Update on Kevin Babington

This is the latest update from the go fund me page this afternoon. Fingers crossed for him.

“Kevin is out of surgery and is now in recovery. The surgery went well. The vertebrae were fused and his neck is stabilized. He is out of the collar and breathing on his own! He is in significant pain but this was a necessary step. After a few days the family will see where he’s at. Hopefully, PT then rehab.”

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Diana’s post was truly heartbreaking. I dont know them and am far from the Jumper world, but my heart goes out the family.

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I have. Fortunately for me, I was ultimately ok with some time in a cervical collar, but we don’t know the specifics of his injury, so we can’t “predict” his recovery.

Sending good thoughts and lots of jingles to the Babbington family

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Sending lots of healing vibes. Kevin is such a good guy, unfortunately an accident can happen to anyone :frowning:

I just saw a Facebook post about a benefit horse show for Kevin on October 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, New Jersey, for anybody in that vicinity.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto…group_activity

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Update from the Chronicle:

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/kevin-babington-out-of-surgery-after-injuring-his-spinal-cord-in-fall?fbclid=IwAR2S58h_dAvnmtkuF1bP_emjFW0KV7CBo0PaD8kO_HtllKc3GAsB1eNssds

And for those who would like to help out Kevin with the purchase of a very stylish jumper bonnet:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto…reactions=true

I sent an email offering to donate silent auction items or sponsor. I hope to hear back.

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Link seems broken?

Hmm. I hope it will work now.

Nope, sadly.

Did you click on the updated link in post number 67? It seems to work for me. If not, search on Facebook for a page called Unique Equine Designs.

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When my husband spent a few hours in the emergency room, 10 days in the ICU, 2 weeks in Trauma acute care, and three weeks in the acute in patient rehab unit, then 2 years of outpatient follow ups, PT, OT, and Speech, his medical expenses were just under $500,000. We didn’t pay that, instead paid our insurance premiums and hit our max out of pocket each year but that was the total bill for all his medical care. His was a TBI, not a SCI, but he was at a Trauma 1 center for all of his in patient care.

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From what the family has shared, his chances of a full recovery are very slim and he will need very expensive therapies and support to regain mobility, if possible. Time will tell as the swelling subsides, but all that will add up, especially as he has a family suddenly without a major income stream. Insurance will not pay for all of that. Keeping the family close in NYC isn’t going to be cheap either, but it will help his recovery. I wish them all the best and hope for a miraculous recovery. Heartbreaking.

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To follow up, I noticed his family is setting up a Special Needs Trust, which will allow the donations to be used for Kevin’s needs and extra therapies, comfort, transportation, etc. and still allow him to qualify for SSDI (disability benefits from the government.). To imagine a guy like Kevin going from the top of the showjumping world to SSDI is unimaginable. I can’t begin to think how he and his family must be feeling. Going off to make a donation.

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This is heartbreaking news for Kevin and his family. His long term care will be very expensive so everyone should donate what they can & encourage friends to do the same. I have a close friend whose son had a similar injury last year, so I’ve seen up close & personal how devastating an SCI is. They will also need a ton of emotional support as well. Sending my prayers for healing and strength

This is such a sad situation, I’m glad to see everyone from the horse community offering so much support. Does anyone know the extent of the injury? Does he have any movement? Is this injury like what Christopher Reeves had? Heartbreaking. Praying for him & his family.

His wife says it is a Christopher Reeves type break. He is breathing on his own but no movement in hands or legs. Praying once the swelling goes down he might get some movement

Just heartbreaking to hear the extent of the injury :cry: Even with good medical insurance, there are so many costs that are beyond coverage – with an abrupt disruption of income, even regular monthly bills can be a challenge, their home will have to be modified to accommodate his new needs, they may need additional nursing care beyond what is covered, a vehicle that can handle a wheelchair, the costs for his wife to stay close by while he is hospitalized, etc . . . I cannot even imagine how daunting it must feel for them right now. I pray that with time he will regain some movement, and that they can find quality of life in whatever will be their new normal.

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It was saddening and disturbing to hear his wife’s pain and despair in her comments, since people (especially equestrians) try to minimize injuries and put a brave face on things. It sounds like the injury was worse than initially thought.

I remember a few years ago when he beat McLain and Rothschild at Devon, how funny and humble he was at his surprise.

I can’t imagine how shocking it must be for the family and KB. It’s not even like this particular event is known for having a dangerous course design.

Praying for the most positive outcome possible.