~ Life Changes in an Instant ~
Sometimes with no warning the unexpected occurs. No matter who you are, what you do, or how you've planned for the future, in an instant your life can be irrevocably changed. The good news is, when the unexpected occurs, you find out just how many people love you.
On the morning of January 2, 2007 Scott collapsed at his home in San Diego. Once arriving at the hospital by ambulance it was discovered that Scott was suffering from a massive bacterial infection. Due to the emotional stress of Scott's illness, 48 hours after his collapse, Kathy and the family welcomed Samantha Elaine and Stephanie Kathleen into this world. The girls were five weeks early but thankfully in good health. Although Scott was given an intensive regimen of antibiotics, after 7 days, the infection entered his spinal cord at the C1 level leaving him a complete quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. Scott and his family continue to hope and pray that one day he will regain feeling. However, doctors believe that the bacteria has caused permanent damage to his spinal cord and do not know how much, if any mobility, will be regained.
Scott was transferred in May to Craig, a spinal & brain injury rehabilitation hospital, in Denver. Once arriving at Craig, Scott underwent a skin flap surgery to repair a level 4 wound he developed during his hospital stay in San Diego. After 8 weeks of bed rest he was finally able to start his rehabilitation and adaptive learning. Scott is now able to eat, operate a power chair through the use of a sip and puff device, and answer his owns emails with the help of special software. Scott continues his rehabilitation at home while learning how to live as independently as possible.
Scott returned home to his wife Kathy and his girls Samantha and Stephanie. Prayer, family, friends, the San Diego, Durango, and Denver communities and many many other's helped make this happen. THANK YOU!!