August 31st

It seems like it has been nonstop action since we got back from Victory Junction Gang Camp two weeks ago. We have enjoyed sharing our experience with many family and friends. It was such an inspiring experience for all of us.

First things first we want to share some more photos from Victory Junction…

Ashley and our 'crew chief' Barbara taking in a view of the camp

Chris, the first person Ashley has met face to face that also has ADEM along with Mom

Ashley with one of the world's most caring and giving people, Sandy

With Maggie our cabin mate from Alaska

With Pauline and her service dog Kazu

Hello Kazu!

Ashley met two other people at Victory Junction with ADEM. Chris and Kate are the first people Ashley has met in person that can relate first hand to what Ashley is facing. While every case of ADEM is different, since the specific areas of the brain that suffer demyelization correspond to the outward affects of the condition, Ashley was able to relate with both of them and it was a tremendous boost to her already positive attitude.

We had a wonderful opportunity to meet with the doctors that specialize in these myelin related auto-immune conditions. We received both encouragement and guidance from each of them. As Ashley continues to work to get her speech back she will be focused on three sounds, “la-la-la, ma-ma-ma and ga-ga-ga”. Now thing about what was physically unique about each of those sounds. Times up! La-la-la involves the tongue (Ashley does a great job in positioning her tongue for that ‘L’ sound). Ma-ma-ma gets your whole mouth moving and ga-ga-ga gets your throat into the act. We were also told that Ashley maybe able to sing a familiar song before she can talk. I remember that George from Miami recovered his voice this way. He initially could sing, but following the song could not talk. Eventually he got his speech back as well. Poor Ashley having to listen to mom and dad sing off key.


This photo was taken in the hotel we stopped at half way home from Victory Junction. Since we did not have our standing frame Ashley improvised. Notice that Ashley is holding the back of her wheel chair for support. Also notice that there is no one else in the picture. Ashley stood for several minutes before requesting to sit down. All the while we never had to assist her for balance.
No sooner did Ashley get home and several of her friends organized a shopping trip at the mall. Although mom has good taste we know Ashley appreciated having her peers pick out some clothes for her.
Ashley had a visit as well from Kelly on her way back to Notre Dame for the start of her senior year. Of course we will certainly be planning a visit this fall to St. Mary’s and Notre Dame to see Ashley’s classmates and other friends.

Austin started classes today at IU. We all went down last Wednesday to complete his move from the hotel he was staying at with the football team (Austin has a work-study job as a videographer with the team) to his dorm. Ashley was kind enough to loan Austin some of her college supplies and dorm appropriate appliances. We look forward to coming back down for a football game in a couple of weeks.

Since this was a mild summer in Fort Wayne we are hoping for a warm fall so we can continue to get out and enjoy a variety of activities before the cold weather is back.

Victory Junction Day 3

What a blessing Victory Junction has been. We had another great day. Ashley was even in a play. We have a lot to say and many more pictures to post, but our day ran long and now we have to pack to head home. As such we will post today's and tomorrow's half day of activities until next week.

Victory Junction Day 2

Another wonderful day. It poured down rain twice, but we didn't get wet, our activities were timed perfectly. So what did Ashley do today?

She rode a horse; this time without the help of a co-rider behind her.

She shot archery with a fixed crossbow and was just a fraction away from popping the balloon for a bullseye.

Painted a mural that would be the envy of any museum of modern art.

Created a cuccumber boat racer that placed a respectable third place!

Covered the entire camp grounds. And is ready for another full day Saturday.

Victory Junction Day 1

The first full day at Victory Junction. So what did Ashley do?

She floated around in the pool and sat in the hottub.

Went for a spin on a paddle boat.

Got a 'lovely' do at the Fab Shop.

Had three squares at the Fuel Stop.

Got involve with the post meal fireups.

Lined up for the group picture.

Watched two NASCAR pit crews compete with each other.

Got a ballon tattoo to match the balloon giving rides on the main lawn. Just to name a few!

August 12th

We have arrived at Victory Junction Gang Camp in North Carolina. We can't wait to detail our adventures and post some pictures!

August 8th

Everyone had a great time Thursday night at the Tincaps game. The new stadium has a great atmosphere and Fort Wayne's single A team (affiliated with the San Diego Padres) has the best record in minor league baseball at 76-34. We couldn't have asked for better weather and boy did it bring the crowds out. They sold out and had the largest attendance of the season. Fortunately we planned ahead in purchasing tickets!

Ashley and Erika don't seem too worried that a foul ball might come at them across the first base line as they visit with their backs to the game.

Several of Ashley's friends were at the game and dropped by to say hello.

They even got their photo with Johnny, as in Johnny Appleseed, one of Fort Wayne's own. He served as the inspiration for the team's name.

Another attaction that brought us out was the fireworks launched from a trailer pulled out into center field right after the game. We could not believe how many aerial shots came from it.

Austin is now down at Indiana University since he is working with the football team. He's being put up in a hotel until school starts. They will have to drag him kicking and screaming to the dorm when they tell him there is no maid service and he has a roommate!

Ashley, Mary and Jeff will be venturing down to Victory Junction in North Carolina next week. On Friday Ashley got her casts off (on her lower legs and feet for posture) so she will be able to take advantage of the pool while we are there. We can't wait to tell you about our adventures.

August 3rd

Hello baseball fans! Ashley will be sitting in Row 'Z' of section 101 (first base line) for Thursday's Fort Wayne Tincaps game. We hope to see you there!