Update: March 10, 2003

Casey is making improvements everyday.  Those of you that have read anything at all about severe head injuries know that we celebrate so much during the early stage of improvement.  Casey talked with Genia Landers this morning on the telephone.  The smaller "trach" allows Casey to talk in a half whisper  - half voice.  Genia told her that we had gone to a Longhorn Barrel Race in Marshall, TX this weekend and a bunch of people say to tell her Hello.  Casey said, "That was nice".  Genia said that Casey was in good spirits this morning and looking forward to her Therapy. Tammy told us that they had not talked to the Doctor today but were hoping to have the "trach" removed today or very soon.

Tammy was about to take Casey to her rehab classes when we called this morning.  They are strenuous and Casey gets tired.  Fatigue is a major side effect of head injuries and will be a major hurdle for Casey to deal with.  Her Physical Therapy is coming along great.  She will need considerable Occupational and Speech Therapy.  Casey  has a very long and challenging future in front of her.  Something's are still very confusing to her - that is to be expected.  We are so excited about celebrating the life that was pumped back into this beautiful child that we don't want to forget the long road ahead of her for recovery.  Thank you Lord for this opportunity!

Casey must have someone with her around the clock for the next 6 months, per the Doctors orders.  She cannot be left alone.  Tammy is staying with her at  Baylor Rehab but this is very difficult.  Tammy is exhausted.  The Rehab center provides the food for Casey but not for Tammy.  She can no leave to go get anything to eat unless someone is with Casey.  Please think about this if you are going to visit Casey.  Call Tammy ahead of time and let her know when you are coming.  Offer to take her something to eat.  Tammy is accustomed to working outside on the farm everyday.  She is inside everyday now and spending time alone during Casey's therapy sessions.  Hey - give her a call midmorning or mid-afternoon so she can talk to you.  It is tough during your own work week but try to make the effort.  We have to keep Tammy strong for David and Casey!

One more thing before I go - Casey had heard about the Benefit Barrel Race and Silent Auction to be held at Josey's on June 21, 2003.  She told Genia - "I am going to be there at Josey's for the benefit!  You know I won't be able to ride but I am going to be there!".  Genia was beside herself and told Casey, "Great".
This is a huge goal for Casey! It is a great goal for her to have set for herself. 

The Benefit is coming together and should be well attended.  I do not know what job Laura has planned for me but the event is really coming together.  Please let us know if you can secure a great item for the Silent Auction of money for advertising the event.  These are our 2 biggest area's of need for the event. 

Keep the fax letters, cards, e-mails, etc., coming.  So many times we forget to keep the vigil when someone appears to be "Out of the woods" on a traumatic injury.  Casey's type of injury is one that needs tons of ongoing support and encouragement.  You have been great with your writings.  Don't stop.  I will keep taking them to her as long as you keep sending them.

It is a good thing that you all are doing.  Please keep Casey, David and the entire Moss Family in your prayers.

Thank you and God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir

Thursday March 6, 2003

I spoke to Tammy last night and Casey is continuing to recover. They had changed her trach tube to a smaller one and Casey was able to speak a little. They were hoping that it could possibly be removed completely today. Tammy sounded so good, she inspired me even more.

The Doctors have asked if Casey could be a part of a 2 year study on head injuries and how certainmedications help those types of injuries. Tammy said if it will help others, certainly!

The benefit barrel race is coming together. Bobby Dove donated a beautiful painting to the silent auction of Martha Josey at the NBHA World the year she won the Senior division. You can view it at www.dovesgallery.com it is on the home page. It is valued at $2,500! The Doves do not personally know Casey put wanted to help, just like some many others of you. The prayers, cards, letters, and donations have really helped the Moss family. Tammy and I were discussing every thing that had been done, sent in, and etc....... Both of us wondered how do you let everyone know what a huge affect their actions have had on the Moss family and friends. It is hard to measure in words!

We still need silent auction items! This will be where we earn the most! The sooner we get the donations the better.  We are printing a catalog up that will be online, so you can see what we have available!

We have volunteers in place to work the benefit, we still need tractors, and tractor drivers. We also need cash for the added money, advertising, fuel, and food & beverages for the volunteers. We need $5,500 to $6, 000 to cover these expenses. If you can donate to the benefit barrelrace, please send a check to, and made out to Friends For Friends

Once we reach our goal I will send out a email stating that. Any additional funds will given to the Moss Family.  If you know of any sponsors we have plenty of room for banners, the barrelshave not been painted yet, and there will be a keepsake program book with add space in it. Please have them contact me directly.

Tuesday Update: Mar. 4, 2003

Genia Landers, Bridget Thomas and I went to vist Casey last night.  She is in Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation 3505 Gaston  Dallas, TX  75246 Rm 311 with a phone number of 214-818-5374.  She can not talk due to the trach but someone is with her round the clock.  Casey was sitting up in bed when we got there.  Remember where she started from just a few weeks ago.  She has lost alot of weight but is eating well with a very healthy appetite.  Chocolate is her favorite ice cream and she uses that to take her medicine at night.

We took a big pile of envelopes that I had received and a whole notebook of your e-mails.  There were checks, letters, cards, prayers, well wishes, angel pins, etc in them.  She was able to open some of the envelopes by herself and we opened some for her.  She could read all of what was written in print and we read the cursive to her.  She recognized several people by their names on the letters and cards.  She loved it.  She also opened a small box that had a little stuffed horse in it.  Casey had been sent a UPS package to my office yesterday and it was a special "King Mardi Gras" cake from a lady in Louisiana that had bought a horse named "Freckles" from her a couple of years ago.  It had a special story, good luck wishes and a baby doll in the cake. 

We probably stayed to long but Casey enjoyed it but was getting tired.  She even made us stay in there when she received her nightly breathing treatment thru her trach.  She is one tought kiddo!  We asked if we could take a picture of the cake.  Then  I asked if she would like for us to take her photo with the cake so her friends could see her on the internet.  She pointed to the trach so I said ok - we won't if you don't want to.  The next thing we new - she was pulling her long blond hair out of a clip and fixing it around her neck - motioned for the stuffed horse, bear, etc. wanted Genia and me on one side and Bridget on the other.  We showed her the digital photo and she liked and approved of it.  Genia showed the photo to Tammy and she agreed to let us share it with you all on the internet.  We talked about horses alot and she was very sharp on everything to do with her horses.  She could print notes to us on the eraser board and correct us about a horse if we were wrong.

Casey is going thru an unpleasant procedure today.  They are going to scope her vocal cords and breathing passage.  Casey is experiencing a problem breathing with out the trach.  They want to take a look and see if they can find a blockage or the source of the problem.  The do not want her to have any anethesia or sedation at this point so it may not be pleasant for her.  Pray they find the problem and can fix it quickly.

Casey did well in her therapy yesterday.  She will begin classes now and Tammy of David will be taking in a wheel chair everyday to her therapy sessons.  The Doctors are to meet with Tammy and David on Thursday with an assessement on Casey at this time and the future expectations.  She will stay in this Rehab facility for quite some time.  Tammy said after that she will be required to come back for rehab EVERY DAY for a long period of time followed by 3 - 4 days a week, etc.  They have a big challenge and we need to pray all along the way.  She wants all of her class mates to know she says hello!  There was big white butcher paper sign on the wall from the students at her high shool with well wishes from them to her.

Remember, Dallas, TX is a little more than a 2 hour drive one-way from their farm in Paris, TX.  They will need stay in Dallas, eat in Dallas, etc.  You know the story.  You can send cards and letters to her at the above address and you may continue to send them to me to hand carry to the hospital.

Tammy is exahusted.  We all talked in the corridor after our visit with Casey.  If you get to talk to Tammy later in time - please ask her to tell you the funny story about Casey's transport from the hospital to the rehab center.  I think she referered it as the ride in a "Ghost Buster Mobile" from the movie.  Remember that Tammy needs those phone calls.  Just don't forget that the phone is right beside Casey's bed.  Whatever you ask she will be answering within hearing range of Casey.

The Lord has heard the prayers!  David's Scan was clear yesterday.  His cancer is in the soft tissue of the neck and face.  I believe they will check him again in 60 days.  They have to stay ahead of it - find it - cut it out.  He had surgery to remove 3 tumors 1 1/2 years ago along followed by chemo and radiation.  It reappeared last year and he had surgery to remove it again on 10/01/02.  This is a clean scan this time.  Keep him in your prayers.  THis little family has really had a big load dropped on them.

Keep the prayers coming.  God Bless you all and thank you,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir

PSS - don't forget the June 21st barrel race and silent auction at Josey's.  See details on Barrelhorses.com or just call.

UPDATE: Monday     March 3,  2003          San Antonio, TX

Thank you to all of you that are continueing to send e-mails, cards, packages, etc. to me for the Moss Family.  Genia and I are going to Baylor this evening.  Thank you to D&G Productions for the Silent Auction at Waco this weekend.  Also to Mr. & Mrs. Arvie Turner of Power Pak products for helping  Paula Owens kick-off the raffle sale tickets.

Genia spoke with Martha Josey at the Waco D&G and personally thanked her for donating the their arena at the Josey Ranch to Laura Rodgers for the Barrel Race Benefit.  I had a brief visit with Kelly Yates at the Waco, TX D&G on Sunday.  Many of you may remember that Kelly had a tragic accident many years ago that resulted in long term therapy for recovery.  She has graciously donated autographed photos of she and Firewater Fiesta and is going to call and visit with Tammy.  Kelly also wants to give Casey a call when she can talk on the telephone.  Kay Blandford also agreed to send something for the Silent Auction at the Benefit.  One lady is making a quilt and the list is growing.  I know the barrel race will be a huge success and well attended but the Silent Auction may be something unique to behold!

Please lift Casey's Daddy, Daivd Moss, up special in your prayers today.  He had tests last week as to the current status of his Cancer.  He will receive the results TODAY!

Casey is coming along great.  She is in a room in the Rehab. section of Baylor Hospital.  She is currently in a room with several other patients and Tammy can not spend the night with her.  Tammy is staying in Dallas a few minutes away with friends.  The current number to her room is 214-818-5383.  They are attempting to place Casey in a private room today and start therapy.  I understand that her kind of injury involves Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy. She is a tough competitor and this is a challenge that she will face head on just like her barrel racing competition.

Casey is able to stand with support and walk to the shower and shower herself with support. She is slowly dressing herself.  She is eating well and has a good appetite.  She no longer has all the tubes to deal with but still does have the trach.  Things are slow and frustrating but she is a miracle and it will get better.  Remember, we are going for "Full Recovery" in our prayers.

OK - We have had several calls about the Benefit Barrel Race for Casey Moss.  It is at the Josey Ranch - Karnack, TX - (Just outside Marshall, TX)  The dates are June 21st for the Barrel RAce and Auction with exhibitions on Frid. nite - June 20th.  See the info on BarrelHorses. com or contact Laura Rodgers at 214-679-3358.

The Benefit Barrel Race and Auction are the brainstorm of Laura Rodgers.  She is actually the one that is in charge of organizing and making all this come together.  Laura had asked that the The "Friends for Friends" founders serve as hosts for this event and handle the revenue for the Moss Family.  They will be glad to be a source of receiving the donations from anyone for the Silent Auction.  You may contact them as follows:
Linda Curtis - 972-452-3667; Genia Landers - 214-663-3857  or Bonnie McAree - 903-765-2444  

I am only helping as needed for this event.  You may also continue to send items to me for the Moss Family. 
The Moss Family c/o Lyndia Cotton - P.O. Box 1292  Terrell, TX  75160
972-563-0142 or NBHATX20@aol.com or fax 972-563-6133.

Please contact Laura if you wish to help with the Added Money portion of the Barrel Race.  She in charge of that as well. 

Please do not give me any glory for any of my work with the updates or working with the various activities for the benefit of the Moss family.  I want all the Glory to go to God for hearing the power of your prayers and for the healing of this beautiful child.

Please keep the power of prayers coming for Tammy, David and Casey.  Our God is truly an awesome God.

God Bess,
Lyndia Cotton
Dist Dir TX20

UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2003

She is getting better each hour!  She ate some small bites of Jello last night and took a few sips of a shake.  This morning they allowed her to eat very small bites of scrambled egg - slowly!  Everything is going down the right path to the stomach.  Yea!  The Trach will remain in for a while due to the breathing treatments that she receives for her lungs.  They need to clear out good and strengthen from the pnemonia, etc.

She can stand with a walker or someone helping her.  She is just weak.  Some burgers and fries will get those long runners legs strong in no time. She is still writing and using the dry eraser board.  She is doing pretty good with her board.  Tried to write "21" but it came out "12".  She likes it in the chair but wiggles alot when in the bed.  A spot has opened up for Casey at Baylor Hospital - Rehab unit.  They are trying to move her today, if possible. 

Keep this wonderful 17 yr old girl in your prayers.  We are praying for a Full Recovery for Casey.  I know that we are going to keep helping her along her path to recovery.  Please pray for David & Tammy real special like.  This will be a challenging weekend for them but thanks to the Power of Prayer - one that should be full of praise and joy.

There are all kinds of things to help with Casey's financial costs and the cost of the family traveling back and forth to Dallas from the farm.  As before, you may send items or money to me.  You may also want to go on Barrelhorses.com
Andre' Dohrn has set up a place to contribute as well as offering up an auction of items with no commission charge on that site.  Just go there and read about it.  Also, the benefit barrel race at the Josey Ranch 6/20 & 6/21 has a Silent Auction along with the barrel race.  You may send items to the host of the event - "Friends for Friends" - to Bonnie McAree 903-765-2444.  "Friends for Friends" was founded and is managed by Genia Landers, Linda Curtis and Bonnie McAree for our east Texas family of barrel racers benefit.  What a wonderful group they have become.

I will be at the D&G in Waco, TX for the weekend.  Julie Bailey is to keep me up to date each day.  Come by and see us at the Raffle Table set up for Casey.  Heck - buy a ticket!  Praise the Lord for shining his face upon all of us.

"It is possible to give away and become richer!...It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Proverbs 11:24, 25

God Bless you all,

Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir
P.O. Box 1292
Terrell, TX  75160
972-563-0142Hm
972-563-6133Fx
NBHATX20@AOL.COM

Update: Feb. 27, 2003

I will say it again.  Thank you for the prayers, Praise the Lord!  I spoke with Denise Reichert who is staying with Tammy today and tonight.  The news is getting better.  Our God is a wonderful God!!

Denise Reichert is a Doctors wife and she and her daughters are family friends of the Moss'.  She brought a Dry Eraser Board, a Game Boy and a CD with headsets to Casey's room today.  The Dry Eraser Board was a fantastic idea.  Casey wrote the name and ages of ALL OF HER HORSES!!  She wrote her little brother's name and age - Sloan - 11yrs. old.

She wrote thank you and I love you to Denise for the eraser board.  She even wrote, "How is Megan"?  (That is Denise's 16 yr old daughter.)  Casey wasn't occupied to long with the Game Boy and the Headphones agitated her so they took them off.

My point of the details that I am providing you is that this is a sign of good Cognative  Skills!!  They came in and did some therapy on Casey's legs.  She is in such good shape as a runner and horsewoman that she just didn't need much therapy.  (She has lost alot of weight.)  She did take a couple of sips of water today and a tiny bit of applesauce.  She wrote, "I want food NOW."  Remember, she has the Trach still in and the IV's .  Even better news is that her elevated enzymes have started to drop.  They are taking baby steps right now with the unsolved pancreas problem

One of the ladies did her toenails today!  She is very tired.  Denise gave her a shoulder and back rub and Casey slept for 2 - 3 hours.  The Doctors are trying to get things worked around so that they can move Casey to Baylor Hospital in Dallas on Monday.  They have a fantastic Rehab. Dept. at Baylor.

The words to me on the phone to all of you that have been following this miracle in progress were:  "Please keep praying".  Casey and her family have a long road ahead of them.  Remember, we are praying for Casey's TOTAL HEALING!  HE has heard our great number of prayers and they have brought Casey this far - Let's take it all the way people.  Don't let up.

FYI:  "Friends For Friends" is hosting a funding raising barrel race on June 20 & 21, 2003 at the Josey Ranch in Karnack, TX.   R.E. & Martha have donated their facility to us for this event. We need donations for the Silent Auction, added Money and volunteer workers.  All proceeds will go to Casey Moss and her family.  There are hook-ups and stalls.  More details to come later.  For information you may contact Lyndia Cotton - 972-563-0142 or Laura Rodgers 214-679-3358   BarrelHorses.com will have a secure credit card spot online on their site in the near future for anyone that wants to contribute to the Friends for Friends Benefit Barrel Race for Casey Moss and the Moss Family.  All donations will go to the benefit of the Casey and the Moss Family.

God Bless All of You for all that you have done,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir
P.O. Box 1292
Terrell, TX  75160
972-563-0142
NBHATX20@AOL.COM

Update: February 26, 2003                San Antonio, TX

Praise the Lord!  Your prayers ARE WORKING!!!  I spent almost all day trying to get a call answered at Parkland.  Obviously with the weather, the hospital is short staffed.  It was still alarming for us not to be able to get thru.  Genia and I spoke with Tammy at 4:15pm.  We also spoke with Julie Bailey who is spending another night with them.

Casey was moved from the Neurology CICUnit beacuse she has become stable enought to allow more critical patients into the unit.

All of Casey's test on the Pancrease are coming back negative.  They will have to figure all of that out in the near future.  We all know that the Pancreas is critical to your mortality.

But let me give you outstanding news before I break the key board or float it away with my tears.  Casey is awake.  Tammy said that she was showing those pretty "Uncle Harv Green Eyes".  Her eyes were clear and bright.  She is sitting up in a big hospital type recliner chair.  The occupational therapist has been with her.  She put a towel, a roll of tape and tube of Blistex in Casey's lap.  She said, "Casey I want you to tear off a piece of tape, take the lid off the tube and put some on your lips, put the lid back on and fold the towel for me."  Casey pulled the tape out but couldn't tear it off, she put the blistex on - put the lid on and folded the towel.  Praise the LORD!!  She could write all of their names and they asked her to write her favorite horse name.  Her writing was all over the page and barely legible.  But guess what she wrote - "Runnum Ragged".  She has been able to hear them talking to her all the time even though she didn't always respond.  She still has alot of tubes, a shunt, and wires all over her to keep her body working properly.  They can not feed her until they find out at the problem is with her internally regarding the stomach and pancreas.

I had to get off the phone and leave it with Genia - yes, I break up easily when I feel the love of the Lord coming thru that phone line.  I bet everyone of you would too.  I am not a "Wimp" - I have just seen and felt the power of the LORD working in this family's behalf thru all of these prayers, e-mails, letters, cards and donations for them.

The floor that Casey is on is very understaffed at Parkland. Someone must stay with Casey around the clock.  She is wiggling and trying to move around alot in the big chair.

Casey has taken a big step and has a long road ahead of her.  Please celebrate this improvement and continue to pray for her.  We need the Lord to guide those Doctors to find and correct the pancreas problem.  Please keep the prayers coming.  The Power if Prayer is incredible.  Remember, they said it would take a miracle for Casey and it it happening.

FYI:  "Friends For Friends" is hosting a funding raising barrel race on June 20 & 21, 2003 at the Josey Ranch in Karnack, TX.   R.E. & Martha have donated their facility to us for this event. We need donations for the Silent Auction, added Money and volunteer workers.  All proceeds will go to Casey Moss and her family.  There are hook-ups and stalls.  More details to come later.  For information you may contact Lyndia Cotton - 972-563-0142 or Laura Rodgers 214-679-3358

God Bless All of You for all that you have done,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir
P.O. Box 1292
Terrell, TX  75160
972-563-0142

Update: Feb. 24, 2003

Genia Landers spoke with Tammy last night from Glen Rose, TX.  Several of us had competed at the Jurrassic Classic in Glen Rose, TX over the weekend.  Arvie Turner with Horse Power and I had put together a donation jar and a Silent Auction  during the 2 day event.  Thank you for all of you that donated money, checks, handed me cash in the warm-up pen and contributed to the silent auction.  Yes, and the wonderful notes and kind written words that you trusted us to carry to the Moss Family.  I also received more cards and letters to the Moss family today.

I spoke with Tammy at 3pm today, 02/24/03.  Casey has had a rough weekend.  Casey's heart rate and Blood Pressure had risen after I talked with David on Friday - 02/21/03. The Doctors gave Casey a shot of Morphine to ease her.  She has been in a deep sleep since Friday afternoon.  They do not know why.  They can not get her to respond to the nurses or Tammy.  (She briefly woke when the nurses were bathing her at 4am but she would not respond to them.  She woke briefly when the Doctor examined her at 6am and he said she would hold up the 2 fingers on each hand.) 
    
The blood work is very off on Casey.  Indications are that there is something wrong with her liver, gallbladder, pancrease & bowel.  The Ultra-Sound of these organs were negative.  Today they also ran a test called an HIDA Test and it was negative.  They then ran sometype of dye into the test.  They did not have those results as of 3PM today.  They have removed Casey feeding tube from her nose.  They have found that the food was getting to her stomach and out but Tammy said that the stomach was holding the "secretions".   It is very confusing for them Tammy and David right now.  They are still in the CICU Nurology unit.

It is very devastating for Tammy to sit there with Casey and for Casey  to not respond.  Last week things sounded so encouraging.

I read a couple of the e-mails to Tammy today to try to lift her spirits.  We are not going to make it to Dallas today because of the freezing preciptation warnings.  Julie Bailey is spending the night with Tammy tonight.  I have several unopened envelopes that have been received here to carry with us to the hospital.  Please don't forget to drop them a note.  IT is important for them to read and gets them thru long days at the hospital.

As you can tell, it appears that Casey is at a very critical place in her healing.  I told Tammy that all the prayers from all over the barrel racing world were going up in her behalf.  Tammy said," right now that is all that we have".  I told her, "That is all that you need".

I think that this day and night is a time that I feel that we must send up prayers for Casey's recovery and comfort for her family.  I feel a strong urgency in this and know that you will give her that extra moment in your prayer.  Please keep the e-mails, cards, letters and well wishes coming in.

One last note, Tammy has just received 2 envelopes from over a week ago sent to them at the hospital.  One was opened across the end and nothing was inside.  It is probably best NOT to send things directly to them at Parkland Hospital.  AT least not until they are assigned to a room.  You are welcome to send them to us here and will take them to her - "unopened".

Lyndia Cotton
Attn: Moss Family or Casey Moss
P.O. Box 1292
Terrell, TX  75160
fax 972-563-6133

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton

Update: February 21, 2003

Don't forget the collection for Casey at Glen Rose, TX - Jurrassic Classic this weekend.  You may leave monetary donations or cards, letters, with me at my trailer or at the Horse Power booth with Arvie Turner.  We can get it to them on Monday.  (My trailer is a silver 4 star with LCI Livestock Insurance written on it, pulled with Genia's Dark Grey Dodge)

I spoke with David today at 1:45pm.  He has just come from Casey's bedside.  The Cat Scan from yesterday indicated that there was no further bleeding.  The brain is bruised in several places but the one large one that we reported about earlier is the same.  David compared the bruises as "Hematoma's" like a bruise on your arm.  The bruises on the brain go thru all the same process' as the one's that you receive on your lower body.

They told him that the CT Scan would not really show improvement of the bruising for about another 3 weeks.  Then it will show them getting smaller as they heal. The good news is that they are staying the same and no further enlargement of the really bad one they have been watching so closely.

David put his head down close to Casey and she felt all around her Daddy's face, felt the day old stubble and patted his cheek.  She can open her eyes but are very cloudy.  She is moving her legs up and down alot. 

David said that the medical staff are very anxious to start Casey's therapy.  It is not time yet.  But with power of all our prayers, this beautiful cowgirl will break records when they start working with her.  You know how competitive she is if you ever competed against her.

Genia Landers and I will be going to see them Monday after work.  Will take the e-mails, cards, letters, etc that we have recieved with us for "the folder".

Man - what a challenge we have to face here - the prayers are making a huge difference - I hear it !!  Keep that prayer chain Strong as we go into the weekend.  Find a special scripture and lift her up with it this Sunday at Church or just by yourself with God in the Barn!  HE hears you.

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir

Update: 02/20/03

3:30pm.  I spoke with David Moss at the hospital.  He and a friend are spending the night at the hospital.  Tammy has gone home for the first time since the accident on 02/11/03.  She will be back tomorrow. 

David has just come from Casey's side when I called today.  He said that everything is about the same today as yesterday.  She can still squeeze your hand and can wiggle her toes if asked.  She opens her eyes but David said he can not really tell if she really sees you.  She did follow the nurse with her head but David wasn't sure if it was from the sound or if she could really see the nurse.

They have taken Casey off the sedation and the ventilator.  The did another CT Scan today.  Between them bathing her, the CT Scan, etc.  Casey had become uncomfortable / painful.  They gave her a pain shot this afternoon and she fell asleep quickly.

I received several envelopes for Casey today.  I will not open them but can tell they have cards, letters, etc. in them.  Please keep the prayers offered up for Casey and her family. She is making progress - sometimes it seems like baby steps but it is progress.

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir

Update - 02/19/03 5:10pm     

I spoke with Tammy on the phone at 4:00pm at Parkland Hospital.  Casey is in the Neurology ICU at this time.  Thank you Lord for the good news and progress today.  I tried really hard not to shed the tears of thankfulness and joy that I felt while  talking to Tammy on the phone.  Yes, the brain monitor was removed yesterday during the time they did the surgery for the "trach".  Her fever had risen very high last night but the cooling pad and anitibiotics have brought it down again.

TODAY - - they starting to take her out of sedation!  Tammy and the nurses watched her "wiggling" her toes, fingers and opening her groggy eyes.  Very sleepy eyes.  They had Tammy talk to her about good things even though her eyes were closed. The nurse saw Tammy take Casey's right hand in her own hands.  Tammy said, "Casey, if you can hear me and understand that I am right here with you - 

squeeze my hand".  Casey did just that!!!.  She did the same thing with the left hand but just a little weaker.

They let Casey rest for awhile.  Tammy was with the nurse as they asked Casey to do something very special them, "Casey raise your right ARM and 2 FINGERS - any two fingers."  Boy did she!  The peace sign!  And yes, she did the same thing with the left arm. 

There are no words that I can put on this paper that could possible express the joy, love, hope, etc. that I heard in Tammy's voice as we spoke of this during our conversation this afternoon.  She said, "Two big 'ol piece signs today".

Casey was allowed to sleep late this afternoon.  Tammy said that the nurses had worked on her pretty hard today and she was tired.   Her body has alot of healing and resting to do.

I can't hardly write this update without my tears of joy hitting the keyboard.  I know some of you can feel this just like I can.

Tammy told me today that the first folder of e-mails, notes, letters, etc. that we prepared for them to read had been wonderful.  She said that many of the family, friends and visitors were actually sitting and reading the folder page by page.  It is such a wonderful thing to see what so many of you have done with you special words of support.  Tammy and David are simply astounded by the people that don't even know them but have sent beautiful words of hope and prayer,  as well as the ones that have shared stories with them on paper.

Thank for the continued contributions of checks, cards, e-mails, etc.  I am taking things up once a week to them.  I want to pass this on to you out there in "internet land".  They are continuing to stay at the hospital - round the clock in Dallas, TX - Parkland Hospital.

Please keep the prayers coming - We can see how much they are helping Casey.  I am praying to see her running those barrels as soon as possible.

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX20 Dist Dir

Update - 02/18/03 

(page further down for original story & pictures)

Genia Landers and I went to visit Tammy, David and Casey Moss last night.  Tammy and David have a wonderful support group of family and friends with them.  You should see the snacks, reading material, items of comfort, etc. that have been taken to them during their stay at Parkland.  They are in a small "broom closet" type room off the CICU where Casey is at this time.  I prepared a nice folder of the many e-mails and messages that several people from all over the United States had sent to me to forward to the Moss family.  We also provided them with the donations that we collected during the NBHA TX20 barrel race at Athens, TX on 2/15/03 and other monetary donations that have been received on their behalf.  It is a wonderful collections of prayers, stories and well wishes.  Please, please keep them coming.  When we left I notice David reading them.

Tammy asked that we call her this morning (2/18/03) and get a current update on Casey for this e-mailing.  I called at 8:30am.  Yesterday, the Doctors took a culture from Casey's lungs.  This is an unpleasant procedure and did elevate her pressure readings and fever for a time.  They did return to their previous levels by this morning.

Casey's temp. was 101 this morning (down from 101.6 last night) with a reading of 8 on the brain monitor.  This is good.  They were prepping Casey for surgery when I called.  They are in fact inserting a "trach" this morning and removing the breathing vent that has been in her nose since the date of the accident.  This will be better for Casey and will possibly reduce the infection/inflamation in her sinus'.  Casey is still fighting pneumonia and doctors are changing her antibiotics to combat this. 

The Doctors had lowered the morphine and tested Casey's response to her arms.  A procedure that they have done several times during the past week.  The response is tested by lightly "pinching" the front of the shoulder which causes Casey to move her left arm and reach across her "midline" to grab the doctors hand on her right shoulder.  She has previously done this with her left arm and hand but not as well with her right arm.  Last night she responded to the pressure on each shoulder with the opposite arm.  This is first time that Casey has taken her right arm across the "midline" and grabbed the doctors hand with her right hand on her left shoulder!  This is good!!  Later last night they did the same type of pressure (Light pinch) to see if she would respond with her legs.  Casey responded with her left leg by bending her left knee and raising her leg and knee all the way to her stomach!  She attempted the same thing as a response with her right leg but could not get it very far.  The Doctors noted that Casey's facial expression was a strong grimace as she attempted to bend her right knee and raise the leg.  (Remember, Casey's right knee has been swollen since the accident and has apparently suffered injury to the knee.)  Theses responses are wonderful as it indicates that Casey is responding with Motor Skills.  They are not removing the brain monitor at this time but may later in the week.

Anyone that wishes to send any type of donation, card or note may give it to me at the Jurrassic Classic Barrel Race in Glen Rose, TX.  Also, Arvie Turner with "Horse Power" will be taking donations at his booth for the Moss family.

Remember, pray, pray, pray.  He is hearing you and will watch over this family in the face of this traumatic injury.

As before, please send this e-mail to all of your barrel racing community and horse lovers to help spread the word.

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX 20 Dist Dir

UPDATE 2/16/03:  I spoke with David this morning.  Casey is stable, she had an uneventful night. They seem to be doing well.  Her fever didn't go up and her brain monitor numbers are staying within range.  The Doctors have told them that if she continues to be stable they will bring her up out of the "paralyzed" state to check her responses.  I will update the page each day after I speak with them.  May the Lord Bless them and keep them and may He shine His face upon them.    -Lyndia Cotton-

Contact for:   Lyndia Cotton - NBHATX20@aol.com

February 12, 2003                SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Dear friends and barrel racing community:

This morning, 2/12/03, Tammy Moss requested that I send out a correct and accurate update on Casey Moss.  There have been varied pieces of information as to Casey's injuries and she requested that we provide the following information about Casey.  I have written this to all my e-mail list and ask that all of you please forward to as many people as you can on your e-mail list. 

Casey Moss is a loved and admired horsewoman in the barrel racing industry.  Her accomplishments in and out of the barrel racing community are too numerous to list at this time.  Casey is 17 years of age and a a Junior at Chisholm High School  - Paris, TX.  Casey is the daughter of Tammy and David Moss.

On Feb. 11, 2003, Casey was driving to her 7am class when her truck rolled 3 to 4 times and Casey was thrown from the vehicle, according to Tammy.  Casey was care-flighted from the Paris hospital to the emergency unit of Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX.  The scan in Dallas confirmed the lesions/contusions on Casey's brain.  One had remained the same from the scan taken in Paris, the other was enlarging.  Scans have been taken every 6 hours to determine the level and swelling.  The scan taken around 7pm indicated that the one lesion has continually enlarged since the accident.  The last scan taken at 5am Feb. 12, 2003 indicated that the one lesion had continued to stay the same and the other has appeared to be about the same as the previous scan.


Casy has been kept under sedation during this time.  Slowly the doctors brought Casey awake to measure her responses to them.  They would then place her back under sedation.  As time passed, Casy showed less and less response to the Doctors which is not good.  It appears that the brain itself is swelling.  Tammy said that the Doctors are placing a monitor on the brain which will determine many things, including brain swelling.  Casey also has a collapsed lung.  Casey does not appear to have any other injuries that they know of at this time - no broken bones, etc.

Casey is in critical condition in the ICU at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, TX.  Tammy and David have a wonderful support chain of family and friends and wanted all that are calling to know how much they appreciate your care and concern for Casey. 

Casey has limited medical insurance and will need financial assistance.  TX20 will take up a collection at the Feb. 15, 2003 barrel race at Athens, TX to be given toward Casey's needs.

Please pray for all three of them and place them on your church prayer list.  I will continue to provide updates to you as Tammy requests.

God Bless,
Lyndia Cotton
TX20 Dist Dir
NBHATX20@aol.com

Posted by:  www.BarrelHorseWorld.com