Progressing AHEAD of Schedule

What's Up?

Well, Christian is!!!

As all of you (or most ) know Christian came to Valley Meds' Rehabilitation Center 4 weeks ago yesterday to partake in an aggressive re-hab program. And aggressive it has been. In the short amount of time that he has been here he has exceeded all expectations and measures set for him.

When he came to Valley he could just move his left leg to the side but not up and down. Along with some movement from his left arm. Movement from his right side was very slight. In addition he came with a tracheotomy as well as a g-tube from his stomach for feeding.

With the beginning of his fifth week in re-hab we find Christian participating in group therapy (bowling) and feeding himself breakfast. These are no easy tasks. He has worked hard each and every day of the six days a week program. On Sundays a family friend has been coming in and doing an additional hour of therapy with him. Where once he couldn't lift his arm he is now lifting small hand weights with both arms. His legs are getting him from place to place with the aide of a walker and physical therapist in therapy sessions. He propels himself in the wheelchair to get to those sessions daily. And again he is feeding himself some breakfast and lunch. Eventually this will replace the g-tube feedings. Oh Yeah did I mention............ he's talking!! The trach is still in and will remain while he continues to improve his swallowing. But that's coming along as well and can be removed possibly as early as next week if all continues as it has been.

We are all so very proud of him and words can not truly express how grateful we are that we get to share this experience with him.

Thank you again and again and again for your continued support, well wishes and prayers.

Christians' Family

ps Christian has read all the blogs and will be dictating some words and thoughts soon.

Christian's Progress

It has been ten days since the last update, and we’re sorry to have kept some of you in the dark. The Stanford doctors wanted to get Christian into aggressive therapy and we were very fortunate to quickly get him into an excellent program at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He is making progress each day. They are working him hard; Christian is getting stronger each day, whether it is laughing as Ashley tickles his feet or working on his stretches and physical therapy at the Valley Med. We would like to thank all of you for your enduring thoughts and prayers and we will try to keep you updated as Christian’s recovery progresses.

-Christian's Family

First Update 9.05.08

A week and a day has gone by since Christian was brought to Standford PICU. Everyday shows a little (sometimes so small it's just a flick of his finger) bit of improvement. It's going to be a long road, but what we know is this: We have our Christian back and for this we are Truly Grateful!

-Christian's Family

Let us start by saying that we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, prayers and support we have received for Christian. It has rendered us speachless to know how many people think so highly of him. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!!!

In brief: Christian was injured during the pre-season Jamboree game this past Thursday, August 28th. After feeling pain in his leg he went and sat the final 5 minutes of the last game on the bench. Trying to walk off the field after the game he collapsed and was rushed to Dominican Hospital. Leaving all the gory details at the hospital where they belong, Christian was airvacked to Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, where he under went a type of surgery on his brain to try and remove a blood clot on his brainstem caused by a stroke. He was not expected to make it out of the surgery, BUT of course he did!!! He is currently undergoing treatment in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) here at Stanford. We have been Blessed with an outstanding team of doctors and they have taken every step to continue Christian's recovery.

The easiest analogy we can make to explain what is happening now is : It's kinda like an earthquake (the injury and subsequent surgery) with after shocks. We have to wait several days till the dust settles before we can figure out the extent of the damage done by the stroke. Each day brings to light another piece of information that will be used by the doctors to determine what damage has occurred and what will be necessary to bring him renewed health. Again THANK YOU for your Love and Prayers!!

-Christian's Family