Mark Webster recovering from serious accident
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Saddlebred trainer Mark Webster was thrown from a colt on Tuesday, September 13 and suffered several fractured vertebrae in his neck. He underwent a six-hour surgery on September 15 at University of Kentucky Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.
The surgical procedures included fusing several vertebrae, insertion of rods in his spine, among other procedures. His doctors were amazed at the success of the surgery; they said that most cases involving this level of severity result in complete paralysis. Yet even during surgery, Webster was already moving his hands and arms.
In the past few days, Webster has been sitting up and has stood on his own. He will be transferred today (Tuesday, Sept. 20) to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Center where he will begin a rigorous physical therapy program.
The Saddlebred community has already rallied impressively to help Webster and his young family. Wife, Emily, is eight months pregnant with their second child. Friends Clark Clouse, Scott Perelli, and Chad Graham are working the horses and others are helping out at the family’s Sterling Farm.
UPHA Chapter 9 is dedicating the proceeds of its annual Horsemen’s Auction to be held on Oct. 6 during the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show to help offset the expenses of the Webster family. Complete information on the auction can be found by Clicking Here.
Friends have organized their own version of “Meals On Wheels” for the family. Even those who don’t live in the Lexington area can call to have meals delivered. Jill Lowry is coordinating this activity and can be contacted at jlowry3@yahoo.com.
In one of the most touching aspects of this entire saga, the Websters’ young son Adam, all on his own, decided he wanted to help his daddy by offering his prized leadline blue ribbon for auction on eBay. The auction can be seen at eBay Auction #5617152990.
A web site has been set up by Emily Webster’s sister to keep everyone updated and provide information for people wanting to make donations. The web site address is http://www.markwebsteronline.com
Cards may be sent to the family’s farm at 375 Hifner Road, Versailles, Kentucky 40383.
More information will be posted as available.
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