “unresponsive to stimulus and the doctors tell us the only thing to do is wait and hope. Theresa is young and strong and has so much to live for. When I hold her hand, I know she is still with us.”

Chen said he is grateful Wang always wears her seltbeat and was driving a Saab vehicle, which has an excellent safety record.

Wang was a doctor at West Hawaii Community Health Clinic, but was on medical leave while recovering from an aneurysm she suffered nearly two years ago. She was already planning to job shadow in the new year with a practicing physician at the health center before returning to work.

Chen said he is also grateful for the support from the entire Big Island community.

“Mahalo for your continuing prayers and support,” he said.