It is with some sadness we report that our Executive Director David Oaks has suffered an accident. Here's a note from his family about his condition:
David and family are dealing with a tough situation right now. Since the above note was written, David has had a tracheotomy and can now whisper some, but he is still in intensive care. For regular updates on his progress and to learn how you can support him and his family personally, see the "accident" page on David's personal websiteOn December 1st, 2012, David Oaks fell off a loft ladder while trying to retrieve Bongo (his cat) from a loft in his home office. An MRI as well as other imaging testing later showed he had broken the C7 bone in his neck. However, he could still move his arms and thumbs, and he soon underwent emergency surgery. The surgeon's report from that first surgery was positive, although David still needs a second stabilization surgery which he hopes to undergo soon.
David is now in the surgical ICU [intensive care unit] on a ventilator. He is awake, can understand what is said to him and can signal 'yes' or 'no' with two simple arm movements taught to him by his nurse as well as communicate with a clipboard. Even with the ventilator and all the other gizmos tied up to his body, he joked around enough that his nurse called him a "character". His doctors say that David seems to be very "determined."
. You can send cards and letters of support to David and family at their home: 2000 City View, Eugene, OR 97405 or to the MindFreedom office at 454 Willamette St., Eugene, OR 97401.
via mindfreedom.org