AMIDON, NORTH DAKOTA -- A van following a snowplow got lost in snow fog and collided with another van, injuring five people in Slope County, the Highway Patrol said Thursday, December 19, 2013. Rev. Ron Olson, Bowman United Methodist Church, wife Michelle, and daughter Maijai are all hospitalized at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota. (Read more here)

Family members were first taken to the hospital in Dickinson and Bowman for initial care.  After evaluation they were transported to Bismarck for care. 

Ron had open heart to replace an aortic valve tear. He also has a fractured right femur, tibia, and fibula, along with multiple rib fractures. He has four chest tubes in after his heart surgery because of a perforated lung. He has had additional surgery and remains in ICU. 

Michelle is in the ICU and has multiple left rib fractures and lung contusions. She has multiple bruises from head to toe and a hematoma on her chest. She also has a left tibia fracture.

Maija is in the PICU. She has had surgery on her abdomen to repair her perforated bowel. She also has had surgery to repair a fracture in her spine that is compressing the spinal cord. 

Ron, when asked what people could do for him said, “Please just thank God that we are all alive. Thank God that not one of us has head injuries. Thank God that we are all receiving good care.”

The best way to keep up to date with the Olsons is through the Caringbridge page.  www.caringbridge.org.  Type in OlsonFamily3 where it says “Visit Someone”. 

Rev. Keith Nelson, Sakakawea District Superintendent stated, “I am trying to handle church related calls and messages for the family.  So, you can direct such matters to my e-mail (keith.nelson@dakotasumc.org)  or phone is there is something urgent ( 701-527-7726).  Thanks for all your prayers.”

Nelson also noted, "The family has been overwhelmed and very thankful for the outpouring of care and prayers from all corners of the Conference and the world." 

Please continue to keep the Olsons in your prayers.