[Kelseecat65]

This is my friend, Amy. She is in the fight of her life, but this girl is beyond amazing in terms of her spirit and positive attitude. Love her reaction to making the #1 trending spot!! (yes, my first name is Dawn, but you can still call me Kelsee!!)



She's up and smiling. Olympian Amy Van Dyken-Rouen updated fans on her progress Tuesday, June 10, posting a picture of herself in the hospital via Instagram. The six-time Olympic gold medalist severed her spine in an ATV accident at an Arizona golf club near her home last Friday, June 6.

"Making progress.. First day I sat up," Van Dyken, 41, wrote. "Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers," she added, alongside a photo of herself smiling in a hospital gown and sitting on a bed.

The athlete, according to CBS News, told emergency workers she could not feel her legs or move her toes after the accident. Van Dyken was airlifted to the Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center, where she had surgery to stabilize her spine. A spokesperson said Monday, June 9, that the former athlete was in good condition.

Van Dyken, on the road to recovery, has received an outpouring of support from her husband, former Denver Broncos player Tom Rouen, her many fans, and teammates—past and present. "Doing great today," she wrote on Instagram Tuesday in a separate post. "My room is the most decorated in ICU. Thx for ur thoughts & prayers!"

USA Swimming released a statement to Us Weekly, which read: "The USA Swimming family is devastated to learn of Amy Van Dyken's unfortunate accident this weekend. We're happy to hear that she escaped and is now in great care. That she is already 'acting like her typical spunky, boisterous, ebullient self' shows she's on a great path."
"Amy is a champion," the statement continued, adding that the swimmer "has proven throughout her life that she is a fighter who takes on challenges and comes out on top. We know Amy will tackle her rehabilitation with vigor and be back on her feet sooner rather than later."

The Van Dyken and Rouen families posted on Facebook about Amy's condition, and explained that she had severed her spinal cord at the T11 vertebra. The broken vertebra, according to the families, "miraculously" came within millimeters of rupturing her aorta. Van Dyken shared a picture of family members visiting her at the hospital and wrote, "Never get us all together anymore. This is amazing. I have the best family."

Van Dyken remains in the ICU of Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Medical Center.

Some links:

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-...#ixzz34dcLOQ1D

http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_...an-dyken-rouen

http://www.denverpost.com/olympics/c...tal?source=pkg

[gatagato]

I can't believe that someone spread the rumor that she wasn't paralyzed anymore. Strong and brave woman, i wish her good luck from the deep core of my heart.

[Kelseecat65]

Originally Posted by gatagato ↗

I can't believe that someone spread the rumor that she wasn't paralyzed anymore. Strong and brave woman, i wish her good luck from the deep core of my heart.

I know, people can be so cruel. Fortunately, she is so strong and positive, not even losers like that will bring her down. I will pass on your kind words!!

[corrico]

I have a buddy who is still recovering in the hospital from an atv accident a couple weeks ago, too. I am not too sure how extensive his injuries are but he was in an induced coma for almost a week.

Sending positive thoughts out for all who need it.

[Kelseecat65]

Originally Posted by corrico ↗

I have a buddy who is still recovering in the hospital from an atv accident a couple weeks ago, too. I am not too sure how extensive his injuries are but he was in an induced coma for almost a week.

Sending positive thoughts out for all who need it.

Oh wow, I hope he bounces back quickly. An induced coma sounds like it was very serious.

[Blu]

Hope she heals fast

[Clubhouse]

As a woman who was extremely successful in her sport she has a comparative spirit, I'm sure this will help her overcome and deal with the injuries she has...I haven't read much about but she seems to be a nice lady with a loving family to support her along with other sports personalities, I wish her well.

[Shakey]

That's a sad situation. If her spinal cord was severed she'll be parylized from that spot on down.

[Oswald2001]

Best of luck to her.

[30564U]

I remember her...she was really cute. I'm sorry for her and I hope she can bounce back.