December 2, 2002
Dear Friends and Family;
I have some difficult news to share.
Our oldest son, Noah, has been involved in a terrible car accident. He was driving back to school after spending Thanksgiving weekend at home. He was on the Delta Highway within a couple of miles of the University and his apartment. A large pickup truck going the opposite direction lost its front left wheel. It rolled along the road at high speed, struck a concrete divider, which vaulted it into Noah’s oncoming truck. It demolished the roof line of the cab and severely injured his neck. How this wheel came loose is a mystery. The driver was uninsured.
Noah has had the best care under the circumstances. Eugene City police were quick to the scene, along with paramedics. The impact was such that an extraction devise was needed to remove him from the vehicle. The hospital was close and he was into surgery within three hours of the accident.
His injuries are limited to his neck. He has a few minor cuts and scratches. However, the damage to his spine is such that we are in a wait and see mode. The surgeon is not optimistic but we remain positive. He allows that it may be several weeks or longer before we know what therapists will ultimately have to work with.
The 7th cervical vertebra was shattered and a fusion with C6 and T1 was performed. Noah has good movement in his arms but little fine motor in his hands. Currently, he has no sensation from his mid chest to his toes. The spinal cord is intact and he has received steroidal drips for inflammation to minimize damage from swelling. He is experiencing only minor pain from the surgeries and though he is tired a lot, he is also in good spirits when alert and rested. There are no cognitive problems.
He is at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene. He will remain here for several days until we can determine the best rehabilitation facility for his physical therapy. That rehab will last 4 to 6 weeks after which he will come home. This is a baby steps, one moment at a time type of rehab. On Noah’s side are his youth and strength and the fact that he is loved dearly by so many. Marilyn and I are working hard to deal with the many aspects of his care. The support from others has been tremendous.
Please share these current facts with other friends whose email addresses are not listed above. We will not be back in Hood River for some days and this note may help minimize speculation.
If things change dramatically, I will send another email. I know you are worried for Noah and us and we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
John
