Darren Chiacchia Latest

Athens Olympian Darren Chiacchia remains in a serious condition after suffering a terrible fall at this month's Red Hill (Tallahassee) horse trials. Competing in a national preliminary class on the seven year old Baron Verdi, a misstep led them to a somersault of horse and rider. Darren sustained a severe head injury, and also contusions to both lungs with multiple rib fractures and a partially collapsed lung. Extensive specialized testing ruled out a spinal injury, with the major concern being the severe head injury.

After initial remaining unconscious in critical condition, his condition improved slightly and he was breathing independently without the assistance of a ventilator. The extent of his brain and neurological injuries are still the major concern.

A temporary set back then left Darren with a fever and pneumonia causing him to be re-intubated breathing with a ventilator. He continued to receive superior medical care and remained in critical but stable condition.

Darren's, Independence Farm, has been kept running smoothly by donations of time and the talents of many of the world's leading equestrians, teaching his stable of students.

John Madden a friend and neighbour of Darren, helped Darren's students as they prepare for this spring's events. Said John, "contribution was made very easy. Darren has been a good friend and is an excellent horseman, which is evident from his students."

Earlier in the week, Missy Ransehousen, daughter of famed dressage trainer and previous USET Chef d'Equipe Jessica Ransehousen, worked on the flat with Chiacchia's students and will be attending The Fork horse trials with them. On Friday, Jonathon Holling, will be helping out and attending Poplar Place and the CCI* at the Florida Horse Park with Chiacchia's students.

On Monday and Tuesday, one of Show Jumping's star riders, Lauren Hough will teach Darren's students how to further their skills in the show jumping arena. Dressage legend Robert Dover will be here on Wednesday to help them prepare for their dressage tests. The end of the week will bring back Jumping legends John and Beezie Madden on Thursday morning.

Both Holling and Ransehausen will teach here at Independence Farm on a weekly basis and will mentor the students through their upcoming events.

The Chiacchia family wishes to extend their appreciation for all the concern and support.

STATEMENTS FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY

April 1, 2008 - 8PM EDT

The remainder of the Chiacchia family arrived in Tallahassee today to attend the benefit for Darren tomorrow evening at the Dover Farm.

Darren walked with a more steady gait today, and more frequent moments of clarity were noted with his cognitive functioning. Darren is expected to be transferred to a neurological rehabilitation facility in Buffalo, NY on Thursday. The special medical flight had been arranged, and Darren’s mother will accompany him.

Darren’s grandmother was laid to rest today in a wonderful ceremony attended by numerous friends and family.

March 31, 2008 - 5PM EDT

As the family paid their respects to his deceased grandmother, Darren took his first steps today. He was unsteady, but this is indeed a milestone in his physical recovery. His cognitive functioning remains more guarded. He is confused and illogical, but optimism remains.

March 30, 2008 9:30 PM EDT

Unfortunately Darren’s maternal grandmother, Dorothy Weaver, passed away today at the age of 86 after a courageous fight with lung cancer. When Darren learned of her failing condition, he flew to Buffalo to visit just before his accident. His grandmother was surprised and excited over Darren’s visit, and Darren truly thought he would see her again before her passing. Darren’s mother left his bedside today to attend the services for her mother on Monday and Tuesday. She along with Darren’s other siblings and spouses will fly back Tuesday evening to visit Darren and attend the fundraiser at the Dover Farm on Wednesday. Darren’s sister Kim Fraser remained in Tallahassee with Darren.

Darren’s condition is basically unchanged from yesterday. He is able to be transferred from his bed to a chair, but cannot stand unassisted or walk. He also has difficulty maintaining his posture. The family is hopeful his chest tube can be removed early this week.

March 28, 2008 2:00 PM EDT

A fundraiser to pay Darren’s continually escalating medical expenses will be held this Wednesday, April 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the W.C. Dover Farm, 534 Dover Road, Havana, FL 32333 just outside of Tallahassee. Many of the sports finest riders will be present, including a special appearance by Olympic medalist Robert Dover with Darren’s prized stallion, Windfall. If you are not able to attend and wish to make a donation, please refer to the donation icon on this site.

Darren continues to make progress, but the progress is slow. His ability to communicate is ever improving with the assistance of his mother who is continually present at his bedside. Darren’s other siblings will be returning to Florida from Buffalo to visit Darren over the next few days.

March 27, 2008 7:00 EDT

Darren’s status remains the same. From review of the video and conversations with witnesses, it is abundantly clear that Darren’s fate would have been far worse if not wearing a quality helmet. The Charles Owen company, the helmet manufacturer, not only provided a life saving helmet, but has been a generous sponsor of Darren and a huge part of the current campaign to assist in paying Darren’s medical expenses. The family thanks them for their continued support.

March 26, 2008 - 8PM EDT

Although still in the ICU Darren continues his gradual improvement, responding to commands and moving his extremities with more consistency. His left lung remains problematic with a chest tube still in place and draining fluids. Cognitively he is more alert, and able to indentify familiar faces. The hospital staff is pleased with his progress.

March 25, 2008 - 5PM EDT

Darren continues to exhibit slow but steady improvement. He is still breathing independently without a ventilator with increasing pulmonary function. He remains in ICU. Many thanks again from the Chiacchia family for your prayers and support.

March 24, 2008 - 5PM EDT

Darren was removed from the ventilator today and has been breathing independently now for about six hours. His ability to communicate is also improving, utilizing hand gestures and making appropriate eye contact. Prognosis remains positive, but he remains in the ICU.

March 22, 2008 - 2PM EDT

Status remains the same. There is more optimism about removal of the ventilator next week

March 21, 2008 - 2PM EDT

After a moment of prayer with Pastor Randy Ray and Darren's family in the hospital Chapel, Darren had a good Good Friday. He continues to show improvement and optimism remains high. His response to verbal stimuli continues to improve, and the movements of his right arm and leg are more consistent. There is hope that he can be removed from the ventilator next week if it is determined he is strong enough to breath independently.

March 20, 2008 - 2PM EDT

Darren is still listed in critical condition, but he remains comfortable and stable. He has squeezed hands upon command at times, and opened his eyes on a few occasions. The medical staff remains optimistic about his recovery. Some of Darren's favorite music has been playing around the clock at his bedside to soothe his spirit. Let’s all say some extra prayers on Good Friday and throughout this Easter weekend.

Emergency Fund

An emergency designated fund in Darren's name has been set up, all funds contributed go directly to pay the medical expenses of Darren.

You can click HERE or cheques and well wishes can be sent to;

EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION, c/o Janise Gray, 228 Phillips Terrace, Union, NJ 07083, USA

Please indicate Darren's name in the memo section of your cheque. We will forward all well wishes to Darren and his family.