Great day turned tragic
February 9, 2014
The Bonners Ferry Badger cheerleaders were ecstatic Saturday after winning the district championship in Moscow. Now they're praying for the recovery of member Kelsey Shutes. Pictured (l-r) Kristie Cooper, Gabby Munson, Brie Reasoner, Kelsey, Rebecca Lundgren, McKayla Moore and Gabrielle Ingrum.
Bonners Ferry High School cheerleaders Brianna Reasoner, McKayla Moore and Gabby Munson spent much of today praying and working to help their teammate, Kelsey Shutes, who was seriously injured in a car wreck Saturday night.
Saturday was a wonderful day for a group of Badger cheerleaders, who traveled to the district championships in Moscow and took first place for a trip to state. Then, in a matter of seconds, their euphoria turned to worry and sorrow when one of their team, Kelsey Shutes, was seriously injured in a car crash.

"Everything changed so fast," said teammate McKayla Moore, who's cheered alongside Kelsey for six years. "We were so excited to be going to state, but now it's not that important."

Members of the squad spent much of today making donation cans and placing them in businesses throughout the community to raise funds for Kelsey and her family. They know that the family is only asking for the community's prayers, but the Bonners Ferry High School cheerleaders want to give more.

While they, like the family, wait, hope and pray for Kelsey, the young women of the squad are also planning fundraisers and they've established an account at Mountain West Bank, "Pray for Kelsey," where everyone can make donations through any bank branch.

As yet, no one knows the extent of Kelsey's injuries or how long her road to recovery will be. She remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Kootenai Medical Center, where she has yet to wake from her injuries.

With head trauma, it's a matter of waiting, of counting each small step toward improvement.

According to McKayla, the trip to state, which takes place March 21, isn't a certainty; instead, being there for Kelsey to help her heal and recover is of much more importance.