Get Well Soon, Dr. Davis!!!

There has been great response from people wishing to keep updated about Dr. Davis. This has been made available as a communication link. There will be updates periodically throughout the summer as more information is made available.

August 26, 2008

As you all know by now, Dr. Davis is back up and working to the best of his ability. Most of you have seen him around campus and know that he is doing quite well. Since I've been working with him on a one-to-one basis over the summer and especially now that school has started, it's still clear that he's in a lot of pain some days. He's a strong man and I admire him for fighting the way he has during his recovery. Which brings me to say that his recovery is going quickly and most people don't even know that he had an accident over the summer.

Dr. Davis is now finished with therapy but continues to walk in the Turtle Pool at the hospital every day. He has assisted with band camp and was present during the picnic last week during Blue & Gold Days. His recovery goes to show you what encouragement from others and thinking positively can do for people that are recovering from substantial injuries. We can all take the example Dr. Davis has given and apply it to our own lives. Let us keep up the amount of encouragement given to Dr. Davis. He's come a long way since the initial accident, but he's still got quite a distance to go.

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July 3, 2008 -- What you've been waiting for...words from Dr. Davis!

Thank you for all the kind words and thoughts that you expressed after my accident. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. Your words have lifted my spirits so many times that I've lost count. I so appreciate your prayers.

Here is a quick update on my accident and recovery:

On May 30, I fell from a ladder (about 10 ft) while cutting damaged branches from a tree in our yard. I landed on my back and right hip and fractured several bones in my lower back. I had back surgery on June 3. The surgery was a success and now I'm held together by a metal plate and 11 screws (one really long screw goes from my right hip to my pelvis). On the bright side, there was no paralysis and I will be able to walk again.

It has been a very long month since the accident. I was in the hospital for ten days, including extensive work with different therapists (physical, occupational and recreational) to allow me to assist in getting dressed, taking care of myself, and moving with a walker from room to room in our house. I use crutches to go up and down stairs but someone must always be there to assist me. We are hoping that by August 1, I'll be able to place my full weight on my right leg (as of now, I can only touch my right toes to the ground as I walk).

My daughter, Kristen, who lives in Lexington, Kentucky, came home and stayed with the first week I was out of the hospital and my son, Christopher, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri, spent the second week with us. My wife, Debby, teaches summer school, so it has been really tough on her as well. But we are making improvements and I'm getting better everyday. I go to physical therapy 3 times a week and my strength and flexibility is improving (now I just need the pain to go away). I will keep working hard to be ready for another school year starting in the middle of August.

I hope everyone is having a great summer. Please have a relaxing and safe Fourth of July. Thanks again for all of your positive thoughts and wishes for me and my family. See you in August!

Dr. Davis

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June 19, 2008

Here's the latest update about Dr. Davis: I spoke with him very briefly on the phone today and he seems to be in very high spirits. He's got that enthusiasm back that he is characteristically known around here for. He told me that therapy is going well and he wishes to thank everyone for the cards you have sent him and the encouragement you have all shown since his accident. It's going to be a long road but I think he's up for the challenge.

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June 11, 2008

From Dr. Schnoor:

Thanks to all of you in the band family for your good wishes to Dr. Davis and Debbie -- I know they are so appreciative of your thoughts and prayers! Today (Wednesday) Dr. Davis gets to go home! He did have several fractures in his lower back. Surgery was extensive but they believe they have him put back together again and now the healing process can begin. He will continue to undergo various types of therapy to increase mobility. Dr. Davis is in his usual good spirits and is handling this whole process with the same energy and enthusiasm that he does everything in life! We'll continue to provide updates as we can and keep those thoughts and prayers headed toward Dr. Davis and family!

BE WELL THIS SUMMER!

Doc

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June 4, 2008

Well, the update that I am allowed to share with you about Dr. Davis is that he has a fracture in his lower back. He went into surgery yesterday [afternoon?] and is said to be doing well. He is going to remain in the hospital until he is able to move about with less pain and hopefully his recovery will be a quick one. Those of us that know Dr. Davis are familiar with his desire to be working and getting things done so this is probably doing to be a difficult time for him. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he works towards a full recovery.

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June 3, 2008

Last Friday (5/30/08) Dr. Davis was cleaning up after the terrible storm that swept through Kearney and Aurora the night before. He fell some 10+ feet during the cleanup and severely injured his back. I haven't visited him yet, but from what I hear, despite the pain, he is still in good spirits and is worried about getting work done (believe me, that's Dr. Davis). Since he is a really good friend and mentor to me, it worries me although I believe he is going to be fine. Thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Davis and his wife, Deb. I will have more updates as time goes by.