Note from Anita & Dennis

“Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers. All your emails, calls, and texts have brought comfort and they help more than you could ever know.

I know people are eager to know the extent of Dennis’ injuries and how his recovery is going.

Dennis’s spine was significantly injured in the accident, leaving him paralyzed below the waist. He had surgery a few hours after the accident to piece back together the bones of his spine, but there is no surgery at this time to repair a damaged spinal cord, which in this case was also greatly impacted.

Many people have called this accident tragic and there is no doubt that it is, but there are also miracles in this situation too—and I think that is important to recognize as it’s brought into perspective.

Miracle one: he is alive. It defies logic that a person could go through what he did, be pinned under a vehicle, and survive, but he did.

Miracle two: the impact of the accident was great; yet he sustained no head injury. This has shocked his doctors, as it’s rare you get this lucky in these types of accidents.

Keeping this perspective makes us feel very fortunate and grateful.

As for how Dennis is recovering, he is again surprising doctors at how quickly he is healing overall from such a significant trauma and surgery. He is eating and breathing on his own. He has already participated in physical therapy sessions. And yes, he is already making his doctors and visitors laugh with his sense of humor—also miraculously still intact. My favorite: “Can you ask people to visit in breakaways, not pelotons?” Translation for non-cyclists: a few people at a time rather than in big groups.

Given Dennis’ gaining strength, he will be transferred from the hospital to in-patient rehab (Kessler in NJ) right after Memorial Day, where he’ll be for about six weeks.

For what comes next from there we remain optimistic. There will be big challenges for sure, but as cliché as it sounds, we also believe things happen for a reason and choose to see this as destiny and a chance to channel the circumstances into something positive.

The amazing love and support that our family, friends, our doctors, and community has shown has been amazing and helps keep hopeful for the future whatever it brings.”

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Message from Team McGorty: We know that everyone is eager to help. We have a webpage underway that will include links to a mealtrain site and donation page. We will send those to everyone as soon as they are ready. Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers.