Skier hurt in Williams carnival

Author: Kathryn Flagg

Sophomore Kelly Brush has regained feeling at chest level and above after suffering severe spinal cord injuries during the recent Williams College Carnival. Brush, a member of the women's varsity alpine ski team, is currently listed in stable condition at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass., after sustaining injuries on Feb. 18 at the Jiminy Peak ski area.

Brush, 19, fell during the women's giant slalom race. After missing a gate, she slid off the race course, traveled for approximately 100 yards and struck a chair lift tower with her back. Brush was stabilized on the scene by Jiminy Peak ski patrol and the Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association officials before being transported by ambulance to Berkshire.

In a Web site designed to keep friends, family and community members abreast of Brush's progress, family members report that her spinal column was not severed but required realignment during a 10-hour surgery following the accident. Brush also suffered a punctured lung and spinal f­­­racture.

In an announcement released on Feb. 21 by Middlebury College through the Athletics Web site, Director of Athletics Russ Reilly conveyed the thoughts and prayers of the College community to Brush and her family. In the same release, Alpine Head Coach Forest Carey '00 reported that she was "totally alert, totally there" after his Feb. 21 visit to the Berkshire Medical Center.

In addition to frequent visits from Carey, Brush has received a "steady stream of visitors" in Pittsfield, including a visit from the entire ski team, according to the College's prepared remarks. Family members reported via Brush's Web site at caringbridge.org that she has had "well over 100 visitors" since her accident.

In an article printed in the Feb. 23 issue of The Burlington Free Press, Brush was described as inspiring her fellow ski team members with her positive attitude and immense courage.

In an update to Brush's Web site posted on Tuesday, family members reported that her "spunk and smile" were reassuring, and that while indications are that Brush will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, she is "determined to be the exception." The update also indicated that Brush will soon be moving to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., for further rehabilitation.

Brush's sister, Lindsay, is a junior at the College and is also a member of the alpine team. Her parents, Charlie '69 and Mary Brush, live in Charlotte, Vt. Charlie Brush skied for Middlebury and later served as a ski and football coach at the College.