Indiana Fiji fighting for his life

PGD-GRAD · #1 02-23-2008, 11:35 PM

Drew Christy, a sophomore member of Phi Gamma Delta at Rose-Hulman, was severely injured in an accident on slick roads coming home after finishing winter quarter finals at Rose. It happened after midnight yesterday (Friday, 2/22) when his car spun on ice. He is in ICU at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Drew is a chapter officer, two-year football letterman and on the dean's list pursuing a bio-medical degree. His hopes are to become a doctor.

His brothers just left for winter break and are scattered all over the country. Those nearby are keeping a vigil at the hospital with his parents, family, and friends. Please, all Greek readers and posters, say a special prayer that he will wake up and come back to us. His easy grin and generous nature make him beloved by all his Fiji brothers. Again, send prayers, positive thoughts, and good karma his way---the next several hours are critical.

nittanyalum · #2 02-23-2008, 11:38 PM

Heartbreaking. So sorry to hear the news. Sending good thoughts and keeping him in my prayers. Please continue to post updates when you can.

SWTXBelle · #3 02-24-2008, 12:24 AM

Praying for Drew, his family and brothers.

Leslie Anne · #4 02-24-2008, 12:44 AM

He'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

navane · #5 02-24-2008, 01:24 AM

Same here...thoughts and prayers go out to Drew, his friends and loved ones.

.....Kelly

Tom Earp · #6 02-24-2008, 10:54 AM

So sad to hear about.

My heart and prayers go out to Drew, his family, and Brothers.

Benzgirl · #7 02-24-2008, 12:41 PM

So sad. Keep us updated on his progress.

DEVODUDE · #8 02-24-2008, 12:42 PM

Keeping Drew, his family and brothers in our thoughts and prayers!

ZBT

PGD-GRAD · #9 02-24-2008, 03:59 PM

A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE SUPPORTING DREW IN HIS TIME OF NEED! I wanted to give you a little update. After a scare night before last, the ICU put him in one of those beds that rotates (my word for it, but not technically correct). He could not cough and, because of his deep sleeping state, there was a great fear of fluid in his lungs and pneumonia. The bed gently went from side to side, but turned him sideways as well to gently rock the fluid out of his lungs. It was frightening to see, but the thought that it was helping made it OK.

This morning I got a call from one of his pledge brothers that they are taking him out of that rotating bed and moving him into a regular bed. He is still on oxygen, and all hooked up to drainage tubes, but they know that he can breathe on his own because he was doing so when the paramedics arrived. They cannot yet do any tests for motion, but the fact that--36 hours later he is still holding his own--is something to rejoice about.

THANKS AGAIN! If any of you have any knowledge of injuries like this and can post anything to help us understand, it would be appreciated. Keep the good karma coming!

Scandia · #10 02-24-2008, 06:45 PM

I'm praying for him. I'm glad to hear he is making good progress.

ECUJacob · #11 02-25-2008, 12:01 AM

My thoughts and prayers go out to Drew and to all those that care about him.

PhiGam · #12 02-25-2008, 12:52 AM

The thoughts and prayers of the Phi Sigma chapter are with our brother in his time of tragedy.

moe.ron · #13 02-26-2008, 02:06 AM

Good vibe to him, his family and his brothers.

FSUZeta · #14 02-26-2008, 09:09 AM

prayers are winging their way as i type. thank you for keeping us informed.

PGD-GRAD · #15 02-26-2008, 10:07 AM

AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND KIND THOUGHTS.
It is past 72 hours now, and there has been both good and bad. Drew is a fighter and continues to fight, but in a quiet, determined way that none of us can see, but only sense. He has had two emergency surgeries, one to clear out pooled blood from the accident on Friday and one to re-position the drainage tubes in his head. Yet even with all the setbacks, he does makes some progress in terms of his brain returning to normal size, his temperature receding, and his ability to process some normal oxygen.

For those of us who believe in the best Greek life has to offer, I want to tell you that as an advisor, I have never been prouder of a group of guys. Our whole chapter (90+) has surrounded our stricken brother, physically from those near Indy and with prayers and e-mails from those far away. The Rose winter break ends this Friday, and some brothers have changed flights to come back early to see him. Two of his pledge brothers (sophomores now) have not left his side, and continue to give up their vacation time with with families to stay by his side, sometimes sleeping in the hospital lounge and helping his parents out however they can.

It is easy to enjoy Greek life when times are good and eveyone is fine. The true test of a chapter's character is when things are rough, as they are now. My heart truly overflows when I see the brotherly love, devotion, and sacrifice these Fiji men have bestowed on Drew. With your continued prayers and support, and those of his family, friends, and loved ones, surely he will reach down deep into himself and come back to us.