How did we get here?
As many of you are aware, John is in the critical care unit at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support, prayers and positive thoughts for John, so we started this blog to be more effective in our communication of John’s Journey.
John was involved in an accident Saurday, October 25 at Heartland Park in Topeka, KS around 8:30 p.m. He was taken to the hospital via ambulance and arrived around 9:30pm. He was assessed and stabilized by the trauma team and admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU). After all the diagnostics were performed and interpreted, we were informed that John had sustained an acceleration/deceleration injury to his brain. The best way I can describe this is to say it is like shaken baby syndrome in an adult. He also has a cervical spine fracture that is stable and did NOT cause any spinal chord damage or paralysis. He has a compound fracture of his left elbow that will need surgery, but it will not be set until he is stable enough for surgery.
When we were informed of John’s injuries, the neurosurgeon and the trauma surgeon were not optimistic about his prognosis. Miraculously, with all of the thoughts and prayers, we have achieved a stable condition five days post accident. John is still in a very deep coma at this time and although he has not taken any steps backward since the accident, we were hoping to see some improvements at this point in the process, but it is taking a little more time. As you could imagine, we are a little impatient. In today’s environment where instant communication and solutions are expected in our daily lives, injuries of this type are on their own time frame and require patience.
Bernie and Len have their hands full trying to take care of our family and as you might imagine, this is very difficult for us to provide multiple updates. So we are going to try to keep this updated on a daily basis, or more frequently as conditions change. We as a family are all exhausted and trying to focus what energy we have on John. A primary focus for us is to make sure Dianna is getting rest and remaining strong, so hopefully this format will help us communicate our appreciation and thoughts, but also provide her enough space to work through this difficult time. Please reach out to us prior to visiting so we can help coordinate visits, based on visiting hours, staff shift changes, etc. Please be patient with us.
We have received so many offers to help with anything and everything and it is wonderful. We cannot thank you all enough. Be assured that we WILL be calling on you for help and support as things progress. On behalf of John, Dianna and our entire family, our sincerest thank you for all prayers, thoughts and offers of help. Please keep us in your prayers.
The Heffernons
Keeping John and the entire family in my prayers. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to call.
Your family is in our prayers. I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. My husband broke his back racing back in 2003 and it was a scary time with two kids and one on the way. Prayers, meals, and people to help with the kids were a huge blessing to me. He is fine today. Please let us bless you when you need help.
What a great service this is for everyone!!! Our thoughts and prayers are constant.Will help any way we can. Bonnie and Leon
This site is a good idea as it should provide an avenue for family/friends to get updates on John’s progress and allow immediate family members to focus on more important matters.
Like everyone has said, please reach out to us if there is anything we can do for the family. We are all praying for a quick recovery for John.
This is a great idea – I know you said the hospital is being swamped with calls and well wishes. That should tell you all how much your family means to everyone. We are thinking of you all and praying for John continuously. Thank you for keeping us in mind and updating his progress.
I am so very sorry to hear of John’s serious accident. I know situations like this are so very hard on the family and loved ones.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill
Please know John and his family will be in the prayers of the staff of Kansas Speedway. He is truly a wonderful, kind person and he will be in our prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with John and all of you during this time. We know the power of prayer!
To a truly wonderful family, May God Bless each of you, as all of us here are praying for our buddy John. Tonight is a weekly gathering time for many of our friends here in the Baldwin area. As we all come together tonight, each of us will be praying for John and each of you.
We are sorry to hear about the accident and wish we had the words to comfort you and make things right. We empathize with you and your family during this difficult time. You all will continue to be in our thoughts. We send you the best of wishes.
Dianna, looking forward to being with my best friend and John on Saturday. Thank you for asking me to be there. I love your family and haven’t prayed for 30 years…I haven’t stopped praying since Saturday night. Please thank Bernie for me…this is a fantastic idea.
We have been keeping John and his family in our prayers and thoughts since we heard the news. You guys were a great bunch to hang out at the races with, and if there is any way I could do more, please let me know.
Chris Thomas
#29N Wichita KS
Thinking about you all.
Thoughts & Prayers.
Wanted to let you know how much I am thinking and praying on behalf of your family. My family is here to help you in any way we can. Stay strong, be positive and keep fighting. With all my families love,
Coach O.
Heffernons, We can’t put into words how sorry we are. You have always been supportive to the Murrays and our race team and were so thankful to have friends like you all. Being in the infield when the accident happened Dusty went to try to help. Soon after Dusty and I hugged and said prayers next to the ambulance and have continued praying ever since. Your all in our thoughts and prayers. Please know I truelly believe John has a special angel pulling for him also.
Your Racing Family and Friends,
Chris and Dusty Murray and Family
Diana & Family,
God works miracles all the time and it is your time to have your miracle. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. The power of prayer and possitive thinking is amazing. Please let me know if there is anything we can do.
Trish Thomas and Family
I said many prayers for you Thursday when I heard of the accident. I feel bad being your neighbor and knowing so Little. Please let me watch over the animals, mow the lawn, etc.(anything but cook, Mac & cheese is all I can make..LOL) ALSO, the bus leaves promptly at 645am if Sara Margaret needs a ride to school (or home). If you need me to ever give her a ride somewhere, just let me know, I’ll make it happen. 913.620.7371 Call or email
Heffernons & Byers,
May you lean on God’s strength, power and sovereignty during each moment. Somehow, someway, He will sustain you. Thinking about you and praying for you non-stop …
Jennifer
John, Dianna, & Family,
You all are in our daily prayers and constant thoughts. I know great things are done through prayer and by people who deeply care for one another. It looks like you have both of these on your side.
Love,
Ted, Jill, Elise, and Ben
Our hearts sank when we heard of John’s accident. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. You are such a wonderful family and I know your strong faith will carry you through this difficult time. We’re here if you need anything.
Monte and Lori Tinkler
We continue to pray for John every day. May you find strength in your faith – it will get you through this difficult time.
Kelley, Steve, Audrey & Avery
We will also continue to pray for John and Dianna. If there is anything we can do we will keep posted on the blog and help out in any way we can. Dianna let us know if we can do anything…
Josh and Corey
From the staff of Sprint Center Our thoughts and prayers and with your family. God Bless
Romans 12:12
You’re in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please let us know. Olsons
Our thoughts are with you always.
Doug Dockhorn and family
Prayers for your family from Indiana.
. . . in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God will walk with you through all this.
Gary and Mary Self, and all of us at Interstate Electrcal (Debbie, Steve, Gary, Jan, Chris, and Sean)
John, Diana & Girls,
You know how much we love you. We are keeping you all in our prayers. You know you can count on us to help in any way we can. Just say the word. A big hug to all of you.
The Barretts
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you all the best. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Heather and Mike Godlewski
We have all been praying for John since we learned of the accident. You have such a strong family and know that you have so many friends to count on during this time. Thank you for setting this site up. We will continue to have your entire family in our prayers.
The Rounds
John, I pray for your healing. My prayers are also with your wife and the girls.
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family all week, stay strong. We send you postive energy and peace.
To all the Heffernons, All our thoughts and prayers are with you all. John, We are praying every day for You and Your Family. Lenny, You know My number; call if I can bring You anything JIM
To all of Johns family, I have been in constant prayer since learning of what happened. God bless all of you. If any of you need anything please call me (816)645-7268 I mean anything. John, Gods speed.
To all the Heffernons and Byers, we have so many prayer warriors in Indy praying for all of you–for God’s peace, love and strength. God Bless You All.
Melissa, Jeff, Olivia and Maria
We have been praying for you guys around the clock. We love ya John. Your faithful USE apprentice.
JOhn, we were devastated to hear of your accident and have you all in our thoughts constantly.
Heffernons, please let us know of anything you want or need. We are close by and can be at your side in an instant.
We love you guys,
Brandon and Judy
Just wanted to let you know we’ve been thinking about all of you and hoping for a speedy recovery for John. Our thoughts and prays are with you every day.
Shelby & Jill Franklin
We were so sorry to hear about John’s accident last week. We have been thinking about your family every day. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Sandra and David Clay
I am so sorry to hear about John. I will be thinking about him often and hope for a quick recovery.
Sara Bessinger Lovins
We were saddened to hear of John’s accident. Our prayers are with John and all the Heffernons. Bernie, we know we’re a long distance away, but our thoughts are with you and your family always.
The Heffernons are such great people. Your entire family is in my constant thoughts and prayers. Please lean on us anyway that you may need to.
Dianna & Family–Linda B just relayed the news about John. You and your family are uppermost in our thoughts and prayers. John is an amazing friend, husband, and father and it is no less amazing the support that is rallying behind you all at this time. Your faith and strength will serve you well. We are here if you need us. Love to you all, Irene and Rick
To all of the Heffernons-
John is in the X-factor and my prayers at this time. We hope for a quick recovery!
X-factor Softball
To all the Heffernons… John is constantly in our thoughts and prayers, and our wish is for a speedy recovery. We will do anything, anytime, all you have to do is call us. We will be there for you. God Bless all of you Pat and John Shaw
electrical supplies are always available in our local hardware dealer at a discounted price-,’