Grant Drummond - Moved by Miracles
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Our sister, Gina, sent a family group text at 5:47 a.m. on June 27, 2020:
"I need your pray[ers] for Grant. He was going to go on a bike ride with Gwen. He got hit by a car less than a mile from her house. It's really bad. Just say prayers I'll send you updates when I get them. I've got to get to wherever they're going to take him"
Our lives have not been the same since.
Grant - Race morning photo
The Accident
Grant and his sister, Elisabeth, who lives in Texas, planned to race in the Half-Ironman Lubbock. As Grant and Gina were getting into their truck to head to Texas on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, they received word the race was cancelled due to COVID-19. Since the race was cancelled, Grant and his sister, Gwen, decided to meet at Gwen’s house a few days later and do a 200 mile bike ride in Colorado. (Their brother, Seth, planned to wait a couple miles away to join them for a portion of the ride.)
On the morning of June 27, 2020, less than two miles into the bike ride, Grant was hit full force from behind by a vehicle. Gwen felt the vehicle swoosh past her and saw Grant get hit.
We imagine the driver and his family also are going through a very difficult time. It cannot be easy for them.
Fortunately, Gwen had EMT training and was able to keep Grant stable enough until Life Flight arrived to take him to the hospital. Seth also arrived on scene and gave much needed help. They are our heroes!
From what we understand, Grant sustained several skull fractures, several compressed back fractures, two spinal fractures, a broken jaw, a broken hip and the list goes on and on.
The worst injuries appear to be internal. He has a traumatic brain injury, including injury to his brain stem.
Gina and Gwen in the Emergency Room
Gina collapsing to the floor as Grant is wheeled away
Daughter visiting Grant in the ICU
Life Before the Accident
Grant married Gina, his best friend and childhood sweetheart, on June 22, 1996. They have five beautiful children ranging in ages from 15 to 23.
Their marriage is a true "true-love" story.
The most important part of Grant's life is his wife and family.
Gina and Grant
Photos of Grant kissing his children on their blessing day
Family Trick-or-Treat
The Flash!
Because he's just that handsome
Helping his daughter with her make-up
Grant steals some shut-eye and his daughter steals a selfie
Grant and his son
Annual Yule log hunt
Yule log
Teaching his daughter how to roller blade
Gina's homemade cinnamon rolls
Baking war, "Time's up!"
Grandma's 90th birthday
The family "lap dogs"
Grant has a successful plumbing business in Colorado, which Gina has helped him build. Their oldest daughter has worked for the company for a year as an apprentice. Grant has taught each of his children to always be working towards something new and challenging. If Grant was not learning a new piano piece or watching a documentary to expand his knowledge, you often would find him seeking a new certification for his business.
In keeping with his belief never to be idle, Grant entered his first race, an Olympic distance Triathlon, in September 2007. He fell in love with training and racing. He then ran his first marathon in April 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since that time, he has raced in over 30 marathons, including four Pikes Peak marathons. He has completed eight full-length Ironman races and numerous 70.3 half-Ironman distance races. On August 19, 2017, he ran the Leadville 100 for his 40th birthday. He completed the race in 24 hours, 27 minutes, and 48 seconds!
Start line for Leadville 100 (Actually 102 miles!)
Leadville 100
Good form!
Pre-race onesie
Grant also loves to run races with his family, including with his ten siblings.
Grant and Gina's favorite marathon - "LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL" (how appropriate!)
Fowler Sprint Triathlon
Another race
Race with his son
Grant and his sister, Gwen (and "Anything is Possible" lanyard)
Grant with seven of his ten siblings
Life After the Accident
From Day 1, Gina told Grant’s doctors, “He is going to surprise you!” Grant was in the hospital’s neuro trauma ICU until July 21, 2020 — 24 long days! Nevertheless, during that time, he continued to contradict the doctors and nurses who thought his brain stem was too severely compromised. Despite the dire predictions, Grant was able to regulate his sodium levels, his body temperature, etc. Although Grant continued moving up the Glasgow Coma Scale from a three to a seven (one being the lowest representing no response and 15 being the highest which is the goal), and despite his continued progress in other areas, the primary care neurologist and physician’s assistant offered little hope. On Friday, July 17, 2020, the two of them gave our sister the “withdrawal of care talk.” The PA actually told Gina that “She could have avoided being in this situation” meaning our sister should have denied care earlier. Thankfully, our sister closed the door on that negativity and refused to withdraw care.
Four days later, Grant was accepted into and transferred to a transitional hospital/rehab facility. We are so grateful because the hospital allows Gina to visit him, even though the time is limited due to COVID-19. Grant continues to improve. He recently fought his way off the ventilator and the facility staff are working towards removing his trache.
Transfer day
After the transitional hospital/rehab facility, the goal is for Grant to go to a high level neuro rehab and therapy facility to re-train his brain so he will learn again how to eat, talk, walk, etc. In order for him to be admitted, Grant needs to attain a higher level of consciousness.
Once Grant achieves a certain level of progress at the present facility, he will be discharged. If Grant has not obtained the required level of consciousness, then he will need home health care until he “wakes up” enough for the neuro rehab and therapy facility.
Grant and Gina at transitional hospital/rehab facility
Gina and their two oldest children, who are both in their early 20’s, are working to keep the company’s current plumbing jobs on schedule while Grant is in a coma and his body continues to heal.
Unfortunately for our sister and her family, the medical bills are starting to arrive. Grant and his family need your help! The medical bills for Grant’s care will be exorbitant and insurance will not cover everything. Gina currently is traveling three to four hours (round-trip) daily to visit and advocate for her husband. When he transfers to the higher rehab facility, his rehabilitation regimen will be more than six hours a day. Gina will rent an apartment or VRBO to stay close and be part of the rehabilitation process. Best outcomes are obtained when family members are part of the process and learn how to care for their loved one. Additionally, there also is concern about obtaining new plumbing projects and maintaining revenue from their business for their family and employees. Three of Grant and Gina’s kids are still in high school and living at home. We further anticipate the need for home modifications to help take care of Grant better when he returns home and works towards recovery. He and his family have a long road ahead.
That said, we believe in miracles. We have seen so many already. Because of the prayers and faith of many on his behalf, we know we will see more! We look forward to the day when Grant runs his next race. Regardless of his time, it will be his best race ever!
"I need your pray[ers] for Grant. He was going to go on a bike ride with Gwen. He got hit by a car less than a mile from her house. It's really bad. Just say prayers I'll send you updates when I get them. I've got to get to wherever they're going to take him"
Our lives have not been the same since.
Grant - Race morning photoThe Accident
Grant and his sister, Elisabeth, who lives in Texas, planned to race in the Half-Ironman Lubbock. As Grant and Gina were getting into their truck to head to Texas on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, they received word the race was cancelled due to COVID-19. Since the race was cancelled, Grant and his sister, Gwen, decided to meet at Gwen’s house a few days later and do a 200 mile bike ride in Colorado. (Their brother, Seth, planned to wait a couple miles away to join them for a portion of the ride.)
On the morning of June 27, 2020, less than two miles into the bike ride, Grant was hit full force from behind by a vehicle. Gwen felt the vehicle swoosh past her and saw Grant get hit.
We imagine the driver and his family also are going through a very difficult time. It cannot be easy for them.
Fortunately, Gwen had EMT training and was able to keep Grant stable enough until Life Flight arrived to take him to the hospital. Seth also arrived on scene and gave much needed help. They are our heroes!
From what we understand, Grant sustained several skull fractures, several compressed back fractures, two spinal fractures, a broken jaw, a broken hip and the list goes on and on.
The worst injuries appear to be internal. He has a traumatic brain injury, including injury to his brain stem.
Gina and Gwen in the Emergency RoomGina collapsing to the floor as Grant is wheeled awayDaughter visiting Grant in the ICULife Before the Accident
Grant married Gina, his best friend and childhood sweetheart, on June 22, 1996. They have five beautiful children ranging in ages from 15 to 23.
Their marriage is a true "true-love" story.
The most important part of Grant's life is his wife and family.
Gina and GrantPhotos of Grant kissing his children on their blessing dayFamily Trick-or-TreatThe Flash!Because he's just that handsomeHelping his daughter with her make-upGrant steals some shut-eye and his daughter steals a selfieGrant and his sonAnnual Yule log huntYule logTeaching his daughter how to roller bladeGina's homemade cinnamon rollsBaking war, "Time's up!"Grandma's 90th birthdayThe family "lap dogs"Grant has a successful plumbing business in Colorado, which Gina has helped him build. Their oldest daughter has worked for the company for a year as an apprentice. Grant has taught each of his children to always be working towards something new and challenging. If Grant was not learning a new piano piece or watching a documentary to expand his knowledge, you often would find him seeking a new certification for his business.
In keeping with his belief never to be idle, Grant entered his first race, an Olympic distance Triathlon, in September 2007. He fell in love with training and racing. He then ran his first marathon in April 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since that time, he has raced in over 30 marathons, including four Pikes Peak marathons. He has completed eight full-length Ironman races and numerous 70.3 half-Ironman distance races. On August 19, 2017, he ran the Leadville 100 for his 40th birthday. He completed the race in 24 hours, 27 minutes, and 48 seconds!
Start line for Leadville 100 (Actually 102 miles!)Leadville 100Good form!Pre-race onesieGrant also loves to run races with his family, including with his ten siblings.
Grant and Gina's favorite marathon - "LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL" (how appropriate!)Fowler Sprint TriathlonAnother raceRace with his sonGrant and his sister, Gwen (and "Anything is Possible" lanyard)Grant with seven of his ten siblingsLife After the Accident
From Day 1, Gina told Grant’s doctors, “He is going to surprise you!” Grant was in the hospital’s neuro trauma ICU until July 21, 2020 — 24 long days! Nevertheless, during that time, he continued to contradict the doctors and nurses who thought his brain stem was too severely compromised. Despite the dire predictions, Grant was able to regulate his sodium levels, his body temperature, etc. Although Grant continued moving up the Glasgow Coma Scale from a three to a seven (one being the lowest representing no response and 15 being the highest which is the goal), and despite his continued progress in other areas, the primary care neurologist and physician’s assistant offered little hope. On Friday, July 17, 2020, the two of them gave our sister the “withdrawal of care talk.” The PA actually told Gina that “She could have avoided being in this situation” meaning our sister should have denied care earlier. Thankfully, our sister closed the door on that negativity and refused to withdraw care.
Four days later, Grant was accepted into and transferred to a transitional hospital/rehab facility. We are so grateful because the hospital allows Gina to visit him, even though the time is limited due to COVID-19. Grant continues to improve. He recently fought his way off the ventilator and the facility staff are working towards removing his trache.
Transfer dayAfter the transitional hospital/rehab facility, the goal is for Grant to go to a high level neuro rehab and therapy facility to re-train his brain so he will learn again how to eat, talk, walk, etc. In order for him to be admitted, Grant needs to attain a higher level of consciousness.
Once Grant achieves a certain level of progress at the present facility, he will be discharged. If Grant has not obtained the required level of consciousness, then he will need home health care until he “wakes up” enough for the neuro rehab and therapy facility.
Grant and Gina at transitional hospital/rehab facilityGina and their two oldest children, who are both in their early 20’s, are working to keep the company’s current plumbing jobs on schedule while Grant is in a coma and his body continues to heal.
Unfortunately for our sister and her family, the medical bills are starting to arrive. Grant and his family need your help! The medical bills for Grant’s care will be exorbitant and insurance will not cover everything. Gina currently is traveling three to four hours (round-trip) daily to visit and advocate for her husband. When he transfers to the higher rehab facility, his rehabilitation regimen will be more than six hours a day. Gina will rent an apartment or VRBO to stay close and be part of the rehabilitation process. Best outcomes are obtained when family members are part of the process and learn how to care for their loved one. Additionally, there also is concern about obtaining new plumbing projects and maintaining revenue from their business for their family and employees. Three of Grant and Gina’s kids are still in high school and living at home. We further anticipate the need for home modifications to help take care of Grant better when he returns home and works towards recovery. He and his family have a long road ahead.
That said, we believe in miracles. We have seen so many already. Because of the prayers and faith of many on his behalf, we know we will see more! We look forward to the day when Grant runs his next race. Regardless of his time, it will be his best race ever!
Organizer and beneficiary
TORI POTESTIO
Organizer
Sandy City, UT
Gina Drummond
Beneficiary