Katie Conner, a beloved daughter, friend and WhiteRaverRafting editor was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on Sunday, October 12, 2014. She was riding her bike home from work in preparation for a 545-mile ride to raise funds to help battle AIDS.
Katie’s injuries were severe, she has suffered serious head trauma and is currently being taken care of by the wonderful staff at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center. On Thursday, October 16, Katie showed some signs of recovery after a piece of her skull was removed to allow her brain to heal itself. Though now, as of October 21, Katie has awoken from having been heavily sedated and is making huge strides in her recovery.
Katie will have a long road ahead of her, but with the support of her loved ones, the WhiteRaverRafting team and the EDM community we’re certain that she’ll make a full recovery. Our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with Katie and her family. Her medical expenses will exceed health insurance and family resources and any contribution to her giveforward.com campaign will be greatly cherished. In just nine days her page has exceeded its donation goal, the support Katie has received is truly remarkable.
Donate to Katie’s Giveforward Campaign
A Little About Katie
Katie Conner wrote her first post for WhiteRaverRafting.com on September 19, 2013. Since she joined our family she has been a monumental member and key to the growth and success of our brand. A few months ago she had made the move to California, from her home in Maryland, in search of a career deeper inside of the music industry.
Katie’s passion and creativity is what makes her unique. Her knack for exceptionally interesting article ideas has resulted in thousands upon thousands of shares, likes and traffic to our website. We’re extremely grateful, and very lucky, to have her as a part of our family.
Katie’s musical tastes range, she’s infatuated with acts such as Diplo, Bassnectar, Above & Beyond, Mat Zo and Trippy Turtle. Everything from trap to Jersey club is her style, but don’t be fooled, she has a soft spot for relaxing tropical jams as well. Perhaps the most compelling characteristic that Katie possesses is her ability to see the positive outcome in every situation. She’s truly one of a kind and a pleasure to know.
Katie is an amazing person and this article was written to celebrate her and wish her a speedy recovery. In our eyes she’s far more than an electronic dance music blogger, she’s also a fantastic friend. No matter how long or short her road to a full recovery maybe, our team, the EDM scene and her loved ones will always be on the sidelines cheering her on.
“Life is a beautiful trip. Singe your fingertips with adventure and challenges. Work hard and play hard. Love yourself and you’ll discover yourself.” – Katie Conner
Dear EDM community, Thank you.
Over the last week Katie has not only seen massive amounts of support from her loved ones, family and WRR team, but from the EDM community as a whole. Ravers have been contacting us and praying for her via tweets and Facebook messages, other media outlets have posted her giveforward campaign page and several artists as well – for that we’re very grateful.
We know that these messages will keep Katie in good spirits and we can’t wait until she gets to read all of them.
(Above & Beyond wish Katie well at the one hour and thirty three minute mark of their MSG performance.)
The WhiteRaverRafting Family’s Message to Katie
Our team has left some supportive messages for Katie. We are eternally grateful for all of your support. If you have a message for Katie feel free to personally message our Facebook account and we’ll make sure she receives all of them.
Tyler Almodovar: Katie, you’re one of the brightest people that I’ve ever worked with, you have so many talents and amazing traits. When I heard about what had happened my heart broke, then I was reminded of how strong and positive you are. If anyone can get through something like this, it’s you. You have all of our prayers and the biggest and best support system in the entire world. Yesterday I received news that you’re doing much better and I can’t wait until I get to speak to you again. Thank you for being an outstanding person and even better friend. Endless love.
Jennifer Lee Curley: Oh Katie, we bonded instantly – over our mutual love of music, passions, and yes, our shared wild, out of control, curly hair for I truly believe this genetic gift makes us part of a beautiful, frizzy sisterhood. I can never forget our excitement over everything Diplo. I loved talking to you half the day online while we sat at our jobs and internships, talking about everything from writing and music, to our dreams, adventures we wanted to go on, love and heartbreak. I was so proud of you when you decided to leave for California and embark on this new part of your life. It’s been a while since we’ve really caught up, and I’ll be here through your journey forward. You are strong my WRR sister; “The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind” – The Bhagavad Gita
Joshua Schellhammer: Katie I knew from the moment that you started heckling me about using two spaces between every sentence in every article that I wrote that we were gonna get along just fine, haha. From there, the past year as been filled with laughes, jokes, sarcasm, dancing our faces off, and being there for each other to vent, sharing great things, and bad. Now it’s time for me to share with you in your time of need. When you told me that you were moving to San Diego, it was sad, but a positive sad. People can’t move forward, unless they move on, and that’s exactly what you did. I admire people that have the strength and the courage to do that, and you’ve proven both. It crushed me to hear that you got into an accident while riding your bike when we had just talked the week prior about how you had just signed up for the AIDs race, and I was estatic for you as an avid biker. You told me to consider coming out to join you for it. But as I sit here with tears streaming down my face, they’re not just because I’m sad about what happened, but how I know I will see you next summer, and we will be biking together, whether it be in your neighbor, your gym, or doing the race together. I will be praying for you and will think about you everyday until you’re back to 100%. Love always.
Brittany Slipko: I’ve only known Katie for a few months, but she reached out to me pretty much as soon as I started writing. She made me feel so comfortable and confident with my work, and when I did need assistance she gave the best constructive criticism. You could tell she wanted everyone and anyone to succeed and this came through when she was working with me. We bonded one day while talking about our favorite types of music and our love for Bonnaroo. We decided we were going to get together at Bonnaroo to see the Skrillex Superjam and possibly hoop together. Unfortunately, we didn’t meet up, but we shared our stories when we got back and bonded even more. I still confide in Katie if I need any assistance in my work or in life. She is such a ray of sunshine in a dark world and I aspire to be like her, not only professionally but personally as well.
Yng Park: Katie – like I’ve said before – you are my spirit animal. And you always will be. You’re an intelligent, beautiful, independent soul and I know you’re going to pull through. In fact, you’ll be reading this well into your recovery. I’m honored to have met such a kindred spirit, and I always appreciate our hilarious conversations. You’re the funniest person I’ve ever met. And I respect you SO MUCH. I’m really glad we got to bond through WhiteRaverRafting, and can’t wait until we finally get to rage together. Love you bb
Chad Downs: We were just beginning to express our love for documentaries!! Katie, you’re a great writer and a beloved member of the team. Like CRAZY loved. Your sense of community and just all around awesomeness is something we are all currently missing right now. Your dedication to the AIDS fundraiser is just one example of your character I got to see, I’m sure it is symbolic of your love of giving back and selflessness. You’re a strong girl and we all know we’ll be seeing you soon!
Halina Marie: Katie, I can hardly wait for you to wake up and see how much love that people from all over the country have for you. I am so glad to know you and be able to share in writing about the music that we love so much through WRR. Thank you for your kindness and guidance and someday we will rage together in person and it will be glorious! I’m sending you so much love and prayers through this trial in your life, and know that your WRR family loves the heck out of you and we will be with you through your recovery sweet girl!
Olivia Lueckemeyer: Katie– Sometimes the worst things happen to the best people, but I truly believe the greater power only presents life-altering challenges to those he knows are strong enough to pull through them. You have just endured a moment in time that will change you forever, but I know these dark times will only serve to empower you in ways you never knew were possible. Katie, you are one of the kindest people I have ever known. Our paths have never crossed physically, but I feel like you have impacted my life in a powerful way. In my first few weeks at WhiteRaverRafting there were very few people I felt comfortable confiding in, and you were one of them, because of the warmth and friendliness you showed me from day one. Cancers are often called “den mothers” because of their deep concern for their tribe. You are our den mother Katie, always putting the happiness and comfort of the group before your own. I know when you open your eyes you will feel the immense love we all have for you. Stay strong, you’re going to come out on the other side more beautiful than you already are. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran
Tyler Hubin: Sometimes crappy things happen to awesome people for no reason, but there’s not a doubt in my mind you’ll be able to get through this. You’ve been a huge help ever since we met through WRR and have been my go-to editor because of your musical knowledge and how easy your are to talk to. You have so many people pulling for you through this (even Above & Beyond and Bassnectar!!) its amazing. I know we’ll finally meet soon, and when we do it’ll be that much sweeter 🙂
Sebastian Aguirre: There’s really no way to make sense of what happened. It was so sudden and awful that nothing that I write feels appropriate. The only solace that I can afford is a hope that your resolve and desire to live life to the fullest be strengthened through this experience. I’m so sorry for all that your family has gone through and I hope the worst of it is behind you. Get better soon!
Amber Lashbaugh: Every day we write about music, news, our feelings and life but today I cannot find the words to express all the things I wish I could say to you. I hope that you can feel the energy from our loving community and all the people who have rallied around you to support your recovery. You are so incredibly loved for so many wonderful reasons. I love for your your wild hair that personifies your wild spirit perfectly. I love you for your genuine compassion and understanding of everyone you meet. I love you for the beautiful way you bare your heart on your sleeve for all the world to see. You are an inspiration to those around you now more than ever with all the strength you’ve shown throughout your recovery and I know you will only continue to plow forward like the stubborn little girl you are. I cannot wait for the next time we can hold hands and skip through a festival together, my dear. Just keep on keepin’ on and it will happen soon enough. Sending you all my love, until we meet again.
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