Update #1, Oct. 24th, 2007

Dear all,

Apologies for the delay in this update, but as you know, things have been very unstable.

Jitka, as you know was hit by a car while bicycling home from work on friday, Oct. 19th.   She was hit from behind by a car that was travelling at roughly 50mph.  She is currently in the Intensive Care Unit under the care of the Trauma team who has been absolutely outstanding.   At this point, her injury list is extensive and includes a small subdural hematoma, a small subarachnoid bleed, bilateral ruptured lungs (which seem to be causing most of the immediate problems), bilateral lung contusions, ventilator-dependent respiratory failure, multiple fractured ribs, a fractured right arm, a fractured shoulder blade and worst of all, numerous fractured vertebrae with spinal cord injury at T4-5.  I know that I am likely forgetting something, but it seems there is a new injury every time we enter the room.

We would like to thank the community and all of our friends and neighbors for stepping up in our family’s time of need.  Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel for all of those who have sent well wishes and offered to baby sit or bring food to the house, or whatever we need.  God bless you all. 

With regards to flowers or gift packages, we would like to ask that flowers not be sent.  For all of you who know Jitka, you would know that she would rather something more useful be done with those resources.  Therefore, we would ask that you send whatever money that you planned to spend on flowers or candy to either the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation for Spinal Cord Research, or, Theresa and David Lever were kind enough to set up a “Jitka Virag Recovery Fund” to which donations may be sent and will be applied to medical bills or the support of her little children. I am told that this fund will be up and running by this Friday, and I will keep you posted with the address.

Thank you all very much for your support and compassion in this time of need.  We as a family send our love to you all.