Support 14 year old Tegan with spinal cord injury
Donation protected
On March 19th, a beloved winter activity turned tragic when Tegan Nielsen fell off of the toboggan she was riding. As a result of her crash, Tegan suffered a severe spinal cord injury and remains in the ICU at the BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.
After an agonizing 12 hour journey, plagued by transportation issues and poor weather, Tegan arrived at the hospital. There, it was determined that she had broken her 5th vertebrae and damaged her 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th. The next morning, she underwent surgery to replace her 5th vertebrae with a metal cage and repair the other damaged vertebrae. Although her surgery went well, her heart rate and oxygen levels were low. Respiratory assessments revealed that she would need to be fitted with a C-PAP to help her breath. It was also determined that she would need a nourishment tube installed which, after many failed attempts, ended up having to be installed via guided x-ray. Occupational and physiotherapy began and she was fitted with splints for her legs and a custom reclining wheel chair. Despite all the attempts made to assist her breathing; C-PAP, medication, kidney belt, full face mask; and after many sleepless nights of struggling to cough up phlegm, her doctors decided to install a tracheostomy tube. We do not know yet if this tube will be permanent and unfortunately, for now, she will not have the ability to speak. Tegan is currently in a state of paralysis from her shoulders down. She has minimal movement of her neck, shoulders and right arm. The full extent of her injuries remains unknown. Each day brings forth new challenges, but also hope. Tegan’s positive attitude, resilience and strength over the past few weeks is simply inspiring.
As you can imagine this is every parent’s worst nightmare and an absolutely unbelievable, life changing, situation for this sweet teenage girl to endure. Tegan has a passion for swimming that has developed over the years and her commitment highlights her dedication, determination and drive. She is an amazing, thoughtful, spunky, polite, beautiful little 14 year old young lady just beginning to experience what life has to offer. Anyone who has met Tegan knows that she is intelligent, kind and witty. Those of you who know her well, know she is strong, physically and mentally, and is incredibly determined. Her quiet, persistent work ethic has driven her to succeed in many aspects of her life so far and, no doubtingly, will be what guides her through the many challenges that lay ahead alongside the care and support of her close-knit family.
We all wish we could go back in time and prevent this terrible accident from ever happening. We all have feelings of helplessness and frustration as we watch the Nielsen family navigate through this tremendously difficult time. They are a private family that would prefer not to ask for help but the seriousness of Tegan’s injuries will have an impact far too great for any one family to shoulder.
There are many adjustments that will need to be made to support Tegan’s recovery. Funds raised here will directly support the Nielsen family to ease the financial worries of medical costs, time away from home and house and vehicle modifications to support Tegan’s ongoing recovery process.
The Nielsen family is incredibly grateful for your support and well-wishes for Tegan’s recovery!
After an agonizing 12 hour journey, plagued by transportation issues and poor weather, Tegan arrived at the hospital. There, it was determined that she had broken her 5th vertebrae and damaged her 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th. The next morning, she underwent surgery to replace her 5th vertebrae with a metal cage and repair the other damaged vertebrae. Although her surgery went well, her heart rate and oxygen levels were low. Respiratory assessments revealed that she would need to be fitted with a C-PAP to help her breath. It was also determined that she would need a nourishment tube installed which, after many failed attempts, ended up having to be installed via guided x-ray. Occupational and physiotherapy began and she was fitted with splints for her legs and a custom reclining wheel chair. Despite all the attempts made to assist her breathing; C-PAP, medication, kidney belt, full face mask; and after many sleepless nights of struggling to cough up phlegm, her doctors decided to install a tracheostomy tube. We do not know yet if this tube will be permanent and unfortunately, for now, she will not have the ability to speak. Tegan is currently in a state of paralysis from her shoulders down. She has minimal movement of her neck, shoulders and right arm. The full extent of her injuries remains unknown. Each day brings forth new challenges, but also hope. Tegan’s positive attitude, resilience and strength over the past few weeks is simply inspiring.
As you can imagine this is every parent’s worst nightmare and an absolutely unbelievable, life changing, situation for this sweet teenage girl to endure. Tegan has a passion for swimming that has developed over the years and her commitment highlights her dedication, determination and drive. She is an amazing, thoughtful, spunky, polite, beautiful little 14 year old young lady just beginning to experience what life has to offer. Anyone who has met Tegan knows that she is intelligent, kind and witty. Those of you who know her well, know she is strong, physically and mentally, and is incredibly determined. Her quiet, persistent work ethic has driven her to succeed in many aspects of her life so far and, no doubtingly, will be what guides her through the many challenges that lay ahead alongside the care and support of her close-knit family.
We all wish we could go back in time and prevent this terrible accident from ever happening. We all have feelings of helplessness and frustration as we watch the Nielsen family navigate through this tremendously difficult time. They are a private family that would prefer not to ask for help but the seriousness of Tegan’s injuries will have an impact far too great for any one family to shoulder.
There are many adjustments that will need to be made to support Tegan’s recovery. Funds raised here will directly support the Nielsen family to ease the financial worries of medical costs, time away from home and house and vehicle modifications to support Tegan’s ongoing recovery process.
The Nielsen family is incredibly grateful for your support and well-wishes for Tegan’s recovery!
Fundraising team (2)
Nikki Pedersen
Organizer
Fort St. John, BC
Tracy Nielsen
Beneficiary
Jamie Nielsen
Team member