Henry Nelson and the Nelson Family

UPDATE:

June 1st- From Leigh-

This past week was a big week for appointments. Saw the orthopedist and x rays look good. Everything is in alignment. He saw primary dr and was able to have stitches removed from some of his body and was able to start the long process of physical therapy. No more surgeries scheduled as of now. We need to see how his body responds to the healing and hardware. Waiting on the neuro surgeon to view ct and decide the next steps for the neck and back brace. He is a very dedicated and diligent person and athlete.  All  his determination and his athletic body will help him with the difficult physical therapy road ahead to have the best possible out come in recovery.






On Wednesday, May 10th around 7:00pm, Henry, age 19, was in a horrific car accident. He was the unfortunate victim of a wrong way driver on Interstate 35W not far from Duluth. The other driver was going the wrong way on the highway and collided head on with the vehicle Henry was driving. Henry was airlifted by helicopter to St Mary’s Essentia Hospital in Duluth with life threatening injuries. Unfortunately, the driver of the other car passed away at the scene of the accident.  Henry is alive and conscious. Miraculously, he does not have a brain injury or a spinal cord injury. We are so grateful he escaped injuries in those 2 areas. However, the multiple injuries he sustained are extensive and serious. The injuries occurred on his left side and included multiple lacerations on his left arm, torso and face, which required numerous sutures. He also has a concussion, a partially collapsed lung, a crack in his spleen, a fracture on his spine, a dislocated knee, and a broken femur in 2 places. He continues to have debris that remains in his body preventing him from being able to have an MRI. He is required to wear a neck and back brace to treat the fracture on his spine. He has ha 2 surgeries so far. One on his knee to clean the knee joint out to prevent infection. He underwent a second surgery where cables and a steel rod were screwed into placed on his femur. There are also the injuries that are not so apparent. The emotional trauma Henry, and his whole family have experienced. Henry (and Leigh) spent 6 nights in Duluth. Where he received excellent care from many people. From random strangers at the scene of the accident, to the EMT’s and first responders as well as all the Dr.s and nurses at the hospital. Henry is so grateful and shakes the hand of everyone who helped him. Henry was discharged Tuesday May 16th and is back home with his family in st. Louis Park. It feels good to be home. However, it’s also overwhelming. Leigh Shapansky is an amazing, parent of 4 kids/young adults. She is also a self employed single parent. Henry had lined up a job a the Lego store for then entire summer. He was planning on working close to full time hours. The Nelson family is going to need our help and support in the coming days, weeks and months. Aside from the medical aftermath, the financial impacts of this accident will be huge. Henry will lose out on his income from his summer job. Leigh, rushed to be with him and stayed by his side in Duluth for 6 days. She will likely see many more impacts to the family income as she steps back from work to care for and manage Henry.s complex medical care. Medical costs are just the tip of the iceberg. From the loss of Henry's vehicle, the costs of transportation to and from Dr. apptointments and PT appointments, and so much more. Your support, love, and prayers will help him stay positive during the challenging days, weeks and months ahead. Thank you for your support.