July 27th

It has been an exciting July.

Trips to the lake for the holiday and for cousin Jessica’s graduation party. Each time the weather has cooperated and the low humidity has made those upper 80 and 90 degree days enjoyable. Andrea, Ashley’s friend from St. Mary’s, came for a visit. A namesake birth with family friends.

We just received our hardcopy of the Transverse Myelitis Association Quarterly Newsletter. Transverse Myelitis is the spinal cord condition of ADEM. Sandy Siegel, President of the organization and the newsletter editor published an article on the visit we had back in March with Sandy and his wife Pauline, and it was our first opportunity to meet Al Lugo in person. There is a link to the article in the right column under ‘News Articles on Ashley’ titled “Ashley meets Dr. Lugo March 2010”. Be sure to have some Kleenex nearby as you read it.

Another special person in Ashley’s life is Dave Affholter. Two years ago Dave suffered a severe spinal injury but made a remarkable recovery. We met Dave, who was the Videographer for the University of St. Francis Football team, when Austin’s football coach introduced them. Dave arranged for Austin to meet the Videographer at IU which lead to Austin working for the IU team (a job he loves). Austin also works for Dave during the summer and just this month was down in Alabama filming the National 7-on-7 High School Championships.

We soon introduced Dave to Ashley and they immediately formed a connection. Dave could relate to the issues Ashley faced in rehabilitation since he had experienced similar challenges.

Dave and his young family have visited several times and it is always special. On July 7th Dave’s wife Emily gave birth to their third child. Her name, Hope Ashley.

Needless to say Ashley is Hope’s biggest fan.

Ashley’s motor skills with her left arm have improved markedly this month. She was in the front seat of the car and was able to reach across and unlock the car door without any assistance. She is increasing the tasks that she is able to accomplish at therapy as well.

On the communication front Ashley is now able to hold her communication PC’s activation button in her hand and squeeze it rather than rely on raising her arm. This is significant since the only support we have for the button is on her wheelchair. Now wherever Ashley is she can use her PC to communicate. Please pray that the sound will soon come behind the letters and words Ashley is mouthing.

Ashley’s oral intake of fluids also continues to improve. We are optimistic that her feeding tube will be gone before the year is out.

Although progress is slow it is miraculous. A little over a year ago I wondered if she would ever be able to close her lips on her own. Now she is forming letters and words with them. After three years of recovery Ashley shows no signs of slowing down.

Thank you for all your prayers. Every day we see the positive impact not only on Ashley, but on the rest of us. Your prayer support has been a source of energy for us and we are ever so grateful.