Thanks for Your Thoughts and Prayers

As most of you know by now, Christy was involved in a sledding accident this past Sunday afternoon at Helfrich golf course on the cities west side. Christy was with her four kids, William, Ellen, Isaac, and Sam. They were sledding with Christy's sister, Cathy, and her two children, Jacob and Emma. Around 4 pm, Christy and Emma struck a tree while sledding on a tube. Thankful, Emma was thrown clear and was uninjured. Christy, however, struck her head and back and required care at the scene.

She was transported to Deaconess hospital and has been under the able care of the staff there since Sunday night. The MRI shows Christy fractured her T8 & T9 vertebrae and sustained a spinal injury. Tragically, she presents with paralysis from roughly her sternum down.

It has been a very difficult week for Christy, Randy, and their entire family and friends. In time, I'm sure they will share on this blog how much they have appreciated and been sustained by the avalanche of support and prayer that has been extended on their behalf. I know it has been a comfort. It is also a testimony to how much they are universally loved and respected.

The kids have been able to visit Christy twice - once on Tuesday evening and again this evening. It has been a blessing and encouragement to all. Otherwise, the kids have been in school and following their normal evening activities. Christy and Randy have appreciated how the teachers and staff at Newburgh Elementary have kept a careful eye on the kids.

Most of the week has been an effort to determine the extent of Christy's injuries. It has also been preparation for a surgery that's designed to stabilize the damaged vertebrae in her back. That surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 7:30 am and is expected to be a lengthy procedure. Christy remains hopeful and brave. Please pray the surgery is successful and allows the doctors to gain additional clarity about how to best care for her going forward.

Many thanks to the emergency responders, doctors and hospital staff, teachers, and friends for your support this past week. Please check back for additional updates about Christy's progress. The blog will also provide information about the many ways being planned about how to help the family.