Update on Ryan Diviney: Monday Surgery Prepares Injured Student for Transport to Atlanta

VivaLoudoun.com is following the recovery of Ryan Diviney, a 20-year-old West Virginia student and former Broad Run High School standout athlete, seriously injured in an attack a week ago.

Morgantown, WV (Nov. 16, 2009) - Ryan Diviney, the seriously injured Broad Run High School alum, was undergoing surgery at Ruby Memorial so that a feeding tube operation can be set up for the 20-year-old still unconscious a week after an attack left him fighting for his life.

The operation reduces the risk of infection and prepares Diviney for transport to Atlanta where he will undergo rehab at one of the best brain trauma centers in the world. The chances for survival for Diviney improve with each day but long-term mental prognosis is uncertain as family and friends pray Diviney's injured "brain to wake up."

The popular athlete and his family have been enveloped in a blanket of support from Loudoun and Ashburn and afar with 2,694 people joining the "Come Together for Ryan Diviney" group on Facebook.

Here are updates from Ryan's father, Ken Diviney:

Mon. Nov. 16, 9 a.m. Update: Ryan will be heading into the O.R. soon to have the trach and feeding tube operation. Were told this will take about 2 hrs. This will go a long way toward his comfort, reduce the risk of infection, and prepare him for his trip to Atlanta. Physically, he had his best night so far. Mentally, we still don't know where he is. Only time will tell. We are so thankful for your prayers and thoughts!

Sun. Nov. 15, midnight Update: I know many of the doctors and nurses are "taking Ryan home with them" each night. We need the Ruby Memorial staff to know just how much we appreciate and love them. We can see just how much they care for our son, beyond what is their job. They saved my son's life when there was little hope; how will we ever thank them enough? They are not only amazing medical professionals, but genuinely good people.

Sun. Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Update: He had a stable day. We are concerned with being able to go to the bathroom, but he did make a little progress. If he stays stable, they will begin to prepare for transport to Shepperd Center in Atlanta by inserting a feed tube and trach tomorrow. It sounds like they will decrease sedation and give a drug that might help his brain wake. Kari reads every post; he hears your prayers! Please keep praying, he needs you! Adding to my earlier update, he seems in a good physical position; mere survival is not nearly as concerning. Still, not completely out of the woods. We hope that before long we can focus on mental rehab in Shepperd. Sue and I actually put together 3 or 4 hours of sleep in a bed! Kari is unrelenting in being there for him. She makes me so proud!

Sun. Nov. 15, 9 a.m. Update: There is a nice article in the local newspaper. I belive their web address is www.dominionpost.com. I was hoping someone could add the link to the public page set up for him, "Come Together for Ryan Diviney".

Sun. Nov. 15, 8 a.m. Update: Ryan seemed to have a restful night. Although, there is some concern that he has not gone to the bathroom yet. His stomach is quite distended. Hopefully, this is just a gas bubble in his intestine that will work it's way through. He continues to be sedated and hopefully his brain is healing and waking up as he rests. We are so, so appreciative of the prayers and support from all of you. I know it's asking a lot, but please keep up the rally. Kari is relentless in her vigil and is getting every message to him that you post. Everyone, we are eternally grateful.

Sat. Nov. 14 7 p.m. Update: Ryan is having a restful day. Nothing major cropped up and we are hopeful for a good night. His chances of survival are looking good. We continue to look forward to the day when he is taken completely off sedation and his brain begins to wake up. We have every reason to believe this will happen. Kari continues to stay with him and read him everything you post! She's the best! We need your thoughts and prayers!

Fri. Nov. 13, midnight Update: Ryan had another day to heal, and we are so thankful to share this day with him. We have no reason not to continue to hope. We look forward to the day his brain heals enough to bring him out of his unconciousness. The prayers keep him and us strong. I can clearly see that Kari must be his Gaurdian Angel.

Fri. Nov. 13, 11 a.m. Update: If you are visiting Ryan over the next few days, I just wanted to convey the doctor's orders. Because of Swine Flu concerns and his recent development of pneumonia, you are asked to stay behind the glass wall to his room to see him. Sounds like they'll have masks for you to wear too. We understand, and actually appreciate, if you might want to wait until he stabilizes a few more days before seeing him.

Fri. Nov. 13, 10 a.m. Update: MRI results were complicated to understand, but it sounds like there is at least some degree of hope. He is under sedation so his response/ improvement is not clear. We look forward to the day when his brain begins to wake up. We are so grateful for all who rally for his healing. It means souch more than you might realize.

Thurs. Nov. 12, 9 p.m. Update: I need to let all know just how eternally grateful my family is for the outpouring of love and support. WVU is an amazing university; from the President to the students. This school is a strong community and takes these things personally. Ashburn and Broad Run make us so proud! Everyone should expect hugs when we eventually return. Our employers, CNN and WTS International are so generous and supportive. At times I cannot help but cry in gratitude. We feel the love for us and my amazing son surrounding us like a blanket. Please stay with us as we crest each peak; eventually when will stand atop the mountain and cry out in joy. I want you with me when I do.