Elburn Lions Club to host benefit for local man Sept. 9
The Elburn Lions Club will host a benefit in honor of Keith Callaghan and his family at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9.
On the morning of May 11, 2018, Keith was working at a construction site in Genoa. The details of what exactly happened are not clear since Keith and his co-workers were all working in different areas.
Keith fell approximately 10-11 feet to the ground and landed on his head, shoulder and back. His co-workers immediately called 911 and emergency services were there within minutes. Due to the extent of Keith's injuries, he was stabilized in an ambulance and a life flight helicopter was dispatched. The helicopter arrived on scene and airlifted him to OSF Saint Anthony's Medical Center in Rockford for treatment.
After assessment of his injuries, it was determined that Keith had significant cervical and thoracic spine damage. Currently, he does not have feeling from his chest down nor use of his lower extremities. He had a fractured sternum, fractured ribs, punctured lung, cervical spine chip of C2, fracture of C6 and C7 and thoracic spine T6 is shattered with a epidural hematoma.
Keith had surgery on Saturday, May 12, to stabilize his spine. His spinal cord was crushed but not severed which can give cause for tempered optimism. However, it is way too early to know the long term prognosis.
After a two-week recovery period, Keith was transferred from OSF St. Anthony's to a rehabilitation facility, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (formerly RIC), in Chicago for intense physical therapy.
Keith has a long road of recovery ahead of him. Keith is a self-employed construction worker with a limited income during his recovery. His three daughters and girlfriend, as well as his extended family, have been by his side from the beginning and plan on being with him as much as possible.
On Sept. 9, the Elburn Lions will be welcoming the surrounding area to a benefit in honor of Keith Callaghan and his family.
If you would like to make a donation to the event, create a raffle basket or have an item for the live auction, please email Lion Renee Hall at ReneeRHall13@gmail.com.
Tickets are $15, $10 for children, age 4 to 12; kids under age 4 are admitted free.
Tickets will be sold at the door; no pre-sale tickets.
If you are not able to attend but wish to support Keith and his family, monetary donations can be mailed to: Elburn Lions Club, Attn: Callaghan Benefit, 500 Filmore St., Elburn, IL 60119.