3/1/26 - Update on Vanessa’s recovery

First and foremost, thank you. The love, generosity, prayers, and encouragement surrounding Vanessa and our family have meant more than we can put into words. We truly feel lifted up and carried by this community.

We’re grateful to share that Vanessa is progressing well. Her post op appointment went very well, and the surgeon shared that she is actually doing better than most with this type of injury. That was such an encouraging report for all of us.

She is now in a hinged brace and is able to move her knee up to 30%. She’s able to use crutches and a walker around the house now. It is slow, steady work, but she is making progress every single day. She will have a total of 8 weeks of non-weight-bearing as her bones continue to heal and strengthen. After weight bearing, the long process of intensive physical therapy starts, and assessment of soft tissue damage.

The road ahead is still long, but we are hopeful. In-home physical therapy, continued follow-ups, and day-to-day recovery are now the focus. Your support is helping cover medical costs, equipment, home needs, and giving our family the ability to focus fully on her healing.

We are incredibly grateful. Every donation, message, phone call, text message, meal, comment, and prayer reminds us we are not going through this alone. We are so incredibly thankful to all of you!

Thank you for continuing to surround Vanessa, Chad and our family with strength and hope.

Please Help Vanessa Begin the Long Road to Recovery

On February 9, 2026, our daughter Vanessa Carter-King suffered a devastating ski accident, severely breaking her left tibia and fibula and tearing her ACL and meniscus — an injury similar to the one Olympian Lindsey Vonn endured only the day before.

Vanessa has already undergone multiple surgeries. She is in a wheelchair and must keep her leg completely straight, making even simple movement around the house painful and difficult. The recovery ahead will be long — physically, emotionally, and financially.

While insurance covers part of Vanessa’s care, there are significant out-of-pocket costs — including deductibles, therapy, equipment, in-home help, travel for family members, meals, and more.

We are setting an initial goal of $7,000 to provide immediate relief during these first critical months of recovery — helping with therapy, home care, meals, equipment, as well as giving Chad some breathing room as he balances caregiving and work.

This is just the beginning of what might be a long healing journey, and we may adjust the goal as needs become clearer. Whatever the amount, it’s truly the thought that will be received within their hearts. Prayers are good too! Thank you for surrounding Chad and Vanessa with hope, strength, and tangible support during this difficult chapter. With community, healing feels possible. We all truly thank you.

Jeannie & Jon Carter, along with Doc Eason and our shared families.