Dear friends and family, I just want to give an update on Ken. For those that did not know Ken was involved in an accident on 7/18/06 while we were attending a family camp in Monteagle, TN. He was riding his bicycle training for a Sprint Triathlon. A pick-up passed him and then immediately made a right-hand turn in front of him. He could not avoid the truck. The impact left him with compression fractures in two vertebras. With the initial diagnosis, the treatment was to wear a back-brace for several weeks for recovery. However, when we returned to Chattanooga and saw another orthopedic doctor, she suggested a surgical procedure that seemed like a better option. The healing time is the same for either treatment, about three months. The brace option will cause the muscles in Ken's back to weaken and will require a lot of physical therapy after it comes off. In addition, there could be problems later with his posture. Option two: the surgical procedure (Kyphoplasty) would eliminate about 75% of the pain within two or three days and would not require the brace. Also, this should almost eliminate any future posture problems because of the fractures. We have chosen to go with the surgical procedure. It is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon and if all goes well he will be home Friday. Ken has been taking strong pain medicines since the accident and is having a hard time dealing with not being able to think clearly or do things for himself. He gets tired easily and feels frustrated because of his limits. He is anxious to return to work and cycling, but the prognosis for that combination is uncertain - possibly mid September for a doctor's release for work with restrictions. Some of you know how much he enjoyed biking to work on the Riverwalk. Please pray the procedure will be a success, Ken will heal quickly and completely, and that we will grow stronger in our faith and knowledge of Him through this trial. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for those of you who have already shown us so much love and support during this time. Sincerely, Carolyn