Susan Cenkus of Clyde, Ohio, survivor of a bear attack at Cherokee National Forest last Thursday, remains in stable condition in an intensive care unit at Erlanger. But today she was well enough to have a short visit with her two-year-old son, Luke.
Still listed in fair condition at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, Luke continues to show steady improvement and has been watching television, playing and spending time with his father and extended family members, hospital officials said.
Susan returned to the operating room Wednesday afternoon for further treatment of her wounds, but, according to her caregivers, she is awake and alert.
Family members continue to express their appreciation for the generosity and kindness of everyone in the region. According to Gene Paul, Susan’s father, “The outpouring of love and concern has been tremendous.”
The hospital continues to receive calls from the public wanting to know how they can help the Cenkus family. Citizens of Polk County, Tn., where the attack took place, have established a fund to assist with funeral expenses for Susan’s six-year-old daughter Elora Petrosek, who was killed in the attack, and medical expenses for Susan and Luke.
Contributions to the family can be made through the Foundation for In-Home Care, P.O. Box 4757, Chattanooga, Tn., 37405. “Bear Attack” should be written on the memo line of the check.
Authorities have caught a second bear in a trap near the attack site at Chilhowie. It was not killed, but is being held while the first bear that was trapped and killed is tested further.