By Kristi Antley
River Bluff High School principal Jacob Smith, his wife Crystal and their three children, Bekah, Jake, and Banks, were involved in a serious automobile accident at the end of June while vacationing in Hawaii. All but one family member received emergency medical treatment and was subsequently released with manageable injuries. However, Bekah, 18, required additional medical treatment for a vertebral fracture and brain injury. Assistance, prayers and guidance from new friends on the island and compassion from complete strangers was a blessing to the family during their time of distress.
On July 2, Bekah underwent a procedure that stabilized her vertebrae and protected her spinal cord. Two days later, the ventilator was removed and her family had the wonderful opportunity to hear her voice. It was determined that her brain injury did not require surgery. On July 14, Bekah was transported from Hawaii to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where she has been receiving extensive inpatient treatment.
Bekah’s rehabilitation through The Shepherd Center Foundation Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program will be a slow journey of milestones. The staff of Our Town Magazine and the Lexington community continue to lift Bekah and her family in prayer as she faces each challenge along the way. Updates and information regarding her progress can be found at CaringBridge.org/visit/walkingwithbekah. Monetary donations for expenses and basic resources for the family can be made through GoFundMe.com/f/mqcpae-the-smith-family.
Cards and packages for Bekah, her family members and her caregivers can be sent to the following addresses:
Cards for Bekah
The Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW
Atlanta GA 30309-1465
Attn: Bekah Smith
Room: 246
Packages or family mail:
Bekah Smith – WFRC510
C/O The Shepherd Center 2020 Peachtree Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30309-1426
