Josh Porter remains stable and in good spirits at LSU Med Center
November 29, 2006
Shreveport, LA—Fans at The Dock last night witnessed every parent and coach’s worst fear; they saw Josh Porter being carried off the court in a stretcher after a collision at midcourt left him motionless until paramedics arrived. The latest on Porter’s condition is that he suffered a fractured neck (C5), which will require surgery. He is currently scheduled for surgery sometime early Thursday afternoon.
Despite the magnitude of the situation, in true Josh Porter fashion, he is doing well and comforting the hundreds of visitors who have come to his side in support with a big smile, and reassurance that “JP” will be back on his feet. While the question in regards to his long term prognosis weighs heavy on the minds of family and friends, this has yet to be determined or discussed by the professionals who have been treating Josh.
He does have full feeling and motion in all of his extremities and has not suffered from any paralysis at this time. Family and friends have been reassured that after a successful surgery, his condition will not change and he will be able to walk away from this accident on his own power. Josh considers himself extremely blessed to be where he is after being told last night that the majority of people suffering from this exact type of injury unfortunately are fully paralyzed the rest of their life.
Thank you to all of those who have called and sent messages in support of Josh and his family. For any one who would like their thoughts and prayers, please take the time to send any mail to acantwel@lsus.edu and they will be sure to be relayed to the Porter family.
LSUS Athletics will do their best to keep the Shreveport-Bossier community and basketball fans around the country updated with Josh’s condition, but will remain keeping the Porter family’s privacy and best interest at heart.
