I got off the phone with Val Hildreth-Werker a couple of hours ago. She is fine. She walked away from the accident with a bruised toe and a scrape. Jim's injuries were much worst. It will take multiple surgeries to repair the damage to his leg and that from his lost arm. He had his second surgery today. He is in ICU in El Paso and for the moment the signs are positive, relative to his condition, for a good recovery. But all optimism at this point should be tempered with caution and realism until his condition is further stabilized and the full degree of his injuries understood.
Val told me she has been getting lots of calls from family and friends. She greatly appreciates them but it is all a bit overwhelming. She has someone helping her as a point-of-contact to share news with family. She asked if I would be willing to serve as the point-of-contact for caving friends. Of course I'll do whatever I can to help her. So this message is to give a broad update to the people and caving lists I know have heard the news of her and Jim's car accident, but also to ask that if you want more information, do not contact Val for the short-term but to contact me. She'll call me every few days with news as she has time and energy. I'll then share it with those people who have contacted me. Some of you have already asked me for updates. You don't need to ask again; you are on the list. Some of you have asked for an address to send cards and best wishes. Val will send me an address once Jim is out of ICU. If she needs help with anything, I'll let you know. Again, Val greatly appreciates the outpouring of support and love. I think everyone can understand that she needs time to focus on Jim for a while and to get their lives back on track, so please contact me rather than her for the immediate future. I'll send you updates whenever I have them. Thanks, George *************************** George Veni, Ph.D. Executive Director National Cave and Karst Research Institute 400-1 Cascades Avenue Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220-6215 USA Office: 575-887-5517 Mobile: 210-863-5919 Fax: 575-887-5523 [email protected] www.nckri.org
