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Send your Prayers to Kevin Everett

Smizzy

By Smizzy
in NY Jets Forum

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JetCane

JetCane

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Injured Bills tight end Kevin Everett unlikely to walk again

By Henry L. Davis and Bucky Gleason - News Staff Reporters

Updated: 09/11/07 8:20 AM

Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett is unlikely to walk again and faces life-threatening risks from complications, doctors said Monday after four hours of emergency surgery to stabilize his spine.

Although Everett showed some leg movement Monday morning, the outlook for a full recovery is not good.

Everett, who was injured in the Bills

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JetCane

JetCane

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Wouldn't that be something else !!

They took him off of the sedation some, and he reportedly had some voluntary arm and leg movement.

-----------------

Report: Doctor says Everett has voluntary movement of arms, legs

ESPN.com news services

Updated: September 11, 2007, 6:23 PM ET

The doctor who performed the spinal surgery on Everett told Buffalo TV station WIVB on Tuesday that Everett has voluntary movement of his arms and legs and as a result he is optimistic that Everett will walk again.

Dr. Andrew Cappuccino told WIVB that Everett's sedation levels were lowered on Tuesday, allowing him to respond to verbal commands. WIVB also reported that Everett's latest MRI shows only a small amount of swelling on his spinal cord.

On Monday, Cappuccino said that Everett sustained a "catastrophic" and life-threatening spinal-cord injury and was unlikely to walk again.

"A best-case scenario is full recovery, but not likely," Cappuccino said Monday. "I believe there will be some permanent neurologic deficit."

Everett was hurt Sunday after he ducked his head while tackling the Denver Broncos' Domenik Hixon during the second-half kickoff. Everett dropped face-first to the ground after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.

On Monday, Cappuccino noted the 25-year-old reserve tight end did have touch sensation throughout his body and also showed signs of movement. But he cautioned that Everett's injury was life-threatening because he was still susceptible to blood clots, infection and breathing failure.

Everett is in the intensive care unit of Buffalo's Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, where he is under sedation and breathing through a respirator as doctors wait for the swelling to lessen.

Cappuccino repaired a break between the third and fourth vertebrae and also alleviated the pressure on the spinal cord. In reconstructing his spine, doctors made a bone graft and inserted a plate, held in by four screws, and also inserted two small rods, held in place by another four screws.

Doctors, however, weren't able to repair all the damage.

Bills punter Brian Moorman immediately feared the worst when Everett showed no signs of movement as he was placed on a backboard and, with his head and body immobilized, carefully loaded into an ambulance.

"It brought tears to my eyes," Moorman said after practice. He said the sight of Everett's motionless body brought back memories of Mike Utley, the former Detroit Lions guard, who was paralyzed below the chest after injuring his neck in a collision during a 1991 game.

Utley, Moorman recalled, at least was able to give what's become a famous "thumbs up" sign as he was taken off the field. Everett didn't.

"That's what I was waiting for, and that's what everybody else was waiting for," Moorman said. "And to have to walk back to the sideline and not see that made for a tough time."

Utley, who lives in Washington state, was saddened to see replays of Everett's collision.

"I'm sorry this young man got hurt," Utley said. "It wasn't a cheap shot. It was a great form tackle and that's it."

Cappuccino received permission to operate from Everett's mother, Patricia Dugas, who spoke by phone from her home in Houston. She and other family members arrived in Buffalo on Monday. Everett was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and played high school football there.

Buffalo's 2005 third-round draft pick out of Miami, Everett missed his rookie season because of a knee injury. He spent most of last year playing special teams. He was hoping to make an impact as a receiver.

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gg

gg

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They took him off of the sedation some, and he reportedly had some voluntary arm and leg movement.

-----------------

Report: Doctor says Everett has voluntary movement of arms, legs

ESPN.com news services

Updated: September 11, 2007, 6:23 PM ET

The doctor who performed the spinal surgery on Everett told Buffalo TV station WIVB on Tuesday that Everett has voluntary movement of his arms and legs and as a result he is optimistic that Everett will walk again.

best news i have heard all day!

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JetCane

JetCane

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best news i have heard all day!

the video of events

http://www.wivb.com/

BTW, the technique that helped save him with the steroids shots and lowering his body temperature came from the U of Miami's The Miami Project, started by Nick Buoniconti and his son Marc, who suffered a spine injury playing football for The Citadel.

http://www.themiamiproject.org/x566.xml

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JetCane

JetCane

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Everett Condition Improved

by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/12/2007 5:20 PM ET

Bills team medical director Dr. John Marzo called it "new and substantial" information on injured tight end Kevin Everett. And when Dr. Kevin Gibbons spoke the developments sounded encouraging, but there is still a long way to go in terms of recovery.

On Tuesday just two days after surgery Everett demonstrated some improvement in moving his legs when tested.

"He had clear improvement in the motor function of his legs," said Dr. Gibbons the director of the neurological ICU at Millard Fillmore Gates hospital. "He was able to move his legs together and apart, wiggles his toes and had slight movement from his ankle. He was able to kick out his lower leg against gravity with his knee raised. He was able to slightly extend his elbow with his triceps muscle."

With those signs of muscle movement the doctors decided to begin warming Everett's body to do further testing. It had been cooled during and following surgery to reduce swelling.

"The decision was made to begin warming him," said Gibbons. "We did that over the next 12 hours. During the course of this time with the sedation lifted we were able to repetitively examine Kevin with continued anti-gravity power and continued movement in one muscle in his arms. This morning he continues to demonstrate improvement in his legs to the point where he can bend his hip and has the ability to straighten out his knee. He demonstrates continued power in his ankles. He has somewhat improved triceps function in that he can just overcome gravity with his left triceps. His biceps function seem to fluctuate. He has no movement in his hands."

Doctors were also able to take him off the ventilator Wednesday though that will increase the complexity of management in the ICU. Blood clots in legs are still a possibility which can be life threatening. Everett will remain in ICU for the foreseeable future. No further surgery is on the horizon at this time, but potential complications could change that.

The physicians who performed the surgery said some questions have been answered, but many remain. They also reiterated that Everett is looking at months of recovery.

According to Dr. Gibbons the Bills tight end understands everything that has taken place and what is to come.

"He voices that he understands what's happening to him," said Gibbons. "He realizes in part what lies ahead. His mother has been by his bedside since about noon on Monday. She is pleased, not ecstatic, over what has happened since she has come to town. She understands that this is a life changing event, and knows it will continue over months to years."

Everett's condition was grouped into the second worst class of spinal cord injuries when he was initially assessed. Following the latest developments he's almost met all the requirements to be upgraded to the next best class.

"It requires movement against gravity in five major muscle groups and he has movement in four," said Dr. Andrew Cappuccino.

Gibbons called Everett's improvement significant, but maintained that there is still a long way to go.

"The speed with which it's occurred is a great sign," said Gibbons. "Have we seen it before? Yes. In part there were many things in his favor including the fact that he had deformity of his cord, but not a transaction, that he never went into spinal shock and his early management. But when we discussed this during and after surgery it's a longshot that he'll have full use of his arms or legs, but it's not impossible."

When asked if he will walk again Dr. Gibbons made it clear that it's against the odds, but wouldn't rule it out.

"I wouldn't bet against it," said Gibbons.

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JetCane

JetCane

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Source: Bills tight end Everett slightly moved 3 fingers on right hand

By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer

September 14, 2007

AP - Sep 14, 2:42 pm EDT

More Photos

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Kevin Everett has slightly moved three fingers on his right hand, potentially another positive sign in his recovery from a life-threatening spinal-cord injury, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Friday.

The Buffalo tight end voluntarily moved his fingers Thursday night "more than a little bit but not with great force," said the person who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of Everett's status. "There was slight movement."

Dr. Barth Green of the Miami Project also told The Miami Herald on Friday that Everett showed movement in his fingers early Friday morning. Green said he spoke on the phone with Bills orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino, who updated him.

On Wednesday, doctors said Everett could wiggle his toes, bend his hip, move his ankles, elevate and kick his leg, as well as extend his elbows and slightly flex his biceps. But he had not been able to move his hands.

Bills spokesman Scott Berchtold didn't immediately return messages left by the AP. Officials at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital have deferred all updates to the Bills.

Everett was hurt Sunday after ducking his head while tackling Denver's Domenik Hixon during the second-half kickoff in the season opener. The Buffalo player dropped face-first after his helmet hit Hixon high on the left shoulder and side of the helmet.

When Everett arrived at the hospital Sunday, he was paralyzed below his neck. Since then, he has shown signs of improvement and was taken off a respirator Wednesday.

PICTURE_keverett.gif

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awats

awats

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I hope Bills fans are more supportive than JETS fans when it comes to injured players... :rolleyes:

This is a sad story... I hope the guy pulls through and lives to walk another day... nobody deserves this...

What kind of a "below the belt shot is that". This is a Jets fan forum isn't it. You're painting us all with a negative brush because a few thousand fans out of an eighty thousand fan crowd seemed to cheer that Chad was injured. That situation was and is still blown all out of proportion because of Phil Simms' big mouth. I've read statements from fans who were at the game and they all say that there guess was approx. 15 to 20 thousand fans were the culprits. Now we all have to share the burden. I'd like to know how many cards and letters Kevin Everett gets from Jets Fans. I'm sure they are numerous as the are from all football fans. He's in my prayers as well as many other Jets Fans. Especially those of us who remember Dennis Byrd and Mike Augustiniak. You'll probably never know how wrong you are. Just remember, "Let him without sin cast the first stone."

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ECURB

ECURB

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What kind of a "below the belt shot is that". This is a Jets fan forum isn't it. You're painting us all with a negative brush because a few thousand fans out of an eighty thousand fan crowd seemed to cheer that Chad was injured. That situation was and is still blown all out of proportion because of Phil Simms' big mouth. I've read statements from fans who were at the game and they all say that there guess was approx. 15 to 20 thousand fans were the culprits. Now we all have to share the burden. I'd like to know how many cards and letters Kevin Everett gets from Jets Fans. I'm sure they are numerous as the are from all football fans. He's in my prayers as well as many other Jets Fans. Especially those of us who remember Dennis Byrd and Mike Augustiniak. You'll probably never know how wrong you are. Just remember, "Let him without sin cast the first stone."

A little late to the party there... lol... I am one of the biggest JETS fans you will ever know.... and thats exactly why I was offended by what happened..

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JetCane

JetCane

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Source: Bills' Kevin Everett nears next rehab step, may be transferred to Houston this weekend

By JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer

September 18, 2007

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Kevin Everett could be transferred to a Houston hospital by this weekend to begin the next phase of the Buffalo Bills tight end's rehabilitation, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

"That's the plan that probably by the end of the week, if progress remains the same, he'll be transferred back to Houston," said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of Everett's status.

The person said doctors still are making arrangements to determine which hospital would best suit Everett, who sustained the life-threatening spinal-cord injury Sept. 9 while making a tackle. The player grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, and now lives in Houston, 90 miles away.

"He's very excited," said the person, who added Everett is having lengthy conversations with family, friends and doctors. "He's just happy to be breathing and able to move his limbs to some degree."

Dr. Barth Green, chairman of the department of neurological surgery at the University of Miami school of medicine, confirmed discussions to transfer Everett began Monday, when he said he got an update from Bills orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Cappuccino.

"They're talking about him going home," said Green, who had not spoken to Cappuccino on Tuesday after traveling most of the day.

Green added Everett continues to show significant signs of progress.

"He's sitting up and eating and doing rehab," Green said. "Everything's exactly how we expected. It's very positive."

The Bills, who have been authorized to update Everett's status, could not immediately be reached for comment. Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital spokesman Mike Hughes said he could not discuss Everett's status.

"Our hospital staff, from nurses to physicians, are working 24-7 to get Mr. Everett back to 100 percent," he said.

Initially fearing Everett would never walk again, doctors significantly changed their prognosis when the player moved his toes, ankles, legs and arms a week ago. By Thursday, Everett began moving his fingers.

Bills team doctor, John Marzo, announced Monday that Everett demonstrated increased strength in his leg muscles and also had shown some movement in both hands.

Green, who said he's been in daily contact with Everett's doctors, said he suggested Everett be transferred to Houston -- over two other choices, Buffalo and Miami -- because it's important for the player to be close to friends and family during rehab.

"The sooner they're back with friends and family, the better they are psychologically," said Green, co-founder of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and considered one of the leading experts in spinal-cord injuries. "It's almost like a newborn baby. They have emotional troubles bonding. The sooner Kevin can be back with his family and friends, the better."

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Alk

Alk

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More great news...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3029231

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Kevin Everett's doctor plans to have him stand up on his own soon, and believes the Bills tight end will be walking within weeks -- or sooner.

"Soon, in Buffalo or in Houston, they're going to stand him up," Dr. Barth Green told The Associated Press, shortly after discussing Everett's condition with Bills orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Cappuccino. "They're very confident he'll be walking very soon & in the next days or weeks, not months."

The prognosis is remarkable after Everett arrived at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital paralyzed from the neck down after being hurt while making a tackle in Buffalo's season opener against Denver on Sept. 9. Doctors initially expressed fears Everett would never walk again.

Green is chairman of the neurological surgery department at the University of Miami school of medicine and has received regular updates from Everett's doctors on the player's progress.

"Now that doesn't mean he'll be walking normally, but standing up and holding his own weight," Green said. "I think the future for him is very bright."

Despite numerous requests, the Bills have provided few regular updates of Everett's status since he was hurt and were not immediately available for comment Thursday.

Everett is expected to be transferred to a hospital in Houston by this weekend to begin the next step of his rehabilitation. Everett makes his offseason home in Houston, where many of his family members and friends live.

Green suggested Houston would be the best place to move Everett because it's important for the player to have his family and friends nearby.

Everett was strong enough to sit up on his own in his hospital bed this week.

NFL Players' Association executive director Gene Upshaw and NFLPA president Troy Vincent, a former teammate of Everett's in Buffalo, were scheduled to visit the player Thursday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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Sperm Edwards

Sperm Edwards

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8028d430&template=without-video&confirm=true

Everett transferred to Houston hospital

Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Kevin Everett was transferred Friday to a Houston hospital to begin the next phase of his rehabilitation, less than two weeks after the Buffalo Bills tight end sustained a life-threatening spinal cord injury.

The ambulance that took Everett to Houston's Memorial Hermann Hospital was followed by a town car with two women inside, both wearing Everett jerseys. The women got out and watched as he was wheeled into the medical center.

K_Everett_070921_inside.jpg

David J. Phillip / Associated Press

Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett is transferred from an

ambulance to the Memorial Hermann Institute for

Rehabilitation and Research in Houston, to begin

the next phase of his rehabilitation.

Everett left Buffalo earlier Friday in a private plane. He was joined by his mother, Patricia Dugas, and taken to the hospital's Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Dugas, wearing a white Bills jersey, declined to talk with reporters.

Everett spent two weeks at Buffalo's Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital paralyzed from the neck down. He was hurt making a tackle in the Bills' season opener against Denver on Sept. 9.

After initially fearing he would never walk again, doctors since have significantly upgraded their prognosis and plan to have Everett try to stand on his own in the next few days.

Dr. Barth Green, chairman of the neurological surgery department at the University of Miami school of medicine, said doctors are confident Everett could be walking within weeks if not sooner.

"They're very confident he'll be walking very soon ... in the next days or weeks, not months," Green told The Associated Press on Thursday, shortly after discussing Everett's condition with Bills orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Cappuccino. "I think the future for him is very bright."

Green, co-founder of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, has been in constant contact with Everett's doctors.

And it was Green, who suggested Everett continue his rehabilitation in Houston, where he makes his offseason home, saying it's important for him to have his family and friends nearby.

"I love the Buffalo people, and I'll hate to leave them," Everett's mother said Thursday. "But it'll be good that we can be closer to home for all our family to come over and see him because they're worried about him. ... He wants to see his family, too."

NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw and NFLPA president Troy Vincent, a former teammate of Everett's in Buffalo, visited him Thursday.

"It was good to see Kevin making progress," Vincent said, in an e-mail to The AP.

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