Kenzie Kitson

Hello friends and family. We are using this site to keep everyone updated on Kenzie's journey. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. 

On Saturday August 25, 2018, Kenzie was indoor rock climbing at a local gym in San Luis Obispo, CA. While bouldering, she was climbing down from a route and fell from approx. 15 feet onto the pads. Her landing caused a burst fracture of her L1 spinal vertebrae (one of the bones in the Lumbar section of her spine).

After assessment at  the hospital it was determined she needed emergency surgery to stabilize the fracture. There were pieces of her L1 vertebrae bone impinging on her spinal cord threatening to cause further injury. The surgery required the placement of two rods and multiple screws along five of her vertebrae (2 of the Thoracic vertebrae and 3 of the Lumbar vertebrae).

While her family raced from Colorado to help, Kenzie's caring friends supported her through the intimidating moments leading up to surgery and some of the stressful follow-up after the procedure.  The surgery was marked a success because the surgeon was able to prevent any severe damage to the spinal chord. Throughout the ordeal, Kenzie  remained strong and her spirits were positive and hopeful. 

Day three post-surgery was a major milestone as this was the day she was tested for severe neurological damage.  As she successfully stood up from her bed and walked down the hallway there was a sense of relief that washed over her family, friends and even the medical staff. At this point, Kenzie recognized she would be able to return to a normal life. With this information, the medical staff were  able to create a year long plan for her to hopefully get back to full functioning. 

After five days of hospital care, she returned home to begin the recovery process. Before release, she was fitted with a clam shell brace which will assist with her healing over the next 5-6 months. 

Despite significant restrictions to her mobility and daily life, Kenzie will remain in California (with help from her family) to tackle the rest of this journey. She appreciates the continued support as we get through this challenge together.