More positive news on snowboarder Kevin Pearce

The news on snowboarder Kevin Pearce continues to be positive. An update posted this morning on the Facebook fan page created by Pearce's family said that, just one month after his accident, Pearce has been transferred from the University of Utah Hospital to Craig Hospital in Denver, a world-renowned rehabilitation center for people with traumatic brain injury.

Elaine Skalabrin, the Utah hospital's neuro-critical care medical director and one of Pearce’s doctors while he was there, is optimistic about his progress.

"Kevin has made tremendous progress since being admitted to University of Utah Hospital on Dec. 31. He is able to walk and do many daily activities with some assistance," she said. "I asked him how he felt about being discharged from the hospital, and he said, 'Excited! I'm ready to keep on going!' His positive attitude and determination will certainly serve him well as he moves on to the next phase of his rehabilitation."

The next phase will be an evaluation of Pearce's injury, sustained while training in the halfpipe at Park City, Utah.

"Craig Hospital's specialized TBI treatment program has begun a comprehensive evaluation of Kevin's neurological injury and his rehabilitation needs," said Dr. Alan H. Weintraub, the program's medical director, who will be leading the team of doctors and specialists taking care of Pearce. "Our goal is to assist Kevin and his family through this challenging journey and help them reach their fullest potential in every phase of recovery."

He added, "I also want to acknowledge the excellent work since Kevin's injury by our acute care colleagues at the University of Utah."

Pearce's parents, Simon and Pia Pearce, are thankful for all the help and support they and their son have received.

"We would like to give a special thank-you to all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Utah Hospital who have helped Kevin and the Pearce family though this difficult time," they said.

"The Pearce family would also like to thank all of the friends and fans of Kevin for their outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers; they have helped Kevin get through his day," they said. "With Kevin embarking on a new level of rehabilitation the Pearce family look forward to the experience at Craig Hospital with great optimism."

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Snowboarder Kevin Pearce poses for a portrait during the USOC Media Summit in Chicago last year. Credit: Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press

Related:

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce moved from critical care unit and continues to progress in his recovery

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce continues to recover and improve at Utah hospital

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce is regaining consciousness; has been upgraded from critical to serious condition

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce remains in critical condition with traumatic brain injury

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce in critical condition after halfpipe accident

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Comments

[Peter Ramsay]

That's great news about Kevin. Keep praying for him. Desmond Prins, had an accident snowboarding near Lake Louise, Alberta. The message he sent out was powerful. Copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://www.heaven4sure.com/MeandGodQuestions/LifeLessons/tabid/58/ctl/ArticleView/mid/387/articleId/471/Snowboarders-Second-Last-Sermon.aspx