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 On Thursday, June 15th he had his first surgery to put a plate in
the front part of his neck. The spinal cord was not severed but very
contused.
He had a second surgery on Sunday, June 18th when a neurologist put
rods and screws in the back part of the neck.
Currently Tad is immobile from the from just below his shoulders on
down. He is able to raise and move his arms has good wrist rotation.
Family and doctors are hopeful that his grip will become stronger
over time with intense therapy and with a miracle of prayer that he
will walk again.
Tad has been transferred to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago
(previously known as Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). This
facility is well known throughout the country and has many success
stories.
 The family is looking forward to seeing the progress Tad will make
at this facility. Tad says he is looking forward to the challenge
and will work hard. It is expected that he will stay in Chicago for
a minimum of 24 days. An evaluation of his progress and condition
will be made at the end of that time, and additional days may be
needed.
Tad and his wife Gina will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary
and Tad's 40th birthday all in November. They have lived in Atlanta
their married life and have two daughters, Paige - age 12, and Anna
- age nine.
Paige will be attending Olympia Middle School this fall and Anna
will continue at Olympia South. Tad is an Olympia Alumni from Class
of 1996 and is the son of Bob & Pat Johnson. He is employed at
Bridgestone/Firestone, Normal and Gina is employed at Midwest
Dental, Lincoln.
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The community's support has been overwhelming and has meant a great deal to Tad
and his family.
A benefit account has been set up for the Johnson family at the Atlanta National
Bank.
Donations for the family's expenses may be addressed to:
Tad Johnson Benefit
c/o The Atlanta National Bank
PO Box 459
Atlanta, IL 61723
Tad would also enjoy hearing from friends around the community. Cards and
visitors are welcome at the Chicago hospital
Cards may be addressed to:
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
% Tad Johnson, Room #2220
355 E. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60611
In addition, on July 12th the Country Aire Restaurant in Atlanta will hold a
fundraiser for the Johnson Family. For that entire day, 20 percent of all
customer receipts will be sent to the Johnson Family.
[Jennifer Craig]
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