Muldrow Teen Injured In ATV Crash Slated For Treatment In Florida

With a little help from some friends, 17-year-old Christian Mayberry of Muldrow will be able to get the rehabilitation he needs.

Mayberry, who was severely injured in an ATV crash near Muldrow on Sept. 1, 2013, has been recovering in Fort Smith since March. He previously received treatment in Tulsa before being moved to Methodist Village Health, Rehab and Residential Living, and periodically had been undergoing rehabilitation therapy at the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center.

Mayberry suffered a traumatic brain injury and requires long-term rehabilitation. On Wednesday, the family got word that Christian can receive treatment at the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation in Wauchula, Fla. The hospital specializes in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

For months, the family was unsure that Mayberry would receive the treatment he needs. Although his story has gained widespread, national attention, getting the necessary treatment from a local facility in Oklahoma or Arkansas seemed unfeasible, said Christians mother, Kim Mayberry.

The family learned of the Florida facility after they were put in touch with a woman from Tampa whose son had suffered a similar injury after an ATV accident. The woman mentioned the hospital, and after a few phone calls, Kim Mayberry and other members of her family got a chance to tour the facility.

It was amazing. It was everything that we wanted, Kim Mayberry said.

Oklahoma state legislators became involved in the effort to get Christian adequate care. The offices of state Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro, state Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin petitioned for Mayberry to receive treatment at the facility, Kim Mayberry said.

They were very, very helpful, she said. The senator and the state rep their secretaries were amazing. They were on it; theyre mommas and theyre grandmas, and they knew what was best for Christian. I just thank God that they got involved.

Christian and the family will head to Florida on Sept. 14. Although they will be leaving behind a large circle of support in northeast Oklahoma and western Arkansas, a budding support system has emerged at the familys new temporary residence.

Julie Weintraub, founder and president of Hands Across the Bay, volunteered to become the familys personal sponsor. The nonprofit organization assists families in need and other charitable endeavors. Kim Mayberry said she also has received messages from other community members in and around Tampa who have reached out offering their support.

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Muldrow Teen Injured In ATV Crash Slated For Treatment In Florida