Rob’s story and current status

Amy asked me to put Rob’s status updates on the blog as a way of keeping everyone in touch with the situation.  ~Candi

On July 3rd, Rob took 6 of their kids swimming while Amy & Isaac went to Walmart to shop for their church’s 4th of July picnic.  He was showing them how to dive.  When he dove in, he hit his head on the bottom and was unresponsive.  Cade with the help of Ian, Tate and Cai were able to get him out of the pool while the little ones looked on.  Cade was able to get him breathing again before Amy and the paramedics arrived. 

He fractured his C5 vertebrate in his neck and is currently paralyzed from the neck down.  He has some movement in his arms and has some slight sensation when the doctor pricked his foot. 

This was the update from their pastor as of7/6:

Pastor Rob is doing well today. He should move out of TNCC into a regular room tomorrow. There is one piece of wonderful news. His status was upgraded from “complete” to “incomplete.” When the surgeon came out of the operating room on Tuesday night he told the family that Rob was considered “complete” meaning he was completely paralyzed; he had no feeling from about mid-chest down. He explained that statistically few of these cases ever show any significant improvement. When Pastor Rob was able to feel some sensation to sticking his foot yesterday they said he will now be considered “incomplete” (some feeling). These cases have greater statistical chance of improvement. Praise God!

There is no change in the use of his hands. He has arm movement but his fingers are still numb. Pray that God would grant the use of his hands.

Regarding the other prayer request from the last update about their decision of rehab centers they have decided to use the NeuroMedical Center here in Baton Rouge. It was a very difficult decision weighing the excellent reputation of Shepherd in Atlanta with what they have here. Their decision to stay here was based upon the needs of their young family as well as Pastor Rob’s commitment to his church and the large support group they have here. May God bless their decision.

Pray also for Amy. She has spent 3 nights on a wooden chair. She was finally allowed a pillow last night. Pray for her strength as she cares for her husband.