<div>On Friday, January 2, my older brother Phil was in a traumatic skiing accident in Vail, Colorado where he was vacationing with my niece (11) and nephew (8) from Charlotte, NC. He was transported to HCA OneHEALTH Swedish in Englewood, CO (Denver) where he underwent emergency surgery for a fractured c4 vertebrae. His spinal cord is damaged and he is currently stable in the trauma ICU.
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<div>At this time, Phil is coherent and able to communicate, but we will need to wait days or weeks for the swelling and spinal trauma to alleviate before the full extent of his injury can be established. He will remain in the hospital during this time. He does have feeling in his arms and hands. He does not have feeling in his legs and we are remaining positive that the sensation will return once swelling subsides.
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<div>The details of his recovery and healing are unknown as of this time, but there is going to be a long road ahead for Phil, his wife Aisling, and their two young children. Now, and for the foreseeable future, Phil will need extensive ongoing care and rehabilitation and we are asking for help to support the next steps as well as his family, so the burden can be lifted slightly.
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<div>Your generosity will go towards:
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<li>Medical bills (including extended ICU stay and surgical procedures)
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<li>Long term physical therapy and rehabilitation
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<li>Travel / accommodation costs for his wife / family who live across the country
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<li>Accessibility accommodations in the future
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<li>General life expenses as Phil is unable to work for an unknown period of time
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<li>Any additional expenses we have not yet endured
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<div>We are beyond grateful that Phil is alive and stable and that we have a close knit family to support him and be by his side during this unthinkable tragedy. The road is going to be hard, but we will not give up.
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<div>Phil is an incredible son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He's a proud Notre Dame alum who obsesses over all things Fighting Irish (especially football). He's an incredibly smart and talented scientist with a PhD from UC Berkeley and works in 3D printing. He loves to travel the world with his family, coach his son's baseball team, watch his daughter on the soccer field, and eat / cook delicious meals with his wife.
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<div>We appreciate any support you can provide, either monetarily or through your prayers and thoughts.
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<div>We currently pray for:
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<li>Full healing of Phil's body
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<li>Mental strength and clarity for Phil and his wife, Aisling
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<li>Continued top-notch care in the hospital (which we are so grateful to have received thus far)
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<li>Comfort and peace for his children as they navigate a scary time
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<div>Thank you for supporting Phil and our entire family during this time.
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<div>His proud younger sister,
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<div>Kari
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Rita Favorite Blickenstaff

Jeffrey Harris

Teresa Nohilly

Kali Elderbrook

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