Corrie's Journey to Recovery

On December 31, Corrie and her partner, Gray, were on their last day of a bicycle tour of FL when they were struck from behind by a hit-and-run driver. Corrie was on the back of their tandem and took the majority of the impact, while Gray had serious road rash and soft tissue injuries. Corrie had over 24 hours of surgeries over 3 days, spent 6 days in neuro trauma ICU, and will remain in the hospital in FL for several more weeks before she will be able to be transported back to NC for extensive rehab. Gray has been at her side the entire time, and most of you probably know that Mom, Dad, Rob, and I have also been with her in FL and will continue to travel back and forth to be with her as much as we can.

Corrie's midsection received the trauma of the impact. A complete separation in her spinal column. A tear of her aorta. Irreparable kidney damage. A lacerated liver. Pancreatic trauma. Two broken ribs. A missing front tooth. The aorta & kidney took precedent. The first surgery involved reconnecting the aorta with a stent. The second surgery removed the right kidney. The other damages were mitigated but the abdominal cavity was left open in case further action was required. There were many monitors, pumps, & drugs. The next day required a spinal surgery team that realigned the spinal column & fused the broken parts with rods, screws, & cadaver bone. Corrie has now undergone 5 surgeries. She is breathing on her own. She can speak & has full awareness of the accident. She has sat in a chair using a back brace. She still must receive all nourishment by IV. Her stomach & intestines are not yet recovered & reactivated to handle their jobs. Her pain is enormous. She remains paralyzed from the waist down.

As you can imagine, this has been heart-wrenching to watch Corrie go through all of this and also know the challenges that are still ahead. Corrie and Gray have cycled thousands of miles and hiked probably just as many. Chichi has done backpacking trips with them several times. Corrie’s physical strength and fitness is what has gotten her this far and will help her to navigate the challenges ahead. Those challenges will come at a cost, both from a change of lifestyle standpoint and also financial. So many people have asked how they can help and this is one way that we could think of that would help Corrie in the long-term, as she is unable to do her professional work as a massage therapist. If you can and would like to give, I think I can speak for all of us and say that we are humbled and appreciative beyond any words. If you’re unable to give, all of the positive vibes you can send are also needed and very much appreciated. We will continue to provide updates as Corrie makes progress. For all who have already reached out and for all who have prayed or kept her, Gray, and our family in your thoughts - a sincere thank you. We send love back to you all.