A GoFundMe.com campaign has been started for jockey Vince Halliday, who suffered serious injuries in a July 15 race at Delaware Park.
According to his wife, Stephanie Pastore, Halliday's injuries include: two small brain bleeds, a C-4 neck fracture, several thoracic fractures, a sternum fracture, a scapular fracture and a broken elbow.
Riding the filly Tua (Normandy Invasion) in a maiden claiming race, Halliday went down when his mount clipped heels with another horse. Pastore said that while there have been no signs of paralysis, Halliday has a difficult period in front of him.
“That I don't know,” she said when asked if Halliday will be able to ride again. “There's not going to be any surgery required for his fractures, but it's going to be a long, long rehab. Knowing Vince, I am sure he will want to go back to riding.”
Pastore said that the bills are already piling up. Halliday has won two races this year and his mounts have earned $75,165.
“Unfortunately, when you are a jockey, if you're not working and racing you're not making any money,” she said. “I work in retail, and I haven't been going to work. So, it's the same for me. I'm not making any money if I'm not working. There are things in place to help jockeys out, but with all the medical bills and trying to pay our mortgage it's going to require some help.”
Jennifer Shannon, who organized the GoFundMe, posted an update Tuesday that read, “Vince remains in the ICU at Christiana Hospital. His brain bleeds have stabilized however he still has not gained the ability to use his arms. The injuries to Vince's neck and lungs have made it very difficult to breathe on his own. Doctors have had no choice but to intubate to keep his Oxygen levels up. He is unable to speak or swallow on his own.
“Attempts to remove the breathing tube have been unsuccessful. Additional MRI's have shown multiple fractures to vertebrae and an additional fracture in his sternum.
“His wife Stephanie has been at his side and is relentless in aiding his recovery and encouraging Vince to stay strong. Vince is very frustrated that he cannot move his arms, speak, or breathe on his own. Vince was able to nod at letters in the alphabet to communicate, anyone that knows Vince will not be surprised to learn that he asked about the well-being ofTua, the filly that fell with him, Vince was happy to learn she will be okay.
“Vince and Stephanie are grateful for the support and the outpouring of love for Vince. Please continue to Pray for Vince and Stephanie during this difficult time.”
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