Cheerleader Paralyzed During Practice

[Fiyah]

Re: Prairie View cheerleader put on ventilator

Originally posted by Quietstorm

Her parents have set up a fund to help offset the medical costs. The Bethany Norwood Care Fund has been set up at Bank of America, contributions can be made at any branch location of the bank.

We have received overwhelming support from the university family, alumni and friends for Ms. Bethany Norwood and family in their time of need.

Mr. & Mrs. Norwood have established the Bethany Norwood Care Fund through Bank of America and have asked me to share this information with the our constituents.

The following information is provided to channel monetary support
directly to the family:

The Bethany Norwood Care Fund
Bank of America
Account # 005747723784

 

[ZNSPR8502]

Man this is shocking and sad news. A PV alum at my church ask me if I knew about this after church last Sunday and I hadn't.

I really enjoy really good cheerleaders. It is a very dangerous deal as is football and other activities. To see how high those ladies are tossed and flipped these days is impressive and scary. I usually sit high at football games and for a few years I've had SU's cheerleaders come into my vision during the game on a toss and catch. A trust level is built between the ladies and their partner to allow them to execute those challenging routines. The danger is usually high on the stunts.

My prayers are lifted for her. It will be a tough recover. But, the prayers of the righteous avail much. With faith and our prayers, we may all be able to rejoice in her recovery.

Prayerfully submitted,
ZNSPR8502

 

[Quietstorm]

Jan. 28, 2004, 7:00AM

Adviser absent from practice when cheerleader was injured
By LA MONICA EVERETT-HAYNES
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
The president of Prairie View A&M University acknowledged Tuesday that the school's cheerleading squad adviser left a practice where a member broke her neck and damaged her spinal cord in a failed stunt.

University President George Wright also said it is unlikely the adviser, Janetta Gilliam, will be removed from her position because of the Jan. 14 accident that paralyzed Bethany Norwood. The school's investigation into the accident is expected to end in two weeks, officials said. Until then, practice is suspended.

"We have Gilliam, who has been in charge, and we're in the process of trying to find a coach," Wright said Tuesday. Gilliam was chiefly responsible for the 22-member squad, which has been without a coach since November. Wright said he does not know why she left the gym during practice.

Contacted Tuesday, Gilliam said she did not want to discuss the accident.

Norwood, 22, fell head first to the ground during a stunt after teammates failed to catch her. She is paralyzed from the neck down and recovering at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

This weekend, she was able to move her arms slightly, her father said Tuesday.

"On Saturday, she was taking deep breaths and trying to move," said Bobby Norwood. "She mouthed to me, `Watch this.' " Bethany then moved both of her arms a few inches to either side, he said.

The snail-like inching of her arms is a great stride, he said.

"We just never expected any of that. The doctor said she will never walk again or move her fingers or move her feet, but we're not going by that. We're putting this in the hands of God," he said

 

[ZNSPR8502]

Originally posted by Quietstorm
Jan. 28, 2004, 7:00AM

Adviser absent from practice when cheerleader was injured
By LA MONICA EVERETT-HAYNES
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
The president of Prairie View A&M University acknowledged Tuesday that the school's cheerleading squad adviser left a practice where a member broke her neck and damaged her spinal cord in a failed stunt.

University President George Wright also said it is unlikely the adviser, Janetta Gilliam, will be removed from her position because of the Jan. 14 accident that paralyzed Bethany Norwood. The school's investigation into the accident is expected to end in two weeks, officials said. Until then, practice is suspended.

"We have Gilliam, who has been in charge, and we're in the process of trying to find a coach," Wright said Tuesday. Gilliam was chiefly responsible for the 22-member squad, which has been without a coach since November. Wright said he does not know why she left the gym during practice.

Contacted Tuesday, Gilliam said she did not want to discuss the accident.

Norwood, 22, fell head first to the ground during a stunt after teammates failed to catch her. She is paralyzed from the neck down and recovering at Memorial Hermann Hospital.

This weekend, she was able to move her arms slightly, her father said Tuesday.

"On Saturday, she was taking deep breaths and trying to move," said Bobby Norwood. "She mouthed to me, `Watch this.' " Bethany then moved both of her arms a few inches to either side, he said.

The snail-like inching of her arms is a great stride, he said.

"We just never expected any of that. The doctor said she will never walk again or move her fingers or move her feet, but we're not going by that. We're putting this in the hands of God," he said

Let us all join in on this collective prayer... I have faith she can recover.

Prayerfully submitted...