This is about a member of our SCA group, who has passed away, the original notice followed by the update:
On Sunday, April 6, Debbie (Rhiannon) and Chuck were mounting up and heading out for a trail ride. Debbie had just gotten a new saddle, and for some reason didn't feel confident putting her weight in the stirrups. So she swung her leg over and sat on him with no stirrups. Not unusual for her as she prefers to ride bareback. But for some reason, Kalvin spooked and cantered off, dumping Debbie. She landed very hard on her head (NO HELMET) and sustained a severe head injury. She was knocked out and has not regained consciousness yet. The doctors removed part of her skull immediately to relieve the swelling on her brain, and then told us she would probably not live through the night. I'm happy to say she's still alive, but things are not especially good. In the past two weeks she responded poorly to the neurological tests, and they believe it would be a tough road to recovery if she did wake up. Then on Saturday we were told they did not expect her to ever wake up... Today, as I was visiting her and holding her hand, she actually opened both her eyes. She didn't really focus, but it seemed like she might have been trying. I don't know exactly what that means (there wasn't a doctor around to ask) but I'm hoping she's going to prove the doctors wrong again, like she did two Sundays ago... If you're in the area (Tustin) and would like to visit her or send something, please contact me privately and I'll send you the hospital info. Otherwise, please send your prayers and good wishes her way. She can really use all the help she can get. And if there can be one thing we take away from this tragedy, please let it be the helmet message. Every ride, every time. If Debbie had been wearing her helmet this probably would have been avoided altogether. It's frightening how much your life can change in a split second. Christiaen/Kristin April 24, 2008: I'm so, so sorry to report. Debbie has passed away. So incredibly heartbreaking. Kristin ______________________________ Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
