[irefky]

Guys, could I ask you to toot your whistle once for me at your next game?

I have just returned home from a spinal cord surgery. I have had tremendous response to my surgery and can even walk. I was paralyzed for two days, flown out to the Univeristy of KY hospital for emergency surgery. The surgery lasted almost 6 hours, a new wire cage with bone graph to replace the 4 5 6 in the neck. A piece of the fragment from the vertebrate has broke off and was on my spinal cord which created the paralized state.

I took my first steps about 15 hours later, doctors were just amazed by my progress and I will have about year to regain full functions. The greatest thing, I was able to hold my four month old today for the first time in a week. My basketball and baseball games are over for this year but with hard work, continue support from family and friends, I will be back on the football field next year.

It really hits home when a doctor tells your family that the surgery may not give you back your walking ability, when it does, you feel so blessed.

Thanks guys and give me a toot and I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I will try and work as much as I can with my fingers on here while off from work for a few months.

Don Carroll