On July 5, 2019, David (Dave) Moon suffered a severe spinal cord injury while boogie boarding at 20th Street beach in Del Mar. He underwent spinal surgery to repair his cervical spine. While the surgery was successful, he has suffered a complete paralysis below his shoulders.
Dave currently requires intubation to breathe but is awake and lucid. He has retained his cognitive function and is learning to communicate. We have made great progress by asking yes/no questions to which he can blink or shrug his shoulders to respond. Adjusting to his new situation is very tiring for him.
He is being treated at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla and getting great care from his medical team.
How can you help?
1) Dave loves people! If you are local and would like to visit in person he would love to see you, barring he is awake and can take visitors. His brother, Dickie Moon, is in town and can be contacted via phone or text at 1-808-280-4434 to discuss best time to visit. You'll need to act like a dentist and run a monologue as Dave currently can't ask you questions. Please know visits must be kept very short.
2) Did we mention Dave loves people? You can also set up a phone talk with him when a family member is present. Please contact Dickie Moon via phone or text at 1-808-280-4434 to coordinate an ideal time. This scenario, too, requires you to act like a dentist and run a monologue.
3) Dave and the Moon family would love to hear from you! CaringBridge makes this very easy. Use the "Well Wishes" button on this site to share your support and words of hope and encouragement. You can also respond to Journal entries we have posted. Don't hesitate to post as often as you'd like. We will read to Dave any messages directed to him.
We have received an outpouring of warm support from friends and family. We are using this CaringBridge site to keep everyone updated efficiently. We will regularly update the Journal section of this site.
-Courtney (Moon) Keppler 7/11/19
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7/29/19 update It is with great sadness that I share the final chapter to this story. Dave passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on July 23 from complications arising from his spinal cord injury. We miss him terribly. We hear his guitar and his favorite songs everywhere we go. Your comments and support mean the world to us.
Memorial services will be held at The Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 10am.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
