Debbie Atkinson sustained serious injuries in a fall from her horse at the Kentucky Classic Horse Trials, Sept. 2.

Atkinson, of Thompsons Station, Tenn., sustained severe damage to her neck and spinal cord when she fell from Melancholy Blues while negotiating the ditch and brush fence on the intermediate course. The horse was unhurt, and the fence caused no other incidents.

Atkinson was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital where she underwent immediate surgery to make her more comfortable. She has regained consciousness, but the road ahead is a very long one.

If you would like to send cards and messages to Atkinson please send them to: Trauma ICU Unit, University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center,
800 Rose St., Lexington, KY 40536.