Times Staff
ALTUS—When tragedy strikes a young person, the time comes for communities to band together to find ways to help.

On Christmas Eve, 18-year old Noel Olguin was critically injured in a farming accident. Noel, along with Lucas Sanchez and Glen Baker, both of Eldorado, was building a fence east of Eldorado. Glen was operating the tractor while Noel and Lucas were guiding the auger, which was being used to dig postholes. Noel’s clothing got entangled in the rotating PTO shaft and he was flipped repeatedly against the frame of the post hole digger until the PTO could be stopped.

As a result of the accident, his left arm was completely severed from his body and he sustained other injuries. He was rushed to Jackson County Memorial Hospital by the Eldorado Ambulance, where he was stabilized. He was then transported by medi-flight to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where he is currently listed in critical condition.

The damage was so severe to his left arm that the medical center was unable to reattach it. He is paralyzed from the chest down and is on a respirator. He has had surgery to fix a fracture of the neck and bone and they have started some physical therapy. Once he becomes stronger to withstand more surgery, he will have to have skin grafts to his shoulder area. He is able to communicate by writing notes and using his good arm.

Noel is the son of Abelino and Victor Olguin of Eldorado. His siblings are Gloria, Olivia, Frankie, Abelino Jr. and Adam Olguin. He is a 2005 graduate of Eldorado High School. He attended Western Oklahoma State College in the Fall of 2005. During his school years, he was active in sports and exhibited show animals as a member of the Eldorado FFA. He enjoys spending time and working on the farm with his dad and hopes that with time and God’s help he will be able to do it again.

Friends of the Olguin family are currently organizing several fundraisers to offset the extensive medical and related expenses that have been levied upon the family. Upcoming events include: a labor auction/BBQ dinner on Jan. 21 at the Eldorado Activities Building, a benefit auction/BBQ dinner on Jan. 28 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. State Representatives David Braddock (District 52) and Don Armes (District 63) will assist in hosting the event. The Corinth Singers will be hosting a benefit concert on Feb. 5 at the Corinth Baptist Church.

For information about the Jackson County benefits contact John Henderson at 318-1521 or Camille Johnson at 471-7582; contact Janice Hunter at 633-2795 for the Eldorado benefit; and Mark Farr at 633--2380 for the Corinth Singers concert.

The Olguin family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Eldorado and surrounding communities for the many prayers and support shown to them since Noel’s accident. They ask that you continue to pray that Noel will steadily improve and also for a safe travel for family members and friends that will be going to visit Noel and for safe travel as they return to their homes and jobs. You may send cards of encouragement to Noel to the following address:

Noel Olguin

Trauma ICU-2nd Floor

Room #2020

Presbyterian Tower

700 NE 13th

OKC, OK 73104

Friends are currently contacting area businesses for support. Thus far, there has been an overwhelming response to requests for assistance and they, along with Noel’s family would like to thank everyone for their support.