A 12-hour drive from Armstrong to Edmonton to visit their injured son and brother was enough to put a smile on the face of Clayton Niblow.
Linetta Keir and her mom, Janey McGrandle, made the long trip to Alberta’s capital over the weekend of July 8 and 9 to visit Niblow, who was seriously injured when he was struck by a car on June 19. Niblow, who grew up in Vernon, suffered spinal injuries and head trauma, and may have lost the use of his legs.
“We are home safe and sound. It was an emotional weekend, but I got to see Clay, and speak to the nurses a bit,” said Keir. “He had one good day with us, and one bad day. Though even on the bad day, he was alive. He is still in ICU (Intensive Care Unit); not a lot of new news but his lung is draining good now, so hopefully more back surgery to come soon.”
When Keir and McGrandle arrived to visit Niblow, his reaction when he opened his eyes, said Keir, “was amazing.”
“His smile juat melted my heart,” she said. “He is healing well and mouthing words. He doesn’t stay awake long and he is very frustrated being constrained but who can blame him?”
Keir said her brother is facing multiple surgeries and his recovery will be extensive. To that end, she has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with costs.
“We, as a family, appreciate all the love and support that has been given,” said Keir. “Let’s get behind Clay and help him through this.”
As of Tuesday morning, July 11, more than $3,200 had been donated toward a goal of $10,000.
Niblow also has family in Edmonton.
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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