Darien Ramsdale

On Friday August 28th, Darien went to the District of Rock Island with a few friends. While outside the bar, there was an altercation about a block away that ended with gun shots. One of those stray bullets from that altercation struck Darien in the neck. Thanks to a Good Samaritan and the police officer on scene, they were able to preform CPR and save Darien’s life. He was airlifted and taken to the hospital where he is currently in critical condition, leaving him on a ventilator and heavily sedated. The bullet went completely through his neck, pulverizing a vertebrae, and causing damage to another, as well as his spinal cord. Earlier this week, Darien had surgery to replace the vertebrae (C3-C5) with metal discs. After the surgery Darien is able to shake his head and can shrug his shoulders.

This coming week, Darien will undergo a second surgery to insert a NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System that will breath for him. This system was used with Christopher Reeves and will replace the need of a tracheotomy. This will not hinder any healing he will do on his own. 

At this time, we do not know the full extent of the damage done to the spinal cord or how much feeling he will get back in his body.  

There are currently a lot of unknowns with his future treatment and care needs. When Darien is out of critical condition, he will be moved to a long term care facility closer to home. He has a very long road ahead of him and will need continued physical, emotional and financial support from his family and friends.