A week after collapsing from a cardiac episode while playing basketball in the Pequot Lakes High School gym, Michael Ward is on the road to recovery.
Ward, 17, who just completed his junior year at PLHS, collapsed Tuesday night, June 2, while participating in a summer basketball practice. A defibrillator was used to revive him, and Ward was airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital's Cardiac Care Unit.
Ward has since been diagnosed with a congenital heart condition called Long Q-T syndrome, and was scheduled to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted in his chest Wednesday, June 10.
His family was hopeful he could return home Thursday, June 11.
After arriving at St. Cloud Hospital last week, a coma was induced and Ward's body was cooled down to lessen the amount of swelling of his brain.
June 4, Ward was brought out of the coma and family members were relieved to see improvement as each hour went by and he became awake and responsive.
By Saturday, June 6, he was up and walking around.
To follow Ward's progress and to leave a message of support for him and his family, visit his CaringBridge Web site at caringbridge.org/visit/michaelward54.
On that site, his aunt, Sue Mortenson, on June 4 wrote: "Our entire family is so appreciative to everyone for the visits, calls, e-mails and text messages we have received. Your thoughts of support have been our strength the last two days AND the power of prayer is unbelievable.
"God has truly blessed our family by giving Michael back to us."
Responding to the high school June 2 were Pequot Lakes Police Officer Josh Gartner and reserve sergeant JD Berns, who had a defibrillator in the squad car.
Assisting Pequot Lakes police were North Ambulance, Zone 3 First Responders, and Breezy Point and Nisswa police.
An account has been set up at Lakes State Bank for Ward and his family to help offset expenses from his hospital stay.
Also, a fundraiser is being planned and is need of volunteers. Anyone interested should contact Angela Sandelin at 568-5605. There will be a meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, June 15, at Senior Class Health Care in the Sandelin Law Office building to discuss the fundraiser.
