Update #2 on Matt's Brother, Kevin

We have more information on Kevin’s condition. First, I want to thank everyone for the prayers, phone calls, visits to the hospital and checking on my family. There have been around 50 visitors to the hospital today. It means so much to us to have the kind of response we have had.


KTUL news channel 8 in Tulsa reported about the accident online….

“Tulsa police said a semi was blocking the center lane near 127th East Avenue and 31st Street.” When Kevin’s Mustang turned in front of the semi, and did not see two cars that were on the other side. The cars ran into Kevin’s passenger's side of the Mustang. http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0809/651812.html. I called the news desk at KTUL and asked for more information. They told me they would put a video clip of the accident scene online. There is also a picture of Kevin’s car smashed in on the right side.

Police reports say he was found on scene unresponsive in the back seat bleeding. He was taken to St. Francis hospital in critical condition (in Tulsa), where they discovered he had three skull fractures, bleeding on the brain and a broken rib which caused a punctured lung.

When he got to the hospital late Thursday night, a CAT scan which showed no swelling in the brain (the most dangerous aspect of Kevin’s condition). Doctors performed a surgery to take care of a several inch long cut from his right eyebrow back even if the back of his right ear.

A neurosurgeon said they were very concerned about the bleeding/bruising on the brain. He said he may never wake up. He said even if he does, there is potential for damage to his brain (which is bruised on both sides of his brain). The doctor said they needed to watch for swelling which would be even more dangerous. About two hours ago, they took Kevin in for another CAT scan. They said we would hear within about an hour the results (we still have heard nothing). We just heard that the technicians have to read the scan, then the doctors will look at it, then finally discuss the results with the family in a private room.

They have kept Kevin sedated so that he could avoid pain, and not get in the way of the doctors and healing process. We did hear that Kevin was on 100% oxygen, not necessarily because he needed 100%, but because apparently he was trying to breathe on his own. They want his body to focus on other areas. He seems to be fighting this. We found out that one of the several area ministers who came told the family to tell Kevin how much we want him here, to pray with him, talk to him (when they visit his room). They did this, but the hospital staff had to ask them to stop, because his respiration level was increasing and they did not want this at this time. I wonder if it has to do with his mind getting stimulated and wanting to respond or fight this. I want him to fight it.

As you can imagine, it is extremely hard dealing with this from overseas. The emails and phone calls have been great and it has been made better due to our team mate, April and our fellow Team Expansion missionaries, Jason & Heather Casey. Jason, Heather and the kids were visiting us when we found out. There were planning on going back to Ancona today, but have lovingly offered to stay longer to help us through this most difficult process. Thanks for your prayers.

Trusting in Him,
Matt & Angie