Friday, September 17, 2010

(This information was written by Sydney's mother):

Tonight our beautiful Sydney was in a terrible and tragic car accident.  She broke her back in 3 areas, and one break was very severe (a complete dislocation and twisted 90 degrees) and damaged her spinal cord.  We are so grateful for the paramedics who responded on the scene and were able to slowly but carefully and safely extract her from the car and rush her to the hospital. Sydney could feel her legs when touched (which is a good sign), but could not move her legs (which is not a good sign).

Once she reached the hospital she received excellent care from the ER doctor and staff, who called in the Neurologist, Dr. Peter Maughan.   After a few hours of delicate prep, Sydney was in surgery for 5 hours.  Dr. Maughan was able to stabilize her spine with a graft from her hip bone, and secured 7 vertebrate with titanium screws and rods.  This will take the pressure off her spinal cord which will give it a chance to recover. 

We are so grateful Sydney is alive and did not suffer a head injury!  We feel the Lord is watching over her!  Thank you to Grandma Joyce and Uncle John Williams for rushing to the hospital to be with Sydney as we were in Idaho and had a 4 hour drive before reaching the hospital (and of course were worried sick and praying the whole way).  Thank you also to the Esquivels and friends who stayed at the hospital all night while Sydney was in surgery. Thank you also to John and the Esquivel's friend for giving Sydney a blessing. Thank you to Khristy for watching my kids all day on Saturday and to everyone for their concerned calls, texts, emails and prayers of support!