Keith Patch in Bike Accident [UPDATE]
Some of you already have heard via Facebook, Linda's amazing husband Keith was in a bicycle accident today. His is stable and in the surgical ICU at this time.
He was found unconscious on Monument Street in Concord, MA by a good samaritan, and he has no recollection of the accident.
He has a brain bleed, which is why he is in the hospital and will remain there for another 24-48 hours. He broke the C5 in his neck, but (apparently) that's not so bad; the ligament damage, etc., will be painful. He has multiple facial fractures on the L side and his eye is swollen shut; they are hopeful he'll regain sight, but he could need some surgery / pins / etc. He also has some dental damage, but as Linda pointed out to me on the phone, that's the least of his worries.
He is lucid (and amazingly, so is Linda). She is around updating their boys about the accident and is just trying to get her bearings. I have offered support, but frankly she's in no place right now to know what she needs.
I will be in touch as I have more information about Keith's condition. I am sure there will be ways we can all help (cancel Moo camp reservation, etc), but those will come up in time.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you need to get to Linda. PM is fine or call my cell: 617 513 3830
Thoughts and prayers and positive vibes to all the Patches,
P
Comments
Patrick, thanks for the update. Thank God he is not injured any worse!! BAD enough as is. Please let Linda know if we can do ANYTHING we will!!
On phone with Linda right now. Will update asap!!
Thanks Patrick for your update! I am praying for the best. Gina, let us know.
thanks for the update!!!
Hey you guys, Linda just called and updated me on Keith's condition.
To reiterate what Patrick said:
Minor brain bleed ( he is awake and alert)
C5 transverse process fx (stable fx, he is currently in a c-collar for comfort)
Multiple facial fractures involving orbits ( opthamology watching eye carefully)
Dental trauma
Road rash, multiple lacs
He may require surgery down the road after he gets past this acute phase.
All Keith remembers is "handlebars exploded". Was found unconscious and regained conciousness in transport. HE actually called Linda from the ER!
Linda sounds shaken, but rock solid considering !! She said all her boys are home right now and she will let people know if she needs anything. I assured her that they have support and love from all of us.
OMG... I saw Linda's FB post but had no idea it was this serious. Wow wow wow. Very glad to read he's lucid... I'm worried about the C5 fx. will he need a halo? those can be really really serious - is he suffering any paralysis - can he wiggle all fingers and toes? Very glad to read he's in a collar. He may be too swollen for Xrays to read (happened to me when I broke my neck as a kid... they stuck me in a collar to shut me up... and hours later x-rayed me to learn I had fractured two vertabrae periously close to the spinal column.. it's truly a miracle I can walk). Thanks for the updates Gina and Coach P. Please keep us posted.
thanks for the update. awake and alert is a great thing!
Becky, he is awake/alert and moving everything. What they seem most concerned about is his eye getting perfused adequately with all the orbital fxs.
We are keeping them in our thoughts.
Vince
Oh crap. This made me cry. Thinking of the Patch's and warmed by the caring nature of the EN community. Sending good vibes, love, hugs, prayers, strength and more.
Thanks for update.
What brand/make etc. on handelbars?
Yes to speedy recovery and little pain. Keith, Linda, are you in my thoughts today.
Here's positive healing vibes coming from CO!
P - Tell Keith the Nation has mobilized in his support and we want to hear of positive progress! Give him this note: "Go Keith!!! You're achievement in gettiing through this will mean more than any one of our Ironman finishes this year!"
@Patrick or anyone else that communicates with Linda:
Obviously Keith has many injuries to be concerned about but I have firsthand knowledge of an apparently similar eye injury. I shattered my eye orbital when I crashed during the Fitchburg Stage Race years ago. My injury required a titanium plate to repair the orbital itself and titanium mesh under my eye socket to support my eye. I have had no long term adverse effects. The doctor who did the fantastic job repairing my eye is right at Worcester Medical Center. His name is Dr. Rothkopf. He specializes in plastic surgery and reconstruction.
Thoughts are with Keith, Linda, and their children.
Jeremy
Thanks for updates from Gina and Patrick.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Patch family. Get well soon Keith!
Linda- if you have any questions that come up don't hesitate to call or text. Hang in there!!!!
All...two words...ROAD ID (no, I am in no way formally associated with them).
Keith and Linda are in ourthoughts today. We wish the entire Patch family the best.