Help Ray Heron Overcome His Life-Threatening Brain Injury

Frieda Nixdorf is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Cory Heron.

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Ray Heron, the 17-year old son of Cory and Nina Heron and twin brother to Naia, is in the ICU fighting for his life after sustaining a major brain injury.

On Wednesday, May 29th, Ray had a serious accident when a horse he was working with kicked him in the left temple, fracturing his skull and causing a severe brain injury. Upon arrival the EMTs put Ray into a medically-induced coma to reduce brain swelling and stabilize him for transport. Ray was then life-flighted from Durango, CO to a trauma center in Grand Junction, CO where it was determined that he would need another life flight to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT for care from pediatric brain specialists. Upon arrival in SLC, he immediately underwent a four-hour brain surgery. He survived the surgery and is currently stable in the ICU. Part of his skull had to be removed to allow for swelling and will be reconstructed in a following surgery before he’ll be released.

While Ray was being transported, his frantic parents and sister scrambled to find care for their dogs and begin the 9-hour car ride to join Ray in SLC. They arrived later that night just as his surgery was concluding.

The doctors are cautiously optimistic, but he has a long road ahead of him with several more days in the ICU, followed by weeks, potentially months in the trauma unit, then daily therapy for months ahead.

The Heron’s lives have been turned upside down and will continue to be upended for the next several months during the recovery and rehabilitation process. This will require a lengthy stay in SLC as well as multiple trips back home to Durango, CO during this process.

The expenses associated with this will be astronomical. Any assistance you can offer will be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated.

The Heron’s are extremely grateful for the support from Cory’s coworkers and employer, Glacier Club and for the overwhelming concern and prayers of their community, friends and family.