Elizabeth Ward-Sneatlum Severely Injured by Drunk Driver

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This entry was posted on 3/2/2007 4:28 PM and is filed under news.

Our beloved Elizabeth Ward-Sneatlum, fiancée and life partner of PuyallupTribalNews.com publisher Robert Satiacum, was severely injured in a collision with a drunk driver on Monday February 26th.

Robert and Liz were driving home from Tacoma General Hospital, after Liz was released from giving birth to their son Robert Kyle Ĉoos XaXa Satiacum born February  22nd. The driver was traveling at high speed down North Pearl Street and continued to drive after slamming into Rob and Liz who were crossing through a green light at 6th Ave. The driver was arrested later that night. He was charged with vehicular assault and was arraigned with a $25,000 bail.

Elizabeth’s extensive injuries required she be taken to Harbor View Hospital in Seattle. Her neck and back were broken in multiple places. After nine hours of surgery, came the hopeful news from the surgeon that she would be able to walk. Liz will need several more surgeries and is undergoing surgery on her neck injuries on Thursday March 8th. She will also need extensive rehabilitation as part of the healing process.

Thankfully, during the accident, their newborn baby was still in the intermediate care unit at Tacoma General. Robert Kyle was born 5 weeks early but still was a healthy 6 pounds. The baby was released Saturday March 2nd, and is being cared for by Grandma SuZan.

Our prayers and well wishes go our to Robert and Liz.

If you would like to help financially, a fund has been set up by friends of Rob and Liz. You can donate at any  Bank of America branch to the "Elizabeth Ward-Sneatlum Medical Fund" or account #31687437.

Robert’s e-mail is: robertindns@msn.com

From the News Tribune:
'I've found more ways to love her'


Mom Liz, Grandma SuZan, and Robert Kyle

Posted by:
Mark Celletti
Webmaster, PuyallupTribalNews.com
webmaster@puyalluptribalnews.com

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    • 3/2/2007 4:40 PM Tammi wrote:
      My prayers go to the family, so very sorry. Very glad baby was not in vehicle!! A blessing in disguise!! Hope there is a speedie recovery for Liz.
      Reply to this
    • 3/2/2007 6:06 PM Jennifer wrote:
      You and your family will be in my prayers. Like Tammy said, thank God your baby was not in the car. Wishing her a quick recovery.
      Reply to this
    • 3/3/2007 2:16 AM Deborah Saluskin & Family wrote:
      Hi to my relations,our family sends all of our prayers and love. May God Bless you Liz and Robert we hope you have a healthy recovery. In the name of Jesus Christ AMEN
      Reply to this
    • 3/5/2007 7:51 PM brother phillip/bill wrote:
      just want to tank everyone for thier prayers and love for our familys and all the caring. it means alots to all of us and may god bless you all philip/bill ward
      Reply to this
    • 3/7/2007 3:05 AM Robert Satiacum wrote:
      Hello Everyone,

      First of all I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who has sent us your prayers!
      Just to let you know, they have been working and are still very much needed.
      The doctors have told us that it is a miracle that she is not a parapalegic and still has the use of her extemities.
      She has suffered back and neck injuries, the thorasic vertabrates T-2,3,4,5,6,7 were broken severly and her neck still remains broken as of this writing. Her neck is broken in the Cervical portion C2,3,and 4, and should have surgery this Wednesday or Thursday.
      The surgery was postponed because of still unresolved issuses.
      Just tonight 1:30am, she is now receiving a blood transfusion because of massive blood loss due to unknown reasons.
      Elizabeth is a true warrior and courageous fighter to have come at least this far. She longs to hold her newborn baby, and share her love with him.
      She asks that those that still chose to drink and drive to take a moment to think before they decide to get behind the wheel.
      Our lives are completely devistated, we are distraught and tired, but will not give up hope. I know she will over come this battle as well.
      The person who hit us seems to have more rights than us, the judge has lowered his bail so he can still work. The detective tells me the reason is because he needs the job to pay our family restitution. I'm wondering if this 21 year old, that hit us in a junked up 88 Buick Regal at 65 mph makes enough to cover the cost of our Harbor View medical bills? He was not insured.
      Liz and I were to bed wedded this Saturday, we have a newborn baby we haven't had a chance to get to know, we've missed our childrens birthday's, I have no simpathy for him, but I do pray for him. I pray that he realizes the pain he has caused and seeks help for himself, and never takes another drink.
      When I spoke to the surgeon, and he told me that he and his team have never treated such a severe case that it was the Creator that guided them and gave them the necessary wisdom and knowledge to rebuild her, I said it was as though we had just enough prayers, and that if we were maybe one prayer short it could have gone the other way. He said, that's exactly right to tell others that is how it seemed to him.
      Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers these upcoming days.
      Many Aho's
      Robert Satiacum
      Reply to this
      1. 3/7/2007 10:46 AM jeremy Miller Bridges Squally/Tush-kin wrote:
        Robert,
        last wensday night we prayed real hard for you a nd your family espeicialy Liz, We have been going on rumors of what occured and how serious it was..hearing from you exactly what happend and what is going on helps me understand, tonight is sweat...and we will pray again for your family.... I'm very sorry this has happend to you guy's and I to have seen the impact alcholhal has had on our lifes...keep strong and do'nt give up...and alot of us really apreiciate the steps foward you have made with us....as for the drunk driver he must be white ! becuase if he was native and you were white then he would have been looking at life for two accounts of tempted murder..... and that is some of the railroading system that we as Native people face with every day......He should be tried with two accounts of attempted murder with a vehichal.
        so if you guy's feel a little extra stregnth tonight around 6:00 - 10:00 we're praying hard for you !
        Reply to this
      2. 3/7/2007 12:29 PM Cynthia Wise wrote:
        Robert,
        Firstly, let me pass on my prayers for your family. I'm sure God will continue to help your fiance heal.
        Secondly, someone e-mailed us about the incident here at KING-5 News. We are interested in doing a story. Would you and your girlfriend be willing to speak to a reporter on camera?
        Again, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

        Cynthia Wise
        Senior Assignments Editor
        KING-5 News
        Reply to this
    • 3/9/2007 10:38 AM Lenny wrote:
      I wanted to also extend my condolences to Liz and family for the pain, hardship, and trauma brought about by a drunk driver. A true indian warrior spirit, she has come through strong and fought through some impossible odds. I was there after the accident, during, and after surgeries. Her last one was also a success. She still has a long way to go, but seeing her pull through this was nothing short of a miracle.
      Despite the odds, and adversity, people make it through some impossible circumstances. Here's to the power of prayer, strong spiritual beliefs (and a miracle here and there).
      Love, get well wishes, and prayers from our family.
      Reply to this
    • 3/9/2007 11:18 AM Angel Sneatlum wrote:
      Liz, my prayers are also with you, for a speedy recovery. I'm sorry to hear about this accident that should've never happened.
      You know, if the white man never came around and introduced to us (Native people) and everyone else - "Alcohol", we would be so much better off! I believe that you know!
      I was wondering why your son, Logan, kept saying to us as we would ask him, what do you want to do on your "21st" birthday, he kept on saying..."I don't know". All the way up until this happened he still didn't know what he wanted to do for his birthday.
      But you know the creator knows that your job is not done in this world yet and that's why he has this special blessing for you. He knows that your baby needs you (along with your other kids) and so you have a special blessing to be here and to (someday soon) be able to take walks, have special talks, & do anything and everything that your heart so desires in this walk of life, with your kids and your mate again.
      Be strong and get well soon.
      Reply to this
    • 3/10/2007 12:04 AM Rev. Irvin Porter wrote:
      Robert and Liz,
      I just found out about the accident today and you are both on the prayer chain for Church of the Indian Fellowship which is a group of members who pray continually for those in need. Our congregation will lift you in our prayers that the Creator will grant you complete healing and through this tragedy peace, love, and joy will rise above it. For this young man who caused this tragedy by his unwise choices, we offer God our prayer that he will take responsibility for his actions.

      The Cherokee have a prayer: May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon you and the Creator make sunrise in your hearts. Amen.

      Sincerely,
      Rev. Irvin Porter
      Pima, T'hono O'odham & Nez Perce
      Puyallup, WA.
      Reply to this
    • 3/11/2007 11:32 PM Robert S. Satiacum wrote:
      Once again I want to express my sincerest and most humble gratitude to each and everyone of you, who've taken a moment to consider, pray, help, mention, love and cried for my new bride Elizabeth, Sapphire, Mom, Baby "Sacred Water" , brother Logan, Lenny and myself. IT is truely one of the most traumatic, dramatic, and devastating times of mine and Liz's life!
      She expressed to me that she "has found a new will to live, and return even stronger". She is a great example of fortitude and perserverance. I'm extremely proud of her and how she has face the odds against her. And thank yourselves, all that have shared your compassion with each of my family members. Many Aho's to you from me.
      Reply to this
    • 3/12/2007 12:32 PM Mike Hoskins &Jennifer Caldwell-Hoskins wrote:
      Robert and is,
      We have been praying for your family and your quick healing. We are amazed at the lack of justice that the court has had in your behalf. We will pray that this young person will make the right choice by helping you, but he hasn't shown the ability to make good choices thus far. Stay strong and know that the Creator means all things for good. We don't know the good that will come from this, but we know that you are both strong people who have learned to make the best of everything Creator gives you and you will do the same with this. Remember that you have many friends here who are praying and we will try and help anyway that we can. Please keep us informed of your needs so we may help with provision for that need.
      Our Love to you and your family and we thank Creator for you both.
      Mike Hoskins and Jennifer Caldwell-Hoskins
      Directors,
      Tacoma First Nations Gathering
      Reply to this
    • 3/12/2007 8:22 PM Lindsey Rothleutner wrote:
      Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Elizabeth you are strong and such an amazing woman who I was privledged to meet through Mary Kay. We miss you and know we are thinking about you constantly! Once again our prayers are with you and your family.
      God Bless,
      Lindsey Rothleutner
      Mary Kay Independent Sales Director
      Reply to this
    • 3/13/2007 11:14 AM Malia wrote:
      my prayer to liz.."Precious Heavenly Father as we lift up liz to you at this hour, remind her of your genuine healing power of love, continue to heal her so that she can hold her new one soon, forever give her comforting peace...i ask all this in Jesue name AMEN..."
      Reply to this
    • 3/13/2007 7:05 PM Diane Fox wrote:
      I have been so shocked to hear about the horrible events that have happened to Elizabeth and Rob. I know that their entire circle of family and friends has also been deeply affected by all this and have gathered around them with prayers and help. I want you to know Liz & Rob that I have been really thinking and praying for you! You both have been there for everyone else in serving us. Now it is time for us to serve you in anyway we can. I pray for even more miraculous healing Liz, that you will have a whole healthy body, and be quickly restored to your role as mother and wife at home! I love you so much! Diane
      Reply to this
    • 3/14/2007 1:41 AM Robert S. Satiacum wrote:
      Well here is the latest update on our family.
      Because of her will and determination, as well as each and everyone of your prayers, I was able to finally bring home "Mamma Bear" Liz to finally, after 19 days, meet her newborn son, Robert!
      They both met and shared one of our most precious elements, WATER. I've been told that each and every tear we shed is a prayer in it's own way. Tonight when I was able to get Liz up on the bed and on her back, and Sapphire and mom brought over baby, to finally see them back together, is a sight I know I'll never forget on this journey. As they laid there for the first time since the accident, I could only begin to thank our Creator and all of you that have been considerate enough to have our family in your prayer, God Bless each and everyone of you.
      I am completely exhausted at this point, I've asked the family for 5 minutes to write this before I go back to caring for Mamma Liz and the rest of the family. I would like to also thank the news media for the coverage they extended us and our situation. It is nearly immpossible for me to get on the phone and let everyone know, that cares, what has happened.
      We need a ramp built for Liz to walk in and out of the house soon, I'll need a hospital bed for her, as well as other medical equipment for her convenience and well being. I'll need extra help around the house to watch over Liz and the baby, to give mom Satiacum and Sapphire a break, while I take care of other issues that need to be tended to, i.e., social security and tribal registration, birth certificate, banking and bill paying etc....
      I need more wood for our family sweat lodge, preferably delivered or at least help splitting it and maybe getting the fire started. I haven't had the chance to get away and pray my usual and accustomed ways because of all this.
      At any rate, as of this writing the trial date is set for April 16 at 8:30 am, usually they try to get a continuence, but for now that is the date. It would be nice to have and see a lot of support when it comes time for the legal aspect of this incident.
      Once again thank you for your continued prayers and please keep them coming, we are far from over
      RS
      Reply to this
    • 3/14/2007 1:48 AM Anonymous wrote:
      I would like to add, that if you could post your thoughts and well wishing to Liz, it would be greatly appreciated.
      I've been printing them out for her to see, it gives her inspiration and more determination to go on, Many Aho's
      Reply to this
    • 3/14/2007 1:58 AM Judith Chandler wrote:
      Hello Robert - it's your Parking lady at Harborview. I just wanted to check on you and the family. Liz is a lovely woman strong and beautiful, your son is adorable! My very best to you all - I'm sending all my prayers and good thoughts to the Universe I know you will all overcome this and be a strong and fabulous family! My best to you all! Judith
      Reply to this
    • 3/14/2007 8:14 AM Vicki Parrett wrote:
      Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God is surely watching over you. Michelle (former soccer player) and I will keep you in our prayers.
      Reply to this
    • 3/15/2007 12:04 PM James Miles, PFCPN wrote:
      If you would like to help financially, a fund has been set up by friends of Rob and Liz. You can donate at any Bank of America branch to the "Elizabeth Ward-Sneatlum Medical Fund" or account #31687437. Anything will help! Thank you
      Reply to this
    • 3/22/2007 11:54 PM David n Selene Duenas wrote:
      Liz and Robert, I was looking at this website and it is doing very well in detail! I am really sorry to hear that Liz had that awful accident and hoping she will have a very fast recuperation and healing the bones throughout your long treatment...and by the way...that is one beautiful babyyyyy...congrats to both of yall! take care! Let us know Liz if for any reason that you need help ok...laters sel
      Reply to this

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