Shannon's Road to Recovery

Hello friends and family,

To everyone who is reading this, you are here because Shannon Kerrick is a light in your life. We all have been blessed to have Shannon’s beautiful impact in so many different ways. She is not only an amazing friend , but a phenomenal mom, wife, daughter, sister, and last but not least a therapist for so many. Her life’s work is encompassed by helping others and right now she needs all of us.

On February 10th, Shannon and Clare were in a skiing accident at Bogus Basin. This comes to all of us a shock, as both of them are excellent skiers. Not too much is known about how it happened other than it was Shannon’s first run with Clare. Shannon was skiing in front and the light conditions was flat. She hit a bump with speed, which resulted in crashing. Clare was behind and responded to Shannon’s fall. Unfortunately, Clare hit the same bump causing her to crash, which ultimately fractured her arm. Brave Clare stayed with Shannon as Ski patrol responded. Shannon never regained consciousness for at least 15-20 minutes. Clare was superhero and never left her mom’s side while the ski patrol responded. Shannon was transferred by toboggan and snowmobile to a waiting helicopter, and was life flighted right away to St Als Hospital in Boise. While the transport was happening Jason was unaware. He saw life flight come in, and only heard about the accident when Clare came back into service that it was Shannon being flown off the hill.

Shannon was responsive to some level by the time her family was allowed to see her, which was a couple of hours later. She was mostly talking about the pain in her spine was in and was trying to roll over. At the same time, she was not really aware who any of the family members were. Due to impact of the crash her eyes were swollen shut and her face was badly bruised.

X-rays were done immediately, to which the medical team found she had severely crushed her T6 vertebrae, and some level of spinal cord damage. Directly after these finding she immediately went into surgery to prepare and fuse T5 and T7 vertebrae’s together. There was no visual damage to the spinal cord but it is likely.. She still has limited feeling and no movement in her lower extremities which is a major concern. So much is still unknown about the extent of injury to her spinal cord.

Her CT scans showed minimal swelling of the brain, her eyes are dilating asymmetrically, so that will be closely monitored as well. Also her right humorous had a break and will be surgically repaired in the coming days.

Shannon is still very out of it, and still confused about what exactly happened or is happening. She did have the ability to hold Jason and Ollie’s hand this morning, but communication still very groggy and limited.

We also just were told at 3:51pm 2/11 that Shannons mother shared with family miraculous movement in her ankles this is an an unbelievable relief to the family. She is also trying to communicate and answer very general questions.

This will be a long road to recovery for Shannon and family. The medical team and family are not sure how long she will be in the Neuro-Trauma Step Down unit at St. ALs (one level below the ICU) but it could be quite some time. At minimum a week, likely longer in ALs.

Battles aren’t won in a day and we know this battle of recovery won’t be won in a day, but Shannon will take on this battle like a true warrior. Our best way to support Shannon and family is to make sure they don’t have to endure any more financial burden than they already have. All proceeds will be going directly to the family.

Shannon’s brother, Mark Oliver will be posting medical updates on here. Grandparents Al and Kathy Oliver, are currently with Clare and Ollie to ensure that Jason is by Shannon’s side.

If you have any questions please reach out to Emily or Jamie as we are helping navigate this journey of support for the entire family.

With love and grace

Emily & Jamie