If you’ve come to this site then you know of Vernon’s disastrous encounter with a truck while riding home on his Vespa last Friday evening in San Clemente. Apparently the driver did not see Vernon and pulled out from a side street right in front of him. Fortunately there were many witnesses who called for help and paramedics arrived within minutes. He was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo where he remains in an induced coma as his brain responds to the trauma.

The medical team spent many hours the first night stabilizing Vernon and doing initial surgeries on his broken jaw, pelvis, arm and femur. We are still in the critical first 72-96 hours. The doctors have scheduled more surgeries (pelvis, arm and jaw) later this week while Vernon is still deeply sedated. When they will bring him out of the coma depends on what’s happening in his brain. They are monitoring the swelling. We’ve  heard there is no long term brain injury or evidence of oxygen depravation though we were told he wasn’t breathing when he was brought to the hospital.

For us there has been a lot of praying, contacting and updating people and, of course, waiting and watching for hopeful signs, of which there are many. The immediate response of friends and family has been incredible…a huge encouragement to Allison and to us.  People far and near, even ones who don’t know Vernon, are praying for his full recovery.

In the next few days we’ll begin dealing with the financial aspects of his accident and recovery. The family has been dependent on Vernon working for their income. Friends will be setting up a site to receive gifts toward their medical and living expenses. We will get that information out when we have it.

The kids are doing well. Maki has been entertained by friends. He has picked up our confidence in Vernon’s recovery. Justine is happy to be the center of attention wherever she is, unaware of the crisis around her. She will celebrate her fourth birthday next week…while Daddy is sleeping.

Thank you for your loving concern and prayers. We are all so grateful that you are sharing this journey with us.

Anne Moore (Allison’s mother, Vernon’s mother-in-law)