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A Bethel Acres man who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident June 1 continues to recover at home, and said he hopes to soon toss out a walker he needs to get around. As he recovers, many are planning a benefit Poker Run Saturday to help him with medical expenses.
Bill Goodnight, 47, was injured in the collision at SH 18 and Westech Road while on his way to work at Eaton Corporation. Goodnight has been a longtime Little League softball coach in Bethel Acres and also has served as volunteer firefighter in that community.
Hospitalized since the accident, Goodnight was released from Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center Friday and is now recovering at home. He told the News-Star he is appreciative to all those who have supported him and his family and for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you to everybody,” he said. His wife, LeAnn, agreed, adding there are so many thanks they need to send.
“In a thousand years, Bill and I could never find the words to express the heartfelt thank you and love we feel for each and every one of you. Your time, good wishes, hard work, visits, phone calls, text messages, donations and prayers have meant more to us than you will ever know,” she said.
“The prayers have meant the most. Watching Bill recover and struggle over the past two months, I have witnessed things that can only be described as a miracle,” she said. “All of the doctors held little or no hope for Bill to ever do more than just lay there and barely know anything. Friday, July 31, he walked into the front door of our home, released from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center, only having to return for outpatient therapy. Yeah, he walked. The power of prayer is amazing and if you ever doubt that God still doesn’t show up in great big ways and answer a praying people, just come talk to me.”
While LeAnn Goodnight said they have come a long way in his recovery, they still have a long way to go.
“To those who prayed, please don’t stop,” she said.
Goodnight, who said many of his nurses have become like family over the past two months, said he will return to the rehabilitation center for additional therapy three times a week. And while he needs assistance of a walker to get around right now, Goodnight said he will work hard to ditch the walker as soon as possible.
Many have helped his family since the accident, including The Bethel Softball and Baseball Association, which held a fundraising tournament. Funds have helped ready the Goodnight’s home for him, completing it with ramps and rails, she said. LeAnn Goodnight expressed thanks to all of them — President Michelle Smothers, as well as the association’s parents, coaches, kids, volunteers, as well as the people of Pink Baptist Church, Eaton Hydraulics, Open Door Church and all of her husband’s family and friends, and so many more.
“You guys are simply amazing. We love you,” she said.
Volunteers also have ongoing efforts to help with Goodnight’s medical expenses, so a benefit Poker Run is planned for Saturday, with the run concluding at FireLake Grand Casino near Shawnee.
The Poker Run begins first in McAlester at Auto-Tech on South Main Street, with the first bike out at 10 a.m. From there, the Poker Run goes to Stuart, then to Horncorner, which is located in Horntown. That’s also the second starting point, where the first bike out will leave at noon. The next stop is Wewoka Mike’s, then Stan’s Bar and Grill in Seminole. From there, the stop is Spring Hill store at Bethel Acres, with the last stop at FireLake Grand Casino at SH 102 and I-40.
There will be many festivities at FireLake Grand, where those in attendance will be able to visit with Goodnight. LeAnn Goodnight said they’ll be there beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday; a live band also will play at 5 p.m., and there will be announcements for prizes and a raffle.
Price for the poker run is $20 for each driver, $10 for each passenger, and $10 for additional hands. All proceeds are to benefit Bill Goodnight and help with medical expenses that were incurred from his motorcycle accident. Those not interested in participating in the Poker Run can join in on the fun and festivities at FireLake Grand, where donations also will accepted.
Entrants are asked to pre-register for Poker Run by providing their name and where they will start. For information on that, e-mail goodnightpokerrrun@yahoo.com or call Callie, (405) 416-0573.
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Did You Know?
A Poker Run to benefit Bill Goodnight and help him with medical expenses relating to a June 1 motorcycle accident will be held Saturday. To register, call 416-0573.
A Bethel Acres man who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident June 1 continues to recover at home, and said he hopes to soon toss out a walker he needs to get around. As he recovers, many are planning a benefit Poker Run Saturday to help him with medical expenses.
Bill Goodnight, 47, was injured in the collision at SH 18 and Westech Road while on his way to work at Eaton Corporation. Goodnight has been a longtime Little League softball coach in Bethel Acres and also has served as volunteer firefighter in that community.
Hospitalized since the accident, Goodnight was released from Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center Friday and is now recovering at home. He told the News-Star he is appreciative to all those who have supported him and his family and for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you to everybody,” he said. His wife, LeAnn, agreed, adding there are so many thanks they need to send.
“In a thousand years, Bill and I could never find the words to express the heartfelt thank you and love we feel for each and every one of you. Your time, good wishes, hard work, visits, phone calls, text messages, donations and prayers have meant more to us than you will ever know,” she said.
“The prayers have meant the most. Watching Bill recover and struggle over the past two months, I have witnessed things that can only be described as a miracle,” she said. “All of the doctors held little or no hope for Bill to ever do more than just lay there and barely know anything. Friday, July 31, he walked into the front door of our home, released from the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center, only having to return for outpatient therapy. Yeah, he walked. The power of prayer is amazing and if you ever doubt that God still doesn’t show up in great big ways and answer a praying people, just come talk to me.”
While LeAnn Goodnight said they have come a long way in his recovery, they still have a long way to go.
“To those who prayed, please don’t stop,” she said.
Goodnight, who said many of his nurses have become like family over the past two months, said he will return to the rehabilitation center for additional therapy three times a week. And while he needs assistance of a walker to get around right now, Goodnight said he will work hard to ditch the walker as soon as possible.
Many have helped his family since the accident, including The Bethel Softball and Baseball Association, which held a fundraising tournament. Funds have helped ready the Goodnight’s home for him, completing it with ramps and rails, she said. LeAnn Goodnight expressed thanks to all of them — President Michelle Smothers, as well as the association’s parents, coaches, kids, volunteers, as well as the people of Pink Baptist Church, Eaton Hydraulics, Open Door Church and all of her husband’s family and friends, and so many more.
“You guys are simply amazing. We love you,” she said.
Volunteers also have ongoing efforts to help with Goodnight’s medical expenses, so a benefit Poker Run is planned for Saturday, with the run concluding at FireLake Grand Casino near Shawnee.
The Poker Run begins first in McAlester at Auto-Tech on South Main Street, with the first bike out at 10 a.m. From there, the Poker Run goes to Stuart, then to Horncorner, which is located in Horntown. That’s also the second starting point, where the first bike out will leave at noon. The next stop is Wewoka Mike’s, then Stan’s Bar and Grill in Seminole. From there, the stop is Spring Hill store at Bethel Acres, with the last stop at FireLake Grand Casino at SH 102 and I-40.
There will be many festivities at FireLake Grand, where those in attendance will be able to visit with Goodnight. LeAnn Goodnight said they’ll be there beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday; a live band also will play at 5 p.m., and there will be announcements for prizes and a raffle.
Price for the poker run is $20 for each driver, $10 for each passenger, and $10 for additional hands. All proceeds are to benefit Bill Goodnight and help with medical expenses that were incurred from his motorcycle accident. Those not interested in participating in the Poker Run can join in on the fun and festivities at FireLake Grand, where donations also will accepted.
Entrants are asked to pre-register for Poker Run by providing their name and where they will start. For information on that, e-mail goodnightpokerrrun@yahoo.com or call Callie, (405) 416-0573.
------
Did You Know?
A Poker Run to benefit Bill Goodnight and help him with medical expenses relating to a June 1 motorcycle accident will be held Saturday. To register, call 416-0573.
