Update from Sarah and Dave

I asked Dave to keep me in the loop with their recovery and wanted to share with you the latest. His message is as follows.

We were burned in a manhole explosion in Rio de Janeiro on June 29 while on our way to look at an apartment in order to continue my research.  Thirty-five percent of my body was burned and after 28 days I was released.  My burns continue to heal and I wear compression gloves and a sleeve all the time to help that effort.

Eighty to eighty-five percent of Sarah’s body was burned and she is still in the hospital, 51 days and counting.  There have been many roadblocks, but she is doing well and improving in great strides right now.  Physical therapy has been challenging but she is now able to walk quite well and go up and down stairs with little assistance. We have been blessed by the presence of our families, who all traveled to be with us for the first week and a half.  My father and Sarah’s mother have been here the entire time, which has obviously been a huge help.

Upon Sarah’s release from the hospital we will be continuing with our recovery back in Columbus as we try to heal up enough to return to teaching and graduate study at Ohio State starting in January.  This has been an incredibly trying time and we have been overwhelmed in a very positive way with all the prayers, positive energy, love, and concern that has come our way.

Dave, Sarah, and their families continue to be in my prayers. For those who may not know, Sarah and Dave are avid runners. They encouraged me to stay the course when I thought about backing out of the 1/2 marathon I ran a few months ago and inspired me to keep training after the race. Each mile I run reminds me to cherish every day and everyone in my life.

Just a reminder, if you’d like to give to the McLaughlin/Lowry Fund click here.