Thankful to celebrate Keely’s 11th birthday with her today. Thankful for the Ski Patrol, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter crew and the staff of Loma Linda Children’s Hospital who made it possible to celebrate. Thank you is not enough.
Yesterday we held a successful blood drive at the kids’ school for LifeStream. They were responsible for providing the large amount of blood replacement products that saved Keely’s life after her ski accident. We are forever indebted to them and the donors that contributed in that effort. It’s because of blood donors I get to do this….
Jody Boryski Photography
One of the few contemplative times Keely had about her accident was right when she was released from the hospital. As she lay in her bed recuperating she looked at me and asked, “Why did this happen?” I tried to figure out what to say, but before I could respond she answered,” Perhaps it’s so I can save others.”
Since then we’ve been doing our best to help her do just that. LifeStream assisted greatly by featuring Keely’s story in a documentary. This gives Keely such happiness to educate others on the importance of blood donation. When I shared this with friend, Jody Boryski, this was her response:LifeStream.
How Keely started our quest to update ski lift standards is another blog entry… it all began with handwritten letters to politicians including President Barack Obama (as any third-grader would do, right?).
The other day Keely taped her radio spot to run during the KOLA 99.9FM Cares for Kids Campaign August 14, 2012. During this radiothon listeners are encouraged to donate any amount of money to support the purchase of needed items at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
A similar KOLA radiothon allowed for the comfort of a KOLA bear to be given to Keely when she was in the medi-helicopter. This little bear means the world to us as it provided comfort when we were unable to be with her as she was rushed to the hospital after her ski lift accident.
I like to think that the funds donated for Keely’s KOLA Bear contributed in the saving of Keely’s life.
In 2010 our then eight year old daughter fell 32 feet off of a ski lift while sitting with an adult and another child. This fall resulted in a 21 day hospital stay including 10 in PICU on life-support. She had near fatal injuries to her right kidney and liver which resulted in the removal of her right kidney and approximately 30 units of blood product replacement.
Since the accident it has been our daughter’s desire and ours to advocate for a common sense safety option not currently available on many ski lifts. In February of 2012 we gained the support of the California Ski Industry Association (CSIA), the California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization (CSSSO), and the SnowSport Safety Foundation to further this discussion. In April of 2012 we gained the support of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.
As we advocate for updated ski lift safety standards we are asking resorts to increase their education of proper chair use as this information is typically passed down from parents to child or is peer taught. This includes sitting “back to back” (though difficult for the child on a bench sized for the adult femur), gripping the back of the chair or side and utilizing a safety restraint, if provided.
Watch Keely’s LifeStream video. Please donate blood!
