Jockey Anne Von Rosen underwent seven hours of surgery on Thursday as doctors continued to treat her following a riding accident on Tuesday at Turf Paradise in Phoenix.
Doctors reportedly were pleased with the surgery and hopeful that it will restore Von Rosen’s ability to sit upright. They are not as hopeful at restoring Von Rosen’s ability to walk again, although reportedly she has enough hope to go around for them and everyone else around her. Those who have seen her say she has a cheerful and optimistic attitude.
A fund has been set up for her benefit through the chaplaincy at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Donations can been sent on her behalf to RTCA, Anne Rosen, at Turf Paradise, 1501 West Bell Road, Phoenix, Az., 85023.
“Doctors said they were quite pleased after the surgery,” said John Shoemaker, the chaplain at Turf Paradise. “Her dad seemed happy, too.”
Von Rosen’s father flew to Phoenix from his home in Germany where he is a homeopathic doctor and has been at his daughter’s bedside the last two days. Von Rosen has a brother who is an oncologist. He plans to be in Phoenix on Monday.
Von Rosen was injured in a quarter horse race that opened the card on Tuesday after crossing the wire second. Her horse fell on top of her an instant later, pinning her beneath him. Von Rosen was taken to John C. Lincoln Hospital where doctors performed immediate surgery preceding the one she underwent on Thursday.
Von Rosen has ridden on and off at Canterbury Park the last decade or so and is well known in the Twin Cities as well as in Phoenix.
A person’s chances of regaining the use of their lower body following an acccident such as Von Rosen’s are considered very slim, yet she has indicated to visitors that she fully intends to walk again. “She’s very determined and optimistic,” said Shoemaker.
by JIM WELLS
