September 18th

We are in Chicago! The first impressions are all very positive from the staff to the facilities and the unobstructed view of Lake Michigan from Ashley’s room is also quite pleasant.

We arrived yesterday in the early afternoon (the traffic was not bad and Ashley handled the ride well). We met with Ashley’s Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor), both attending physician and chief resident physician shortly after arriving. They had reviewed Ashley’s medical records and after an examination and a Q & A with us they put together Ashley’s evaluation schedules for the rehabilitation therapists; which are occurring today.

That will form the basis for developing the strategies and tactics that will be implemented in all aspects of rehabilitation to achieve Ashley’s goal of complete recovery.

We have already had an opportunity to meet other people with family members here and a nurse who, prior to having a brain injury himself, was going to be an engineer. Their encouraging stories coupled with what we have researched and heard about Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) have us convinced that this is the best facility for Ashley. We also are confident that Ashley is ready for the acute (active participation) therapy she will receive here.

Thank you…
Ashley is here because of your prayers. They continue to be answered and Ashley continues to progress because of your appeals for her full recovery. We humbly ask for you to continue praying for Ashley’s ongoing success in therapy. It will take time and it will be difficult, but we know Ashley is up to the task and with your prayers supporting her she will triumph over the obstacles.

If you want to send a card to Ashley you can send it to the following address:
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ashley Harrington 10th Floor
345 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611