A benefit slow-pitch co-ed (7',3) softball tournament has been scheduled for Saturday September 18th, 2010 in Nowata, Ok. The tournament is being held to benefit Ashley Kitchel. He is a Pawhuska resident who has been diagnosed with spontaneous spinal hematoma resulting in paralysis.

Ashley was born Aug.6, 1979 to Richard & Orele Kitchel. He attended Pawhuska Schools, graduating with the class of 1997. While in school Ashley dedicated his sports abilities to basketball. Where he set & held the record for 3-point shots.

On May 16, 2010, life changed directions drastically for Ashley-he went from normal everyday activities & walking to severe pain then paralysis from chest down.

He was in St. John's Hospital for surgery and near death for 29 hrs from a spinal hematoma. He was in ICU for 10 days, critical care for 3-weeks and rehab for 1 month.

The spinal hematoma resulted in a complete spinal laminectomy . One in 1.85 million people are affected by this.

Today he remains hospitalized and still unable to move from chest down. In August, Ashley has underwent 3 additional surgeries with the latest being Aug. 23, 2010 at the OSU hospital in Tulsa, OK.

He will be there at least 6-more weeks confined to a" Special Bed" before being released. Upon his release he will be confined to this bed at his home for 6-more weeks and will require 24-hour care.

Ashley has 4-children--daughters Jordon, Jaiden and Ja'Lynn and one son Jamison Ashley. He is a devoted father and loved coaching his daughter's teams.

To donate items for the tournament to be used in concession or as a give away or to enter a team for play contact Terry Lopez (918)-605-5034 or Casey Collins at 918-815-2237 or John Edmondson at (918)559-9031

Registration is now open and the cost is $125.00 per team. All proceeds will go to help with medical bills and private nursing care. If you would like to assist with these needs of Ashley you may send Checks to Ashley Kitchel Critical Illness Fund % Citizen Bank of OK Attn: Marilyn Atterberry PO Box 27, Pawhuska, OK 74056

Ashley can receive cards at: OSU Tulsa Regional Medical Center 11th & Houston Room 542, Tulsa, OK 74103
Lets Help this young man!!!