Tommy continues to see doctors

Tommy had several doctor appts. this week. He has developed trouble around the halo pin sites. He will see a plastic surgeon next week to evaluate and plan a procedure to help clear up the sites. He continues to be so patient as doctors evaluate, poke and examine his head. The good news is his neck feels stable! Thank you for continuing to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

December 15, 2009

Tommy begins physical therapy!

We are almost at the 7 month mark post injury and Tommy has started physical therapy. Two weeks ago Tommy had xrays which showed the fracture lines have disappeared. Although the bones are not perfectly aligned the fractures have healed. He was able to remove the brace and left the office a free man! He said it was "good to feel wind on his neck". We are so grateful! Tommy will return to radiology for a CT Scan in 6 weeks. We are hoping he remains stable and will not need the surgical fusion.
Once again, thank you everyone for all your support throughout this process. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful family and amazing friends.
Tommy and I will be in Sacramento in January attending a National Athletic Trainers Assoc. Call to Action Summit. Tommy is a living testimony to the serious need for qualified, certified and licensed athletic trainers caring for our athletes. We need to get this very important bill passed in the state of California!
We wish you all a very Happy Holiday....thanks again for all the prayers,thoughts,letters,emails etc.

November 17, 2009

We are so grateful to report Tommy is doing well! Last week he met with Dr. Taylor for a quick check of his former pin sites and to follow up on xray results. The fractures continue to heal. In 2 weeks he will have flexion and extension xrays to evaluate the ligament. We continue to hope and pray the ligament is intact and Tommy will not need surgery. He is thankful to be out of the halo and actually resuming a decent level of activity. He has started coaching the JV basketball team at Santa Fe and is working on helping to develop programs for Advocates for Injured Athletes. I cannot tell you all how wonderful it is to see him regaining some sense of normal life! Once again THANK YOU for all your continued thoughts and prayers. We will let you know the results of the flexion / extension xrays in 2 weeks.

On another note, please continue to keep the Wardrips in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all of you who have donated to Advocates for Injured Athletes on behalf of Will. We miss him terribly...beyond words. It is amazing the impact one person can have in your life.....Will made everything fun with that incredible smile and the gregarious personality. As most of you know our family lost Emily( she was 21) on December 18th 2004. She too was known for an infectious, beautiful smile. I am posting her picture. Like Will , Emily brightened up the world. We miss them both and grateful for everyday we had with them.

November 3, 2009 - In loving memory of Will

When Tommy was injured in May 2009 on the lacrosse field, Will's Dad, Dr. Wardrip rode with us in the ambulance to the emergency room and stayed with us the entire day until Tommy was transferred into the ICU. He has kept a constant eye on Tommy and his progress. Last week when Will was killed, Dr. Wardrip and his wife Sarah met with Tommy and made their request that all donations in Will's memory go to the foundation inspired by Tommy, Advocates for Injured Athletes , www.injuredathletes.org. Our entire family was humbled as we witnessed the very emotional conversation between Tommy and the Wardrips. We had no idea the foundation we were starting would be needed so quickly. Will Wardrip inspired many and we will help his legacy continue.

Will Wardip...In Loving Memory November 12,1992 - October 25, 2009

It is with great sadness that we post photos of our dear friend Will Wardrip who passed away early Sunday morning. He was a very close friend of both Tommy and Jeffrey.....a close friend to ALL that knew him. His smile will be forever etched in our hearts. We love you Will. Please keep the entire Wardrip family and the community in your thoughts and prayers.

Jeffrey and Will before Homecoming

Number 20 Will on the Lacrosse field

Newspaper Article

Advocates for Injured Athletes

On Saturday "Advocates for Injured Athletes inspired by Tommy Mallon" will launch our first fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place at the Santa Fe Christian Varsity Football Game at SFC @ 2:00p.m. The Santa Fe Christian Boosters and the BBQ Company Holy Smoke will be donating all proceeds from the BBQ to Advocates for Injured Athletes. We are on our way to making a difference for athletes that suffer traumatic injuries! We are waiting for our 501c3 status so until then donations will not be tax deductible but will still be helpful to athletes and athletic trainers. If you cannot attend the game and eat a delicious BBQ sandwich but want to make a donation you may mail a donation to :
Advocates for Injured Athletes
3830 Valley Center Drive Ste.705-523
San Diego,CA 92130
THANK YOU!!!!!!!