Snowboarder Kevin Pearce 'making progress on a daily basis'

Every time a "Kevin Pearce update" arrives in my email basket I'm afraid to look. But it was a relief to see in Wednesday's update that the popular snowboarder, who suffered a brain injury two weeks ago while halfpipe training in Park City, Utah, is making significant progress. Here's the update, word for word:

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce (Norwich, VT) is continuing to recover at the University of Utah Hospital. He consistently encourages his doctors and family with the strides he is making. Elaine Skalabrin, MD, Medical Director, Neuro Critical Care, and one of Kevin’s doctors, states, "Kevin continues to improve and is actively participating in his therapies. He is making progress on a daily basis."

Pia and Simon Pearce, Kevin’s parents, have been by Kevin’s side at the hospital since his arrival. They would like to share: "We cannot say enough good things about the doctors, nurses, and support staff here at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City.

"They have shown Kevin and our family the best of what modern medicine can offer and have been completely caring and supportive throughout this entire process. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and admiration to everyone involved in Kevin's recovery."

Kevin's Facebook Fan page, Well Wishes to our Frend Kevin Pearce, is still the preferred site for people posting their get-well wishes and for getting the most current and reliable information.

Editor's note: The remaining Olympic halfpipe qualifiers, at Park City Mountain Resort, will not be the same without Pearce in the lineup. Nor will the X Games. Nor will the Olympics. But Pearce's presence will be felt by his fans and fellow athletes at all three venues, before and during the competitions, in a major way.

Photo of Kevin Pearce courtesy of Burton