14 replies to this topic

[JacnGille]

Vintage racer Craig Bennett was seriously injured in a crash at Road Atlanta yesterday. His Shadow DN4 Cam Am went off at T12. Here is the latest from the team:

There is no new news today. Craig remains sedated and will remain so until the multiple surgeries are complete on his broken limbs. The medical team is meeting today to determine schedule. They expect to start either today or tomorrow. This is a good sign as they want make sure his is physically strong enough. The spine surgery went well with no nerve damage. The surgeon stated that if that was his only injury he would be able to walk and be released toady.

[JacnGille]

From the team

If you would like to send a card to Craig Bennett, the address is:

RM Motorsports, 28294 Beck Road, Wixom, Michigan 48393.

Thank you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. We will keep you updated on Craig as we learn more.

[Jerry Entin]

Craig Bennett and his dad Bud Bennett

 

photo: 2016 Shadow Tribute site

Edited by Jerry Entin, 25 April 2016 - 13:58.

[JacnGille]

Update:

Craig's Road to Recovery - April 26 2016
Craig's right shoulder was successfully repaired on Monday. The current schedule is to do one surgery every other day. If this schedule is kept, all surgeries should be completed by Tuesday May 3rd. Our next update will likely be Wednesday after his next surgery is complete. We want to thank everybody for the outpouring of concern and care for Craig and the family.

[E1pix]

Thanks for the info, JnG.

Get better, Craig.

[JacnGille]

Update:

Craig's Road to Recovery April 27 2016
Sorry for the late posting. Craig underwent surgery for his left lower fore arm. It had 2 breaks and both were addressed. This marks the halfway point in the number of surgeries planned and completes the surgeries on his upper body. The remaining surgeries are for his left knee and both ankles. These have all been fixated or stabilized and do not need to be treated immediately. Although for us this seems like a long process, we must realize that this it has just been 4 days since the accident. He is still sedated and concern arose today because he has developed signs of pneumonia. The medical team is assessing the best next step and will determine that in the next day. This is considered a small bump in the road to recovery but is not unusual with patients suffering this degree of trauma. Stay strong and keep the good messages coming. There is progress but it comes in small steps.

[JacnGille]

Craig's Road to Recovery Monday May 2 2016
As reported last Friday, Craig rested and gained strength over the weekend. Although there were ups and downs, overall he is improving. Today the medical team performed surgery on his left ankle. Therefore 2 surgeries remain. The left knee and the right ankle. These surgeries will be performed by Friday at the latest. The medical team is balancing removing him from the respirator, his strength level and the need to get these last surgeries completed. As has been the case throughout this process things will flex and change until all is complete. We cannot say enough about the staff at North East Georgia Medical Center Trauma unit in Gainsville. Under the expert guidance of chief of staff Betsy Grunch they have been truly a blessing. They have allowed Leah to park the motorhome in the hospital parking lot so she can be within walking distance at all times to Craig's room, yet still provide her access to Kip and the kitties, for at least some connection with normalcy. We are all anticipating his awakening over the next few days and looking forward to his first words and hopefully a smile.

[E1pix]

Thanks for the updates.

[JacnGille]

Great news!

 

Craig's Road to Recovery May 4 2016
Hallelujah!! Craig is back! At approximately 11:30 AM Craig was removed from the respirator. He is breathing on his own and is communicating with medical staff,and most importantly Leah. His first request was to kiss her. This is all great news and something everyone has been waiting for. The 2 remaining surgeries will now be scheduled and his recovery can begin in earnest. We want to thank everybody for their continued support and prayers. This is definitely a wonderful day.

 

[JacnGille]

Craig's Road to Recovery Thursday May 5 2016
Sorry for late post. Sitting in Atlanta Airport waiting to return to Michigan after a quick 24 hour round trip to visit Craig and Leah. It was great to see them and talk with Craig. It was a good but frustrating day for Craig. He is improving quickly and getting stronger. However, the medical team has decided to put off the remaining 2 surgeries until Monday. They want his lungs to get as strong as possible so he can best handle the stress for the last surgeries. He is also getting anxious to get home. There is no schedule for his release from the hospital, but he will need a few days after all surgeries are complete before that can be considered. We will have a much clearer picture early next week.
Because the next 3 days are rest and recovery days, the next posting is scheduled for Monday May 9.

[JacnGille]

Craig's Road To Recovery - Monday May 9 2016
Well I last stated that there would be no new postings until Monday as Craig was to rest over the weekend in preparation for his final 2 surgeries. Almost as soon as I posted that Craig surprised us with news that he was being released from ICU. Then he puts out his first post ever and it goes viral. 20,000+ views , hundreds of likes and comments. He also has started rehabilitation and had a surprise visit from Little A, his favorite kitty. Who knows what he will accomplish today?
On the surgery side, he is now scheduled to have his final surgeries tomorrow, Tuesday. The one day delay was because the medical team had a very busy weekend with emergencies. One thing is for sure Craig will continue to surprise us with the pace of his recovery. All the great prayers and well wishes are paying off. In closing today, I want to note that tonight the track medical team that so quickly and skillfully came to Craig's aid at the accident site, is bringing him his favorite pizza for dinner!

 

Today was a HUGE day for Craig.
His AWESOME physical therapist, Lynn, worked with Craig to get him into a wheelchair and take him outside. I couldn't be prouder of him. Everyday he amazes me with his spirit, courage, and thankfulness to everyone that has and is caring for him.

To end the day, the incredible medical team that extracted Craig from the car, got him stabilized in the ambulance and ready for the life flight, delivered him pizza and visited with him for awhile. I can't begin to express my thanks to Jon, Gary, Stephen, Rob, Pat and Karen as well as the others that were his ANGELS.

[E1pix]

Great news, Thank You.

[JacnGille]

Pics here for those on Facebook:

 

https://www.facebook...dowTribute2016/

[JacnGille]

Craig's Road to Recovery Friday May 13, 2016
Today we passed a significant gateway in Craig's recovery. We can announce that his last surgery is complete. The medical team stated all went well. He is in the recovery room as I write this post. All told he had approximately 14 bone breaks that have been repaired throughout his body. His attitude is great and he is approaching the long challenge ahead with determination. The physical therapy staff will be inspecting their motorhome to assess how best to accommodate his ride home. Hopefully very soon Craig, Leah, Kip and the kitty's will be on their way north. His newly remodeled ADA home awaits.

[E1pix]