Zinester Cullen Carter hit by car, in coma (4/10/03) Cullen Carter is a fine writer who has done at least two zines of his own and contributed fine stories to "SlushPile 2" as well as to several issues of "Whirligig." He has a wife and child and was hit while riding his bike. He is seriously injured, but we're praying that he pulls thru. There's a Benefit Fund now set up in his name. The latest news is that there's going to be a Cullen Carter BenefitReading and a special zine dedicated to him. To keep up to date, visit the Cullen Carter Benefit Webpage, courtesy of Asha Anderson. Here's a sample of Cullen's writing, the short story "Nutmeg." Here are the basics of what happened: ++++++++++++++ Date: 9 Apr 2003 From: Asha Anderson Newsgroups: alt.zines I just got a shocking email from Allyson, Cullen Carter's wife, which she asked me to pass on here. In quick summary, about a week ago Cullen was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike. He was seriously injured and is currently in ICU at the Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, in a deep coma. Allyson is setting up an email list so she can send out weekly updates, whether there's a change in Cullen's condition or not. If you'd like to be included on the list, send her an email at: "Cullen Carter" <ccarter@ticon.net> If you want send anything to the hospital the address is: Cullen Carter / SICU c/o Froedtert Hospital 9200 W. Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 Their home address is: The Carters 1403 N. 52nd St. Milwaukee,WI 53208 ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Allyson Carter at "Cullen Carter" <ccarter@ticon.net> "Dear Asha, Hi, this is Cullen's wife, Allyson. I don't think that we've actually had any direct communications, but I know Cullen talked to you a lot via mail and alt.zines, etc. I unfortunately have some bad news, andI was hoping for your help in letting everyone in the zine community know about what is going on. I hope you'll understand why... I'm really sorry to do this via e mail. Last Tuesday night (April 1st), on his way home (biking) from class, Cullen was hit by a pickup truck who apparently never saw him, even though he had lights on his bike. It was right at dusk. Cullen hit the windshield, then hit the roof, denting it, and then landed in the bed of the truck. The man did stop, and the police have done a full investigation. The DA decided not to press charges, but that's another story. Right now, Cullen is in a deep coma. He suffered a brain injury (called Diffuse Axonal Injury), which is similar to what happens to boxers when they get a hard right hook and are knocked unconscious (it is also similar to shaken baby syndrome); although to a much greater degree. He was wearing a helmet, which probably saved his life. He also suffered a broken left hip, broken bones in his face, bruised lungs, cracked ribs, vertebrae fractures (which do not affect his spinal cord) and some facial lacerations which were probably caused by the windshield. He is not breathing on his own; they inserted a breathing tube at the scene to stabilize him (which is standard procedure). He is stable; he is not in immediate danger of dying at any moment. Right now his main issue is the brain injury. He is in the ICU at Froedtert Hospital here in Milwaukee (where they have been wonderful to me and the rest of the family) and they are doing everything they can, but it's basically a "wait and see" kind of deal. Withbrain injuries they really can't judge how or if someone will recover from them. Some do, and some don't. It sometimes can take a very long time to know exactly what kind of brain damage you're dealing with. He does show a few encouraging signs, though. He can hear voices in the room, because his brain activity changes when someone talks to him. He can feel pain, (although I don't think he is in constant pain from his injuries) and reacts to light. They are checking his neurological signs every hour. The nurses told me that it's really too early to expect improvement, but he is holding his own, and not getting worse, which is good. He does now have a touch of pneumonia, which they are treating with antibiotics. Tomorrow he is scheduled to have surgery to have a trach tube inserted into his throat so he can breathe through that. Once the trach is in, they would wean him off the ventilator. They think his lungs will be able to breathe on their own, but because of the coma he needs the trach to do so. He really does have great doctors who are very experienced in this sort of thing helping him, and I know they are doing their best and what is in Cullen's best interest now. I am hanging in there and trying to remain "thinking positive",which is easier at some times than others, but all our families are here to support me and they're all helping me with Veronica, our 2 1/2 yo daughter. She doesn't really understand, and she's just happy that all her Nanas and Grammies and Papas are here and they all take her out to get ice cream for lunch. She hasn't seen him, and probably won't; at least not until the breathing tube is out. They are saying that he could remain in the coma for a long time; maybe never recovering. We won't know what kind of long term prognosis we have until 9 to 12 months have gone by. What I hope you can help me with is getting the word out. I need to let people know what's going on for many reasons; he has lots of friends in the zine community, even if it is just via email. Maybe something could be posted to alt.zines? I'm not sure how to go about doing that. I also don't want to keep getting letters from people wanting to buy his zines and not understanding when they get no reply. I unfortunately don't have the time or energy to write them all letters. Cullen's brother and I also are setting up an email list so everyone who wants can stay updated on his condition. If you hear from anyone who would want to be on that list, have them email me at this address. We plan to update it every Wednesday, whether there's news to report or not. That way, no one wonders what's going on with him. It's been impossible for me to keep up with all the friends and family who call and write to express their concern and support, and I imagine this will become even more of a problem as more people find out. If you feel you are not the person to help me (and I do understand, I'm asking a lot) let me know. I would also welcome any suggestions as to who you think might be willing. If you need to contact me for more info or clarification, feel free. Please send out good thoughts (or prayers, as the case may be) for Cullen. Thank you so much. Allyson" -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- PS. If you want to leave Cullen or Allyson a phone message at the hospital, the number is 414-805-5505. They won't give patient information but they will pass on a message. **************************** Here's the trust fund info: To help Cullen's family with bills and expenses, please give to the Cullen Carter Benefit Fund. To do so, visit any Bank Mutual (formerly Mutual Savings Bank) location throughout Wisconsin. To find a branch location near you, you can visit their website at: http://www.bankmutual.com/locations.html If there is not a branch location near you, you may also send a gift via the U.S. Postal Service to: Bank Mutual Corporate Headquarters 4949 W. Brown Deer Rd. PO Box 245034 Milwaukee, WI 53224- 9534 attn: Legal Department Checks should be made out to : Cullen Carter Benefit Fund To contact Bank Mutual with questions, please call (414) 354-1500 or 1(800) 358-5070, fax # (414) 354- 5450. Thank you! Allyson +++++++++++++++++++++++++ August 2003: Summer Extravanganza Benefit held for injured zeenster Cullen Carter. Hosted by King Wenclas, in Chicago. ++++++++++++++++++++++ March 2005: UPDATE: Zeenster Asha Anderson suggests people send zeens or stuff to read to Cullen Carter, who's still recovering from the auto accident which put him in a coma in 2003. He's made great progress, I'm told, and is reading again (hopefully writing soon also). Write Cullen Carter c/o Mequon Health Center, Room 134, 10911 N. Port Washington Rd, Mequon WI 53092. Thanks! -King Wenclas