Update on Lt. Zach Sykora and family
As many of you are already aware, one of our Village firefighters has sustained serious injuries from a fall off a treestand while deer hunting. Lieutenant Zach Sykora and his wife Meredith have two young children, ages 3 and 1. Zach’s wife Meredith is staying with Zach in ICU. Meanwhile, Meredith’s mother is taking care of the two children. Both children are sick. When it rains, it pours.
A valued member of this community, Zach works out of Cortez Firehouse and is the son of POA Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Mike Sykora. Zach is a tireless champion of the life-saving benefits of smoke detectors. He has spoken to many organizations throughout the Village about this and other fire safety issues.
What happened
Zach sustained multiple injuries from his hunting accident on Friday, October 4, 2019. “He has numerous broken ribs, a punctured lung, numerous fractured and dislocated vertebrae and a broken scapula.”
Update on Zach’s condition
This is the latest update from Meredith:
“Zach is stable. Pain management is our biggest issue right now. The operating team manipulated his hip last night and determined it was stable enough to not need a replacement. He is not allowed to put any weight on it for 6 weeks. Neurotrauma is mostly concerned about his L2 fracture. Currently, he is in a back brace and they are hopeful that the fractures will start to heal on their own. If they don’t, then he will have surgery down the road. His chest tube output has decreased and there’s a chance it could be removed later today.“
“The trauma team predicts he will be off work from the fire department for a minimum of 6 months.“
How to help Zach and his family
This is a devastating blow, physically, financially and emotionally, for the whole family. We are asking for your prayers and also for both emotional and financial support in the form of get well cards for Zach and donations if you can spare a few dollars. Sometime this week, there will be a fund set up at Bank OZK to help the family. Janet Rowe is assisting with this process. Further details on this will be forthcoming.
Cards may be dropped off starting tomorrow, Monday, October 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m at Linda Van Scotter’s office which is located at Carmona Storage Area, next to Debra’s restaurant. If Linda is with a client, the cards may be slipped under the door of her office. The door is in the lobby, which is located between Debra’s Restaurant and Linda’s office.
Thank you for all your support and love for this family!
by Cheryl Dowden, October 6, 2019
Anonymous
10/06/2019 — 3:11 pm
Cheryl, I don’t know Linda Van Scooter so not sure where her office is. If you could give us the name of her office that will be a big help. Thanks.
Anonymous
10/06/2019 — 3:13 pm
Cheryl, I do not know Linda Van Scooter so if you could give us the name of her business that would be a big help.
HSVP C
10/06/2019 — 5:41 pm
Relax or Van Scotter Wellness at 198 Carmona Rd #4, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. GPS will not get you there. Linda is located next to Debra’s Restaurant in the Village.
Dewanna Bean
10/06/2019 — 3:59 pm
Thoughts and Prayers to you, Zack, and your Whole Family during these most difficult days. May the Lord continue to Bless You in Pain Relief and during your extended period of Recovery. I Love You and Your Family.
Sylvia Carpenter
10/06/2019 — 4:32 pm
Zack was added to ourprayer list at Rock Springs Baptist Church this morning. I have already been lifting Zack, Meredith and family in my prayers.
Janie Smith
10/06/2019 — 6:17 pm
The hospital social worker can immediately apply him for temporary disability. He will need someone to help with working through snap and other benefits. Somebody the larger churches work together and can help keep him in his home. Jackson house can help with food and other information about local resources.
Terry Crumpler
10/06/2019 — 7:34 pm
Zach has been added to Mountainside UMC prayer list. We pray for a speedy recovery and for Gods Grace to continue to cover him and his family.
Linda Pennington Black
10/06/2019 — 7:50 pm
I’m adding him to our Church’s prayer list, VUMC, and will also send financial request. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marc and Martha Nichols
10/06/2019 — 10:30 pm
Our hearts ache for Zack and his sweet family. We are praying for pain relief and a complete recovery.
Dick and Patti Freeman
10/07/2019 — 9:08 am
I don’t personally know Zack except through my work relationship with his dad, Mike Sykora over a period of many years, but knowing his dad tells me that Zack is one fine young man. I had a similar experience in my younger days to his and can fully relate to what he is going through, and I pray to God Almighty that your recovery is both speedy and as pain free as possible. Knowing that you’ve got your dad’s grit and your communities loving, caring and prayerful support will give you the strength to overcome your rehab obstacles and restore your life to a complete recovery.
Anonymous
10/07/2019 — 2:17 pm
Many prayers for Fireman Zach and his family.
Lori M Graves
10/07/2019 — 9:17 pm
Can you post a mailing address for Zach and family? Would like to send a donation.
HSVP C
10/08/2019 — 11:09 am
The address to send well wishes is: Zach Sykora, in care of Linda Van Scotter, 198 Carmona Rd #4, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. Thank you.
Lori M Graves
10/09/2019 — 2:37 am
Thanks!🙏