June 7, 2006 - An Open Letter to the Gymnastics Community:

On Friday, May 12th, one of our gymnasts at Gymnastics World in Tucson, Andrew Donnellan(16),
a Level 10 gymnast on Boy’s Team, suffered a very serious neck injury during the evening training session
on floor exercise. As a result of this unfortunate accident, he has been paralyzed from the neck down.

After the successful surgery to stabilize his neck on Wednesday, May 17th, Andrew was accepted to start his rehabilitation at the world renowned Craig Institute in Englewood, Colorado. He was flown there with his mom, Frances, on Tuesday, May 23rd by a special plane. Although his status has not changed, Andrew has been working very hard on an aggressive rehabilitation program. We all wish Andrew great success at the Craig Institute in regaining full movement and mobility of his body.

In the meantime, the “Andrew Donnellan Recovery Fund” has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. This fund will help the Donnellan Family financially during Andrew’s extended recovery period.
Ms. Frances Donnellan adopted Andrew in Jamaica as a little baby while serving on a Peace Corps mission. Frances, a single mom, is putting her job on hold while taking care of Andrew full time in Colorado. The medical costs and the care program expenses are enormous for this injury and the insurances do not cover it all. Gymnastics World and its family will be by his side throughout the long process of his rehabilitation and recovery. Today I am asking the entire Gymnastics Community to join us in helping this fine young man who has so much future ahead of him and his wonderful mom, Frances. Any size donation will be appreciated.

Andrew’s account information: “Andrew Donnellan Recovery Fund”
Acct#2552379782
at any Wells Fargo Bank
Checks can be also sent to: “Andrew Donnellan Recovery Fund”
PO Box 89173
Tucson, AZ 85752-9173

A website has been created so that everyone can stay updated on Andrew’s progress. This website also allows users to personally send messages to Andrew and his family. Please go to the home page at: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/drew_d

I have been operating the Gymnastics World program in Tucson, Arizona since 1979 and this is the first time a serious injury of this nature has occurred in any of our three facilities.

We ask for your thoughts and prayers for Andrew’s recovery.

Sincerely,

Yoichi Tomita
Owner and Director
Gymnastics World
201 E. Ft. Lowell Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85705
(520)888-0519
E-mail:tomita2004@comcast.net