The family of a Broken Arrow teen struck by lightning issues statement

Two Broken Arrow boys struck by lightning over the weekend continue to recover. Witnesses say two boys were playing by a backyard tree, when lightning struck nearby. <br/><br/>The family of one of the

Tuesday, July 26th 2005, 2:44 pm

By: News On 6

Two Broken Arrow boys struck by lightning over the weekend continue to recover. Witnesses say two boys were playing by a backyard tree, when lightning struck nearby.

The family of one of the boys, Sam Shannon, has issued a statement, expressing thanks for support and prayers they have received since Saturday's incident.

STATEMENT FROM THE SHANNON FAMILY:

As many of you know from reports in the news media, Sam Shannon, age 13, was struck by lightning from an unexpected thunderstorm while he was playing outside in a neighborâ€™s yard early Saturday evening. Sam went into cardiac arrest at the scene, was administered CPR by his family and paramedics and was then transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa for treatment. Sam has been in a desperate struggle for his life, but he has fought to survive and his condition has continued to improve.

At this time, his heart function and blood pressure have stabilized. Sam remains in stable, but extremely critical condition in the St. Francis Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. No visitors are allowed at this time.

We would like to express our gratitude to all of you for your outpouring of support, your cards and your prayers. We especially thank the Broken Arrow firefighters who gave medical attention to Sam at the scene; the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers who have provided and are providing medical care to Sam; the players, parents and families in the Tulsa Soccer Club who are generously assisting us during this time and all who are supporting our family.

We are so very proud of Sam and his courage and will to live. We wish to focus all of our time and efforts on Sam. As such, we are simply not able to give interviews or further updates on Samâ€™s medical status.

The Shannon family asks that members of the media please recognize this need to devote our full and undivided attention to Sam, and to respect our privacy during this crisis. We ask only for your support and prayers for Sam.