Spinal rehab for injured Delaware councilman

Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips is now in Philadelphia for spinal rehabilitation, and making strides, according to Sussex County officials, following a back breaking injury.

According to a press release issued Monday, Philips is regaining sensation in his legs and moving more after crash landing a single-engine hang glider-like sport plane in Virginia two weeks ago. The hard landing shattered the councilman’s T12 vertebra, pinching the spinal cord, but not severing it.

Phillips was transferred to Jefferson Health System’s Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in downtown Philadelphia over the weekend and is expected to spend the next few weeks, at least, undergoing intense physical therapy.

Initial fears of partial paralysis based on the councilman’s limited feeling and movement in his legs and feet seem to be dissipating since Phillips underwent back surgery. Doctors say they are optimistic Phillips will continue to improve with time and therapy. 

Phillips, meantime, says he’s hopeful for a full recovery and is looking forward to eventually getting back to work representing Sussex County.

“I continue to be overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the good people of Delaware,” said Phillips. “The prayers I am receiving are sustaining my recovery and give me great hope for the future.”

Letters of encouragement can be sent to either of the following addresses:

Magee Rehabilitation Center 1513 Race St. Philadelphia, PA 19102 ATTN: Vance Phillips Room 560, Bed 1

or

Councilman Vance Phillips Sussex County Council PO Box 589 Georgetown, DE 19947 Magee Rehabilitation Center