Sometimes when tragedy strikes, it’s heartening to know people are willing to help.
The English family was in a major car accident Tuesday evening at the intersection of U.S. Highways 550/160 and River Road, near The Home Depot. All four were transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center, including Jason English 33, Deaven English, 31, and their two children, ages 9 and 5.
JJ, the 9-year-old, was airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Aurora, where he remained in serious condition Thursday evening, hospital spokeswoman Elizabeth Whitehead said.
“Upon arrival at the Children’s Hospital in Denver early this morning, the doctors performed a procedure to monitor the pressure on JJ’s brain (insertion of intracranial pressure monitor),” Jason English wrote in a GoFundMe post Wednesday morning. “His pressure level has been great all day. The CT scan done in Durango showed no indication of brain inactivity – great news! However, the doc’s were having a hard time getting JJ to respond to commands, so they decreased his sedatives.”
After the sedatives were reduced, JJ woke up in pain and confused, English said.
“Sedatives have been increased again to promote healing,” English said in the update. “The intubator has been removed, and he is breathing on his own! There is a 72-hour period of high risk for swelling, so everyone is hoping that time passes without incident.”
Kathy Elliott called the crash into dispatch Tuesday night, and she was asked to stay with the family until help arrived. In the process, she discovered that the other driver, Jesus Gonzalez, 29, had no insurance.
“We need to do something to help,” she said.
On Thursday, she helped establish the English Family Medical and Personal Expenses account at Bank of the San Juans. Donations may be made at all three branches, at 144 E. Eighth St., and 1710 Main Ave. in Durango, and 305 Hot Springs Blvd., in Pagosa Springs.
The family is not only incurring major medical expenses, family members are traveling and staying in Denver and missing work.
“The English Family is humbled and so appreciative of all your support – so thank you all!” Jason English said in his post. “Continue to pray for JJ and keep him in your thoughts.”
abutler@ durangoherald.com. This story was changed from its original version to reflect that only Gonzalez did not have insurance.
