Recovering athlete faces surgery

Wahkiakum High School sophomore Beau Carlson continues to rest at home.

Carlson suffered a head injury during a football game with Adna in September. He came home on October 31 after spending a month in a Portland hospital battling a life threatening infection and undergoing a second brain surgery.

A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line has been taken out since last week’s update and his blood work and scans look good, according to family friend Amber Wassell Mace.

If Carlson’s tests remain favorable, he is expected to be scheduled for a surgery in the next month to restore the portion of his skull that had been removed.

He continues to attend appointments for physical therapy, bloodwork and more. Mom and dad have also been taking him out each day, trying to make life feel normal. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s overwhelming.

Carlson still tires easily, Mace said. He doesn’t watch a lot of TV, because it makes his head hurt, but soft music helps him block out everything and rest.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up in Beau Carlson's name to help support him and his family during this tough time, gofundme.com/carlson-strong. Donations can be given to Mace as well. She is accepting gift cards, cash or checks for the family. She is also working with people who want to help out by making dinner for the family. She can be contacted at 360-430-9690.