Greer Cofield, 5 at the time, competes in the Georgia State Horse show just a month before a horse kicked her, crushing part of her skull.
Imaging shows pre- and post-operative views of Greer Cofield’s skull after she was kicked in the head by a horse in October 2012.
Gregg Cofield puts his arms on his daughter’s, Greer Cofield, 6, shoulders during a ceremony honoring Greer as the Tennessee Champion for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Erlanger hospital on Wednesday. On Oct. 8, 2012, Greer was kicked in the head by a horse and has made a remarkable recovery.WHAT IS CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY?Craniofacial surgery encompasses a broad spectrum of reconstructive procedures of the cranium and face. The objective of these procedures is to correct deformities of the face and skull bones that result from birth defects, trauma or tumors.Source: Craniofacial Foundation of America
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORKChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America.Every year, the CMN Hospitals Champions program identifies a child with a remarkable medical story from each state. These 52 Champions represent the 32 million treatments provided each year at 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.Greer Cofield will serve throughout 2013 as the Tennessee ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network. This is the third year in a row that a patient at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger has been named as Tennessee’s champion.Sources: Erlanger Health System, Children’s Miracle Network
Her nickname in the pediatric intensive care unit was “Little Cowgirl.”
Nurses and physicians could tell Greer Cofield was a tough tomboy of a 5-year-old. Her legs sported the nicks and bruises of a girl who loved to play outside.
But as Greer battled for life on a ventilator, the right side of her skull and face crushed by a horse’s hooves, no one was sure if she’d survive — much less run and play again.