SOURCE: KJERSTEN LONE
from Tara’s MySpace page…
Tara crashed in the Jeep King of the Mountain race on Saturday, September 1 in Veil, Colorado. She was airlifted to Denver Health Hospital, where she underwent 7 hours of surgery to correct massive trauma in her lower back. She also has a C-7 fracture which was deemed stable prior going into surgery.
Tara once again made it through another surgery and is now breathing on her own and able to communicate with friends and family. Unfortunately at this time she has no feeling below her waist, a symptom she suffered as a result of her crash.
We will continue to learn more about her injuries in the upcoming weeks and will continue to keep you posted. Since coming out of surgery, Tara, drugged and very happy, has kept in good spirit and has promised not to let this beat her.
We ask that you have as much faith as Tara does throughout this difficult period. Please leave a message on this page and we will make sure she receives each and every one of them. In the meantime, we are hoping Tara will be able to come back home in 1 to 2 weeks. If you would like to send anything, she is at:
Denver Health Medical Center
777 Bannock Street, Room A224
Denver Colorado, 80204
EDIT:
You can also drop her some words of encouragement or get well wishes here: tara@tarallanesracing.com
Her MySpace site is now PUBLIC, so feel free to check it out for yourself…. in case i miss any updates
lifes all about giving Tara…but not giving up. You are an elite athlete and recovery percentages don’t apply to you. Your recovery is now your job. Be strong, be positive and be persistent. You are surrounded by family and friends that love you. Let them help you now. There might come a day when each of them will need your help.
Tara,
I was sorry to hear about your accident, being a C4-5 Quad myself, any news of a spinal cord injury grabs my attention. Being in Denver already, you might want to check out Craig Hospital. In my opinion, they are the number 1 spinal cord injury facility around, they helped me and I’m sure could do the same for you. I know from my situation that you just have to believe in yourself, and if you do that, then no matter what your final outcomes turns out to be, then nothing can stop you. I wish you the best…
Thomas
I attended the final race of the season today for the California Team Big Bear Series to support my husband. It was really touching just prior to the awards ceremony as Larry announced Tara’s injury and asked that we all send positive thoughts and any donations we can to help out a fellow racer. The jar was passed and it was filled up instantly with whatever people had in their pockets. The biking community always proves to me to be such a caring, supportive and giving community. I’m sure Tara’s road to recovery will be made that much smoother by her circle of cycling friends — some of whom she hasn’t even met. Best wishes to you, Tara.
Tara,
Wow! Such a long career, way back 90’s and trails of championships behind you. Your dedication to the sport encourages many other women to follow your endeavors and accomplishments. True spirit of a sportsman indeed. Your gonna get through this temporary obstacle and ride again just as you did from the past, I’m sure, maintain that spirit and you’ll be fine. Wishing you speedy recovery Tara. From Philippines.
TARA AFTER READING ABOUT STEPHEN MURRAY AND NOW YOU AND EVEN T CASEY I AM JUST SICK TO MY STOMACH WITH GRIEF FOR YOU I REALIZE YOU ARE A FIGHTER BUT ONLY GIVEN THIS ONE LIFE MAYBE YOU WERE CHOSEN TO USE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND COURAGE AS INSPIRATION TO OTHERS I KNOW I WILL PUSH THAT MUCH HARDER TO MAKE IT TO DOUBLE A BECAUSE OF YOUR MISFORTUNE AND SHOULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME ALL I CAN HOPE FOR IS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
I seen you a few times at orange y and was like omg who is that? apparently the hottest mtb chic ever !! <3 Be Strong <3
just wishing you a fast recovery…as fast as you are on bike!!:)) take care always.
Tara,
Keep positive and never give up. Will keep in thought and prayer. I fractured T11/T12 about thirteen years ago. Looking forward to getting back on the bikes again soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
George
Tara,
I just came across your name while surfing the net and the fact that you were an elite athlete who is now struggling with a spinal chord injury caught my attention. I too used to be a competetive athlete…a gymnast…when I was much younger. In 1989, I was in a car accident that sent my world in a tailspin…and I had spinal chord surgery at the C5/6 level.
Please remember…and this is very important… When one door closes, another always opens for you. You have a long hard road ahead of you, but I don’t doubt that with your strong work ethic, dedication and determination, that you will find your way…and your new role in life. People like yourself… You are here for a reason. Now, it’s just up to you to figure out what that reason is… but I believe that those of us who are faced with the greatest odds, are only given them because we have what it takes to turn them around…in order to lead…to inspire others…to make a difference in this world.
Life, as you know it, will never be the same. Don’t fight that. Embrace the change… Go make a difference.
Sincerely,
Anita
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God works in strange ways, hopefully much good will come from the unfortunate accident.
THE MTBR’s of the world are proud of you Tara! Stay positive and best wishes.