I know some of you have been following this story closely but for those who haven't I thought I'd share the news. Michigan State senior gymnast Kathryn Mahoney sustained a fracture of her C6 vertebra while vaulting in practice on Wednesday, Dec. 29. The Michigan State medical staff confirmed that she has successfully completed surgery to stabilize her C6 vertebra. The first surgery was successful and it was announced that she would not need a second surgery. She's been making progress every day since the surgery including being able to sit up and use her hands more and more. She's got a long road ahead of her but things seem to be going well. She's an amazing girl and will fight through this. 

Kathryn is a former level 10 gymnast from Illinois Gymnastics Institute (IGI). She's a NACGC/W Scholar All-American and Academic All-Big Ten majoring in chemical engineering. 

Here is the latest update from Dr. Larry Nassar via facebook:
Today is day #6 for Kathryn and if all goes well the neuroseurgeon will approve of her being able to leave the neuro ICU tomorrow and she may be able to transfer back to Chicago by Thursday or Friday of this week. One of nurses stated that Kathryn was the most motivated patient she has seen in the neuro ICU and she has worked there for about 15 years. Go Kathryn!!

Please keep Kathryn and her family in your thoughts and prayers and we'll keep you updated on her progress!

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UPDATES:
Cards can be mailed to Kathryn Mahoney at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: 345 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611.

In addition, a fund has been set up for Kathryn Mahoney at the MSU Federal Credit Union, and donations will be used for any necessities that she needs as she begins the post-operative, recovery stage. Checks should be made payable to "Kathryn Mahoney Fund" and mailed to either the Michigan State Federal Credit Union, 3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 or MSU Gymnastics head coach Kathie Klages, 312 Jenison Field House, East Lansing, MI 48824-1025. People can also call (517) 333-2424 and make a deposit via virtual check at no additional cost. 
info from msuspartans.com

Here are more updates from Dr. Larry Nassar on facebook:
January 6th 
Kathryn made it to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago safely on Thursday afternoon. If you would like to send a card to her the address is: 345 E. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60611. Before she left, she made a video pep talk to the MSU team that will be shown to them prior to their first competition this evening. That's Kathryn. She is headed for months of rehab and she is making a video to cheer on her teammates!

January 5th:
Kathryn is doing well enough to finally leave the ICU. She will be transferred back home to Chicago Thursday morning. She will be going to one of the best rehabilitation centers in the country for spinal cord injury's. Look out therapists, here comes Kathryn! 

January 4th:
Kathryn was visited by the team today. Half came before practice and half came after practice. They went in 2 at a time to see her, and there, they saw a smiling, laughing Kathryn. The same Kathryn they know and love. They all left feeling better and more confident that Kathryn was going to overcome this challenge with sweat on her brow and a smile on her face!