Gabe, the 5-year old son of some rad activists in Minneapolis, who survived two raids by Minneapolis-St. Paul police and Ramsey County Sheriff's Department during the RNC earlier this past year, has been seriously injured in an accident and is in critical -yet stable- condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.

At about 1pm Friday, doctors attempted to remove the respirator from his lungs as he appeared to be breathing well enough on his own. This proved premature as his lungs quickly collapsed and the surrounding cavity began filling with fluid. Acting fast, they replaced the respirator and had to put an additional tube through his chest to drain the fluid.

As frustrating and sad as this is, Gabe is again doing well under the circumstances. The swelling of his face, arms, and upper torso is going down substantially. Doctors are again hoping that his respirator can be removed on Monday at which point he would be taken off the sedatives. They are also expecting a specialist to come on Monday to look at his femurs which have both been set with pins until they heal and setting his pelvis which was shattered.

If you wish to visit Gabe, he is located at HCMC downtown Minneapolis in the huge medical complex off of Chicago and 7th St. S. Once inside it is the Orange building, you should be able to get the room number there. Visiting hours for patients are from 9am until 8:30 pm although friends can come to support parents and loved ones of Gabe around the clock as they have a special resting room for relatives and friends. Sammy requested that friends come later in the evening as there has been a rush of visitors in the afternoon and she was hoping people could space out their visits to better support the family.

The family has requested that while Gabe is unconscious (and has more scary tubes sticking out of him) they'd prefer families with small children leave their kiddos at home. After he is awake, children should definitely come and visit as much as possible!

Other ways of support include bringing coloring books or nature and science books for Gabe to occupy himself once he's awake. A little goes a long way. Also, I've been notified of a website where people can donate items that his family is requesting to help them out. It is: http://www.supportgabe.org