Help Kaitlin N. who was recently paralyzed

As friends of the Noonan family, we are asking for your help to support Kaitlin.

Kaitlin, 24, was paralyzed from the chest down in a tragic accident when her brakes failed while riding her bike on June 23. In addition to a severed spinal cord, she suffered broken vertebrae, ribs, and clavicle. Her kidney was shattered and her lungs are injured, making it difficult to take her off a ventilator. Her spleen was removed in an initial surgery, followed by surgery to fuse her spine.

Kaitlin has autism spectrum disorder. She will require lifetime care from her parents, Joe and Karan Noonan. Joe recently retired as the owner/operator of Old Planter’s Restaurant in Hannibal, MO. Karan works for the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. The family will have to move from their loft apartment into a wheel-chair accessible home. Kaitlin will spend months at University Hospital in Columbia and in rehabilitation. She cannot yet talk because of the ventilator, though she has been able to communicate through blinking or slight head movement. You can only imagine how afraid she must feel right now

It's hard to fathom the changes in store for the family, and how much expense they are facing ahead. If you’re wondering how you can help, this is it. If we can ease the financial burden even a bit, that will make a difference. And your donation will let Kaitlin and her family know that you care, which is a huge comfort as they deal with what is ahead. Please consider a gift, and if you’re not in a position to contribute, please send up prayers for Kaitlin and her family. Donations will go directly to the family. Thank you!