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Cole is doing much better but many challenges still lie ahead

On Jan. 3, my son, Cole Hoodicoff, 11, suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury while skiing at Red Mountain.
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Cole Hoodicoff

On Jan. 3, my son, Cole Hoodicoff, 11, suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury while skiing at Red Mountain.

The fall has rendered him unable to control or feel sensation in his body below his chest. This traumatic injury has laid a road of enormous challenges. He is faced with the notion that he may not regain the sensation or mobility. He is faced with a completely new lifestyle and diet. He is faced with extended periods of time where he will not be able to be with his younger brother Caden, 7, and baby sister, Jayda, 2. He is faced with a completely new world.

Up until now, I have remained with Cole in Vancouver and only now have had a chance to address the public. I would like to take this time to tell you a little bit about Cole and how he is doing now.

Cole is creative, intelligent, artistic and kind. He enjoys building things, understanding how things work, and has an appreciation for knowledge of animals, machines, and science. His favourite thing to watch is the Discovery channel. He cares about others’ feelings more than his own and has a strong, protective big brother instinct towards his younger siblings. Prior to his accident he was determined to become a hockey player and was becoming a very good skier. Cole has a huge heart and truly appreciates his friends — he would do anything for them.

The accident caused a concussion that is now healed and Cole is completely himself in mind. He is the same boy he has always been, enjoys the same things, and can complete the same homework and other mental tasks. He has (and has always had) full use of his arms and hands, which he appreciates and is so grateful for. He no longer requires the assistance of numerous tubes and machines as he did in the first 10 days following the accident.

He was moved to Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children on Jan. 26 for rehabilitation, where he will remain for a period of at least three months. He is enjoying his new room and windows that open for fresh air as well as short periods outside in his wheelchair. He remains in good spirits and shares in the hope and faith that he will fully recover. He has shown determination and strength that I myself cannot even fathom to contain in the face of his young life.

The road ahead is tremendous and to us it already feels like an eternity has passed. Cole will need many things when he returns home, including a wheelchair, a lift, an accessible bathroom, an effective vehicle for transportation, psychological support, and will also need to make regular visits to Vancouver for ongoing care.

I have read about the amazing fundraising that has taken place, and is ongoing in Castlegar and surrounding areas to help with these expenses and it truly makes me proud to be a part of the Kootenays. I cannot express how touched I am that our communities have banded together to help my son.

Because Cole’s father (Brad Hoodicoff) and I (Amy Walters) are separated (2008), Cole’s injury has not only caused one home to need assistance, but two. Although Cole and his siblings live with me full-time, his father will also need resources necessary for care.

Therefore, in the midst of this tragedy, two trust funds have been established: one by the Hoodicoff family, and one by the Walters family. Both trusts are dedicated to helping each family afford the costs of medical equipment, home renovations, medical treatment, travel, lodging, regular expenses incurred while Brad and I cannot work, and other unforeseeable expenses that may arise due to Cole’s injury.

All donations are appreciated beyond belief; however, in lieu of donations, prayers for Cole’s full recovery are invaluable at this time.

Donations for Cole in trust to the Walters family can be made at Heritage Credit Union (next to Safeway) where the donor may receive a deposit slip, or at Yule Anderson CA (above Anderson Insurance), where the donor can receive a receipt.

Donations for Cole in trust to the Hoodicoff family can be made at Kootenay Savings Credit Union, or at Kootenay Society for Community Living.

The fundraiser, organized by Marla Gauchier, Cole’s paternal aunt, at the Castlegar Complex raised $11,000 in assistance for Cole. All of these proceeds went to the Hoodicoff family trust fund for Cole. Additionally, a BMO bank account number was advertised and any money collected at BMO was deposited into the Hoodicoff trust fund for Cole. To my understanding this account is now closed.

The initial fundraiser, organized by Gord Hatch, Cole’s maternal uncle, and Lana Paulson-McCreight, at the Lion’s Head Pub raised over $3,000 . The Element Nightclub fundraiser, organized by long-time family friend, Nikki Leggett, raised nearly $2,000, including a $500 donation made by the West Kootenay Toy Run Association. All of these proceeds were deposited into the Walters family trust fund for Cole.

Upcoming fundraisers for Cole are scheduled at the Arlington Hotel in Trail (Feb. 10), Dairy Queen in Castlegar (Feb. 2), Robson Community Hall (Feb. 19), and Pet’s Needs Plus (Feb. 7-12). In addition to these fundraisers, both families have placed donation jars at many locations around town.

I am deeply moved by the communities’ prayers, thoughts, and offers of support. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to say a prayer for Cole, it is the faith I have that keeps me going each and every day and gives me the strength to uplift Cole. A huge thank you is due to all of you.

I will continue to give updates of Cole’s progress along this journey. Please allow us to continue feeling the power of your prayers.

God Bless.

Amy Walters

(Cole’s Mom)