re: Official Devon Walker Status Thread - Out of Surgery

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Tulane senior safety Devon Walker is alert and responsive after undergoing a three-hour surgery Sunday to stabilize his fractured cervical vertebrae, Green Wave Athletic Director Rick Dickson said Monday.

Dickson has been at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Okla., with Walker since the former walk-on fractured his cervical spine during a helmet-to-helmet hit against Tulsa on Saturday. He said Walker has made progress the past two days.

"I hope the progress continues; I hope and pray for that and I ask others to do the same." Dickson said.
Walker's family requested privacy on releasing details about his recovery, Tulane's team doctor, Greg Stewart said.

Dickson, a Tulsa native, said he has suspended many of his normal duties to be with Walker and his family at the hospital.

“I’ve seen him repeatedly and I can tell you he was cognitive of those around him and able to be responsive to physicians and the medical staff treating him,” Dickson said.

Dickson opened the press conference by thanking all the medical personnel and the city of Tulsa for its support through the process. Walker’s parents, Inez and Booker, also expressed gratitude through a statement released by the university.

“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of concerned well wishes we have received from all over the world,” Walker’s parents said. “Although we cannot respond individually to all, we thank everyone for the love and support shown to Devon and our family. The medical care that our son has received so far has been outstanding.

“We are also very grateful for the care and concern shown to us by those here at Tulsa University, in the City of Tulsa, at Tulane University and of course by everyone at home in New Orleans. We appreciate you respecting our family’s request for privacy. We do ask that you continue to keep Devon in your prayers.”

Tulane has established a website (LINK for well-wishers to offer support to Walker and his family. Dickson said a $10,000 donation for the family’s expenses was made on the website.

Dickson said there is no timetable for Walker’s release from St. Francis Hospital.

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