oh man what a bummer...
hope she gets better and makes a full recovery!
hope she gets better and makes a full recovery!
Tara Llanes Injury Update
- Thread starter DylanDeanDesign
- Start date
Wow this is horrible to hear, but if anyone can make it through this Tara can, she's tough. Stay possitive and best of luck!
We have posted some new photos...check 'em out.
Also, we updated the "About Me" section so please read that as well. There is some important informaton regarding what you may want to send Tara.
Everyone has been SO amazing...you have no idea. Each time we get a message, note, delivery, etc. Tara's eyes LIGHT up...everything helps.
Not enough Thank You's can be enough...Tara's spirit and hope is so strong...
Keep checking back for updates.
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Thank you so much for all the notes, messages and flowers.
Tara was able to see the Physical Therapist today, which as you know, she is very excited to get started. Although it was a short evaluation because she is still healing, the doctors will be able to fit her for what they call a turtle shell (this will help give her strength while her back is still healing). We can hopefully get her out of bed and let her see the Denver sunshine soon.
If you are planning on sending Tara anything, we ask you to consider some alternatives as well...We think Tara would like some iTune gift cards (she will be rehabbing soon and will need the workout music for her iPod) and also some Target gift cards (for misc. items such as lotion, sheets, lip balm, etc.).
We are also working on setting up a fund for Tara...as you can imagine, the costs are going to increase, especially since we are looking into the top rehab places (nothing but the best for Tara!!!). We will continue to keep you posted on our progress.
More updates to come...continue to keep Tara and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for EVERYTHING so far...you have all been so great.
That picture of you with the box of donuts made me laugh. Ya know what's funny, strapped to a hospital bed and wearing a neck brace, you're still sexy as hell!
Wishing you a very-very speedy recovery.
Wishing you a very-very speedy recovery.
More from Team Llanes
Hey Everyone
Your support continues to blow us away. It is absolutely unbelievable. Again, there is not enough thank yous that can do it justice.
Tara's room is so full of gifts and flowers that there is barely enough room for the nurses and doctors. At this time, we ask you save your money for the "Road To Recovery Fund." We are currently setting up a webite that will allow for you to send your contributions directly to Tara to cover all medical expenses. Although she is covered under insurance, there will be additional expenses. As mentioned previously, we are looking into the top rehab facilities to get Tara up and walking again. All donations will go directly toward her rehab such as personal care, various equipment, housind modifications, etc. We are told that our #1 choice of rehab facilities may run up to $2000+ per day.
For all you Southern CA friends, Missy will be organizing an event to raise funds that will cover non-medical expenses such as travel and day to day items for Team Llanes. There will also be opportunities to take photos and write messages to Tara that will be sent over all together. More details to come so stay posted!
Thank you again...More photos to come tomorrow.
Your support continues to blow us away. It is absolutely unbelievable. Again, there is not enough thank yous that can do it justice.
Tara's room is so full of gifts and flowers that there is barely enough room for the nurses and doctors. At this time, we ask you save your money for the "Road To Recovery Fund." We are currently setting up a webite that will allow for you to send your contributions directly to Tara to cover all medical expenses. Although she is covered under insurance, there will be additional expenses. As mentioned previously, we are looking into the top rehab facilities to get Tara up and walking again. All donations will go directly toward her rehab such as personal care, various equipment, housind modifications, etc. We are told that our #1 choice of rehab facilities may run up to $2000+ per day.
For all you Southern CA friends, Missy will be organizing an event to raise funds that will cover non-medical expenses such as travel and day to day items for Team Llanes. There will also be opportunities to take photos and write messages to Tara that will be sent over all together. More details to come so stay posted!
Thank you again...More photos to come tomorrow.
Wishing Tara all the best on her road to recovery.
Dig deep deeper and deeper as you progress through your rehab.
Always keep the perspective that Life is a gift.
Dig deep deeper and deeper as you progress through your rehab.
Always keep the perspective that Life is a gift.
What about Beth Coats? Used to race XC for Diamondback. She hurt herself climbing though, not riding.
Lots of good thoughts out to Tara, she's a super-cool rider and person, I'm sure she'll pull through this.
Tara,
Good luck with your recovery. You've been one of my favorite riders for a really long time. I always tried to keep track of your results. Wishing you a speedy, and FULL, recovery!!! Hope to hear the good news soon.
Good luck with your recovery. You've been one of my favorite riders for a really long time. I always tried to keep track of your results. Wishing you a speedy, and FULL, recovery!!! Hope to hear the good news soon.
We kinda meet her at VAIL 01 WC. We thought she was missy opps. We asked her a question about the Dual course quote her "yea if you got a CR125" and she walked away I laughed. I saw the Jeep last year when she took the face plant and still took her second run after that. She's tough she'll be back no doubt.
All the best to you and your's.
Matt
All the best to you and your's.
Matt
Tara,
Wish you a fast recovery. Back injuries stink, but remember what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. That determination of yours will get you through this.
Best of wishes.
Dan.
Wish you a fast recovery. Back injuries stink, but remember what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. That determination of yours will get you through this.
Best of wishes.
Dan.
Hang in there Tara. Hard work and a positive attitude will get you through most anything, and we all know you're not a stranger to either of those.
Brent <-- one time partial paralysis from a C4 fracture, now fully recovered.
Brent <-- one time partial paralysis from a C4 fracture, now fully recovered.
Great to hear that you fully recovered from that. Let's pray that Tara will recover as well.
Best wishes, Tara!
Fast healing please. We don't want to watch dudes only races for the rest of forever.
Best wishes to Tara. I actually found RM through a link on her website so I suspect she was at one point either a lurker or anonymous poster.
Best of luck! The strength and determination that took your riding to such an elite level will serve you well as you rehab and heal up from this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Scott
Scott
Grabbed this from Tara's coach;
Tara Llanes: The Heart of a Champion
By James Herrera, Tara’s coach and close friend
As she lays in a hospital bed following a seven hour surgery to the back and spinal cord, one of Tara’s doctors enters the room to explain the use of the Incentive Spiromter, a device frequently utilized in the medical community to test the health of the lungs following surgery. “Tara, now put this hose in your mouth and take the deepest breath you can.” The effects of the post surgery meds are still taking their toll as Tara, half asleep, takes hold of the device and inhales. “Not bad, 1000mls,” as the doctor takes back the device and turns to put it on the bedside table. Tara sleepily asks the doc, “so how much should I be doing?” He replies, “well, in a healthy young athlete like yourself, 4000-5000 is not uncommon, but you just had surgery last night.” As the doctor turns to leave the room, Tara sternly responds, “let me see that thing again.” With all the strength she can muster, she cranks out a 1750. Later in the day, she’d stepped it up to 2500. No one knows better than I do, this girls got the heart of a champion.
On Saturday September 1, 2007, Tara had a horrible crash at the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek Colorado. During a semi final heat with eventual race winner Jill Kintner, Tara entered the second to last straight on the course and went over the bars on obstacle that sent her over the bars, coming down hard on her head then back. She was rushed to Vail Valley Medical Center, then Denver Health Hospital, where a specialty spinal cord team worked on her for seven hours over Saturday night. Tara’s crash caused a fracture to the C7 and L1 vertebra and damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a below the waist paralysis, a condition her surgeons say is most likely permanent, but there is always a possibility that things will change for the better.
Tara Llanes: The Heart of a Champion
By James Herrera, Tara’s coach and close friend
As she lays in a hospital bed following a seven hour surgery to the back and spinal cord, one of Tara’s doctors enters the room to explain the use of the Incentive Spiromter, a device frequently utilized in the medical community to test the health of the lungs following surgery. “Tara, now put this hose in your mouth and take the deepest breath you can.” The effects of the post surgery meds are still taking their toll as Tara, half asleep, takes hold of the device and inhales. “Not bad, 1000mls,” as the doctor takes back the device and turns to put it on the bedside table. Tara sleepily asks the doc, “so how much should I be doing?” He replies, “well, in a healthy young athlete like yourself, 4000-5000 is not uncommon, but you just had surgery last night.” As the doctor turns to leave the room, Tara sternly responds, “let me see that thing again.” With all the strength she can muster, she cranks out a 1750. Later in the day, she’d stepped it up to 2500. No one knows better than I do, this girls got the heart of a champion.
On Saturday September 1, 2007, Tara had a horrible crash at the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek Colorado. During a semi final heat with eventual race winner Jill Kintner, Tara entered the second to last straight on the course and went over the bars on obstacle that sent her over the bars, coming down hard on her head then back. She was rushed to Vail Valley Medical Center, then Denver Health Hospital, where a specialty spinal cord team worked on her for seven hours over Saturday night. Tara’s crash caused a fracture to the C7 and L1 vertebra and damage to the spinal cord, resulting in a below the waist paralysis, a condition her surgeons say is most likely permanent, but there is always a possibility that things will change for the better.
keep fighting tara!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Tara. From what I have read and seen of you at races you are a fighter and not one to quit easy. All of us here at RM wish you the best for a full recovery.
Hang in there Tara! Sending you healing vibes for a quick and complete recovery.
She's probably one of the toughest gravity riders ever, no doubt that she'll be back on the bike and winning races in no time!
Speedy Recovery Tara, and all my thoughts are with you and your family.
Speedy Recovery Tara, and all my thoughts are with you and your family.
Hi Tara, fan #1365 again. You probably already have this one but I thought of a success story that might serve to inspire you.
While Jimmy Button didn't make it back on the race track after a similar injury, he's walking against all odds.
Check it: http://www.supercross.com/feature.php?id=119
edit: I was wrong! He did in fact get back on the race track. Check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Button
While Jimmy Button didn't make it back on the race track after a similar injury, he's walking against all odds.
Check it: http://www.supercross.com/feature.php?id=119
edit: I was wrong! He did in fact get back on the race track. Check this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Button
TARA LLANES "ROAD TO RECOVERY" FUND
www.tarallanesroadtorecovery.com
On Saturday September 1st 2007, the mountain biking world suffered a tremendous tragedy. While competing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek Colorado, one of the greatest athletes the sport has known, Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash during the first run of her semi-final heat. Tara was rushed to Vail Valley Hospital, then airlifted to Denver Health Hospital a short time later. Following seven hours of surgery to the back and spinal cord, it was determined she was paralyzed below the waist.
Tara has been a phenomenal competitor throughout her career, and a dear friend to everyone in the mountain biking community around the world. Her competitiveness, aggressive riding style, and never say die attitude have motivated competitors and spectators alike to dig a little deeper. Taras always been there for everyone around her. Whether it be offering advice and encouragement to younger racers, a strong sounding board for her family and friends, or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, she truly possesses the heart of a champion.
It is now that Tara needs the support of the mountain biking family she has cherished throughout her career. Her road through rehabilitation and recovery will be a long and expensive one. Following her two week stay at the Denver Health Hospital, she will begin a six to seven week inpatient rehabilitation stay at the Craig facility, also in Denver Colorado. From there, she will travel back to her home in southern California and continue outpatient physical therapy. As you can imagine, there are a number of costs associated with the entire effort ranging from the immediate medical to rehabilitation, travel, communication, home wheelchair modifications, and so on. Through your generosity, we can make certain Tara receives every opportunity for the best care that can be afforded.
I encourage you, please show Tara your love and support by making a charitable contribution to the Road to Recovery Fund through one of the following avenue:
Mail personal or cashiers checks and money orders to:
Tara Llanes
Road to Recovery Fund
4068 Green Ave
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
www.tarallanesroadtorecovery.com
On Saturday September 1st 2007, the mountain biking world suffered a tremendous tragedy. While competing in the Jeep King of the Mountain finale in Beaver Creek Colorado, one of the greatest athletes the sport has known, Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash during the first run of her semi-final heat. Tara was rushed to Vail Valley Hospital, then airlifted to Denver Health Hospital a short time later. Following seven hours of surgery to the back and spinal cord, it was determined she was paralyzed below the waist.
Tara has been a phenomenal competitor throughout her career, and a dear friend to everyone in the mountain biking community around the world. Her competitiveness, aggressive riding style, and never say die attitude have motivated competitors and spectators alike to dig a little deeper. Taras always been there for everyone around her. Whether it be offering advice and encouragement to younger racers, a strong sounding board for her family and friends, or lending a helping hand to anyone in need, she truly possesses the heart of a champion.
It is now that Tara needs the support of the mountain biking family she has cherished throughout her career. Her road through rehabilitation and recovery will be a long and expensive one. Following her two week stay at the Denver Health Hospital, she will begin a six to seven week inpatient rehabilitation stay at the Craig facility, also in Denver Colorado. From there, she will travel back to her home in southern California and continue outpatient physical therapy. As you can imagine, there are a number of costs associated with the entire effort ranging from the immediate medical to rehabilitation, travel, communication, home wheelchair modifications, and so on. Through your generosity, we can make certain Tara receives every opportunity for the best care that can be afforded.
I encourage you, please show Tara your love and support by making a charitable contribution to the Road to Recovery Fund through one of the following avenue:
Mail personal or cashiers checks and money orders to:
Tara Llanes
Road to Recovery Fund
4068 Green Ave
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Actually I think this is the third pro-rider this year who breaks a neck or back :/ (if counting BMX and MTB) Hope she gets well.
Saturday September 8 @ 2:00-3:00pm ET NBC Sports will be showing segments from Whistler on their Jeep World Adventure show. All though they focus on BMX star Kenan Harkin they also feature Tara Llanes and Jeff Lenosky. Please note that at the end of the show they will make an appropriate mention of Taras current injury and notify people that a website has been created to help generate funds for Tara and her family.
link
link
I just played an entire game of Downhill domination with the Tara Llanes character in her honor. She was at the top of the podium every race!
OMG that is so cool!!!