Almost a month into the summer before her senior year, Kelsey Worley started to complain of an earache. She was treated for an ear infection and given antibiotics and proceeded with her carefree summer. However as this infection worsened, Worley requested to visit several more doctors. All of them agreed it was only an ear infection and sent her home.
While others were fretting about getting senior pictures taken and trying to decide what college to go to, Worley’s utmost concern became the infection that had spread into her brain from these ear infections.
She underwent two surgeries to drain the fluid in her brain, and now has a long road ahead for recovery. She is quickly moving along and will still be able to graduate in the spring with the rest of her class.
While Worley became stronger each day, she also has the support of her friends, family and a whole school both on Facebook and a Twitter account called @PrayforKelsey.
“A few days after Kelsey had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, I was on Twitter and noticed people hash tagging PrayforKelsey,” Southwest graduate Danielle Chadbourne said. “I decided to create a Twitter called PrayforKelsey and instantly got over 200 followers. The Twitter account is meant for people to be updated on how Kelsey is doing and get her story out there. I have even had some famous country singers retweet me.”
Not only has a Twitter account been made for Worley, but a neighbor decided she deserved a new iPad and practically raised the money overnight.
“When I heard what had happened to Kelsey I felt terrible knowing such a amazing person had to go through something like this,” Southwest graduate Wyatt Brown said. “I thought it would be awesome if we could all donate and get Kelsey something she would never expect. It felt awesome knowing we were able to all donate and bring a smile to her face after all she had been through.”
The support from Worley’s friends has showed through her improvement everyday. Worley isn’t the only one who needs the support. Her family has been by her side every minute and love when they see a friend stop by or to see their neighbor give Kelsey an iPad.
“The doctors, nurses and therapists were all amazed at the speed of Kelsey’s progress. Everyone who has helped her at St. Luke’s has been incredible,” Worley’s mother Cindy said. “Kelsey gets really thrilled seeing friends more than anything. She’s one tough cookie.”
On Aug. 3, Worley was released from the hospital. She will be on antibiotics for about three months and will be doing therapy until she has fully recovered.
A former swimmer, a best friend, someone they knew since kindergarten was in pain. When friends came to visit, tears welled up in their eyes. But to Worley it was just thrilling to know that all these people care about her.
“When I first saw Kelsey, I was crying because she didn’t look anything like herself. She had tubes all over the place and she wasn’t responding,” Chadbourne said. “It’s hard to see your best friend go through something like that.”
Worley’s recovery has impacted not only her life, but the lives surrounding her. Through Twitter and Facebook, friends and family members have remembered to take a little time out of their busy lives to say a little prayer for this tough cookie.
“Kelsey’s accident has impacted me in so many ways,” senior Allie Wernicke said. “If I had to pick one I would say that it has taught me how fast your life can change and to be grateful for every moment I am alive and healthy.”
