Elburn Lions Club to host benefit for injured resident
On Sunday, Sept. 9, the Elburn Lions Club, 500 Filmore St., will host a benefit in honor of Keith Callaghan and his family at 2 p.m. A live band will perform from 3 to 5 p.m., with dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and a live auction at 7 p.m.
On the morning of May 11, 2018, Callaghan was working at a construction site in Genoa. He fell approximately 10 to 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 his 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 Callaghan 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.
He had surgery in May 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, Callaghan was transferred from OSF St. Anthony's to a rehabilitation facility, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (formerly RIC), in Chicago for intense physical therapy.
Callaghan has a long road of recovery ahead of him. He 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.
Callaghan has been serving others in the Elburn community for most of his life. He has been a part-time firefighter for the Elburn and Countryside Fire Protection District since 1983 and has served as a volunteer for the Elburn Lions Club since he was a child.
Tickets are $15, $10 for children ages 4 to 12, free for kids younger than 4. It includes dinner and a cash bar.
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. For questions, email Lion Renee Hall at ReneeRHall13@gmail.com or Pam Hall at lionpamh@gmail.com.