Everett ready to take next step
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by Silencer76
As seen on my normal blog Juuust a Bit Outside :
Sources close to injured Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett stated Tuesday that Everett may be ready to move to a Houston area hospital as early as this weekend to continue the next stage of his long rehabilitation from a devastating cervical spine injury suffered opening day against the Denver Broncos.
"That's the plan that probably by the end of the week, if progress remains the same, he'll be transferred back to Houston," said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of Everett's status.
Doctors are still trying to determine which Houston area hospital will be best suited for the needs of Everett during his rehabilitation. Everett grew up in Port Arthur, Texas and makes his off season home in Houston, some 90 miles away from Port Arthur.
"He's very excited," said the person, who added Everett is having lengthy conversations with family, friends and doctors. "He's just happy to be breathing and able to move his limbs to some degree."
Discussions to move Everett were originally brought up on Monday, according to Dr. Barth Green of the Miami Project, after speaking with orthopedic spine surgeon and Bills team doctor Andrew Cappuccino. Green also added that Everett has made significant strides in his recovery.
"He's sitting up and eating and doing rehab," Green said. "Everything's exactly how we expected. It's very positive."
Green, who said he's been in daily contact with Everett's doctors, said he suggested Everett be transferred to Houston -- over two other choices, Buffalo and Miami -- because it's important for the player to be close to friends and family during rehab.
"The sooner they're back with friends and family, the better they are psychologically," said Green, co-founder of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and considered one of the leading experts in spinal-cord injuries. "It's almost like a newborn baby. They have emotional troubles bonding. The sooner Kevin can be back with his family and friends, the better."
Obviously, this is even more good news for Kevin Everett, his family, the Buffalo Bills, and even more importantly, for other people who may suffer from spinal injuries in the future. A lot has been learned during this time, and perhaps it will benefit someone else down the road.
Keep fighting the good fight, Kevin. You are in the thoughts and prayers of football fans across the globe. More on this story as it comes out.
