115 replies to this topic

[MSA]

http://www.yachting.org.au/?Page=57669

Poor girl in an induced Coma with a fractured skull after a collision in her 29er..

Best wishes to her and her family..

Ive been in this situation before.. Its terrible not knowing when/if they will wake up..

[Recidivist]

http://www.yachting.org.au/?Page=57669

Poor girl in an induced Coma with a fractured skull after a collision in her 29er..

Best wishes to her and her family..

Ive been in this situation before.. Its terrible not knowing when/if they will wake up..

Oh no! We know Tess and her family. Thanks for posting MSA, here's hoping for all to be OK.

Damn.

[albanyguy]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Tess.

From the linked YA report sounds like RQYS had a very good incident management plan in place and those that needed to know about it enacted it well. Goes to show the value in planning for such an incident. You don't want to have to enact it but if you do make sure your volunteers know what they need to do.

[BAR KARATE]

OMG hope all is OK ..... I mean any updates .....

[SPORTSCAR]

Tess is one of the good ones, a plucky sailor and so full of life. Our thoughts & prayers are with her, her family, the Duncans & those caring for her now.

[bye bye]

Fingers crossed for Tess and best wishes to her family.

[Recidivist]

Got some news last night. Helluva impact. I won't post details here out of respect but if I hear any good news later today i'll update.

Tess has been a keen sailor for years, and has stuck with the sport, grown with it and become very good at it. C'mon Blonde Bombshell!

Thoughts and prayers with Tess and family.

[JimL]

Lots of positive thoughts commin from down here.

Jim

[Edake]

Best wishes and prayers to Tess and family.

[Recidivist]

Hmmm - front page has the stuff that I wasn't going to post. Yeah, Tess's skull was fractured to the extent that bone was embedded in her brain. Here's hoping for a full recovery.

[DtM]

Best wishes to Tess and her family

[seajay]

Best wishes with Tess and family

[Great Red Shark]

Oh man, that's brutal. First read that she'd hit the boom (wondered how you hit a 29er boom that hard) then saw the part about the collision with a windsurfer - wonder if she got smacked by the board's mast ? Those things can be wicked.

All my best thoughts to her & her family.

[Recidivist]

Oh man, that's brutal. First read that she'd hit the boom (wondered how you hit a 29er boom that hard) then saw the part about the collision with a windsurfer - wonder if she got smacked by the board's mast ? Those things can be wicked.

All my best thoughts to her & her family.

I was told it was the board that struck Tess, not the boom. Edit: board as in Techno Board - the windsurfer.

[Vernon Green]

Man that is rough, hope she pull through.

[zerothehero]

really hoping she has a speedy recovery. Best hopes and wishes from here in North east USA. This type of injury was my worst fear as a sailing instructor. prayers to all involved.

[unqua76]

Beyond a thought, I have said a prayer.

[razorback]

C'mon Tess! You've got a bunch of folks pulling for you.

[sail_like_a_girl]

Sending my thoughts and a prayer out for Tess. Wishing her family all the best.

[MikeR]

Good thoughts and prayers to her and her family.

MikeR

[tuf-luf]

Gosh, that's nasty luck.

Quick recovery Tess.

[48buster]

Tess's mun is reading these posts with me now

She sends her thanks for your support

Good signs today fingers crossed keep the passion for a full recorvery moving forward

Tonia

[minch]

Fingers crossed.

[Great Red Shark]

Pullin' for ya Tess. Hang in there.

[Recidivist]

Tess's mun is reading these posts with me now

She sends her thanks for your support

Good signs today fingers crossed keep the passion for a full recorvery moving forward

Tonia

Thanks for this news. Tonia and Mark, stay strong. The sailing community is here holding your hands and praying for Tess.

[Ryley]

Amen. Go the Tess... get through this.

[CruiserJim]

Tess's mun is reading these posts with me now

She sends her thanks for your support

Good signs today fingers crossed keep the passion for a full recorvery moving forward

Tonia

Glad to hear. Sending best wishes, thoughts, prayers and crossed fingers Tess's way.

[skiffsailor_aus]

Sending best wishes to Tess & her family. My thoughts are with you all - hope Tess makes a speedy recovery!

[MikeR]

Hope the good news keeps on coming.

MikeR

[gregj1]

Best to you Tess and family.

[I'moutahere]

From YA website.....

"Craig Heydon, Sunday, 15 January 2012
Yachting Australia would like to provide an update on the progress of injured 29er sailor Tess Lloyd.

Tess suffered a severe head injury in a collision on the final day of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships on Tuesday, 10 January 2012.

Following the collision Tess was placed in an induced coma and as of Sunday, 15 January, she remains in a coma.

Tess is in a similar position as reported on Friday though since then the water that was on her lungs has cleared naturally, which is a positive sign.

Her doctors are slowly reducing the level of drugs keeping her in the coma and it is reported that she is handling it well.

Tess is showing good colour but her progress will be slow.

Tess’ condition is stated as critical but stable and at this stage there is no definite timeline for when she will be brought out of the coma."

[mustang__1]

glad to hear that there is some positive news, even it is small. wow, just cant believe something like this could happen. positive thoughts. these past 24months have not been without trial in the sailing community.

[MikeR]

Any and all good news is welcome. Prayers on the way.

MikeR

[Flatbag]

Hang in there Tess, lots of good vibes here for you.

Sadly, there has been a MASSIVE arse covering spin exercise by YA behind this unfortunate story.
Mixing Sailboards and 29ers on the same course DESPITE concerns voiced before the event from competitors and parents.
Totally inadequate rescue boat numbers and incompetent course coverage.
The self lauding press release (notably minus the Sponsors name) issued with indecent haste about how well all the procedures worked when some of them patently did not... the list goes on.

The absolute priority here is unquestionably that Tess makes a full recovery... but in good time the truth will out.

[Jon711]

It doesn't matter who is at fault, RC, or the sailors.. All that matters is that Tess recovers....

Trying to apportion blame, is inappropriate at this time.....

Get well Tess, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless

Jon

[48buster]

Please don't turn these pages into another SA pissing match
This little girl is going through the fight of her life, you got no idea what her family is going through
I sat with Tess's mun the other morning and read her all the positive meassages that were coming from sailors all over the world ,
she was really touched by this, so keep em comming guys.
Tessy is our main concern right now

Progress has been slow but news from the doctors this morning has been positive,

[Recidivist]

Please don't turn these pages into another SA pissing match
This little girl is going through the fight of her life, you got no idea what her family is going through
I sat with Tess's mun the other morning and read her all the positive meassages that were coming from sailors all over the world ,
she was really touched by this, so keep em comming guys.
Tessy is our main concern right now

Progress has been slow but news from the doctors this morning has been positive,

Glad to hear it 48. And the fact that Mark and Tonia have chosen to release news about Tess through YA indicates they have confidence in that organisation and those people, so let's leave the bashings for later when hopefully there will be a lot less weight on the family.

Praying for you Tess, and your family. And I'm not even religious.

[skiffsailor_aus]

I agree - those of us who have thoughts about this need to show some sensitivity at this point in time & keep those thoughts to themselves.

Our thoughts instead should be with this young lady! Glad the news so far is positive!!! Hope the family are doing ok. Also hope the young man she was sailing with is doing ok.

[Life Buoy 15]

Hang in there Tess, lots of good vibes here for you.

Sadly, there has been a MASSIVE arse covering spin exercise by YA behind this unfortunate story.
Mixing Sailboards and 29ers on the same course DESPITE concerns voiced before the event from competitors and parents.
Totally inadequate rescue boat numbers and incompetent course coverage.
The self lauding press release (notably minus the Sponsors name) issued with indecent haste about how well all the procedures worked when some of them patently did not... the list goes on.

The absolute priority here is unquestionably that Tess makes a full recovery... but in good time the truth will out.

Please keep your ignorant, inappropriate and inaccurate comments to yourself.
Neither the time nor the place Flatbag.
Get better Tess!

[BarePoles]

Tragic event, I am hoping and praying for the best. Tess, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Adam

[sailingk8]

Sending good wishes and healing prayers.

[iSail]

Sending prayers your way Tess, the whole sailing community is rooting for you!

[Hobie Dog]

Please don't turn these pages into another SA pissing match
This little girl is going through the fight of her life, you got no idea what her family is going through
I sat with Tess's mun the other morning and read her all the positive meassages that were coming from sailors all over the world ,
she was really touched by this, so keep em comming guys.
Tessy is our main concern right now

Progress has been slow but news from the doctors this morning has been positive,

Thanks 48!!!

Thoughts and prayers for Tess from all of us at SMSA in Southern Maryland USA.

[On the Hard]

Tess (and Mum)

Add one to the long list praying for a full and speedy recovery. You sound like an incredibly impressive girl, someone should be an example for all kids, male and female.Get Better Soon!!!

[NACRADUDE]

Thoughts and prayers for Tess.

Come on lady, you can do this!!!!

[Recidivist]

Latest update.

Talented Victorian 29er skipper Tess Lloyd is today showing promising signs as she continues to slowly recover from injuries incurred in a collision during the final race of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships last Tuesday.

Tess remains in an induced coma in hospital in Brisbane but this morning her doctors were able to successfully reduce the medication levels keeping her in the coma by half, with her body reacting positively to the reduction.

Tess' nurses are now able to move her in the hospital bed comfortably without any adverse reaction. The process to bring her completely out of the coma is a slow one and Tess' doctors are continually monitoring her with no definite timeline to when this will occur. Tess' family has been inundated with messages of support from members of the Australian sailing community over the last week and her family is very appreciative of that support. These Yachting Australia bulletins remain the family's preferred way for Tess's progress to be communicated to the sailing community and the general public and will continue to be released for as long as her family wishes.

Go Tess!

[The Advocate]

Great news!

[albanyguy]

Great news!

+1

[bowman81]

Great News, keep the reports coming.

[Stubby]

Awesome news! Keep fighting Tess, it seems you have the whole world backing you.

[DAK]

Great news. Words mostly fail me, but know that a lot of people are thinking of you and your family.

[Guitar]

Good news. Support for her complete recovery from California Gold Country.

Go Tess.

[peeker]

To Tess's mom, It sounds like your daughter is in great hands,and as hard as it is, make sure you take care of yourself. Stay rested, and eat regularly. Let others do for you, if they offer to do the family laundry, let them, no shame in that. People offer to help because they really do want to, and love you. Keep yourself strong for your daughter. And for Tess, prayers are being whispered in the Pacific North West.

[Pete M]

having gone thru a traumatic brain injury with my grown son this past year - I hope the best for the young girl

she is young, so that is good for her -I'm sure the staff is telling her family all of this - and brain injuries are very hard on families too, the patient usually doesn't remember, the family does.

but for the rest of you - the first 72 hours are the worry for swelling and bleeding, with the fracture to her skull swelling is less of an issue - then she will be in the induced coma in case of seizures.

Then she will be in for a long period of recovery - with an injury like hers, 6- 8 weeks is still a fresh brain injury - it will be months and months - I hope she makes a full recovery - and it does seem likely at this point

But, I wish the staff told me this when we were at the hospital with my son for 5 weeks - or maybe they did and I just refused to hear

it takes time, it takes time, it takes time, it takes time, it takes time - I kept hoping for a snap recovery, but it just doesn't happen like that. It takes years - the recovery happens - but it takes time

[LDH]

Thanks for the updates. Best wishes and thoughts to Tess and your family!
And as others said to the fam, the docs will be taking good care of tess so make sure you take care of yourself during such a hard time. x

[timmos]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

[Beer Can]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Wonderful!

[Recidivist]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

All choked up with happiness! Thanks for posting, and I think we can dispense with the traditional newbie greeting in the circumstances.

[Rawhide]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Awesome news, the best thing I have read on SA ever!

[Turkey Slapper]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Nice!

[Stubby]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Awesome Stuff, so good to hear!

[LDH]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

All choked up with happiness! Thanks for posting, and I think we can dispense with the traditional newbie greeting in the circumstances.

I think I just had somethng in my eye temporarily too ...
& LOL @ comment re newbie greeting

[us7070]

great news!

i hope her recovery continues to go well.

[albanyguy]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

That is just awesome news. All the best from the west of this wide brown land.

[I'moutahere]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Bloody marvelous news!

[skiffsailor_aus]

Yay! That's great news! Hope she just keeps on improving from here.

[Vang Tang]

Fantastic! Go the Tess! Hopefully motor skills make way for sailing skills

[Edake]

Fantastic news. Someone above must be listening to all these good wishes and prayers. Hope the speedy recovery continues.

[Wallies_rule]

Registered here just to send my love and best wishes to Tess and Jack and Lloydie and Tonia and family. Am so happy things are going well. I also had some watery eyes this arvo thinking about how it would be if it happened to my Miriam (almost the same age)... Tess, you are a little fighter, I know you will pull through! Lots of love and strength from us. Xxx Deb

[bowman81]

Fantastic News.

[MikeR]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Absolutely great news! Hugs to her from MikeR and Mrs. Mike in the US. Hope things continue to go well for her.


Cheers,

MikeR

[Swanno (Ohf Shore)]

Fantastic news. Please continue to update us all on the progress.

[shaggybaxter]

Godspeed in your recovery Tess, sounds like you have a wonderful family to help you pull through this.

The day seems a bit brighter all of a sudden!

SB

[Aloha 27]

+1,000,000
Go Tess!

[On the Hard]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Post of the year award for 2012! Fantastic news! There may be some ups and downs along the way, but considering that she's been through this just sounds like remarkable progress. God's speed, Tess!

[Foghorn77]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Excellent news, hope there is much more to come. Thoughts and prayers to her family.

[Hobie Dog]

Awesome news! Best wishes and prayers for Tess's recovery!


We can address the proper Newbie welcome when they post in another thread!

[gregj1]

that is such excellent news. I am so happy for you, Tess and all your family.

[RobbieB]

That's awesome. Way to go girl!

[Jayavarman]

Cheers, and here's to a full and speedy recovery.

-Jaya

[Jon711]

Great News!! Tess, keep getting better, and you will soon be back in a boat!!!

Thoughts, and prayers for your continued recovery with you,your family and friends.

Jon

[mustang__1]

great news. hopefully she is back to herself and back in a boat soon enough.

[seajay]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Best first post ever. All best as things continue to more forward.

[Guitar]

Excellent news!

[MikeR]

Great news from Jack!

"Tess is awake, fully! Last night Tess was in and out of consciousness but would respond and open her eyes when I told her I was there. Last night she would not respond to commands but now she has all motor skills working fine. When Mum and Dad went in and she first heard thier voices she put her hands up for a hug but was too weak under the sedative. Now, Tess is off all sedative and fully awake just very tired, later today they will remove the breathing apparatus and she is doing really really well. She is out of a critical comdition and there is nothing more to worry about. We are so happy! Thank you for all your support and sorry for not replying to text messages and facebook messages, i have been getting them but i've had a lot and not enough time with all sailing and running around. Love you Tessy. xx"

Great news! Give her a hug from a seppo.


Cheers,

MikeR

[k8edidski]

Go Tess! Run Fast, Jump High and let your mom know you love her. Scars have stories.

[TD Floater]

Go Tess

[48buster]

It's a very slow process, she is in the very best care
Three steps toward and one step back
It's hard right now for her family as all the sailors who were competing have now headed home that close support from friends is still there but not like it was when the youths and nationals were on
I know the posts on SA have been appreciated by the family. Tonia was taken back by the level of support from sailors all over the world who have taken an interest in her daughter Tess
http://www.yachting.org.au/?Page=57917

[Flying Wasp]

My dad likes to say 'bang the drum slowly.' Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. All the best to Tess and her parents who have surely been through hell with this.

[NACRADUDE]

Just caught this. Way to go Tess.

I knew you could do it.

[Silverbullet]

Great news!

[Recidivist]

Today's update, heading in the right direction.

Injured 29er skipper Tess Lloyd has taken a major step forward as she continues to recover from an accident on the final day of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships in Brisbane.

In the last 24 hours Tess’ doctors were able to take her off the drugs that were controlling her induced coma. Tess is now fully awake, breathing on her own, alert and able to recognise family members and friends.

Her motor skills appear to be good and she has been able to complete a number of tasks, including squeezing a tennis ball. Tess has been sitting up and spent time yesterday absorbing the many cards and messages she had received over the last two weeks. As of yesterday, Tess has not used her voice and will be visited by experts in this area today. For the time being Tess will remain at the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane until she is well enough to return home to Melbourne with her family.

Hard to imagine Tess remaining mute for too long - let's hear it Tess!

[Occams Razor]

what great news - very glad to hear it!

[48buster]

Major step forward for injured sailor Tess Lloyd
Craig Heydon, Wednesday, 25 January 2012Injured 29er skipper Tess Lloyd has taken a major step forward as she continues to recover from an accident on the final day of the 2012 Australian Youth Championships in Brisbane.

In the last 24 hours Tess’ doctors were able to take her off the drugs that were controlling her induced coma. Tess is now fully awake, breathing on her own, alert and able to recognise family members and friends.

Her motor skills appear to be good and she has been able to complete a number of tasks, including squeezing a tennis ball. Tess has been sitting up and spent time yesterday absorbing the many cards and messages she had received over the last two weeks. As of yesterday, Tess has not used her voice and will be visited by experts in this area today. For the time being Tess will remain at the Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane until she is well enough to return home to Melbourne with her family.

[timmos]

More good news from Jack I thought I'd pass on.

"So Tess is now fully awake, walking, talking and telling mum and dad to piss off. She moves out of ICU today and into a ward. She is doing really well and is being really active claiming that she needs to 'practice' and then goes for a walk. Tess is still very drugged making a little confused. I am no longer in Brisbane so i can't comment on how she looks, just going by word of mouth now. We love you Tess, keep going. xx"

[bowman81]

Brilliant news, way to go Tess. Thanks for the updates and pass on my best thoughts!

[couchsurfer]

I'm so glad to hear the recovery is going well.

...tough 'hit',,long road,,,great new start!

...to say 'what doesn't kill you will make you stronger' ,may sound flippant,,
..but there's a -lot- of truth there too
..goes for mum/dad as well,,,,,,and anyone who learns from this

...all the best,,,DO take care!

[shanghaisailor]

Glad to hear the good news not only for Tess's sake but her mum & dad.

My daughter was clocked on the head at a Cork Week a few years back and ended up being medivaced off a big boat, thankfully not unconcious but neck brace, back board, that sort of thing and it was an uncomfortable time.

I truly hope that tess makes a full and complete recovery and while we naturally worry about her the most, spare a thought for her parents, it's not easy for them either.

Hopefully Tess will soon be back on the water.

Good hopes and best wishes from China

Shanghai Sailor

[Recidivist]

Latest update from YA - great news.

Victorian 29er skipper Tess Lloyd is continuing to show very positive signs as she continues to recover from a head injury sustained during the final race of the Australian Youth Championships.

Following the accident Tess was placed in an induced coma but is now fully awake and off the medication that was controlling the coma.

Tess’ family and friends have reported that she is showing all of those ‘Tess’ traits that they would expect; a lovely smile, warm and friendly nature and a sense of humour.

Tess’ memory continues to improve, along with her speech, which is now generally very coherent. While some words don’t quite work yet, everyday means that there are fewer that don’t. Tess does continue to have some short-term memory issues.

Tess has been doing some physical testing – walking the line, balancing, throwing, catching and kicking a ball – without faltering according to dad Mark.

Tess has been a very hungry girl due to throat irritation but is now able to eat…although her craving for an 'Urban Burger' remains unfulfilled!

The Lloyd family is currently of the view that while they could return to Melbourne shortly it is in Tess’ best interest, as she continues to recover, to take advantage of the very highly regarded rehabilitation facility at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. This will depend on getting access to this facility quickly. The Lloyd family would like to thank the excellent doctors, nurses and ambulance staff that have played such a big part in Tess’ recovery.

Over the last three weeks Tess has received an incredible amount of support from the sailing community across the globe, Melbourne yacht clubs, the Australian 29er fleet, her school and of course all of her family and friends.

Tess’ hospital room is filled with photos, balloons, flowers and posters, all of which have helped her tremendously during this difficult time.

These Yachting Australia updates on Tess’ progress will now be far less regular; a further update will be issued when a date for Tess’ return to Melbourne is known.

Onya Tess!

[dash34]

As a parent of a youth sailor, I've been following this one with my heart in my mouth. Now all I can say is a massive "Whew!". Thank heavens this one seems to have turned out ok. Way to go to everyone who helped Tess get to where she is now!