Owen's Recovery from Broken Neck Accident

Owen is a 16 year old boy who loves athletics.  He is one of our athletes here at Elite Cheer.  He is a self taught tumbler who has learned advanced level gymnastics in a very short amount of time.  Doing layout fulls, standing backs, and even stunting on our coed team.  While snowboarding it appears he hit something with his board and was thrown forward landing awkwardly and unfortunately breaking his 5th vertebrae.  EMT's believe he laid in the snow for about 30 minutes calling for help (based on his body temperature).  He doesn't remember much of the accident - but vaguely says he saw what he believes was God.  And he asked Him for help.  That's when one of his teachers who happened to be driving by saw something and had to check it out.  He was taken straight to the trauma center here in Omaha where he had a 3 hour surgery to repair his injury.  It's too early to know if any of it will help.  But Owen is determined to get better.  It's very early in his injury but the flood of emotions consume not only Owen but all of his family.   From hope to despair back to hope.  The unimaginable feeling of having a loved one hurting and trying to console is overwhelming.  This will be a very long road for Owen.  He's a great kid, an amazing athlete, a loving son - brother - cousin - friend.  He does well in school, stays focused, and works hard.  He's never really been in trouble.  He's one of those kids that when you first meet him, he makes you smile.  He's handsome yet shy.  He's confident, yet humble.  He is an amazing kid.  

The road to recovery will be arduous.  Rehabilitation hospitals, potentially more surgeries.  Learning how to walk again (we have hope)  Learning many aspects of what could be completely life changing.  It is still very early - but so far, Owen has no feeling or movement from his shoulders down.  

All funds will be used to help pay medical bills, rehabilitation bills, lifestyle changes.  A wheelchair - therapists - homecare.  It's a mountain of stress and expenses.  Any help is appreciated. 

God Bless you for reading.