We can use this thread for messages of support for Karen - and updates as they come in.

Pat B
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Not too sure where to put this, but I guess this will do! A report by David on his day at Chehalis/Harrison yesterday but also re Karen that is important for all to see!

A note from David:

Hancock here:

Karen -- Details and Update.

Things bad happen -- and without warning or cause.

Thursday was wonderful out on the Harrison River. Karen and I were on the first tour of the day -- I to talk about the wonders of the Chehalis -- Harrison wonderland. The day was perfect: literally warm and sunny. Present were at least 2500 to 3500 eagles spread along the eastern shoreline and a few on the flats. The Fraser River Safari Tour boat was full and the guests were all awestruck by the eagles and the scenery.

We even spotted a lone Mute Swan among the 222 Trumpeter Swans -- definitely an ugly duckling among the beauties. There were still hundreds of 'yet to spawn' salmon in the shallows offering eagle or sturgeon food for a while to come.

After the first tour, the second tour, the group from the Langley Seniors Center where I give an annual talk, was lined up and waiting. Then they read the agenda: This second tour was clearly listed as "not accompanied by David Hancock"! The tour organizer had only remembered my recommendation of the tour and that I often acted as the guide. The sounds of disappointment warmed my heart. I offered to make another sacrifice - to go out again to look at thousands of eagles in the sun -- what torture I undergo!! JoAnne and Rob willingly agreed.

Again all was kind of perfect -- on the tour. Jo and Rob had then to make the 25 mile run down the Fraser River back to Mission. At the present low water levels this was fun, exciting and a bit risky going over the 4 to 8 inch deep Fraser River -- and that is at its deepest places. It is totally amazing to see how low the "Mighty Fraser" can come during a month of no rain! They made it safely.

Karen and I drove back to the Kilby Museum Cafe where most of the tour group wished a washroom stop before the hour trip home. As we drove up, the first 'cafe' visitors were turning around at the "Closed" sign on the door. I could see a lot of crossed legs and pursed mouths so I decided to try the back door in case one of our earlier lunch suppliers was still cleaning up. The back was unlocked and I was told they would re-open for the guests. As I was heading out the door some came to me and said "your wife has had an accident"! My instant thought was who had called Karen with this news? I simultaneously reached for my cell -- thinking it must be in the car. It was in my pocket. By this time I was another 8 feet closer to my van and could see several people milling around -- Were they listening to Karen hearing about my Mary's accident? Four more paces and I could see two people holding up Karen -- who was grimmising badly.

What had happened? It was Karen who was hurt and in the seconds that I had been gone. But that is our fate -- in an instant life changes from 'a perfect day to a total disaster!

When she had seen me enter the Cafe back door she optimistically started to get out of my van and the group started to emerge from the bus. As Karen described it: "I got my right leg out and as it hit the ground my left toe caught in the loop of our HWF bag full of calendars. In that second of delay I simply lost balance and collapsed down on top of my right ankle". The two nearest people were already getting her into the car as I arrived and within two minutes we had a bag of ice on the injured foot -- probably causing more pain than the 'twist'.

Karen knew she had to have the ankle X-rayed. We headed off to the Mission Hospital about 35 kilometers away. Within an hour the X-ray confirmed at least 2 breaks and a specialist orthopedic surgeon had been found at the Abbotsford hospital -- another 25 k away but on route home. A big gulp came from Karen.

After 2 more hours we met the doctor just after he had come out of some emergency operation and he set out some rules! She would be needing a considerable 'patch-up' job -- my terminology after viewing the Xrays -- and that she should not plan on the upcoming trip to Vegas -- the Doctors statement -- to spend the Christmas with brother Keith. Another big gulp.

There were some discussions about the timing of the operation. The ankle was very swollen but the operation was needed soon. Entering the hospital through the emergency ward meant that any 'emergency C-section, de-limbing from a car accident etc. would take president. Karen might have to wait overnight -- or a day or two! More ughs - even from me.

The Doctor told me that the chips would require not just some elaborate 'tying together' and to some longer steel support, but that it is likely she would not be released until the Doctor and some physio had reviewed her foot movement etc. I called Karen's brother and described the accident and passed the phone to Karen. Now the tears came. She had been brave but the personal tragedy was now breaking out emotionally. The first part of the healing was underway.

This morning I called the hospital to learn she had not had the operation -- the doctor had requested a specialist. On the visit this morning she was not in her room -- she was off getting more Xrays -- this time of her knee that was now all swollen. When I left nearly three hours later a steady stream of calls had come to my cell and to the hospital from well-wishers. The schedule is not yet confirmed. She is slated for possible surgery between 5 and 10PM tonight. I am sure all our hearts are rooting for her.

I had received a wonderful $100 donation from the Langley seniors group and while I would normally pass this along to the HWF, I am putting this into a special HWF Fund to help with funding Karen's brother to come and stay with her as a care giver over this trying time. I need my Project Coordinator coordinating! Karen has worked tirelessly volunteering time, gas and other costs so it is time to try and help. Perhaps Alaska Air will accept this and exchange her ticket to one for her brother -- the same exact trip but in another name. I have never tried to test the 'compassion' of an airlines.

If anyone wishes to send Karen a note please send it to me with the words "For Karen" in the heading. As many of you know I don't always get to emails but I will gather up ones with that heading. She does not have access to a computer in the hospital.

thanks all
david

Oh no; that is terrible news How unfortunate, especially at this time of year. I sure hope David will be able to persuade the airline to let Karen's brother use the flight; she will definitely need someone with her for awhile after she gets home from the hospital.

Thank you, gemini - and sending thanks to you and David - and gentle hugs to Karen.

Please pass on to David and Karen that I am holding her up in my heart for healing.
With love.......
carolyn

Thank you gemini.... I will be stormin heaven for Karen..........thank you David also........................

I've sent a message to Karen via David. Thanks for posting David's comments Sharon

Thanks for sharing David's message and I too will be sending along healing prayers. I know she loves her trips to see her brother. for Karen.

Thank you David & thank you Sharon for posting. Just awful news! I've sent
you an email.