Pastor Max Day, associate pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Brainerd who broke his back after a 15-foot fall from his deer stand Nov. 5, is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis, a spinal care rehabilitation center.
Pastor Jim Goodew said Day has no feeling from the mid-abdomen down as a result of the accident. His T11 vertebrae was crushed and pressed on his spine as a result of the accident, which occurred on deer hunting opener in Itasca State Park.
Goodew said Day will remain at the Sister Kenny Institute for the next several weeks for rehabilitation. His target date for coming home is Dec. 14. Goodew said a group from Faith Baptist Church met Sunday to discuss ways to help the Days when he returns home. His home will need renovations to make it handicapped accessible for his return. They’re also discussing the possibility of a fundraising benefit or other ways to help them out.
Goodew recently visited Day and said he is in good spirits. He said the family is discouraging hospital visits or phone calls during this time since his rehabilitation is exhausting.
“He’s doing really well,” Goodew said of Day. “It’s a painful process for him.”
Day, who is 65, was physically active before his accident, working out daily at a local gym. His wife, Sharon, posted Wednesday on his CaringBridge website that she is very proud of her husband.
“I don’t think he has ever worked harder in his life than right now,” Sharon Day wrote about her husband. “Please pray his strength will continue to improve and that he continues to be encouraged.”
Those who wish to follow Day’s progress or leave a message of support for Day may visit his CaringBridge website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/maxday1.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.