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It was the update we were all waiting for when Kyle Whitaker, head rodeo coach for Montana State University posted that Presley was headed home. Presley, Kyle's wife, had spent 24 days in the hospital following a freak roping accident that changed her life forever.
On May 29, Kyle shared the update:
"Presley finally got to come home yesterday," Whitaker wrote in a social media post. "For now, it’s good to have her home again."
The update marked a major milestone in a recovery journey that began in early May following that tragic accident.
Kyle just this year was named the Big Sky Region Coach of the Year. He just finished another successful season with one of the best college rodeo programs of the nation. Now, he thought he would being his CNFR prep with the team, until something unexpected happened right there in the MSU practice arena.
According to Whitaker, Presley became entangled in her rope while pen roping on a colt. She was dragged before hitting a fence that resulted in a broken jaw and severe injuries to her right arm and hand. She was airlifted to Salt Lake City, where doctors attempted to save her hand through emergency surgery. Despite those efforts, the damage was too extensive and the doctors were ultimately unable to reattach her hand.
The news quickly spread throughout the rodeo community, particularly in Montana where the Whitaker family is well known through Montana State University's rodeo program. Since then, friends, family members, rodeo athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the country have rallied around the family.
A GoFundMe established to help with medical expenses and all of the challenges ahead has raised more than $36,000. This is such a reflection of just how quickly the rodeo community comes together when one of its own is facing hardship.
While the financial support has been significant, the emotional support has meant just as much. In his recent update, Whitaker acknowledged the overwhelming response from people across the western industry.
"I have been trying to send thank yous to all of you, but it will be impossible to reach everyone," he wrote. "Please know that we appreciate what each of you have done for us, and we could use your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the upcoming days."
The road ahead remains long. Presley continues to recover from multiple injuries while adapting to a life changing loss. Rehabilitation, healing, and adjustment will all be part of the process moving forward. After weeks spent in a hospital room, one important milestone has already been reached, she is home and back with her family, and still surrounded by a rodeo community that continues to stand beside them every step of the way.
Continue reading...
On May 29, Kyle shared the update:
"Presley finally got to come home yesterday," Whitaker wrote in a social media post. "For now, it’s good to have her home again."
The update marked a major milestone in a recovery journey that began in early May following that tragic accident.
Kyle just this year was named the Big Sky Region Coach of the Year. He just finished another successful season with one of the best college rodeo programs of the nation. Now, he thought he would being his CNFR prep with the team, until something unexpected happened right there in the MSU practice arena.
According to Whitaker, Presley became entangled in her rope while pen roping on a colt. She was dragged before hitting a fence that resulted in a broken jaw and severe injuries to her right arm and hand. She was airlifted to Salt Lake City, where doctors attempted to save her hand through emergency surgery. Despite those efforts, the damage was too extensive and the doctors were ultimately unable to reattach her hand.
The news quickly spread throughout the rodeo community, particularly in Montana where the Whitaker family is well known through Montana State University's rodeo program. Since then, friends, family members, rodeo athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the country have rallied around the family.
A GoFundMe established to help with medical expenses and all of the challenges ahead has raised more than $36,000. This is such a reflection of just how quickly the rodeo community comes together when one of its own is facing hardship.
While the financial support has been significant, the emotional support has meant just as much. In his recent update, Whitaker acknowledged the overwhelming response from people across the western industry.
"I have been trying to send thank yous to all of you, but it will be impossible to reach everyone," he wrote. "Please know that we appreciate what each of you have done for us, and we could use your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the upcoming days."
The road ahead remains long. Presley continues to recover from multiple injuries while adapting to a life changing loss. Rehabilitation, healing, and adjustment will all be part of the process moving forward. After weeks spent in a hospital room, one important milestone has already been reached, she is home and back with her family, and still surrounded by a rodeo community that continues to stand beside them every step of the way.
Continue reading...
