Posted, January 22, 2006

Eventer Kim Meier Severely Injured in Training Accident
Posted on Kim's Care Page at Orlando Regional Medical Center

On Tues., Jan. 16, Kim was jump-schooling her beloved horse Merle (Test Run) when Merle got a rail caught between his legs. In the subsequent fall, Kim landed in such a way which hyper-extended her neck. She sustained damage to the C3 and C4 vertebrae. She was immediately life-flighted from Ocala to Orlando. Merle is fine after the incident.

Doctors operated on Kim on Wed., and discovered that the spinal column has been comprimised, but not severed. They installed some plates to the front of the vertebrae to assist in stablizing them. Kim remained in the Intensive Care Unit until Sat., Jan. 20, when she was moved to an intermediate floor.

Kim is currently stable, and talking, eating soft foods, and able to move her shoulders. She has some sensastion in her arms down to the elbows, but is unable to move her arms. Doctors are unsure how permanent the condition is--as they say, each case is different, and miracles do happen. But Kim and her family are proceeding with plans with the worst-case scenario in mind.

Kim is surrounded by people who love her--her family and her daughter, and friends. As those who know her will imagine, she's not the most quiet of patients, but it's so good to see her spark and her determination. Please keep her in your prayers.

Fund Started for Kim's Support
Friends of Kim, who lives in Maryland, have established a fund to support her during her recovery. An account, named the
Kim and Kelly Support Fund, has been set up at
Bank of America
Donations can be made at any branch and deposited to account #4469271641.
Checks can also be mailed to
Bank of America,
2340 West Joppa Road, Lutherville, MD 21093.
att: Gail Winn

To those wanting to send Kim cards, etc., you can direct them as follows...

Orlando Regional Medical Center
1414 Kuhl Ave.
Orlando, FL 32806
Attn: Kim Meier

If you do send something, please be sure it's directed to Kim Meier--she's switching rooms frequently, so that's how it will get to her.

She also has a webpage at ORMC where greetings can be posted
http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=KimMeier&extrefid=tlcinvite