For those who were at the last race, Kent made a surprise visit during the pit meeting, and thanked everyone for their great support. Kent is a great ambassador for Kart racing, and proves it by his continued involvement with our club. Kent informed me he has returned to work on a limited basis, as if 5 hours on his first day is limited! Kent has a tremendous great attitude, and our continued support will continue to help him in his recovery!
3/28/02
I spoke to Kent today and he is in great spirits. He is going through a minimum of 3 hours of therapy every day, which is improving his upper body strength. The hospital has given him a tentative release date of April 11 so he can go home. He says he wants to get out to the race track as soon as possible to help out. Let's keep him in our prayers for more advanced recovery.
3/3/02
I talked to Kent on Friday. He informed me that he was able to sit up in a wheelchair for about 3 hours the day before, and about 2 hours on Friday. He will be working at building up his upper body strength so he can get into the wheelchair alone. They will be working with him through his therapy on getting in and out of the chair next week. Kent seems to always be in good spirits, with a real positive attitude.
3/1/02
I visited Kent on 2/22. He was in great spirits! He has been moved to the second floor of the Rehab Center, and is going through therapy there. He had just completed getting new x-rays, so was in some pain due to their having to move him a lot. Kent said he was able to slightly move his toes in both feet, in one more than the other. He says he wants to get to the track as soon as he can to help out! He will be selling his equipment at the swap meet on Sat. March 9th at P/C. You all may want to take a look at purchasing it.
2/17/02
I visited Kent Saturday night. He continues to have his excellent sense of humor. He continues to have chest pain due to his cracked sternum, and is already going through therepy. Still no feeling from his 5th vertebrae down. The doctors have stabalized his back with titanium rods, and was able to get in a wheel chair Friday. He is at Mercy General in the Rehab unit. If you visit, the unit is next to the parking garage-not in the main building. If you go in the main building, you must go past the elevators, through the back door and to the left.
Kent's family is planning on retrofitting their home with wheelchair ramps in preparation for his return home. I know we have several members who are contractors. I would like us to work with Kent's son and daughter to help them complete the project. If you are available, e-mail me, or let me know so the job can be coordinated with their family.
Let's continue to pray for Kent's recovery!
Jerry
2/14/02
Kent is currently in the trama unit at UC Davis, recovering from around 5 hours of surgery. There is no change as to any feeling below the 5th vertebrae, but he is in much better spirits. Kent will be transfered to Mercy General, 4001 J St. and be in the Acute Rehab Center, where he will be able to accept visitations by Saturday. I'm sure he would like to see some of his racing family friends.
2/12/02
Kent Summers is hospitalized at UC Davis Medical as a result of the racing accident on Sunday. He has an injury to the 5th vertebrae, and cracked his sternum. I visited him on Monday, just before he went into surgery to stabilize the 5th vertebrae. A lot will not be known until the swelling goes down, but he still has no feeling below the 5th vertebrae. Everyone, please wish Kent the best and pray for his recovery.
I will continue to update this information as information is provided.
Jerry