Georgetown, Del., Nov. 14, 2011: Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips is making strides in his recovery from injuries sustained in an aircraft accident two weeks ago, regaining more movement and sensation in his legs as he now begins therapy at a leading rehabilitation center in Philadelphia.
Mr. Phillips was discharged from the University of Virginia Medical Center late Friday, Nov. 11, and transferred to Jefferson Health System’s Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in downtown Philadelphia. There, Mr. Phillips will spend at least the next few weeks undergoing intense physical therapy for a spinal injury he sustained in the Oct. 30 accident near Lynchburg, Va.
Mr. Phillips was attempting to land an experimental, hang glider-like aircraft at a private airstrip in Amherst County, Va., when a hard landing caused a compression injury to his spine. The force of the landing shattered his T12 vertebra, pinching the spinal cord, but not severing it.
Initially, the councilman had limited feeling and movement in his legs and feet. However, since undergoing back surgery, and with the passage of time since the accident, Mr. Phillips has regained more mobility with improved feeling and movement in his legs and feet. Doctors are optimistic that will continue to improve with time and structured therapy.
Magee, which specializes in cognitive and physical rehabilitation, including spinal injury therapy, has been ranked by U.S. News & World Reports as one of the leading rehabilitation facilities in the country. Mr. Phillips said he is hopeful for a full recovery, and he is looking forward to eventually being able to return to his work representing the people of Sussex County’s 5th district.
“I continue to be overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the good people of Delaware,” Mr. Phillips said. “The prayers I am receiving are sustaining my recovery and give me great hope for the future.”
Those wishing to send Mr. Phillips cards or letters of encouragement can send them to either of the following addresses:
Magee Rehabilitation Center
1513 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
ATTN: Vance Phillips
Room 560, Bed 1
or
Councilman Vance Phillips
Sussex County Council
PO Box 589
Georgetown, DE 19947
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