First Post. Accident and status as of 8/4/07

On Wednesday August 1st at approximately 2pm Kelsi fell approximately 20 feet onto some rocks. She sustained a severe head injury and at the time appeared to also have broken ankles and a broken arm. From the moment of the accident she received appropriate first aid. Her father was on the trail as a Priesthood leader at the time and within a few minutes was by her side and was soon able to give her a Priesthood blessing. The girls and leaders on the scene responded well and immediately went for emergency personnel while continuing to keep her immobile and treating for shock.

Kelsi arrived at University hospital approximately 4:15pm via Life Flight. Her ankles and arm are not broken. She remains in critical condition in the Nuero-Critical Care unit at University Hospital. There has been bleeding and swelling in her brain. She is receiving excellent care and is expected to survive. She is currently under heavy sedation, which could also be called an induced coma. Whether there will be permanent damage and to what extent will not be know until she does wake up. Until then the doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to help her heal.

The family feels certain that Kelsi's greatest concern is for how this might affect the other girls and leaders. Their hope is that this will strengthen faith and testimony. Their wish is that we do not let the "why" or "what if's" get in the way of the spiritual strengthening that this can be. There have already been several small miracles. There is still a long road to go toward recovery and hopefully there will yet be other miracles along the way.

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of prayers and the numerous expressions of concern and support in behalf of Kelsi. They are also very appreciative of the many things that have been done to help the other members of the family. Thank you for all that has been and will be done.