Everybody Has A Story - Day 18: Dillon

This is one of those stories that is hard to tell because there are so many conflicting emotions that run through your head at the same time.

Sadness: This past February Dillon Halford was participating in snowmobile races in McCall, Idaho when he overshot a jump and fell 30 feet from his snow machine. Although he was wearing a helmet, he suffered a severe brain injury when he hit the left side of his head. Additionally, he fractured his left orbit (the bones that surround the eye), and dislocated his left shoulder.

He was transported by life flight from McCall to Saint Alphonsus in Boise where he spent 16 days in the ICU. In a coma, on a ventilator, and with a drain in his head (used to maintain the proper pressures in the brain), his parents were unsure of his future. The neurosurgeon who took care of him told his parents there was no certain diagnosis or timetable for if and when he might wake up.

Hope: He snapped. He snapped his fingers of his right hand and that was the first sign that he was emerging from his coma. It was his Mom, Paula, that saw it first. It was hope.


Admiration: It has been 4 months since his accident. Dillon's progress has been incredible. We got to meet him today and the first thing did was show off--imagine that, a teenage boy showing off. He's walking, talking, and this week he started riding his horse. It was so cool to see his Dad, Kent, helping him get up on his horse and Dillon being able to do most of it. He is determined and when he regains his full strength, I wish his parents good luck at keeping up with him.


Laughter: Head injury patients will often repeat the same phrase over and over. Dillon's fave today was "I don't care about that right now!". He was hilarious and had us laughing and smiling the whole time. He showed us his tracheostomy scar (from the breathing tube in his neck) and told us about his new birthday boots, that he is 15, his eyes are green, he likes his horse and she is soft. Oh, and that he has 5 girlfriends. :)




Exhaustion: Although his parents didn't say a word, I know that they must be exhausted. Without a doubt they have been through the physical and emotional wringer. While working in the ICU, I saw parents age in the matter of weeks. I admire their courage and tenacity.


Gratitude: Paula's employer, Family Dental in Idaho Falls, set up an account at Wells Fargo where people could make donations for Dillon. Thanks to the kindness and incredible generosity of friends, family, and strangers, Kent and Paula were able to spend a lot of time with their son while he was in the hospital. They wish to pass on their gratitude and wish they were able to thank the many anonymous donors.


Caring: So many people have helped the Halford family so much. If anyone is interested in helping, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo bank. The account is in Paula Halford's name. Also, donations can be made through caringbridge.org


We too want to find a way to help. We want to donate a photo session to help pay for Dillon's medical bills. We will hold a silent auction where bids can be emailed to us. In return, we will give the winner a free photo session and include prints. The session can be an engagement, a family session, kids, Senior portraits, grandparents--whatever. We are hoping to do this in conjunction with another fundraiser, so we will let you know the details as they unfold this summer. In the meantime, please pass this post on to spread the word.


Keep up the good work Dillon! We and your 5 girlfriends are rooting for you!