October 16th

We have finalize our travel plans for the Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina. They will be flying us down next week. This will be our first time flying with Ashley's wheelchair. I thought there would be a lot of procedures to follow with the airline to make arrangements, but it was very straightforward. One thing I learned, if you just happen to have a Segway, they will check that at no charge. Boy would that get you through the airport quickly!

We can't wait to tell you all about our experience at the camp. It is for young adults that are suffering similar acute neuro and spinal demyleniation afflictions. All four of us are going so it will give Ashley an opportunity to meet others that are facing the same challenges and an opportunity to meet the doctors from Johns Hopkins that specialist in this disease. As parents we will have an opportunity to network with the other parents there. Austin will have a chance to share experiences with fellow siblings.

Last week we all met up at Lutheran Rehabilitation for the Fort Wayne Living Magazine photo shoot. The article will be appearing in the November issue. Among the shots were Ashley being aided with walking by a therapist and Austin. Another showed us gathered around Ashley's 'pink' computer.

Ashley herself continues to make advancements. When walking she is initiating over 90% of the steps herself. She is eating orally to the point that we are going to talk to the nutritionist about possibly cutting back on the quantity of tube feedings.

We are still waiting on those first words, but Ashley is vocalizing at an increasing rate. She is exercising those vocal cords. Like everything else it is just a matter of time.