Steve Goodell

On Saturday morning, October 15, Steve was out for his usual group training ride, there was a crash and a bunch of cyclists went down.  No automobile involved. Steve landed badly, and has suffered a severe cervical spinal injury.

One of the other riders is an EMT and so was immediately at the scene, to properly turn Steve over. He never lost consciousness, could talk and was alert but unable to move his legs or lower arms, and was having trouble breathing.   An ambulance was there within 5 minutes, as there was a baseball tournament in the area that had one onsite.  He was quickly put on a ventilator, the helicopter was there soon, and within 20 minutes he was on his way to Cooper Medical Center, an excellent Level 1 trauma center in Camden, about 45 minutes from home.  He’s in the TICU unit (Trauma Intensive Care) and plans to move to Magee rehab in Philadelphia as soon as the docs here release him.

The helmet did its job, so ­ no significant head injury except for a bruised and swollen left eye which is back to normal.  CatScan shows no other internal injuries. A few abrasions.  He is alert, aware, oriented and worried about the Cubs. But he must have snapped his head back, and has several cracked vertebrae. Throughout, he has had complete movement of his head and neck (although of course now restricted by the cervical collar), shoulders, upper chest and upper arms (biceps, triceps) - and as of 10/29 has recovered enough to raise and lower his arms, bend and straighten his elbows, and bend and rotate his wrists . He's also got some sensation in his hands and feet.

The Drs say things like "every case is different" and they have seen similar patients "experience the full range of outcomes." We are realistic, this will take much time, and we know that more than likely, significant impairment has occurred - but if anyone can get the most out of any physical challenge, it is Steve.

So while battered, we are not out!  Big pluses are two wonderful daughters, and an abundance of supportive family and friends and work colleagues, he being in great physical shape, and he always being driven to do his best in any physical challenge.  He is getting excellent care.

Sorry for the lousy news, we are hanging in there, and appreciate everyone's love, concern, messages, and offers of support.  The girls and I will continue to post here and I know Steve loves hearing all of your messages. -- Laurel, Emily and Molly