As many of you know, Kristen was thrown from one of her horses on December 8, 2012 and suffered a spinal injury. As September 2013 approaches, she is still recovering from this accident. The last few months have been marked by both progress and regression, but throughout Kristen has maintained her spunkiness and sense of humor.
In February she received a diaphragm pacemaker. Physicians at Case Western believe with this device, she will eventually be able to come off the ventilator. Working towards that day, has taken a tremendous amount of effort, but we (her family) are all certain it will come.
Since Memorial Day weekend, Kristen has been able to get out in her wheelchair and has been to the barn to see her horses several times. She is looking forward to the day when she can return home permamently. But for now, she is being cared for at her mother's house by her mother, Judy, and her daughter, Rose.
The purpose of this site is to keep interested friends and family updated on her progress and to provide a mechanism for which folks who would like to can contribute to her needs. The Lighthouse Community (TLC) enables people to make a tax deductible contribution to her care. The funds are used to pay hospital and doctor bills and to offset monthly expenses for hospital equipment, medicine and supplies.
This is also a means for people to stay up to date on Kristen's status and to help her healing with posts of encouragement.
Kristen thanks everyone for the kind words, flowers, cards and visits that have been sent so far. She truly appreciates them and they are a terrific mental boost.