Celina Gillespie & family's medical expenses

In the early morning of May 14, our daughter Celina, was a passenger in a severe car accident and suffered extensive injuries to her spine, pelvis, both legs and right arm. It is a miracle that she is with us and that her head, cervical spine, left arm and organs are all intact. Truly amazing is how her spirit keeps shining throughout this ordeal. We have been receiving incredible medical care here at UC Davis for nearly one month now, and are looking to heading home very soon to heal up before likely returning for inpatient rehab services.

She has undergone no less than 4 trips to the OR with 11 surgeries since we have been here. Each time coming through without complications. With only one limb that she can use to bear weight for now, she has about 3 months to go before she can jump into her extensive physical therapy and learn to walk again. I feel fortunate to have spent nearly every moment of this time with her and to have her dad, sister, and grandmother here to support as well. Not mention home team, taking care of her pup!

Her remarkable attitude is even more impressive when considering the timing of her accident and all that she is having to let go of to focus on her healing. She is in a time in her life when she was about to fly, and in a life changing instant is instead beginning a long journey of recovery. A graduating senior, we have been working hard to get her home in time to at least be nearby for the ceremony, but not sure we will quite make it.

She was anticipating a summer of river days with her friends, camping with family and taking her beloved dog on adventures. She was all set to move into her dorm at Kresge and attend UC Santa Cruz in September. All of these things will be in her future again someday, but first comes many months of healing. The overflowing positive thoughts and prayers all of her loved ones have been sending are a huge part of her massive success in an unimaginable situation.

Whenever anyone asks what they can do, I say keep those prayers coming. And, I hear that people would like to do other things as well. It was suggested this site be set up for us if giving in this way feels like something you would like to do. With our focus on Celina’s recovery, medical expenses and changes in employment are certainly a factor in our lives at the moment. And truly, the energy you are sending is the most valuable gift.