It has been 20 days since show jumper Kevin Babington suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a traumatic fall at the Hampton Classic,

His wife, Dianna, wrote on facebook that surgery Tuesday at NYU “went as well as possible.

“We are possibly heading out of trauma to rehab in the next 48 hours, which means we will no longer be at NYU. Kevin is anxious to start working with the rehab team. His breathing continues to get stronger, which is a big deal.

“We are still hopeful some improvement will come as spinal shock and swelling subside. Whatever happens, we will make sure he lives his best life. A life which still involves me, his children, his extended family, horses, students, and friends. We have the best of him still.”

She added thanks to Elizabeth Sponseller and Hayley Poinelli Carlson for all the night shifts they pulled at the hospital.

“Kevin has not been alone one minute since his accident. They, along with my daughters, stayed overnight on shifts so I could research, deal with decisions and doctors during the day and be here for procedures. I don’t know how I would have survived the trauma phase of this without all of their support. That is not to mitigate the other friends who have been here, flying in, taking me to dinner, helping the girls, working on finances, and keeping me sane or letting me not be when I couldn’t. I will post when we have departed for rehab and where you can visit once it is confirmed. Please keep us in you prayers.”

Kevin Babington was fourth at the 2004 Olympics on Carling King. (Photo©2004 by Nancy Jaffer)

Previously she has noted that what she has learned since the accident is that “I have to slow down. I need to be patient. For those who know me, it’s not my forte. I am controlling and everyone knows that but it has always worked for me. I want to fix this and move on. The doctors tell me it’s up to Kevin.

Kevin and his family during the presentation after he won the 2016 Grand Prix of Devon. (Photo©2016 by Nancy Jaffer)

“I get good news from one and bad from another on a daily basis. It’s maddening. Like being strapped to a roller coaster you want to exit. It depends on the severity of the injury when it all shakes out. It’s the worst kind of unknown. One that affects someone you love and one you can’t control. 

“It is an insurmountable task to pick the next phase when you are thrown into medicine without prior knowledge. I feel like I am walking through a dark tunnel. Nothing prepares you for this.”

But regardless of his condition, Kevin is still Kevin.

“He has impressed me my whole life,” Dianna posted.

“I am watching this remarkable person handle this with dignity, kindness to his nurses and all that are helping him, and despite difficulty speaking he is constantly trying to make sure visitors who don’t know each-other are introduced and have a place to sit.”

She advises that Facebook messages, cards and videos all help.

“It makes a difference and it is appreciated more than you will ever know. He is definitely trying to get the most out of every day, he is pushing himself, and with your continued support I know he will keep fighting.”

Of course he will.

A big issue is how to pay for the enormous expense involved in this situation, since insurance never covers everything.

A medical fundraising page on Facebook that has raised nearly $550,000 was posted by Sissy Wickes to help the family with medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. She will also establish a special needs trust for Kevin.

To donate, https://www.facebook.com/donate/508000833102520/508006313101972/

If Facebook’s donation fees are an issue for you, try https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family

Meanwhile, there will be a Jump for Kevin benefit 1-meter class every Saturday of the Princeton Fall Equestrian Festival in Skillman (princetonshowjumping.com), with all entry fees being donated The entry fee is a minimum $50, but riders can donate more if they want. Every competitor also can donate a portion or all of their prize money if they let the show secretary know. Each rider who participates will be given an Irish green arm sash to wear in the competition ring.

All weekend parking proceeds also will be donated to Kevin.  Volunteers are needed to help collect parking fees from spectators and donations from exhibitors who wish to do so. Contact princetonshowjumping@gmail.com to volunteer.

Plans are in the works for a benefit horse show Oct. 13 at Duncraven in Titusville, Mercer County. Well-A-Way Farm in Simsbury, Conn., is having a show to support Kevin Sept. 21.

Meanwhile, those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.

Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs

To learn more about Kevin, here is a link to the story I did about him in July: https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/