Information on Trason's progress and recovery.
If you would like to post a personal messgage to help speed his recovery you can contact the office at info@ciscsoccer.org and we will post it here along with the updates on his recovery as we receive them.
Road to Recovery
2/26
Hello Everyone!
Well, another long day for the Merritt’s as Trason made it through his first day of post op despite the efforts of poor nursing service to start the day
off. Fortunately the night nurse came on and if you pardon the pun, made a night and day difference. Mark sounded much more rested this evening than he did yesterday evening and I am sure it was due to the efforts of the night nurse who took great concern to care for Trason in the manner that nurses should. She cleaned him up properly, worked with tea bags to reduce the swelling around his eyes (which proved to be a successful effort) and made every effort to make Trason comfortable. Mark said that she is a soccer player so I am sure showed more empathy.
Trason was extubated this am and his first words were ahhh THANK YOU! He waxed and waned into and out of sedation most of the day as his family waited at his bedside to be able to reassure him that they are there for him. Mark said the swelling is quite profound even compared to the swelling he had after the initial injury. You have to marvel at the capabilities of modern medicine sometimes! Trent and Travis are on their way back to Anchorage while Tyler stayed on for a few more days which is a relief for Mark and Lisa as he can as a paramedic help them understand all that is being done to Trason. He was also instrumental in providing documentation of poor nursing care which the hospital responded to.
At this point, it is uncertain when Trason will be ready to fly. The surgeons have stated it is still in the wait and see mode so for now keep up
the prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery. My experience is that by the weekend they should see significant improvement in the swelling barring any setbacks.
More later. I will be on the north slope on Thursday night so may be MIA until Friday night.
Here’s hoping that we all remember to cherish your family and friends.
Ed Hall
2/21
Hello again to you all. GOOD NEWS continues as many of you may know by now as Trason is now in a more private room (Room 8T-11) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. Mark says that he’s got his texting finger working fast and furious throughout much of the time since he’s been in his room. They are much more encouraged after talking with the neurosurgeon.
They are anticipating that Trason will have his surgery either tomorrow (Friday) or more likely on Monday as long as he continues to progress as well as he has been. Mark said the swelling is continuing to diminish and they have a greater sense of relief that Trason is much improved already. Trason is laughing and joking with his family and that too provides a welcome relief.
2/20
Just spoke with Lisa and things are encouraging. Trason continues to make progress though contrary to a recent email I read from someone, he has not had any surgery yet. He has been extubated and was having some coughing at the end of his speech. They are now waiting for the swelling to diminish and for the neurosurgeon and the plastic surgeon to consult with each other and then with Mark and Lisa to describe their plan of repair. Lisa says that Trason is having some headaches but not interested in using the pain meds because of the adverse effects. Then when they wore off, his headaches were more obvious to him so he is a little more relenting. Otherwise, she says that his spirits seem good and that she still hasn’t taken the time to digest
the gravity of the whole situation. Trason was allowed to ea t some applesauce...his first meal post trauma and he thoroughly enjoyed that. She and Mark remain most grateful for all the support that has been showered upon them. You can hear the emotion in their voices when they talk about how much they appreciate everything that you all have done. Couldn’t ask for a better group of supporters to help them through this.
2/19
As of 7:00 p.m. 2/19/08 TM’s parents are cautiously optimistic. All breathing tubes have been removed and he can communicate by writing notes.
He is aware of his surroundings and that he was injured in a game. He has already asked if he can play soccer for Dimond, whether he scored a goal in the game in which he was injured and whether his team won. It is likely that surgery will be performed to determine the extent of damage in the very near future.
The parents are overwhelmed by the community’s response to their tragedy. They send their thanks to each and every one of you and want you to know how much they appreciate the prayers and efforts on their behalf.
An account has been set up to help the family during this time. You can go into any Well Fargo branch make a contribution. The account number is 3752587133. If you want to wire funds the routing number is 125200057. You may also phone a credit card charge in to the CISC office and
they will transfer the funds into the account if that is more convenient. ALL monies collected go direct to the family.
Well Wishes
Hurricane FC
My name is Tim Spencer. I am the goalie for hurricane futball club 91. We played your team in the consolation bracket in the presidents day tournament. I was just looking for an update on how the kid I collided with is doing. My team and I have been thinking about him and he is in our prayers. I hope that he is all right. I’m sorry for the whole situation I never had any intent to injure him or anyone. I would like to be updated on the situation a little bit if you are willing to tell me. What’s his name? Anyway I can contact him personally? What exactly is wrong. He is in all of our prayers.
Thanks,
Tim Spencer
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Lisa and Mark,
I’m praying to God every day. I’m asking him and all the angels in heaven to protect Trason from this terrible accident and also to give you and Mark the strength that you will need during his recuperation.
Trason will be all right. I believe deep in my heart that God is hearing our prayers.
God is with all of us.
We trust in God.
Carla (Lucas’ Mom)
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My name is Rick Kelsey and I live in Phoenix. I was at the game when Trason was hurt. I want to know if there is anything I can do reach out to Trason’s parents to provide them any local support here in Phoenix. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for them and their family and if it is something as simple as a home cooked meal, a ride somewhere, or even just some directions, I would like to offer my support.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help. Cook Inlet Soccer Club has my cell phone number if there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to call or pass on my information.
Finally, pass on my good wishes to the Merritt family.
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Lisa and Mark,
We are all praying for Trason. We are happy to hear that things are looking positive. We will continue to keep Trason In our thoughts and hearts.
God Bless you from the Valesko Family
Don,Chris,Gina,Ed, and Tim Valesko
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Black Knights
Trason, our soccer team the “Black Knights” of Soccer Alaska, would like to wish you a speedy recovery. You are in our prayers. Our team is made up of 16-18 year olds from West High School. We have had several injuries on our team, and we know what it means to loose a “key” player. We will be following your recovery, and hope to see you on the soccer field again.
Coach Sean Shawrosss, Asst. Coach Malcolm Markwell, and Manager Vicki Markwell
Your family and you have been placed on the prayer chain at Changepoint Church here in Anchorage.
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The Merritt Family
We just wanted your family to know that you are in our prayers and we are sending good thoughts your way. We wish Trason well and let him know that he is all the "buzz" around Dimond...everybody is thinking about you!
Alonzo and Lorene Marroquin
(Morgan Jaynes’ family-92 girls GK)
