Don & Pat Rodgers Update

Don and Pat Rodgers were involved in a near fatal accident on the way home from the shows in San Jose, CA on Tuesday, February 19. This is an update of how the Rodgers’ family is recovering from that experience. Their daughter, Kate Getty, has provided an update to share with the dog fancy.

Pat had to be airlifted from the accident to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Don and Pat were approximately 1 hour from their home when the accident occurred. Harborview Medical Center is the premiere trauma hospital in the Seattle area. Pat was kept in the Intensive Care Unit initially. Her condition improved and she was moved on Saturday, February 23rd to Acute Care. The injuries that Pat suffered in the accident included her right femur broken in several places, a broken right hip, fractures in her tibia, broken right knee and compound fractures on her T11. Fortunately, Pat has limited (due to broken T11) upper body movement and full use of her arms. Currently the doctors are waiting for the swelling to go down in Pat’s leg before performing any surgeries. Kate shared that the first surgery, now scheduled for March 1st, will be the repair of her knee.  Her hip will be replaced at a later date and will include a stainless steel rod inserted to support her femur.  Pat’s attitude during her recovery at Harborview has been amazing.  Kate shared that her mother is joking with the nurses and flirting with the doctors!

Don’s injuries that he received in the collision primarily impacted the left side of his body. He has trauma to his muscle and tissue and his left ear was lacerated in two places and had to be sewn back together. He is at home tending to his handling business as usual. Don and two of his assistants are on their way to the Scottsdale, AZ shows this weekend to show their string of dogs. They are leasing a box truck from a fellow friend, Meg Callea, a Dalmatian breeder and dog show photographer that lives in their area. Their other assistant, Alexandra Todd, who was in the accident is at home recovering from bumps and bruises that she suffered.

Pat and Don have received hundreds of cards and e-mails from friends all over the world. They are thankful for all of the love, support, well wishes and generosity from family and friends in the dog show community that they are receiving.  Thankfully the prognosis is positive for Don and Pat’s recovery. The Rodgers’ good friend, Penny King has established an on line fundraiser to assist with expenses for Don & Pat Rodgers. Those wishing to donate can do so by going to the Give Forward web site at the following link http://www.giveforward.com/donandpatrodgersfund.

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Posted by Geoff on Feb 28 2013. Filed under Breaking News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.