Support The Kirkley’s Recovery Journey

I’m Alison & I’m raising money for a family that’s very close to my heart! One that would give the shirt off their back for anyone, and right now they NEED us! In the days and months ahead they will be facing unexpected medical bills from their accident and if you have it on your heart please join us in donating!

Story from Natalie:

(Update 2/22)

TBI Ellis has to be in a dark quiet room for 4-6 weeks. No screns, lights or a lot of noise. No school They are putting him on a beta blocker. It might help with his combativeness. It’s gotten really bad. He’s very confused and he’s angry because of it. He has a lot of knowledge though. He wrote “I love you” on a piece of paper without me knowing. When I showed the doctor the paper Ellis said “I changed my mind! I don’t!” Because I wouldn’t let him flop around everywhere. Thank goodness he’s a little guy! The anger and combativeness is not something I expected and is going to be challenging but we are SO thankful he’s alive! They will release him fairly soon. PICU can’t do anymore at this point. It’s not something that can be treated. Miles is still in a lot of pain and anxious to be with Ellis. He was able to use the bathroom last night which means the intestines and bowel operation was a success. The open wound is currently the biggest obstacle for healing. He will likely be released at the end of the weekend. At this point we will figure out which private plane option is best to get us home. We have had multiple generous offers. The outpouring of kindness from in and outside the community is absolutely amazing! We truly have never seen or felt anything like this first hand. We need to get both Miles and Ellis home the safest, fastest and quietest way possible. And for Ellis to cooperate during the flight. We are rejoicing in Ellis’ quick wake up and we are in prayer that his brain and body will heal completely. We truly cannot thank you all enough for the check ins, prayers, pick me ups, door dashes, lovies, arranging of things back at home, taking care of animals, monetary donations and more. This is our hard fought hallelujah.

(Update 2/21) 

We are still in PICU but out of the ICU status! Praise Jesus! Ellis is very alert today. He's talking a lot. He's pretty combative but that's okay. He's peeing on his own so they no longer have to keep doing catheters. He started eating last night too. They were able to get him to stand up and take a few steps too. He was pissed at them the whole time. Called someone a butthole . He has also realized he is in the hospital. Miles had to remove two staples due to a hematoma. They had to leave these two staples out so he has about 2 inches that is completely open (covered up but not stitched or stapled). We are so readyy to all be together. Mom and Dad are black and blue on their chest and sides but they were able to sleep well and are in good spirits.

(2/20 continued)

Ellis is awake and answering questions! He has a TBI so he is confused and often says things like “I’m at a skateboard park” “I’m in an underground tunnel” and then he will answer with things that do make sense and correct answers. The first video is the cry singing he was doing before he was actually “awake”. He did this 4-5 times. The sweetest sound I ever heard. The second video is his first alert moments. My heart needed every moment of this. Even the giggles. To say my heart is rejoicing would be an understatement. God hears us! After all, hundreds of you from multiple states have rallied around us pleading for healing. We feel it! Miles was not doing well this morning. He had to have some staples removed to let some trapped bleeding out. His spirit was shaken. His mom flew in and is with him right now. He has clean teeth and fresh underwear and a whole new attitude for the day ahead. My parents are incredible. Despite the fact that they were the driver and passenger in a head on collision, they are doing well. Incredibly sore and unbelievable bruising. They are some of the strongest people I know. And if you know them, you know how amazing they are. Thank you for praying for them and helping in a variety of ways. Please keep praying!

(Update 2/20)

We’re still waiting for Ellis to “come to” but what’s amazing is he will sing songs. He has been singing “I’m an Excavator” “In Jesus Name” “That’s Who I Praise” and “Way Maker”. I am praying full healing over his sweet body and for progress today. He does have a moderate TBI BUT the amazing news… -Eye/sight- no longer a concern- they have stitched up his eyelid and brow. -Teeth- no longer a major concern- they think since the roots of his mouth are still so young, the teeth will drop back into place. We will follow up on this. -MRI for arm/shoulder, neck and spine fracture- no longer a concern (hallelujah!!!). I haven’t seen Miles much because I’ve been with Ellis. He is really struggling and really really hurting and I need to be with him some. I’m looking forward to that today. My parents and Miles mom arrived late last night. I’ll be able to divide my time a little more today with their help. The prayers are being felt all over and healing is happening. Please keep praying! Also pray for wisdom for the best plan/path for when it’s time to get everyone home. We’re 9 hours away and it’s going to be a hard journey.

(Update 2/19)

Were were hit head on by a car who came directly into our lane. My dad was driving as he was droppings us off at the lifts. He did everything right. Left would have been Into oncoming traffic, right would have been off the mountain. He was already going slightly slower than the speed limit and he hit the brakes. We all had on seatbelts and both kids were in a full carseat. All six of us were taken by three ambulances back down the mountain. This is where they care flighted Ellis. He was most critical and they didn’t have room for me to go. Miles was care flighted shortly after to the same hospital as Ellis (Praise God!) in New Mexico. I was able to go with him and have been with him and Ellis ever since. Ellis is in PICU. He is stable and squeezes my hand some. Waiting on confirmation from neurosurgeon about skull and brain but I think the prayers are working. He has stitches above his eye, his teeth have been pushed up and everything in his mouth is swollen, and they are checking on a fracture in his arm and checking his neck again. Please keep praying. Miles has a very large incision where they went in and removed part of his intestine. This was in injury from the impact. They were worried about his spine so they were doing additional scans. He is in a lot of pain and having a really hard time not being there for Ellis. Please pray for him, his injury and his daddy heart. Mom, Dad, Hampton and my brother are leaving the Pagosa Springs house today to rent a car and come to us. Once here, they will get a hotel near the hospital. We are still a long way from home and have a lot of unanswered questions. Our sweet friends, Nena and Eric who were meeting us to ski yesterday have stepped in and help my parents in many ways. God definitely used them to be there for us. We are so thankful for them. I am very sore all over and I imagine my parents are the same. Pray for continued strength for us. Hampton is a trooper. She is doing great. The army of prayers is felt all around us. Please keep praying.

(update 2/18)

My family was in a head on collision in Colorado on the way to ski.

Were were hit head on by a car who came directly into our lane. My dad was driving as he was droppings us off at the lifts. He did everything right. Left would have been Into oncoming traffic, right would have been off the mountain. He was already going slightly slower than the speed limit and he hit the brakes. We all had on seatbelts and both kids were in a full carseat.

All six of us were taken by three ambulances back down the mountain.

This is where they care flighted Ellis. He was most critical and they didn’t have room for me to go.

Miles was care flighted shortly after to the same hospital as Ellis (Praise God!) in New Mexico. I was able to go with him and have been with him and Ellis ever since.

Ellis is in PICU. He is stable and squeezes my hand some. Waiting on confirmation from neurosurgeon about skull and brain but I think the prayers are working. He has stitches above his eye, his teeth have been pushed up and everything in his mouth is swollen, and they are checking on a fracture in his arm and checking his neck again. Please keep praying.

Miles has a very large incision where they went in and removed part of his intestine. This was in injury from the impact. They were worried about his spine so they were doing additional scans. He is in a lot of pain and having a really hard time not being there for Ellis. Please pray for him, his injury and his daddy heart.

Mom, Dad, Hampton and my brother are leaving the Pagosa Springs house today to rent a car and come to us. Once here, they will get a hotel near the hospital. We are still a long way from home and have a lot of unanswered questions.

Our sweet friends, Nena and Eric who were meeting us to ski yesterday have stepped in and help my parents in many ways. God definitely used them to be there for us. We are so thankful for them.

I am very sore all over and I imagine my parents are the same. Pray for continued strength for us.

Hampton is a trooper. She is doing great.

The army of prayers is felt all around us. Please keep praying.