I am reaching out with the deepest heartfelt gratitude for the generous donations, texts, prayers, posts and calls from each of you. I wish I could connect in person to share how much your support and positive energy have meant to me.

I am also so grateful that the Kevin Babington Foundation has made it possible for me to extend my stay at the Shephard Spinal Cord Center which will allow me to make more progress before returning home to Virginia. Once I am back home, I will continue therapy to build back my strength and mobility. The doctors have told me to expect 50% of my recovery at the end of three months and 50% more in the next year and a half. It will be a long road, but I know more improvement is possible.

Every day is still incredibly hard. There are ups and downs, but also, I am seeing and feeling real progress. The simplest things are major milestones. I can now stand and take steps with assistance. I can eat with a fork, as well as brush my own teeth. On the therapy treadmill I am now able to support 70% of my own body weight.

My legs are stronger, and my movement is much improved. Use of my hands and fine motor skills are thus far extremely limited, but this is expected.

I have a long way to go, but with your support and continued therapy, I know I can keep making headway. I plan to be at the Piedmont Jumper Classic and want to thank the show organizers and community for planning the “Jump for Kim” KBF fundraising effort. The generosity and support of this incredible community is humbling and motivates me every day. Thank you. I hope to see you in Virginia in September.

With my deepest appreciation,

Kevin’s Update

The Kevin Babington Foundation continues to work harder than ever in support of our athletes who have spinal cord injuries. The Foundation’s support of late has included an important partnership with the Canine Support Teams.

First, Kevin has undergone extensive surgical interventions to propel his recovery to include new and exciting breakthroughs with “dancing molecules”.  As stunning as that sounds, the point is to cause stem cell and other interventions to adhere to the site of the injured section of the spinal cord.  Courageously, Kevin spent several weeks with these surgical procedures, sponsored by KBF funding, and is now experiencing feeling in his ankle, back, and toes.  There has been movement and sensation where there was not prior to the procedures.

The most inspiring part of Kevin’s continued progress, is the tenacity, sweat and dedication he displays every day.  Kevin spends many hours each week in grueling physical therapy.  He is now ably assisted by his service dog, Samantha, that was reunited with Kevin on July 5 through the remarkable Canine Support Team Foundation in partnership with KBF.

Kim’s Update

Kimberly Prince has made very promising progress during her first two weeks at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta following her spinal cord injury at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show in early June.  The program is intensive, and Kim has been hard at work building back her strength.  She is experiencing increased mobility in her legs, arms, and hands. Kim is in the best place possible to continue the healing process with support from her daughter Lydia and friends around the world.

Kim’s determination, focus and sense of humor are fully present.  With the generous backing of so many friends in the community who are contributing to the Kevin Babington Foundation, Kim will continue to have the best chance of recovery.  She will remain at the Shepherd Center through August when she plans to return home to Virginia for additional outpatient rehabilitation.  While working hard on her recovery, Kim will also be cheering on the KP, LLC team competing in Traverse City.

Thank you to all who continue to contribute to Kim’s recovery through the Babington Foundation.