Gabe Kennedy and mom Solea.
Gabe Kennedy, in the days after the accident.
Gabe Kennedy, older brother of CHS football star Ben Haight, is fighting for his life in a Reno hospital.
Kennedy, 25, who was left for dead by a hit and run driver who slammed into him May 8 while he was skateboarding with friends, has lost a leg and is still in a coma.
But recent updates from mom Solea Kennedy, a well-known community volunteer with the Coupeville Food Bank, have shown progress.
Sometimes it has been in small increments, but every bit of progress is to be welcomed.
Some of her recent postings:
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The MRI results came back last night. The doctor is saying that the worse case is Gabe may not ever wake up, but best case scenario he will awake with some permanent limitations.
They cannot say anything for sure. Apparently Gabe has many areas of trauma on his brain (multiple diffusion’s), so they don’t know what will be affected.
They are also concerned about blood clots showing in his left leg causing a pulmonary embolism. As a precaution, they plan to do surgery this morning to implant an ICV screen.
Please keep up your prayers. The doctor said that because Gabe is young and strong, he has a fair chance of recovering from the coma….I know that God is big enough for miracles and it is a miracle he is alive, so I am counting on more miracles to come.
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Gabe is now in surgery for his right arm and left ankle reduction. His vitals are holding strong, although his fever remains an issue. They think that is from his head injury.
They brought his O2 down to 40% last night and are going to begin to wean him off of some of the ventilation.
He is getting a better bed after surgery, one that moves to help circulation. I told him he was getting an upgrade!
He has been keeping his eyes open longer and blinks at noises and other stimuli.
He has been moving his lips once in a while as well. The neurologist is hoping that he will begin to follow commands soon!
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Gabe came out of surgery and is doing well.
They set his left forearm and left ankle. He is still able to hold at 40% O2 and his PEEP (the amount of pressure it takes to fill his lungs) is down to 17, from 19.
All in all, he is doing well. I have not seen his eyes post surgery, but the general anesthesia keeps him pretty knocked out for a while.
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Gabe had to have a little blood last night. His vitals are still good. They have brought the peep down to 11 and his Oxygen is holding at 40%. Still a little concern over his temp. Overall we are good this morning!
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Gabe’s PEEP is down to 7 and he is holding strong.
This afternoon when the doctors were moving Gabe, he moved some of his fingers and his arm! He has not opened his eyes much today, but when he does he looks around, not seeming to focus, but as though he was attempting to!
Thank you for all of your messages and cards. I am reading them to Gabe!
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If you would like to help Solea, Ben, Gabe and their family there are two ways.
You can send cards and well wishes to:
Gabe Kennedy
Renown Regional Medical Center
1155 Mill Street
Reno, Nevada 89502
Or, think about helping the family with medical expenses at the link below. Every dollar helps.
http://www.gofundme.com/955tg8
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