On Saturday, June 12th, 2010, Melanie Christianson and her horse, Lady were in an accident while competing at a show in Sequim, Washington. Melanie was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center where they discovered that in her fall, she broke her C5 & C6 vertebrae in her neck.

Mel came through surgery like a champ losing little blood but still with an uncertain recovery. The surgeons repaired the broken vertebrae. Her spinal cord was bruised and we continue to wait for her bones/muscles to get stronger. During her two month stay in Harborview, Mel had a grueling physical therapy schedule but remained her positive and competitive self.  On June 22nd, Mel was able to touch her nose with her hand. Mel’s family and friends took turns staying with her in her hospital room until she was released August 7th, a week earlier than originally planned.

Mel was greeted at home by her ponies, puppies and her two rescued BLM Burros. Bailey, Mel’s Border Collie became an instant lapdog on her arrival home and her horses, Lady & Tina couldn’t have been happier to see their person. The Christianson house has been modified with a ramp entryway and Mel’s room has been relocated to first floor where she can watch her favorite flicks on a very nice large flat screen television she received as a gift from her cousin. The bathroom has also been modified to accommodate her wheelchair.

Mel settled into her routine and continues to heal. She now goes to physical therapy at two different outpatient therapy centers. Because Mel lives in what we’ll call the “outskirts” of town, the Access bus won’t come pick her up. She was however, able to obtain her “Swagger wagon” a 94’ Dodge Mini-van that is modified with a ramp and electric door.

Melanie is a popular person in the horse community in this area. After her accident, her friends and family rallied to raise funds to help cover her expenses. A HUGE thank you to goes out to all the members of PSHA in both Washington and Oregon, KenMar Farms (Nash Hay Barn), Mike’s Western Suppliers, Country Farm & Feed, The Hopkins Family and all of the other merchants in the Enumclaw area who donated to support fundraising efforts for Melanie. Without all of your help we wouldn’t have been able to raise the money with all of the BBQ’s, bake sales, t-shirts,  raffles, garage sales, silent auctions, the benefit play day and an online donation website. So thank you again to everyone who has pitched in their time, money & donation items. We are still planning future fundraising efforts.

Melanie has been getting stronger every single day. We will soon be including video updates from Mel and videos of her on the Lokomat Swedish Walking Machine at her therapy facility so you can see just how far she has come.

We’re currently renovating the site, but please continue to share this website with your friends and check back for updates. Also, feel free to leave Mel a comment – whether you know her or not! All proceeds raised are going to Melanie. Don’t forget to check out our link at Chipin where you can securely donate through Paypal.com.Click: ”ChipIn” to donate!