Ashley is ready for the next stage in her rehabilitation.
The doctors and therapist agree that Ashley is ready to be moved up to the next level of rehabilitation. I am updating the blog from Chicago where I have just finished a tour of the facility here. Also today a representative from a Rehab in Indy was visiting Ashley in Fort Wayne.
We will be deciding shortly, based on what we discern is the best for Ashley which facility to move her to.
While we know both facilities are world class with caring staff please pray that we are guided by the Holy Spirit in choosing the best setting for Ashley.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August 29th
Ashley is now venturing outside.
On Tuesday and Wednesday Ashley went outside. Other than during her transfer from Virginia this is the first time Ashley has been outside. Even with the heat and humidity Ashley enjoyed getting out.
On the medical front all of Ashley’s tests have come back clear so no more yellow gowns and gloves for visitors.
The social worker and medical staff at the hospital have been conferring with potential rehabilitation facilities for the next stage of Ashley’s recovery. I will be visiting a facility in Chicago tomorrow. We don’t know when, but given Ashley’s progress she may be moving soon to increase the level of therapy.
Ashley is showing marked progress so far this week. While it is still difficult for her she is following requests from the therapists and us with more frequency. We made up small signs that have statements and include pictures such as ‘wiggle your toes’ and lift your right arm’ and, when she is in the mood she is doing it.
Folks your prayers are working. Thank you and please continue to pray for continued progress leading up to Ashley’s full recovery.
On Tuesday and Wednesday Ashley went outside. Other than during her transfer from Virginia this is the first time Ashley has been outside. Even with the heat and humidity Ashley enjoyed getting out.
On the medical front all of Ashley’s tests have come back clear so no more yellow gowns and gloves for visitors.
The social worker and medical staff at the hospital have been conferring with potential rehabilitation facilities for the next stage of Ashley’s recovery. I will be visiting a facility in Chicago tomorrow. We don’t know when, but given Ashley’s progress she may be moving soon to increase the level of therapy.
Ashley is showing marked progress so far this week. While it is still difficult for her she is following requests from the therapists and us with more frequency. We made up small signs that have statements and include pictures such as ‘wiggle your toes’ and lift your right arm’ and, when she is in the mood she is doing it.
Folks your prayers are working. Thank you and please continue to pray for continued progress leading up to Ashley’s full recovery.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
August 25th
Today marks eight weeks with ADEM for Ashley. She spent four weeks at the University of Virginia Hospital and now four weeks in rehab in Fort Wayne.
Before giving an Ashley update, one of her friends asked if we read the comments left by visitors to the site to Ashley. The answer is yes! If you take the time to send Ashley a loving thought we will certainly relay it to her, and we guarantee you will bring a smile to her face.
At times Ashley's progress seems agonizingly slow, but she is making progress. We are noticing more movement by Ashley, and she is focusing in on visitors much more frequently and for longer intervals. She had a visit today from both her college roommate and a high school friend. She seemed much more engaged with them.
With therapy it is interesting to see all the different techniques they have. If one method is not getting a response they try a different approach with different tools. The result is they are getting more interaction from Ashley. The determination of the therapy staff is truly a blessing for us.
As visitors know we have posted scores of the cards Ashley has received and dozens of pictures to put Ashley in familiar surroundings. We have now added to the color palette of the room. We have added a half dozen various sized pillows that Ashley can use and covered them in cases of her favorite color, pink.
We know you are keeping Ashley in your prayers. We feel it and it is giving Ashley, as well as us, the strength we need to persevere.
Before giving an Ashley update, one of her friends asked if we read the comments left by visitors to the site to Ashley. The answer is yes! If you take the time to send Ashley a loving thought we will certainly relay it to her, and we guarantee you will bring a smile to her face.
At times Ashley's progress seems agonizingly slow, but she is making progress. We are noticing more movement by Ashley, and she is focusing in on visitors much more frequently and for longer intervals. She had a visit today from both her college roommate and a high school friend. She seemed much more engaged with them.
With therapy it is interesting to see all the different techniques they have. If one method is not getting a response they try a different approach with different tools. The result is they are getting more interaction from Ashley. The determination of the therapy staff is truly a blessing for us.
As visitors know we have posted scores of the cards Ashley has received and dozens of pictures to put Ashley in familiar surroundings. We have now added to the color palette of the room. We have added a half dozen various sized pillows that Ashley can use and covered them in cases of her favorite color, pink.
We know you are keeping Ashley in your prayers. We feel it and it is giving Ashley, as well as us, the strength we need to persevere.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
August 23rd
Ashley is moving a lot more. She even stretches when see wakes up. That myelin is regrowing. Of course we would like to see more progess sooner, but Ashley can't control that. Her therapy continues to be intense and they are coordinating with the ADEM experts at Johns Hopkins to make sure Ashley has the best therapy regime possible.
In mid September we will be taking Ashley to I.U. Hospital in Indianapolis for an evaluation by Dr. Mattson, a neuroimmunology there.
Our prayer theme continues to be rapid myelin regrowth and the return of motor skill controls for Ashley.
In mid September we will be taking Ashley to I.U. Hospital in Indianapolis for an evaluation by Dr. Mattson, a neuroimmunology there.
Our prayer theme continues to be rapid myelin regrowth and the return of motor skill controls for Ashley.
Monday, August 20, 2007
August 20th
NOTE: This site displays the most recent postings. To view previous postings click on the date links on the right side of the page.
Ashley showed some encouraging signs this weekend. It all boils down to that myelin regrowing and that the 'connections' that are re-established allowing for the mental and motor portions of her brain to coordinate in a visible task.
Mary read a chapter from a book that was a gift to Ashley. It was obvious that Ashley was listening and comprehending since she responded with giggles to appropriate passages.
While Ashley is not yet responding to commands the movements of her arms and legs are becoming more frequent and fluid (less rigid).
On the nutrition front Ashley is moving from an constant drip feed to scheduled feedings. These are still directly to her stomach via the 'peg' and is referred to as a bolus feeding. This is also how she 'drinks' water.
One major challenge for Ashley is the temporary 'capping' of her trachea tube for speech therapy. Breathing through the trach tube means very little air passes by her vocal cords. Ashley breaths on her own, and the 'collar' (an inflated balloon between the trach tube and the wall of her trachea) is deflated so some air is already is passing through her nose and mouth all the time. Yet even when Ashley is prepared for the 'capping' the sensation of breathing only through her nose and mouth feels different and creates anxiety.
For the next couple days they are just going to talk about the goals of capping in hopes that Ashley will be a bit more settled when they resume.
Please continue to pray that Ashley's myelin regrows rapidly and completely, and that she has a full recovery.
Ashley showed some encouraging signs this weekend. It all boils down to that myelin regrowing and that the 'connections' that are re-established allowing for the mental and motor portions of her brain to coordinate in a visible task.
Mary read a chapter from a book that was a gift to Ashley. It was obvious that Ashley was listening and comprehending since she responded with giggles to appropriate passages.
While Ashley is not yet responding to commands the movements of her arms and legs are becoming more frequent and fluid (less rigid).
On the nutrition front Ashley is moving from an constant drip feed to scheduled feedings. These are still directly to her stomach via the 'peg' and is referred to as a bolus feeding. This is also how she 'drinks' water.
One major challenge for Ashley is the temporary 'capping' of her trachea tube for speech therapy. Breathing through the trach tube means very little air passes by her vocal cords. Ashley breaths on her own, and the 'collar' (an inflated balloon between the trach tube and the wall of her trachea) is deflated so some air is already is passing through her nose and mouth all the time. Yet even when Ashley is prepared for the 'capping' the sensation of breathing only through her nose and mouth feels different and creates anxiety.
For the next couple days they are just going to talk about the goals of capping in hopes that Ashley will be a bit more settled when they resume.
Please continue to pray that Ashley's myelin regrows rapidly and completely, and that she has a full recovery.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
August 18th
NOTE: This site displays the most recent postings. To view previous postings click on the date links on the right side of the page.
Therapy for Ashley has been very aggressive in the last week. She has been out of bed either in active therapy or sitting at least four hours each day.
We are noticing more movement of her legs. It is apparent that Ashley is gaining more motor movement ability. She is not yet controlling that movement at a conscience level, but that will come.
Speech therapy has been working with Ashley by 'capping' her trachea tube. Ashley has always been able to breath on her own. She had a tracheostomy as a precaution to prevent possible aspiration is she got nausea. This is allowing air to pass back through her vocal cords.
This does not mean Ashley is speaking just yet. These are the initial steps to prepare her for speech rehabilitation.
Among her physical therapy activities this week was laying on her stomach upon a large ball. She tolerated that well and we imagine it had to feel good to stretch out her back.
Many of Ashley's friends are heading back to college this weekend. Ashley will join them again someday.
Please pray for Ashley's continued myelin regrowth and that she begins to display conscience control of some motor skills this coming week.
NOTE: This site displays the most recent postings. To view previous postings click on the date links on the right side of the page.
Therapy for Ashley has been very aggressive in the last week. She has been out of bed either in active therapy or sitting at least four hours each day.
We are noticing more movement of her legs. It is apparent that Ashley is gaining more motor movement ability. She is not yet controlling that movement at a conscience level, but that will come.
Speech therapy has been working with Ashley by 'capping' her trachea tube. Ashley has always been able to breath on her own. She had a tracheostomy as a precaution to prevent possible aspiration is she got nausea. This is allowing air to pass back through her vocal cords.
This does not mean Ashley is speaking just yet. These are the initial steps to prepare her for speech rehabilitation.
Among her physical therapy activities this week was laying on her stomach upon a large ball. She tolerated that well and we imagine it had to feel good to stretch out her back.
Many of Ashley's friends are heading back to college this weekend. Ashley will join them again someday.
Please pray for Ashley's continued myelin regrowth and that she begins to display conscience control of some motor skills this coming week.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 15th
NOTE: This site displays the most recent postings. To view previous postings click on the date links on the right side of the page.
So far it has been an eventful week. Ashley's neurologist has asked physical therapy to step up the aggressiveness of her activities. They certainly did that today. Ashley either in active therapy, or in a therapy chair from 8:00am to 1:00 pm. She also had several visitors today. What was also interesting is that she is no longer receiving a stimulant during the day and yet stayed alert all day.
Yesterday Ashley was standing up in a special device that allowed the therapists to work with her upper body while she was reintroduced to the affects of gravity. The first time this was done with Ashley she had a drop in blood pressure which is not unusual. This time she tolerated it without any problems.
While we are hoping to keep Ashley at Select Specialty in Fort Wayne we are investigating other rehabilitation centers including Hook Rehab in Indy and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). RIC actually has a Neuro-Rehab in Mishawaka. That would be convenient for her classmates at St. Marys to visit. The reason for checking out other programs is to identify the best rehabilitation program for each stage of Ashley's recovery.
As many of you know her brother Austin has had another bout with Rhabdomyolysis (form of heat exhaustion). He will be missing the first day of school on Friday to have further testing. We are confident that he will be okay. It is just going to take longer than recovering from a typical case of heat exhaustion.
Please focus your prayers for Ashley on her increasing her ability to respond to stimulus and follow commands during therapy. For Austin please pray that he can quickly return to football at full strength.
At that same time we will continue to offer up prayers of thanksgiving for all the support we have been blessed with.
So far it has been an eventful week. Ashley's neurologist has asked physical therapy to step up the aggressiveness of her activities. They certainly did that today. Ashley either in active therapy, or in a therapy chair from 8:00am to 1:00 pm. She also had several visitors today. What was also interesting is that she is no longer receiving a stimulant during the day and yet stayed alert all day.
Yesterday Ashley was standing up in a special device that allowed the therapists to work with her upper body while she was reintroduced to the affects of gravity. The first time this was done with Ashley she had a drop in blood pressure which is not unusual. This time she tolerated it without any problems.
While we are hoping to keep Ashley at Select Specialty in Fort Wayne we are investigating other rehabilitation centers including Hook Rehab in Indy and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). RIC actually has a Neuro-Rehab in Mishawaka. That would be convenient for her classmates at St. Marys to visit. The reason for checking out other programs is to identify the best rehabilitation program for each stage of Ashley's recovery.
As many of you know her brother Austin has had another bout with Rhabdomyolysis (form of heat exhaustion). He will be missing the first day of school on Friday to have further testing. We are confident that he will be okay. It is just going to take longer than recovering from a typical case of heat exhaustion.
Please focus your prayers for Ashley on her increasing her ability to respond to stimulus and follow commands during therapy. For Austin please pray that he can quickly return to football at full strength.
At that same time we will continue to offer up prayers of thanksgiving for all the support we have been blessed with.
The following represents the August updates that had already been emailed. Following this batch each update will be posted directly to this Blog.
To see the July original posting and daily updates click on 'July' on the right side of this page
August 1st
This update is delayed because Austin had a case of heat exhaustion from football practice (he wasn’t the only one) so I didn’t have a chance yesterday to do the update. I am typing this from Dupont where he having a follow up test to make sure he is 100%.
Ashley looks better everyday and seems more engaged with her visitors. We are confident that she will meet, or exceed the goals that rehabilitation therapists are setting for her.
We keep saying it but it cannot be said enough. Your prayers, cards, kind words and other support have changed our lives for the better. We don’t know how long Ashley’s recovery will take, nor do we know what other obstacles we will encounter along its path. What we know absolutely is that our faith, reinforced by all of you, will aid us in overcoming them.
We appreciate the offers for additional help such as preparing meals. The Markleys are keeping an eye on Austin to make sure he gets his three squares; Mary is with Ashley most of the day and I head up there after work. At this time we aren’t at the house enough for a scheduled meal. When we do have a need we will not be shy about asking for assistance and know we can count on your caring help.
The News Sentinel ran an article on Ashley today. They got the date of the benefit incorrect (it is Friday the 10th), but the article its self was well done. You can view it on-line at:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/NEWS/708010315&SearchID=73288959307057
August 2nd
While we were at Dupont Hospital near our home for Austin’s follow up blood test for his heat exhaustion a few people came in with golden retrievers. They were from Three Rivers Visiting Dogs. Austin was petting one of the dogs and I asked the owner if they went to the hospital Ashley was in. She said they went to specific floors. When I asked if they went to the floor Ashley was on she asked if we were the Harringtons? I was taken aback. Turns out she looked at the Bishop Dwenger logo on Austin’s gym shorts and had just read the newspaper article on Ashley.
Well the answer to the question is yes. They will be visiting Ashley. Now I guess we can add dog therapy to the list of treatments Ashley will be receiving.
Ashley did have a special visitor today. A guy a few years older than her who suffered a sever brain injury about a year ago and went through rehabilitation at the same facility came in. He and his mother spoke with Mary for awhile. They spoke highly of the care and rehab he received while he was there. It just reinforces our confidence that Ashley is in the right place.
For Ashley’s part she had a good day. She continues to show us that she is fighting hard to recover. Now that Ashley has been here a few days Mary and I are getting into the swing of things with Ashley and the care/therapy staff. The therapy folks continue to introduce new techniques that, as a layman, I would never have thought of. They manage to get Ashley’s attention, and cooperation which shows that Ashley is making progress.
Progress… Your prayers are playing a major role. We are buoyed by your prayers; given the strength to see that Ashley gets the care she needs, and while Ashley is a fighter, your prayers most certainly are fueling Ashley.
Please keep Ashley in your prayers and know that you are making a difference.
August 3rd
The swimmers Ashley coaches at Glenaqua begin competing in the city-wide meet tonight. We have a Glenaqua poster in her room directly across from her so it is always in view. It’s a given that the whole team will swim their best to make Ashley proud of them.
Ashley’s youth is an advantage in her recovery. Her eleven years of swimming year-round plays an even larger role. We spoke with Ashley’s Cardiologist today and he reaffirmed that her physical condition is strong.
Each day Ashley looks better. As with every endeavor in life there is not a long list of new accomplishments each day. Achievement comes with hard work. Ashley has always been a hard worker and that determination is what will bring her to a complete recovery.
On Sunday, at the conclusion of the city swim meet, we look forward to talking to Ashley and letting her know that the hard work she put into coaching this summer once again paid off resulting in the scores of children she coaches having had an enjoyable summer of fun.
We appreciate the work all of you are doing praying for Ashley’s speedy, complete recovery.
August 4th
This Saturday went much smoother for Ashley than last week’s when she and Mary flew in from Virginia. It is also easier on the rest of the family not being 600 miles from home.
We think Ashley is getting comfortable with her care takers in Fort Wayne. The fact that she has begun physical therapy must be helping. Please pray that Ashley meets the aggressive goals the doctors and therapists have for her rehabilitation.
Austin on the other hand, after being given the all clear by his doctor to resume sports, found out he wasn’t quite up to snuff for the city swim meet. It appears the form of heat exhaustion he had, Rhabdomyolysis, (there will be a prize for the first person to pronounce that correctly on the first try) had more of an affect on his muscles than he first thought. He is going to have to ease himself back into competitive shape.
August 5th
It was hot, muggy and rainy out today; a good day to be in an air conditioned hospital room. We have covered the walls Ashley can see from her bed with the cards she has received and 8 x 10 photographs we think she would like to look at. It seems to have her looking around the room more.
This afternoon from Ashley’s room I spoke with an ADEM sufferer. He was struck while attending college at the University of Michigan. His plans for a career were to be a chemical engineer. ADEM did have an affect on him. In two weeks he begins med school at Ohio State. He plans to go into Immuno-Neurology. He also did an internship at Johns Hopkins this summer and work with Dr. Greenberg who provided the confirming second opinion on Ashley’s case. It is a small world.
Al, the soon to be med student, shared his story with us. Every case of ADEM is different, but if Ashley comes out of this wanting to be a physician, we can live with that! On a serious note it will be nice to stay in touch with Al and get his unique prospective on rehabilitation and other steps we can take to insure Ashley has the smoothest recovery possible.
Please pray that we are able to apply all the appropriate advice we encounter for Ashley’s full and speedy recovery.
As for Austin. He is doing fine. He didn’t compete today, but he did go to the city swim meet finals. For those of you familiar with the Austin-City Meet tradition, we did find time to give him a ‘hair sculpture’ for today. He has his traditional ‘GA’ letters in the back, and since their teams theme this year was ‘racing’ the rest of his head was done in a finish flag checker.
August 6th
Back to work for Ashley. Like most of us, Monday now means a return to work for Ashley; therapy that is. They are being aggressive with Ashley which is good. She seemed to handle it well.
Ashley had three of her high school friends visit her this evening. They can acknowledge that Ashley was engaged with them via humor. What a gift to see Ashley laughing along with her friends.
An aside; a nurse came in this evening and asked if we had any country CDs. We have been using Ashley’s iPod so we only had a couple of CDs for a player we leave overnight. It turns out there was a 95 year old gentleman named Bob that was just admitted. He was having a bit of a tough time adjusting and mentioned he like country.
Mary went down with the nurse to put in a CD and asked what music he liked. He said Johnny Cash. When Mary came back to the room she said we have to get this man a Johnny Cash CD and bring it up tomorrow. Then we thought, why wait? I ran out and got a ‘Best of Johnny Cash” CD set and brought it to Bob.
His eyes lit up.
We have been so blessed to be on the receiving end of so much generosity that it felt good to ‘pass it on’ to Bob this evening.
As you say your next prayer for Ashley please say a prayer that Bob feels comforted and at peace.
August 7th
We have a combined update. Ashley continues to progress with therapy. It is slow going, but good things are worth the wait. On Tuesday they placed Ashley in a chair that then converted to a level surface. At that position they raised Ashley, strapped in of course, to a near vertical stand. Having not been in a standing position for nearly 6 weeks it had to be unique feeling.
The therapists are great with Ashley. They push her to new levels, but always with positive reinforcement.
We continue to hear of more individuals and companies getting involved with Ashley’s benefit at Glenaqua this Friday. It is humbling to think of so many lending their support. The stories we hear of how Ashley has left a positive impression with so many along various paths she has crossed is reaffirming of how special she is.
We are thankful for all the wonderful folks that helped form Ashley’s optimistic and uplifting view of life.
Please continue to pray for Ashley’s continued progress in therapy and for a full recovery.
August 9th
Ashley had nearly three hours of therapy today. Our ADEM (Ashley’s condition) specialist said what she needs most is aggressive therapy. We thank God that she is in a place where that is happening.
They are talking about taking Ashley outside soon (if this heat wave ever snaps). We can’t wait to see her when she gets outdoors we know that will bring a big smile to her face. We will be sure to get that event on film.
With the benefit tomorrow we are looking forward to seeing and thank many of Ashley’s supporters. We are awestruck by the support and appreciate the dozens of volunteers that are pitching in to assist.
If you are going I would strongly suggest parking in one of the school or church lots at Reed and Vance so as not to clog the neighborhood streets in Glenwood Addition.
Please keep Ashley in your prayers for a full recovery.
August 12th
Thank you!
Our family is so blest by those that surround us. Many of you we will never meet, and for several others it will be a long time before we can thank you personally, but your prayers and support have made an everlasting positive difference in our lives.
On Friday evening the Glenaqua Swim Club (where Ashley worked summers as a life guard and swim coach) hosted a benefit for Ashley. We were not surprised at the tremendous turn out because we had so many indications leading up to it.
That does not mean we were not amazed. It was beyond awesome. Starting with the weather; all week it was hot and humid with isolated thunder storms popping up unannounced. This night the weather was what they call ‘Department of Tourism’ perfect. The sun was shining, but the humidity seemed absent and there was a gentle breeze blowing.
The entire atmosphere was spectacular. This event was so well coordinated. Nothing was overlooked. You would have thought the Glenaqua families and those that joined in as volunteers did this as their profession. Kids were having fun in the pool and with the numerous games and activities that were provided. The food was fantastic. The live music was exceptional. As I surveyed the crowd throughout the evening I had to keep reminding myself that all of this was for Ashley. Although I was seeing it, and I knew there was a lot of support, it was hard for it to sink in.
We will never be able to say thank you enough to the sponsors, volunteers and participants . I did speak at the event. (Luckily I wrote out my thoughts ahead of time, I never would have made it without several deep breaths and sticking to that script.) I expressed, as well as I could, how much your prayers and support have meant to us.
This week we will be discussing Ashley’s next step in rehabilitation. While she may be able to stay in Fort Wayne for the time being it is possible that we will have to transfer Ashley to a facility outside the area. The support from so many will make it possible for Mary to take a leave of absence from work and to reside wherever Ashley will be. Thank you.
As for Ashley and her condition we are happy to report that physically she is doing quite well. Over the last six weeks she has fought off some infections and other ‘by-products’ of her condition and being in a hospital environment. On most days she does well in therapy and shares a laugh (and occasional cry) with her visitors. There are challenging days, but that is to be expected. Once again we count our blessings that Ashley can have a full recovery and with all of you behind her that will happen.
Please continue to keep Ashley in your prayers, and we will continue to thank God for the gift you are to us.
To see the July original posting and daily updates click on 'July' on the right side of this page
August 1st
This update is delayed because Austin had a case of heat exhaustion from football practice (he wasn’t the only one) so I didn’t have a chance yesterday to do the update. I am typing this from Dupont where he having a follow up test to make sure he is 100%.
Ashley looks better everyday and seems more engaged with her visitors. We are confident that she will meet, or exceed the goals that rehabilitation therapists are setting for her.
We keep saying it but it cannot be said enough. Your prayers, cards, kind words and other support have changed our lives for the better. We don’t know how long Ashley’s recovery will take, nor do we know what other obstacles we will encounter along its path. What we know absolutely is that our faith, reinforced by all of you, will aid us in overcoming them.
We appreciate the offers for additional help such as preparing meals. The Markleys are keeping an eye on Austin to make sure he gets his three squares; Mary is with Ashley most of the day and I head up there after work. At this time we aren’t at the house enough for a scheduled meal. When we do have a need we will not be shy about asking for assistance and know we can count on your caring help.
The News Sentinel ran an article on Ashley today. They got the date of the benefit incorrect (it is Friday the 10th), but the article its self was well done. You can view it on-line at:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/NEWS/708010315&SearchID=73288959307057
August 2nd
While we were at Dupont Hospital near our home for Austin’s follow up blood test for his heat exhaustion a few people came in with golden retrievers. They were from Three Rivers Visiting Dogs. Austin was petting one of the dogs and I asked the owner if they went to the hospital Ashley was in. She said they went to specific floors. When I asked if they went to the floor Ashley was on she asked if we were the Harringtons? I was taken aback. Turns out she looked at the Bishop Dwenger logo on Austin’s gym shorts and had just read the newspaper article on Ashley.
Well the answer to the question is yes. They will be visiting Ashley. Now I guess we can add dog therapy to the list of treatments Ashley will be receiving.
Ashley did have a special visitor today. A guy a few years older than her who suffered a sever brain injury about a year ago and went through rehabilitation at the same facility came in. He and his mother spoke with Mary for awhile. They spoke highly of the care and rehab he received while he was there. It just reinforces our confidence that Ashley is in the right place.
For Ashley’s part she had a good day. She continues to show us that she is fighting hard to recover. Now that Ashley has been here a few days Mary and I are getting into the swing of things with Ashley and the care/therapy staff. The therapy folks continue to introduce new techniques that, as a layman, I would never have thought of. They manage to get Ashley’s attention, and cooperation which shows that Ashley is making progress.
Progress… Your prayers are playing a major role. We are buoyed by your prayers; given the strength to see that Ashley gets the care she needs, and while Ashley is a fighter, your prayers most certainly are fueling Ashley.
Please keep Ashley in your prayers and know that you are making a difference.
August 3rd
The swimmers Ashley coaches at Glenaqua begin competing in the city-wide meet tonight. We have a Glenaqua poster in her room directly across from her so it is always in view. It’s a given that the whole team will swim their best to make Ashley proud of them.
Ashley’s youth is an advantage in her recovery. Her eleven years of swimming year-round plays an even larger role. We spoke with Ashley’s Cardiologist today and he reaffirmed that her physical condition is strong.
Each day Ashley looks better. As with every endeavor in life there is not a long list of new accomplishments each day. Achievement comes with hard work. Ashley has always been a hard worker and that determination is what will bring her to a complete recovery.
On Sunday, at the conclusion of the city swim meet, we look forward to talking to Ashley and letting her know that the hard work she put into coaching this summer once again paid off resulting in the scores of children she coaches having had an enjoyable summer of fun.
We appreciate the work all of you are doing praying for Ashley’s speedy, complete recovery.
August 4th
This Saturday went much smoother for Ashley than last week’s when she and Mary flew in from Virginia. It is also easier on the rest of the family not being 600 miles from home.
We think Ashley is getting comfortable with her care takers in Fort Wayne. The fact that she has begun physical therapy must be helping. Please pray that Ashley meets the aggressive goals the doctors and therapists have for her rehabilitation.
Austin on the other hand, after being given the all clear by his doctor to resume sports, found out he wasn’t quite up to snuff for the city swim meet. It appears the form of heat exhaustion he had, Rhabdomyolysis, (there will be a prize for the first person to pronounce that correctly on the first try) had more of an affect on his muscles than he first thought. He is going to have to ease himself back into competitive shape.
August 5th
It was hot, muggy and rainy out today; a good day to be in an air conditioned hospital room. We have covered the walls Ashley can see from her bed with the cards she has received and 8 x 10 photographs we think she would like to look at. It seems to have her looking around the room more.
This afternoon from Ashley’s room I spoke with an ADEM sufferer. He was struck while attending college at the University of Michigan. His plans for a career were to be a chemical engineer. ADEM did have an affect on him. In two weeks he begins med school at Ohio State. He plans to go into Immuno-Neurology. He also did an internship at Johns Hopkins this summer and work with Dr. Greenberg who provided the confirming second opinion on Ashley’s case. It is a small world.
Al, the soon to be med student, shared his story with us. Every case of ADEM is different, but if Ashley comes out of this wanting to be a physician, we can live with that! On a serious note it will be nice to stay in touch with Al and get his unique prospective on rehabilitation and other steps we can take to insure Ashley has the smoothest recovery possible.
Please pray that we are able to apply all the appropriate advice we encounter for Ashley’s full and speedy recovery.
As for Austin. He is doing fine. He didn’t compete today, but he did go to the city swim meet finals. For those of you familiar with the Austin-City Meet tradition, we did find time to give him a ‘hair sculpture’ for today. He has his traditional ‘GA’ letters in the back, and since their teams theme this year was ‘racing’ the rest of his head was done in a finish flag checker.
August 6th
Back to work for Ashley. Like most of us, Monday now means a return to work for Ashley; therapy that is. They are being aggressive with Ashley which is good. She seemed to handle it well.
Ashley had three of her high school friends visit her this evening. They can acknowledge that Ashley was engaged with them via humor. What a gift to see Ashley laughing along with her friends.
An aside; a nurse came in this evening and asked if we had any country CDs. We have been using Ashley’s iPod so we only had a couple of CDs for a player we leave overnight. It turns out there was a 95 year old gentleman named Bob that was just admitted. He was having a bit of a tough time adjusting and mentioned he like country.
Mary went down with the nurse to put in a CD and asked what music he liked. He said Johnny Cash. When Mary came back to the room she said we have to get this man a Johnny Cash CD and bring it up tomorrow. Then we thought, why wait? I ran out and got a ‘Best of Johnny Cash” CD set and brought it to Bob.
His eyes lit up.
We have been so blessed to be on the receiving end of so much generosity that it felt good to ‘pass it on’ to Bob this evening.
As you say your next prayer for Ashley please say a prayer that Bob feels comforted and at peace.
August 7th
We have a combined update. Ashley continues to progress with therapy. It is slow going, but good things are worth the wait. On Tuesday they placed Ashley in a chair that then converted to a level surface. At that position they raised Ashley, strapped in of course, to a near vertical stand. Having not been in a standing position for nearly 6 weeks it had to be unique feeling.
The therapists are great with Ashley. They push her to new levels, but always with positive reinforcement.
We continue to hear of more individuals and companies getting involved with Ashley’s benefit at Glenaqua this Friday. It is humbling to think of so many lending their support. The stories we hear of how Ashley has left a positive impression with so many along various paths she has crossed is reaffirming of how special she is.
We are thankful for all the wonderful folks that helped form Ashley’s optimistic and uplifting view of life.
Please continue to pray for Ashley’s continued progress in therapy and for a full recovery.
August 9th
Ashley had nearly three hours of therapy today. Our ADEM (Ashley’s condition) specialist said what she needs most is aggressive therapy. We thank God that she is in a place where that is happening.
They are talking about taking Ashley outside soon (if this heat wave ever snaps). We can’t wait to see her when she gets outdoors we know that will bring a big smile to her face. We will be sure to get that event on film.
With the benefit tomorrow we are looking forward to seeing and thank many of Ashley’s supporters. We are awestruck by the support and appreciate the dozens of volunteers that are pitching in to assist.
If you are going I would strongly suggest parking in one of the school or church lots at Reed and Vance so as not to clog the neighborhood streets in Glenwood Addition.
Please keep Ashley in your prayers for a full recovery.
August 12th
Thank you!
Our family is so blest by those that surround us. Many of you we will never meet, and for several others it will be a long time before we can thank you personally, but your prayers and support have made an everlasting positive difference in our lives.
On Friday evening the Glenaqua Swim Club (where Ashley worked summers as a life guard and swim coach) hosted a benefit for Ashley. We were not surprised at the tremendous turn out because we had so many indications leading up to it.
That does not mean we were not amazed. It was beyond awesome. Starting with the weather; all week it was hot and humid with isolated thunder storms popping up unannounced. This night the weather was what they call ‘Department of Tourism’ perfect. The sun was shining, but the humidity seemed absent and there was a gentle breeze blowing.
The entire atmosphere was spectacular. This event was so well coordinated. Nothing was overlooked. You would have thought the Glenaqua families and those that joined in as volunteers did this as their profession. Kids were having fun in the pool and with the numerous games and activities that were provided. The food was fantastic. The live music was exceptional. As I surveyed the crowd throughout the evening I had to keep reminding myself that all of this was for Ashley. Although I was seeing it, and I knew there was a lot of support, it was hard for it to sink in.
We will never be able to say thank you enough to the sponsors, volunteers and participants . I did speak at the event. (Luckily I wrote out my thoughts ahead of time, I never would have made it without several deep breaths and sticking to that script.) I expressed, as well as I could, how much your prayers and support have meant to us.
This week we will be discussing Ashley’s next step in rehabilitation. While she may be able to stay in Fort Wayne for the time being it is possible that we will have to transfer Ashley to a facility outside the area. The support from so many will make it possible for Mary to take a leave of absence from work and to reside wherever Ashley will be. Thank you.
As for Ashley and her condition we are happy to report that physically she is doing quite well. Over the last six weeks she has fought off some infections and other ‘by-products’ of her condition and being in a hospital environment. On most days she does well in therapy and shares a laugh (and occasional cry) with her visitors. There are challenging days, but that is to be expected. Once again we count our blessings that Ashley can have a full recovery and with all of you behind her that will happen.
Please continue to keep Ashley in your prayers, and we will continue to thank God for the gift you are to us.
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