August 18th

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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.