Will Update

It's difficult to believe that it was only 11 days ago that Will was struck by a vehicle driving 70+ mph while cycling through Northern Montana to fulfill his dream of cycling coast to coast and raising funds for the Davenport, IA based Creative Arts Academy.

Today is our 5th visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

If you have ever been to Mayo, then you know this place is just simply awe-inspiring.  The care you receive from the admissions desk, to the technicians, nursing staff, PAs, Fellows, doctors is professional and consistent.  They treat hundreds of thousands of people in the various clinics across the US and yet they treat you as if you are their only patient.

Last Saturday, I signed Will up for a 90-minute reiki session.  He was not very forthcoming about the experience but found it curious.  I suspect reiki is a very personal experience.  Mostly I was hoping this session would help heal him emotionally.  I cannot imagine what it must be like to be struck by a vehicle, flung 80 feet, knocked unconscious, and have your breathing stopped.  It must be horrifying.

Will ordered his new bike yesterday.  They think it will take 4-6 weeks for delivery.  I am hoping for 4-6 months for delivery and an early winter.  

I am getting him out to be with people, even if just for a short period of time.  Our apartment community in Minneapolis had a wine tasting last week.  We attended.  We briefly went to a Gin party held by friends in the apartment community, and we had breakfast on Sunday with a friend.  Will's stamina is short but it's important for him to get out and be with people.  Everyone has been so welcoming and caring.

We will try to visit Davenport as soon as Will is able to travel as Davenport is a place of healing for him.  The home he created, the neighbors and friends are all a second family for him. 

The Davenport-based CAA students as well as QC friends are putting in the miles to help Will complete the remaining 2,575 miles of his journey.  There was a walk-a-thon by the students.  Last weekend 20 Quad City cyclists biked 107 miles in honor of Will.  We are grateful for everyone's effort to complete his ride.

Will is having his first surgery this morning.  They are addressing "The Terrible Triad" of the elbow.  (You can Google that.)  They will repair all three elements of the fracture and depending on the condition of the radial head in the elbow, they may have to insert a prosthesis.  Will was thinking that perhaps he could be a pitcher for the Orioles with his bionic arm.  They are having such a terrible season that he thinks he may be able to help.  (Yes, his sense of humor remains.)

The plan is to perform the surgery arthroscopically, however, they may have to abort and perform a larger incision.  This will impact the recovery timing.  Will was asking if there was a chainsaw nearby.  The humor continues. 

He has been admitted to Mayo hospital and depending on the surgery and his post-op pain, he may have to stay the night. 

I am sitting across the street from the hospital at the local Starbucks.  The waiting room is filled with people and quite frankly, right now I need to be in a place with a higher energy and where life is almost normal.  The hospital has my cell phone number and they will text me his progress. 

There has been an outpouring of love and support from so many people regarding his recovery.  We are humbled by this affection.

We are taking each day one day at a time.  Thank you for your love and support.  Prayers and well wishes are welcomed.

Best,
Laura and Will