Leighton made it to Craig hospital in Denver. He got there yesterday afternoon with his mom, dad, and girlfriend. It is awesome that they can be with him for all of this! Leighton said that he was kind of out of it yesterday. They put him on some strong drugs for he trip and he slept most of the afternoon.
Today they are already starting rehab. He went through some tests and a CT scan this morning. He is in his first session of rehab right now. He is excited to get started and is ready to do everything he can, every chance he gets.
Leighton's family is getting an apartment near the hospital. They are determined to not leave Leighton on his own during this journey. Leighton is very fortunate to have such wonderful loving parents....and his girl :)
Please continue to pray for Leighton and his family. I would also like to encourage you to check out the Road 2 Recovery web sight where there is a donation page for Leighton.
Thank you all for your support!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
THE BIG MOVE IS MONDAY
Leighton will be moving form St. Johns Hospital in Tulsa, OK to the Craig Hospital and rehab center in Denver, CO tommorrow! He will be leaving the hospital at seven a.m. By 8 a.m. he will be leaving the airport on a special medical plane on his way to Denver. He will be ariving at Craig Hospital some time around noon.
It is going to be a tough move for Leighton. He is still in a lot of pain and discomfort when he is transfered from one bed to another. But, Leighton is focused on what he needs to do and doesn't want to put this off one day.
Please pray for Leighton as he goes through this. Specifically that God would give him the ability to handle everything that he has to go through. And, that God would speed his recovery up.
Leighton said he knows that this is going to be a marathon and not a sprint race. He said that he knows what hard work and dedication is, and he is excited to get to work.
Thank you for your support and prayers!
It is going to be a tough move for Leighton. He is still in a lot of pain and discomfort when he is transfered from one bed to another. But, Leighton is focused on what he needs to do and doesn't want to put this off one day.
Please pray for Leighton as he goes through this. Specifically that God would give him the ability to handle everything that he has to go through. And, that God would speed his recovery up.
Leighton said he knows that this is going to be a marathon and not a sprint race. He said that he knows what hard work and dedication is, and he is excited to get to work.
Thank you for your support and prayers!
Friday, February 20, 2009
New T-shirt to Support Leighton
This is a new T-shirt that will be available next week. The proceeds are going to help Leighton with his medical bills. Pick one you for you and all your peeps.
Go to www.brotherhoodindustries.com to order.
The past few days have been a little more positive for Leighton.
We had some positive news yesterday from Craig's Hospital, in that he will have a bed available on Monday the 23rd of February. This is the positive news that we have been waiting for! We are still in the stages of organising the transportation but at this stage he will be flown to Denver in a special medical plane. Hopefully we will have that conformed later on this afternoon!
On Tuesday Leighton made his first big move towards being ready for Craig's. He has been trying his hardest not to use the self feed pain relief through an iv and Tuesday morning he was able to be taken off the iv and iv feed pain medication. This is a very big step because he is still in a very large amount of pain, but he is very determined to get to Craig's and start his rehab. Know being off the iv also means that he has to make sure that he keeps up on his fluids as well.
Leighton has been struggling most of all mentally! The fact that he may not walk again, the fact that he will never race at the professional level of motocross again and the fact that it is such an unknown outcome. With a broken bone the doctor may say it will take 6 or 8 weeks and you will be fine. With spinal injuries the best answer a doctor can give you is, you may walk again but you may not walk again. This is a very hard thing to deal with.
He had a visit from a psychologist today by the name of Dr Hill. "He told me just to tell him exactly how i felt," Lillie explained, "it helped a lot." Dr Hill has also tried to help him out by not only talking to him but also putting him some anti anxiety pills, which should help him coup a little better with the mental side of things!
Leighton made his first big step towards being able to sit up by himself. Yesterday with the help of some physiotherapists, he able to sit with his custom made back brace, on the edge of the bed for 8 minutes. Although Leighton was in a large amount of pain, he is very happy to have made that progress.
We would also like to that Dr Roger Lyss for all of his help. It is very much appreciated Roger.
Thanks everyone for the support, but the battle is only just beginning so please keep up all the great support, Leighton appreciates all the support he can get! Thank you for all the emails Leighton reads them all. supportll27@hotmail.com
On Tuesday Leighton made his first big move towards being ready for Craig's. He has been trying his hardest not to use the self feed pain relief through an iv and Tuesday morning he was able to be taken off the iv and iv feed pain medication. This is a very big step because he is still in a very large amount of pain, but he is very determined to get to Craig's and start his rehab. Know being off the iv also means that he has to make sure that he keeps up on his fluids as well.
Leighton has been struggling most of all mentally! The fact that he may not walk again, the fact that he will never race at the professional level of motocross again and the fact that it is such an unknown outcome. With a broken bone the doctor may say it will take 6 or 8 weeks and you will be fine. With spinal injuries the best answer a doctor can give you is, you may walk again but you may not walk again. This is a very hard thing to deal with.
He had a visit from a psychologist today by the name of Dr Hill. "He told me just to tell him exactly how i felt," Lillie explained, "it helped a lot." Dr Hill has also tried to help him out by not only talking to him but also putting him some anti anxiety pills, which should help him coup a little better with the mental side of things!
Leighton made his first big step towards being able to sit up by himself. Yesterday with the help of some physiotherapists, he able to sit with his custom made back brace, on the edge of the bed for 8 minutes. Although Leighton was in a large amount of pain, he is very happy to have made that progress.
We would also like to that Dr Roger Lyss for all of his help. It is very much appreciated Roger.
Thanks everyone for the support, but the battle is only just beginning so please keep up all the great support, Leighton appreciates all the support he can get! Thank you for all the emails Leighton reads them all. supportll27@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Leighton Lillie Ride Day
Kyle Phenix has set up a donation page for Leighton. It is in conjunction with a few ride days that we are going to have to raise money for Leighton's rehab. You can check out the link @ http://www.r2rrideday.com/support/kylephenix
We are not sure when or where the first ride day is going to be. But we will keep you posted. You can do a one time donation, or pledge so much per lap you do at the track for the Leighton Lillie ride day. I am pretty sure that the first ride day will be soon down here in the Houston area. But, we want to organize more around the country.
Thanks for keep up the support and sending Leighton all the comments and emails.
We are not sure when or where the first ride day is going to be. But we will keep you posted. You can do a one time donation, or pledge so much per lap you do at the track for the Leighton Lillie ride day. I am pretty sure that the first ride day will be soon down here in the Houston area. But, we want to organize more around the country.
Thanks for keep up the support and sending Leighton all the comments and emails.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Support Leighton
Leighton has been fighting to get all the necessary requirements done in order to be moved to the Craig Hospital in Denver, CO. Craig is one of the best rehab facilities in the country. Yesterday, Leighton tried to get off the pain medicine through the IV drip. This is one thing that has to happen before he can be moved. He was in a lot of pain, but persevering. But, when they tried to move him around for therapy he began to pass out from the excruciating pain. So, they had to put him back on the IV drip. He was just not quite ready yet....but wants to try again soon. He told me, "I just want the opportunity to work hard to walk again. I need to go to the best place possible to make that happen and Craig seems to be it."
Doug Lillie, Leighton's father, informed me that the Craig Hospital does accept their insurance. But, it is not going to cover much of the total costs of rehab. It is going to be very expensive, but Leighton deserves the best. Leighton is determined and ready to work hard....to work through the pain and walk again.
The Road 2 Recovery foundation has set up a donation page for Leighton. If you feel that you can help Leighton, it is greatly appreciated....and needed. The link for donation is www.primaryhub.com/r2r/donationform.asp?ID=31
The Road 2 Recovery foundation has worked with a lot of down riders to help raise money for costs. One other rider that they are currently helping is Jiri Dostal, who was injured the day after Christmas. For all the info on Road 2 Recovery check out their web sight www.road2recovery.com
Doug Lillie, Leighton's father, informed me that the Craig Hospital does accept their insurance. But, it is not going to cover much of the total costs of rehab. It is going to be very expensive, but Leighton deserves the best. Leighton is determined and ready to work hard....to work through the pain and walk again.
The Road 2 Recovery foundation has set up a donation page for Leighton. If you feel that you can help Leighton, it is greatly appreciated....and needed. The link for donation is www.primaryhub.com/r2r/donationform.asp?ID=31
The Road 2 Recovery foundation has worked with a lot of down riders to help raise money for costs. One other rider that they are currently helping is Jiri Dostal, who was injured the day after Christmas. For all the info on Road 2 Recovery check out their web sight www.road2recovery.com
Leighton had a busy weekend
This past weekend was busy for Leighton. He was given his back brace, he changed rooms, he got another CT scan to make sure things are staying put, and he watched the supercross live Saturday night.
Leighton got his back brace, that was custom made for him, on Friday afternoon. They got him in it right away and he was able to sit up for five minutes. For some of us that might seems like not much. But, Leighton had been on his back for five days. For Leighton this is a big deal, it is the first step in getting out of Oklahoma and on to the rehab facility at Craig Hospital in Denver, CO.
Saturday morning the medical staff decided to move Leighton to another room. The changing of rooms was not that big of a deal. But they had to change beds, which is really hard on Leighton. Since they were changing beds, they used this time to inspect his back. They had to turn him on his side for a few minutes while they cleaned the incisions from surgery. Leighton told me he almost passed out from the pain.
When they rolled him back on his back he realized that the feeling he had gained in his stomach seemed different. When they did a test to find out how his feeling was, it had moved up to just under his nipple line. This was a scary thing for Leighton. The doctors decided to take him down to get a CT scan to make sure that everything was still as it should be. The results from the CT showed everything was still good. The doctors decided that it was because of the shifting pressure on his spine. I can't imagine how scary and dissapointing that had to be.
The rest of Saturday Leighton rested from his grueling day. He even finished the night off by watching the Supercoss live. That just goes to show you how much he loves this sport. He was watching Supercross while texting people to see how the Arenacross was turning out.
Sunday was a little less eventful for Leighton....but he needed a day of rest. Keith Storm, from FCA Oklahoma, came by to visit and brought Leighton some games and stuff. Leighton says, "It is awesome how much support I have been receiving from Keith and his family. Everyone from FCA Oklahoma and the Team Faith guys have been a big help. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through, and the support makes a difference. Thanks to everyone who has sent e-mails, comments, and called me."
Leighton got his back brace, that was custom made for him, on Friday afternoon. They got him in it right away and he was able to sit up for five minutes. For some of us that might seems like not much. But, Leighton had been on his back for five days. For Leighton this is a big deal, it is the first step in getting out of Oklahoma and on to the rehab facility at Craig Hospital in Denver, CO.
Saturday morning the medical staff decided to move Leighton to another room. The changing of rooms was not that big of a deal. But they had to change beds, which is really hard on Leighton. Since they were changing beds, they used this time to inspect his back. They had to turn him on his side for a few minutes while they cleaned the incisions from surgery. Leighton told me he almost passed out from the pain.
When they rolled him back on his back he realized that the feeling he had gained in his stomach seemed different. When they did a test to find out how his feeling was, it had moved up to just under his nipple line. This was a scary thing for Leighton. The doctors decided to take him down to get a CT scan to make sure that everything was still as it should be. The results from the CT showed everything was still good. The doctors decided that it was because of the shifting pressure on his spine. I can't imagine how scary and dissapointing that had to be.
The rest of Saturday Leighton rested from his grueling day. He even finished the night off by watching the Supercoss live. That just goes to show you how much he loves this sport. He was watching Supercross while texting people to see how the Arenacross was turning out.
Sunday was a little less eventful for Leighton....but he needed a day of rest. Keith Storm, from FCA Oklahoma, came by to visit and brought Leighton some games and stuff. Leighton says, "It is awesome how much support I have been receiving from Keith and his family. Everyone from FCA Oklahoma and the Team Faith guys have been a big help. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through, and the support makes a difference. Thanks to everyone who has sent e-mails, comments, and called me."
Friday, February 13, 2009
Leighton is one tough hombre.
I spoke to Leighton a few minutes ago and he sounded pretty good. He is tough, determined, and courageous. He said that after the surgery he was in so much pain.....I don't know if I know a word strong enough to describe it. But, he stays in the right frame of mind, that this is temporary and He is getting through this! He is thankful for the support of all his friends and family....and everyone behind him and praying for him.
The medical staff at the hospital are doing a great job and have Leighton's pain under control now. Leighton said it only hurts really bad when they have to move him to check on his back.....I can't imagine.
Yesterday afternoon Leighton started some rehab work with his upper body. They want to get on this as fast as possible. His back is still too painful to sit up much or start too much therapy. But, they are on top of it.....he got fitted for a brace and should have it by 2p.m. today.
Please continue to pray for Leighton and his family. And, feel free to send him an e-mail. Leighton is checking the e-mail and it is awesome to see all the encouragement sent to him.
The medical staff at the hospital are doing a great job and have Leighton's pain under control now. Leighton said it only hurts really bad when they have to move him to check on his back.....I can't imagine.
Yesterday afternoon Leighton started some rehab work with his upper body. They want to get on this as fast as possible. His back is still too painful to sit up much or start too much therapy. But, they are on top of it.....he got fitted for a brace and should have it by 2p.m. today.
Please continue to pray for Leighton and his family. And, feel free to send him an e-mail. Leighton is checking the e-mail and it is awesome to see all the encouragement sent to him.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Out of Surgery
Leighton just got out of surgery. The doctors said that they are happy with how it went. The spine looks a tiny bit better than they originally thought. They had to put in two rods and some screws. They also removed some bone to give the spine a little more room. He is in a lot of pain, so please continue to pray for him. And please continue to pray for his family who is going through this with him. It is going to be a tough night for Leighton.
Leighton and his family would like to thank everyone for their support and especially their prayers. Leighton is going to get through this and the support is certainly going to help.
Leighton and his family would like to thank everyone for their support and especially their prayers. Leighton is going to get through this and the support is certainly going to help.
The Crash
On Saturday February 7th Leighton Lillie had a bad crash at the Tulsa OK National Arenacross race. He was going for the triple in the rhythm section and had to jump off his bike mid air. He came down feet first and landed hard on his butt. Immediately he had no feeling in his lower extremities. He was rushed to the Hospital to find out that he had fractured T6 and T7 in his mid back.
The doctors reported good news that the spinal cord was not severed and the spine its self was not shattered. Since the spine was not in any immediate trouble, the doctor decided to let Leighton rest for a few days. This would allow the swelling to go down and cause less problems for the surgery.
Over the two days in the hospital Leighton has recovered some feeling lower in his stomach. His feet responded to nerve test. The doctors cannot say that Leighton will have a full recovery, but they remain optimistic.
With all the people praying for Leighton we are confident that God will heal Leighton. It might not be today, but he will get through this. Please continue to pray for Leighton and you can email him at supportll27@hotmail.com
The doctors reported good news that the spinal cord was not severed and the spine its self was not shattered. Since the spine was not in any immediate trouble, the doctor decided to let Leighton rest for a few days. This would allow the swelling to go down and cause less problems for the surgery.
Over the two days in the hospital Leighton has recovered some feeling lower in his stomach. His feet responded to nerve test. The doctors cannot say that Leighton will have a full recovery, but they remain optimistic.
With all the people praying for Leighton we are confident that God will heal Leighton. It might not be today, but he will get through this. Please continue to pray for Leighton and you can email him at supportll27@hotmail.com
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