Student recovering following accident during homecoming parade
BY BECKY UEHLING - GRANT TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
Fourteen-year-old Perkins County freshman Ben Case is doing well at Children’s Hospital in Denver after severely injuring his foot during the school’s Homecoming parade on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
The freshman’s left foot was severely injured during the parade when his leg got pulled under the tire of the trailer he was riding on, Ben’s mom Marcia Case said.
“From what we understand, Ben’s legs were hanging over the wheel well of the trailer and, when the float turned, his leg got caught, pulling him into the tire and off of the trailer,” Marcia said.
The Grant Ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and Ben was taken to the Perkins County Hospital, where he was later taken by helicopter to Children’s in Denver.
In Denver, Ben has had several surgeries over the past six days to clean the wound, tend to broken bones, and get it to a place where doctors feel it is safe enough to close the wound, Marcia said.
“They want to make sure they have it thoroughly flushed out before closing it up via plastic surgery,” Marcia said. “They also took some cultures to check for bacterial growth, but it’s still bleeding freely so that’s a good sign that his foot is still alive. That’s the biggest concern - saving his foot.”
Marcia and Preston aren’t sure how long Ben will have to remain in Denver, and are thankful for a GoFundMe account started by Jennifer Harger of Madrid to assist them in the loss of work and medical expenses. The Cases are also extremely thankful for quick and professional response by the Grant EMT’s and the Perkins County Hospital staff after the accident, and the well wishes shared by many along with the monetary donations that have been given.
“The thoughts and prayers are heartwarming to read and help a lot,” Preston said.
Those who want to send well-wishes to the Case family can do so through Children’s Hospital Aurora website where you can send Ben cheer cards. Ben is in room 665. Those who are interested in donating to help with the Case’s expenses can do so at www.gofundme.com and search for aid-benjamin-and-family-during-his-recovery. Preston and Marcia are also keeping people updated through their Facebook pages.