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Cheerleader moved from ICU, condition improves
4:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2008: There was no change Wednesday in the condition of a Henley High School cheerleader who is recovering from a June 24 traffic crash.
Elizabeth “Ellie” Rico, 14, remains at the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.
Sister-in-law Michelle Renner said there was no change in Rico’s condition Wednesday. Rico was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition June 24 and was in a drug-induced coma for a few days. She was moved to the neurological area of the hospital on Tuesday and her condition has been improving. She can open her eyes, but still has not spoken. A speech therapist will work with Rico, Renner said.
1:10 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2008: One of two Henley High School cheerleaders injured in a traffic crash Thursday has been released from the hospital.
Celia Zalunardo, 16, was released from Sky Lakes Medical Center Tuesday night. She was treated for minor injuries and released immediately following the crash, but was readmitted after injuries to her spleen and ribs were discovered as she recovered at home.
3:35 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2008: A Henley High School cheerleader who was critically injured in a traffic crash Thursday was moved out of the intensive care unit today and upgraded from serious to fair condition.
Elizabeth Rico, 14, was taken off a ventilator Monday and is continuing to wake up from a drug-induced coma. She was moved to the neurological section at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.
“She is breathing on her own, but she’s still not talking, so they’re looking into that,” her sister-in-law Michelle Renner said.
8:15 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2008: A Henley High School cheerleader who was critically injured in a traffic crash Thursday opened her eyes Monday, but remained unable to speak, family members reported.
Elizabeth Rico, 14, was getting better throughout the day Monday, said her sister-in-law, Michelle Renner. Rico was taken off a ventillator and was breathing on her own.
She also was taken off medications that kept her in a coma, Renner said.
11:35 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2008: Two Henley High School cheerleaders remain in hospitals today following a Thursday morning crash on Highway 39.
Celia Zalunardo, 16, was released from Sky Lakes Medical Center Thursday, but was re-admitted after injuries to her spleen and ribs were discovered while recovering at home. As of Monday morning, she remained in the hospital in good condition.
The Chevrolet Suburban Zalunardo was driving collided with a semi-truck as she turned left into the Henley High School parking lot for a football camp breakfast.
The 14-year-old passenger of the car, Elizabeth Rico, has been in critical condition at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend since she was airlifted to the hospital on Thursday. She is in a coma.
Elizabeth “Ellie” Rico, 14, remains at the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.
Sister-in-law Michelle Renner said there was no change in Rico’s condition Wednesday. Rico was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition June 24 and was in a drug-induced coma for a few days. She was moved to the neurological area of the hospital on Tuesday and her condition has been improving. She can open her eyes, but still has not spoken. A speech therapist will work with Rico, Renner said.
1:10 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2008: One of two Henley High School cheerleaders injured in a traffic crash Thursday has been released from the hospital.
Celia Zalunardo, 16, was released from Sky Lakes Medical Center Tuesday night. She was treated for minor injuries and released immediately following the crash, but was readmitted after injuries to her spleen and ribs were discovered as she recovered at home.
3:35 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2008: A Henley High School cheerleader who was critically injured in a traffic crash Thursday was moved out of the intensive care unit today and upgraded from serious to fair condition.
Elizabeth Rico, 14, was taken off a ventilator Monday and is continuing to wake up from a drug-induced coma. She was moved to the neurological section at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.
“She is breathing on her own, but she’s still not talking, so they’re looking into that,” her sister-in-law Michelle Renner said.
8:15 p.m., Monday, July 28, 2008: A Henley High School cheerleader who was critically injured in a traffic crash Thursday opened her eyes Monday, but remained unable to speak, family members reported.
Elizabeth Rico, 14, was getting better throughout the day Monday, said her sister-in-law, Michelle Renner. Rico was taken off a ventillator and was breathing on her own.
She also was taken off medications that kept her in a coma, Renner said.
11:35 a.m., Monday, July 28, 2008: Two Henley High School cheerleaders remain in hospitals today following a Thursday morning crash on Highway 39.
Celia Zalunardo, 16, was released from Sky Lakes Medical Center Thursday, but was re-admitted after injuries to her spleen and ribs were discovered while recovering at home. As of Monday morning, she remained in the hospital in good condition.
The Chevrolet Suburban Zalunardo was driving collided with a semi-truck as she turned left into the Henley High School parking lot for a football camp breakfast.
The 14-year-old passenger of the car, Elizabeth Rico, has been in critical condition at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend since she was airlifted to the hospital on Thursday. She is in a coma.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
Brixner Mom- Patti wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:21 PM:
" I will continue to pray for these three families involved. I loved how their friends stepped up and did the car wash, it was encouraging. I want these girls healed and will help anyway I can. I have an almost 14 yr old girl too! I couldnt imagine this tradegy. We def have a great community! Stay positive and strong kiddos. "
Devrie wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:51 PM:
" im so glad Ellie is doin better... im happy celia is doing better too! "
henley mom wrote on Jul 30, 2008 4:26 PM:
" glad to hear about celia...may your recovery at home be swift! "
Kayla Olson wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:37 AM:
" I am so excited to hear Ellie is doing better!!! i knew she could do it we love you Ellie. Were all still praying for you. =]
keep getting better. "
keep getting better. "
Henely Mom wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:10 AM:
" It brings tears to my eyes seeing what a great community we live. Everyone comes together in time of need. I also love that the cheerleaders from other schools have reached out to these girls. What a testament to true character and thoughtfulness. "
Henley cheer mom wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:05 AM:
" I am so happy Ellie is improving. We need to continue to pray for her complete recovery. I was there the day of the accident. I am amazed at how quickly and efficiently emergency personel and bystanders worked to have the best possible outcome. God bless them all as well. "
Phoenix Cheerleaders wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:33 PM:
" We were very happy to hear about Ellie's updated improvement! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We hope that Ellie and Celia are healthy and home soon. We'll keep checking in for updates...since we are on the other side of the mountain this is our only source for updates, we wish we could be there to help. Keep the spirit, girls, you're in our hearts! From the Phoenix High Cheer team "
Brenda wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:59 PM:
" God is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep improving, ladies!! We love you!!! "
AmandaTriad Mom wrote on Jul 29, 2008 4:11 PM:
" I am sooooooooooooooooo excited, I can't tell you. The news from Ellie's family brought tears to my eyes this morning and I don't know her personally. My daughter helped with the car washes and we are willing to help in anyway possible. This is such an awesome community. All the kids from all the high schools have come together to support these two special girls and three hurting families. I am so proud of all these kids. There is so much power in prayer and the proof is in this little girl's willpower and medical improvement. God Bless you all! "
friend wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:38 PM:
" thank you for the update! We will still be praying for the girls and an amazing recovery! "
Mazama Mom wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:59 PM:
" YEY Ellie!!!!! we are so gald to hear you are getting better every day. We are still sending you and Celia our thoughts and prayers. All your friends at Mazama send you love and healing for a FULL recovery!!! Thumbs up girl we love you!!!! "
SLH wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:43 PM:
" Thank you for the update. That is amazing news on Ellie. Is there any update on Celia? Keep up the great prayers for everyone. They are obviously working! "
Dennis S. wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:39 PM:
" encouragement and prayers for all involved from the Henley High staff, get well soon girls. "
Family of involved wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:38 PM:
" Ellie has been moved from critical condition to stable condition today. The hospital is planning on taking her out of the ICU and putting her on the neurological wing sometime today. She still is not speaking, but they are going to have a Speech therapist work with her. "
Jeannette wrote on Jul 29, 2008 12:56 PM:
" I think that it is great how good Ellie is recovering. =] Keep it up Ellie! "
Thomas wrote on Jul 29, 2008 12:21 PM:
" PTL for the good news on the girls. we thank God and will continue to pray until full recovery for both. all involved are in our prayers. what a beautiful place K.Falls is with such wonderful caring people. "
steel sensations wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:48 AM:
" we will keep them both in our prayers. if there is anything steel sensations can do to help please contact Ryan at 541-850-2088 or email us at piercer00@yahoo.com. we will help in any way we can... "
Karen wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:23 AM:
" Our prayers stay with each and everyone involved. Keep up the exciting recovery, Ellie. We know there is a long way to go. Keep the Faith, God is Awesome! "
SLH wrote on Jul 29, 2008 6:41 AM:
" That is amazing news that she has opened her eyes and is understanding commands! Brings tears to my eyes. I will keep sending prayers and thoughts as this is just the beginning, but what a wonderful beginning. :o) "
Angie wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:28 AM:
" So glad to hear the great news with Ellie's recovery!!! We love her so much! We continue to keep her and Celia in prayer and also want to tell Kathy and the rest of the family that we are here for you..... Always
Hope to see you soon,
Angie (Gabby's Mommie) "
Hope to see you soon,
Angie (Gabby's Mommie) "
Fellow Classmate wrote on Jul 29, 2008 12:33 AM:
" Get well ellie, we all have you in our prayers! i wish i was there to help out wit the car wash, but im praying for ya honey i know you'll pull through "
Linda wrote on Jul 28, 2008 11:46 PM:
" My deepest thoughts and prayers go out for these two young girls and their families. Our daughter and her friend were also hit by a semi truck in 1998. They both recovered. Stay strong for your girls and know that others are thinking of you during this very trying and heart breaking time. "
Family of involved wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:59 PM:
" Thank you Concerned for helping to stop those horrible rumors. I too have asked people to stop passing on unvarified information. My husband and I have tried really hard to give updates on Ellie's condition daily. So if you are, or know who is passing on these texts please have some respect for our family and the other families involved and stop them. "
Family of involved wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:55 PM:
" I just got off the phone with my husband (Ellie's brother) and he said that she is starting to become responsive. He asked her to trade a kiss for a thumbs up, and after he gave her a kiss, she gave him a thumbs up. She still has not spoken, but that will come with time. All I can say is thank you Lord, and to all of you who have continued to pray. "
Kendra wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:12 PM:
" I was really sad to hear about the accident. But its good to know that she is doing good now :]] I hope she pulls through! We LOVE you Ellie <3 "
Concerned wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:44 PM:
" There have been forwarded texts being sent around saying that Ellie has passed and i think everybody should stop those messages ASAP because that can cause some major problems! If you don't know its the truth DO NOT pass them along. Thank You "
Kayla Olson wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:11 PM:
" i am very excited to know that she is doing better. everyone is still very worried but its good to know she is getting better. we love you ellie <3 stay strong. "
Cindi wrote on Jul 28, 2008 4:42 PM:
" If your church has a prayer chain, please put these girls on it. Another car wash could help raise even more money. Be supportive of their families and friends...pitch in and help do whatever you can. "
Beth wrote on Jul 28, 2008 4:24 PM:
" What encouraging news!!!! We are praying for your faith to stay strong and complete healing for ellie. From a family who cares in Houston, Tx "
Family of involved wrote on Jul 28, 2008 4:06 PM:
" As of now, Ellie is continuing to get stronger everyday. She has not waken up, but the doctors are working on that. They have decreased her medication that has kept her in the coma dramatically, and now we are just waiting for Ellie to wake up. She is weaker on her right side, which was the impact side, but we are hoping that will go away with time. The doctors have removed the monitor from her head, so that is a step in the right direction. She still has a long way to go, but everyday it seems to get a little better. Thank you to everyone for their continued prayers and support. You have no idea how much it means to me and the rest of Ellie's family. "
SLH wrote on Jul 28, 2008 1:22 PM:
" I agree, please leave this blog up for people to keep up-to-date on the girls. I think it is very important that people have a sounding board to keep up-to-date and to let the family and friends all know that we are praying for all of these families. "
Lisa D wrote on Jul 28, 2008 12:55 PM:
" Being a parent that helped out with the car wash, I would like to say what an awesome community we have. We had lines of cars waiting to be washed to help the Rico family. It is such a great feeling to see everyone come together in a time of need. Thank you! "
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DL wrote on Aug 1, 2008 10:03 AM: