Saturday, January 31st, 2004 ~ Tracy slept in late this morning since she needed to
catch up on her beauty sleep! Yesterday, Mom, Liz, Charles and I took Trace to
therapy at NRH. Jennifer and Dave worked with Tracy at 2pm during speech and
PT. Dave helped Trace sit up at the edge of the mat while Jennifer set up the
computer and switch. Jennifer used the switch and the "yes" program
for the first half of the session. She asked Tracy various questions and Trace
did a great job of turning her head to the left to hit the switch in order to answer
the questions. Jennifer then set up Tracy's photo album in Powerpoint. She had
Tracy look at the pictures on the computer screen and turn her head to the left
in order to advance the pictures. During OT, Tori worked with Tracy's head and
trunk control, while Charles stretched Tracy's right leg out. Tori also helped
Tracy sit up on the mat all by herself! During the last 15 minutes of OT, Tori
set up a switch that was connected to a fan. Mom and Tori moved Tracy from the
mat to her wheelchair, so Trace could practice with the switch while sitting in
her chair. The switch was positioned on Tracy's left side. At first Trace
didn't seem interested in turning the fan on and off, so Tori hooked up the
switch to a television. Now all Tracy had to do was turn her head to the left
in order to control the TV. Trace did a great job and turned the TV on and off
all by herself! By just having volitional head movement and head control, Trace
can operate so many different things! Plus, the more accurate and precise her
head movements become, Trace can gain more and more independence. We really
have to thank John, NRH's rehab technician for putting all these devices
together for Trace. It's incredible! Tracy has so many great friends and their
support means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has
come, however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing
to send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Friday, January 30th, 2004 ~ Tracy slept really well last night after her
bi-weekly massage with Emil. We apologize for the lack of updates the past
couple of days! Mom, Liz, Charles and I are going to take Trace to therapy this
afternoon. We'll let you know how that goes. Thursday, Tracy relaxed and slept
on and off all day. Mom and Liz took Tracy to therapy Wednesday at NRH and she
was pretty sleepy. During speech, Tracy's therapist discussed future goals with
Mom while Trace rested. Tracy has so many great friends and their support means
so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come, however,
she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your
prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us
during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater
Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Thursday, January 29th, 2004 ~ Tracy rested on and off today and enjoyed a massage
with Emil this evening. We apologize for the lack of updates the past couple of
days! Tracy has therapy again tomorrow at NRH. Mom and Liz took Tracy to
therapy Wednesday at NRH and she was pretty sleepy. During speech, Tracy's
therapist discussed future goals with Mom while Trace rested. Tuesday, Tracy
had an appointment at National Naval Medical Center. Mom and Liz took Trace to
NNMC where she had a swallowing/eating test with a Navy speech therapist and
radiologist. Tracy swallowed honey and nectar juice consistencies and the
picture showed that her tongue and throat worked appropriately. Tracy also had
blood drawn for tests and an MRI of her brain. We should know the results of
these tests in a couple of days. Tracy has so many great friends and their
support means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has
come, however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing
to send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, January 27th, 2004 ~ Happy B'day Charles! ~ Tracy slept well last night and she had an
appointment at National Naval Medical Center this afternoon. Mom and Liz took
Trace to NNMC where she had a swallowing/eating test with a Navy speech
therapist and radiologist. Tracy swallowed honey and nectar juice consistencies
and the picture showed that she her tongue and throat worked appropriately.
Tracy also had blood drawn for tests and an MRI of her brain. We should know
the results of these tests in a couple of days. Trace will have therapy
tomorrow at NRH. Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so
much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come, however, she
has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your
prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us
during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater
Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Monday, January 26th, 2004 ~ Because of the snowstorm, we did not take Tracy to
therapy today. She will have therapy again on Wednesday. Tracy has been
sleeping on and off all day at home. Mom fed Trace some cranberry juice and she
swallowed about 3oz of it. Mom and Dad took Trace to Mass Sunday at Our Lady of
Lourdes. Tracy had her second session of pool therapy at the Spring Hill
Recreation Center Sunday afternoon. The water therapy is so good for her
muscles, plus Mom and Dad can get in and help the volunteers! Trace did such a
great job in the pool. Her volunteer supported her and walked the length of the
pool a few times while holding Trace in order for her to feel the flow of the
water. Then, while the volunteer held Tracy in an upright position, Dad asked
Trace to put her face in the water and blow bubbles! He showed her a few times
how to do it and then she surprised all of us and DID IT! Amazing! She actually
put her face down in the water and blew bubbles! :) Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come,
however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Sunday, January 25th, 2004 ~ Tracy enjoyed a quiet weekend at home and had her
bi-weekly massage this evening with Emil! Emil's wife Kathryn made us a lovely
dinner this evening! Thank you so much! Mom and Dad took Trace to Mass this
morning at Our Lady of Lourdes. This afternoon, Tracy had her second session of
pool therapy at the Spring Hill Recreation Center. The water therapy is so good
for her muscles, plus Mom and Dad can get in and help the volunteers! Trace did
such a great job in the pool. Her volunteer supported her and walked the length
of the pool a few times while holding Trace in order for her to feel the flow
of the water. Then, while the volunteer held Tracy in an upright position, Dad
asked Trace to put her face in the water and blow bubbles! He showed her a few
times how to do it and then she surprised all of us and DID IT! Amazing! She
actually put her face down in the water and blew bubbles! :) Saturday, the Belenkes
family came over and brought us all kinds of yummy treats! Thank you so much
for your generosity! Friday, Mom and Liz took Trace to therapy at NRH. Trace
did such a great job! Tracy had two hours of therapy and stayed awake the
entire time. During speech and PT, Tracy's therapists hooked her switch up to a
computer. They had two switches set up, one on her left and one on her right.
When Trace hit the switch on the right side with her head it signaled the
computer to say "yes" while flashing a smiley face. However, when
Tracy hit the switch on her left side with her head, it signaled the computer
to say "no" wihle flashing and sad face. Dave helped Trace sit up at
the edge of the mat while Jan coached Tracy to work on hitting the switches.
Once Trace was comfortable with the switches, they started to ask her
questions. They asked her, "Is your name Tracy?" and Trace turned her
head to the right, hitting the "yes" switch. They asked her a series
of questions and she answered them all accurately by hitting the correct
switch! During OT, Tori used the balance ball with Trace in order to work on
her trunk and head control. She also stretched Tracy's muscles. Tracy has
therapy again on Monday!
Friday, January 23rd, 2004 ~ Tracy rested well last night after her massage with
Emil. She relaxed yesterday at home since she had the day off from therapy. Mom
and Liz are going to take Trace to therapy today at NRH. We'll let you know how
that goes! Wednesday, Mom and Liz took Trace to therapy. Tracy wasn't feeling very
well and was protesting therapy. She had three hours of therapy starting with
OT. During OT, They had Tracy sit up on her stabilizing pillow in order to work
on her trunk and head control. During PT, Dave used "e-stimulation"
on Tracy's feet to try to relax them. During speech, Trace did a great job
swallowing juice and she is starting to develop "normal" mouth
movements. Her speech therapist was extremely happy. Trace was such a trooper!
We would like to thank all the children at Uncle Johnny's Parish in Pahokee,
Florida for the many "get well" cards they made for Tracy. They are
beautiful! Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk
control have improved so much since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has
so many great friends and their support means so much to all of us. We continue
to recall how far Tracy has come, however, she has a very long road ahead of
her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and support our way!
We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A big
thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC and many families at
National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner
three times a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Thursday, January 22nd, 2004 ~ Tracy is resting today at home. Tonight, Emil is
stopping by to massage Trace. Mom and Liz took Trace to therapy yesterday.
Tracy wasn't feeling very well and was protesting therapy. She had three hours
of therapy starting with OT. During OT, They had Tracy sit up on her
stabilizing pillow in order to work on her trunk and head control. During PT,
Dave used "e-stimulation" on Tracy's feet to try to relax them.
During speech, Trace did a great job swallowing juice and she is starting to
develop "normal" mouth movements. Her speech therapist was extremely
happy. Trace was such a trooper! We would like to thank all the children at
Uncle Johnny's Parish in Pahokee, Florida for the many "get well"
cards they made for Tracy. They are beautiful! Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come, however,
she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your
prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us
during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater
Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Wednesday, January 21st, 2004 ~ Tracy slept well last night and she has three hours
of therapy this afternoon at NRH. Mom and Liz are going to take her. Yesterday,
Dario came by with his gorgeous baby girl and trimmed Tracy's hair. She
definitely needed a cut! Mom, Dad, and I took Trace to National Naval Medical
Center. Tracy had an EEG and we also had a family meeting with her doctors and
case manager. Trace was such a trooper! We would like to thank all the children
at Uncle Johnny's Parish in Pahokee, Florida for the many "get well"
cards they made for Tracy. They are beautiful! Trace is doing so well! Her stability,
head control and trunk control have improved so much since she started
outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so
much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come, however, she
has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your
prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us
during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater
Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Tuesday, January 20th, 2004 ~ Thank you to everyone at the Gonzaga University in
Florence office! The flowers you sent Trace are absolutely gorgeous and we
appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers! Today, Roxanne and Mom showered
Tracy and dressed her warmly for our outing. Mom, Dad, and I took Trace to
National Naval Medical Center. Tracy had an EEG and we also had a family
meeting with her doctors and case manager. Trace was such a trooper! Tomorrow
Tracy has therapy at NRH. We would like to thank all the children at Uncle
Johnny's Parish in Pahokee, Florida for the many "get well" cards
they made for Tracy. They are beautiful! Trace is doing so well! Her stability,
head control and trunk control have improved so much since she started
outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so
much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come, however, she
has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your
prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us
during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater
Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Monday, January 19th, 2004 ~ Thank you to everyone at the Gonzaga University in
Florence office! The flowers you sent Trace are absolutely gorgeous and we
appreciate your thoughtfulness and prayers! Tracy does not have therapy today
and is relaxing at home. Tomorrow she has a doctor's appointment at National
Naval Medical Center and she will have therapy again on Wednesday at NRH.
Yesterday, Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. Then they
stopped by Starbucks to get some much-needed caffeine! Sunday afternoon, Mom,
Dad and I took Tracy to the Springhill Recreation Center. Tracy had adaptive
pool therapy! The program is completely staffed by volunteers and the people
are absolutely amazing. Mom and Dad did a two-person lift in order to get Trace
into the pool. A volunteer caught Tracy in the water, sliding behind Trace in
order to stabilize her. Trace was in the water for 45 minutes and did such a
great job even though she was freezing! The volunteer leaned Tracy against her
for support and walked from one end of the pool to the other in order for Trace
to feel the water all around her. They then asked Tracy to put her head under
water. She was unable to do this by herself, so Dad helped. Tracy went under
the water three times! She was really relaxed in the pool and held her head up
all by herself! Amazing! Tracy will have pool therapy again next Sunday and we
can't wait! Many thanks to Mary and Jean Marinelli for the numerous, beautiful
Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers! Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come,
however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is
greatly appreciated!
Sunday, January 18th, 2004 ~ 1 yr since Tracy's injury ~ Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass this morning at Our
Lady of Lourdes. Then they stopped by Starbucks to get some much needed
caffeine! This afternoon, Mom, Dad and I took Tracy to the Springhill
Recreation Center. Tracy had adaptive pool therapy! The program is completely
staffed by volunteers and the people are absolutely amazing. Mom and Dad did a
two-person lift in order to get Trace into the pool. A volunteer caught Tracy in
the water, sliding behind Trace in order to stabalize her. Trace was in the
water for 45 minutes and did such a great job even though she was freezing! The
volunteer leaned Tracy against her for support and walked from one end of the
pool to the other in order for Trace to feel the water all around her. They
then asked Tracy to put her head under water. She was unable to do this by
herself, so Dad helped. Tracy went under the water three times! She was really
relaxed in the pool and held her head up all by herself! Amazing! Tracy will
have pool therapy again next Sunday and we can't wait! Tracy does not have
therapy on Monday because of the long weekend. She will have therapy again on
Wednesday. Many thanks to Mary and Jean Marinelli for the numerous, beautiful
Mass cards. We really appreciate your prayers! Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come,
however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Saturday, January 17th, 2004 ~ 1 yr since Tracy's injury ~ Tracy slept in this morning and has been resting in
her wheel chair in the living room. Mom and Dad stretched and ranged Tracy on
our therapy mat this evening. Tomorrow Tracy has pool therapy at a local rec
center! We are really excited to get her in the pool again! Yesterday, Liz and
Mom took Trace to therapy at NRH. She did such a great job! She had OT at 2pm
and they had Trace work on using the switch again. This time it was hooked up
to a fan. Tori asked Trace to turn her head to the right in order to hit the
switch and turn on the fan. She then had Tracy do the same thing on her left
side. She did such a great job and is purposefully moving her head to hit the
switch! They also incorporated a pillow-like-chair that was designed for Trace,
which acts as a brace and allows her to sit up on her own. Trace seemed really
comfortable leaning on her new device. During PT and Speech, Dave helped Tracy
sit up at the edge of the therapy mat. Julie set up Tracy's slide show of
pictures and worked with Tracy on her head control. They also had Tracy turn
her head to both the left and right in order to hit the switch and advance the
pictures. Tracy does not have therapy on Monday because of the long weekend.
She will have therapy again on Wednesday. Many thanks to Mary and Jean
Marinelli for the numerous, beautiful Mass cards. We really appreciate your
prayers! It has been one-year since Tracy, Shelly, Nick, Christine, and I were
hit by a car in Florence, Italy. Please keep Tracy in your thoughts and know
how much your prayers of encouragement mean to all of us. Thank you Lisa for
the beautiful flowers! You really brightened our day! Trace is doing so well!
Her stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come,
however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Friday, January 16th, 2004 ~ Tracy looks really pretty today! Mom and Roxanne
dressed her and styled her hair. Liz and Mom are taking Trace to therapy at
NRH. Dad made it home safely last night and Uncle Johnny left this morning.
Uncle Johnny was a huge help and we can't wait to see him in Florida in
February! :) Yes, on February 11th we are flying Tracy down to West Palm Beach.
We will be in Florida for about six weeks. Tracy is going to have therapy at a
local rehab facility there, hopefully three times a week. We are really looking
forward to seeing all of our Floridian family and friends! Yesterday, Mom,
Uncle Johnny, and I took Tracy to the National Museum of American History. We
looked at the First Lady exhibit and checked out the Presidential rooms. Tracy
slept through our visit, but it was nice to get her out and about. Mom fed
Trace about 8 ounces of vanilla pudding and she swallowed it all really well.
It has been one-year since Tracy, Shelly, Nick, Christine, and I were hit by a
car in Florence, Italy. Please keep Tracy in your thoughts and know how much
your prayers of encouragement mean to all of us. Thank you Lisa for the
beautiful flowers! You really brightened our day! Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has come,
however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Thursday, January 15th, 2004 ~ 1 Yr since Tracy was hit by the car ~
It has been one-year since
Tracy, myself, and three of our friends were hit by a car in Florence, Italy.
Please keep Tracy in your thoughts today and know how much your prayers of
encouragement mean to all of us. Thank you Lisa for the beautiful flowers! You
really brightened our day! Today, Mom, Uncle Johnny, and I took Tracy to the
National Museum of American History. We looked at the First Lady exhibit and
checked out the Presidential rooms. Tracy slept through our visit, but it was
nice to get her out and about. Mom fed Trace about 8 ounces of vanilla pudding
and she swallowed it all really well. Tracy has therapy tomorrow at NRH. Tracy
had a busy day yesterday. Uncle Johnny, Mom, and I took Trace to therapy at
NRH. She did such a wonderful job! Trace had OT at 2pm with Kate. Kate worked
with Tracy in the atrium. She fixed Tracy's various splints and then helped
Trace sit up at the edge of the mat. Taylor, the therapy dog, stopped by to see
Trace and gave her tons of kisses. Tracy (with Kate's help) leaned towards
Taylor to give him a kiss. She did such a great job of maintaining her balance
and kept her head up the whole time. During PT and Speech, Dave helped Tracy
sit at the edge of the mat in the quiet therapy room. He coached Tracy to keep
her head up during the first part of the season. John from rehab engineering
made a Powerpoint slide show for Tracy that consisted of pictures from her
travels in Europe. They had the slide show on a little computer-notebook and
hooked it up to a switch. Jan asked Tracy to turn her head in order to hit the
switch. Jan held the computer in front of Tracy while I held the switch on
Tracy's left side. When Trace hit the switch she advanced the slideshow! There
are 24 slides! Tracy was really trying to focus on the pictures and she
purposefully turned her head to hit the switch. They also had an auditory
response attached to the switch. So every time Trace hit the switch a sound
played as well (bells, applause, camera clicks). Tracy turned her head to the
left and continued to hit the button in order to advance the slide show. She
also looked at the pictures and kept her head up the entire time! We then
switched sides and had Tracy turn her head to the right. She hit the switch
really well and advanced through the slide show twice! I selected 25 more
pictures and put them on a CD for John. He is going to add them to the
slideshow so Tracy will have about 50 photos to click through. Dad is in
Pensacola until Thursday and Uncle Johnny is here until Friday. Trace is doing
so well! Her stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much
since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their
support means so much to all of us. We continue to recall how far Tracy has
come, however, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing
to send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC and many families at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity
is greatly appreciated!
Wednesday, January 14th, 2004 ~ Happy B'day Papaw! Tracy had a busy day yesterday. Mom, Uncle Johnny,
and I took her to National Naval Medical Center for a dentist appointment. Her
teeth still look pearly white and Mom is doing a great job keeping them clean!
Today, Uncle Johnny, Mom, and I took Trace to therapy at NRH. She did such a
wonderful job! Trace had OT at 2pm with Kate. Kate worked with Tracy in the
atrium. She fixed Tracy's various splints and then helped Trace sit up at the
edge of the mat. Taylor, the therapy dog, stopped by to see Trace and gave her
tons of kisses. Tracy (with Kate's help) leaned towards Taylor to give him a
kiss. She did such a great job of maintaining her balance and kept her head up
the whole time. During PT and Speech, Dave helped Tracy sit at the edge of the
mat in the quiet therapy room. He coached Tracy to keep her head up during the
first part of the season. John from rehab engineering made a slide show for
Tracy that consisted of pictures from her travels in Europe. (Dad picked the
pictures out.) They had the slide show on a little computer-notebook and hooked
it up to a switch. Jan asked Tracy to turn her head in order to hit the switch.
Jan held the computer in front of Tracy while I held the switch on Tracy's left
side. When Trace hit the switch she advanced the slideshow! There are 24
slides! Tracy was really trying to focus on the pictures and she purposefully
turned her head to hit the switch. They also had an auditory response attached
to the switch. So every time Trace hit the switch a sound played as well
(bells, applause, camera clicks). Tracy turned her head to the left and
continued to hit the button in order to advance the slide show. She also looked
at the pictures and kept her head up the entire time! We then switched sides
and had Tracy turn her head to the right. She hit the switch really well and
advanced through the slide show twice! I selected 25 more pictures and put them
on a CD for John. He is going to add them to the slideshow so Tracy will have
about 50 photos to click through. Dad is in Pensacola until Thursday and Uncle
Johnny is here until Friday. Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head
control and trunk control have improved so much since she started outpatient
therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so much to all
of us. We are fast approaching the one-year mark and we continue to recall how
far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you
for continuing to send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate
everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the
Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times
a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, January 13th, 2004 ~ Tracy slept well last night. Dad arrived safely in
Pensacola and Uncle Johnny is visiting us in DC. This morning, Roxanne and Mom
showered and dressed Tracy. Mom, Uncle Johnny, and I are taking Tracy to
National Naval Medical Center for a dentist appointment. Tracy does not have
therapy today. Yesterday, Mom, Liz, and Gloria brought Trace to therapy. She
did such a great job! She had speech first with Julie and Patty. John from
rehab engineering made a slide show for Tracy that consisted of pictures from
her travels in Europe. (Dad picked the pictures out.) They had the slide show
on a little computer-notebook and hooked it up to a switch. Julie asked Tracy
to turn her head in order to hit the switch. When Trace hit the switch she
advanced the slideshow! There are 24 slides! Tracy was really trying to focus
on the pictures and she purposefully turned her head to hit the switch. They
also had an auditory response attached to the switch. So every time Trace hit
the switch a sound played as well (bells, applause, camera clicks). Trace then
had OT and Kate worked on fixing her splints. Kate extended Tracy's arms within
ten degrees of normal! That's awesome progress! Kate was really able to stretch
Tracy's arm out! During PT, Dave helped Tracy sit at the edge of the therapy
mat and worked on her trunk and head control. Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control have improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one-year mark and we
continue to recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road
ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and support
our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A
big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us
with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Monday, January 12th, 2004 ~ Tracy had a nice weekend and had a much needed
massage last night. Emil massaged her for 2 hours! Mom and Dad took Tracy to
Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Sunday morning. Dad left today for Pensacola, FL
and Uncle Johnny arrives this evening! We can't wait to see him! Mom, Liz, and
Gloria brought Trace to therapy today. She did such a great job! She had speech
first with Julie and Patty. John from rehab engineering made a slide show for
Tracy that consisted of pictures from her travels in Europe. (Dad picked the pictures
out.) They had the slide show on a little computer-notebook and hooked it up to
a switch. Julie asked Tracy to turn her head in order to hit the switch. When
Trace hit the switch she advanced the slideshow! There are 24 slides! Tracy was
really trying to focus on the pictures and she purposefully turned her head to
hit the switch. They also had an auditory response attached to the switch. So
every time Trace hit the switch a sound played as well (bells, applause, camera
clicks). Trace then had OT and Kate worked on fixing her splints. Kate extended
Tracy's arms within ten degrees of normal! That's awesome progress! Kate was
really able to stretch Tracy's arm out! During PT, Dave helped Tracy sit at the
edge of the therapy mat and worked on her trunk and head control. Trace is
doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk control have improved so
much since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and
their support means so much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one-year
mark and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very
long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and
support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult
time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for
providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Saturday, January 10th, 2004 ~ Today Tracy is resting at home. We let her sleep in
since she had such a busy week. Yesterday, Mom and Liz took Tracy to therapy.
Tracy had OT first with Connie and they worked on her new dynamic splint for
her arm. Connie then helped Tracy sit up on the edge of the mat working on head
control. She also stretched Tracy's shoulders. Tracy then had co-speech and PT
with Julie and Dave. They positioned Tracy on a tilt table. Tracy was strapped
onto the long table and then Julie and Dave began to increase the angle of the
table. The tilt table put Tracy in an almost standing position. This allowed
her to bare weight on her legs, feet and ankles. Tracy worked really hard and
handled it well. Julie and Dave got Tracy to a 45degree angle. Thursday night
Emil stopped by to give Tracy a much-needed massage. Uncle Johnny comes Monday
and we can't wait to see him! It's always nice to have visitors! Trace is doing
so well! Her stability, head control and trunk control has improved so much
since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their
support means so much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one-year mark
and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long
road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and
support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult
time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for
providing us with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly
appreciated!
Friday, January 9th, 2004 ~ Tracy slept well last night and is resting in her wheelchair this
morning. Mom and Liz are taking Tracy to therapy this afternoon. Last night
Emil stopped by to give Tracy a much-needed massage. Mom and Dad got Tracy up
early Wednesday morning for a 9am doctor's appointment at National Naval Medical
Center. She also had therapy at NRH. Mom and I took Tracy to therapy and she
did really well. During OT, Mike used ultrasound on Tracy's pecs to loosen them
up. He then massaged her shoulders and stretched her arms. During speech with
Amy, Tracy drank some cranberry juice and some lemon-flavored water. She did
such a great job swallowing all on her own. Wednesday night, Ashley and I hung
out with Tracy while Mom and Dad went to see Mamma Mia! They had a great time!
Uncle Johnny comes Monday and we can't wait to see him! It's always nice to
have visitors! Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk
control has improved so much since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so
many great friends and their support means so much to all of us. We are fast
approaching the one-year mark and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come.
However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your
generosity is greatly appreciated!
Thursday, January 8th, 2004 ~ Roxanne and Mom showered Tracy this morning. She is
resting and enjoying her day off from therapy after a busy Wednesday. Tonight
Emil is stopping by to give Tracy a much-needed massage. Mom and Dad got Tracy
up early Wednesday morning for a 9am doctor's appointment at National Naval
Medical Center. She also had therapy at NRH. Mom and I took Tracy to therapy
and she did really well. During OT, Mike used ultrasound on Tracy's pecs to
loosen them up. He then massaged her shoulders and stretched her arms. During
speech with Amy, Tracy drank some cranberry juice and some lemon-flavored
water. She did such a great job swallowing all on her own. Wednesday night,
Ashley and I hung out with Tracy while Mom and Dad went to see Mamma Mia! They
had a great time! Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk
control has improved so much since she started out-patient therapy! Tracy has
so many great friends and their support means so much to all of us. We are fast
approaching the one year mark and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come.
However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your
generosity is greatly appreciated!
Wednesday, January 7th, 2004 ~ Mom and Dad got Tracy up early this morning for a
9am doctor's appointment at National Naval Medical Center. She also has therapy
this afternoon at NRH. Yesterday, Mom and I are took Tracy to NRH for a
doctor's appointment. Tracy slept the entire time and her appointment went
well. Last night, Mom and Dad worked with Tracy on our therapy mat at home.
They stretched her and helped her sit up on the edge of the mat, coaching her
to keep her head up. Monday, Mom, Liz, and Gloria took Trace to NRH for
therapy. She did such a great job! During Speech with Julie, Tracy had
cranberry juice and swallowed it really well. She didn't need any stimulation
and swallowed on her own! Kate worked with Tracy during OT. She is very happy
with Tracy's progress as an outpatient. Kate helped Tracy stretch by bringing
her knees to her chest. She then sat Tracy up at the edge of the therapy mat.
Tracy sat up all by herself for THREE seconds! Pretty incredible! She's come
such a long way! Kate was very pleased and also coached Tracy to keep her head
up. During PT, Dave helped Trace sit on the edge of the mat and supported her
pelvis. He also coached her to keep her head up and worked on her balance. Many
thanks to Liz and Gloria for all of their help! Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control has improved so much since she
started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means
so much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one-year mark and we continue
to recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road ahead of
her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and support our way!
We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A big
thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us with
dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, January 6th, 2004 ~ Geaux Tigers! LSU! Tracy slept well last night and is pretty sleepy
today. Mom and I are taking her to NRH for a doctor's appointment. Tracy has
therapy again on Wednesday. Monday, Mom, Liz, and Gloria took Trace to NRH for
therapy. She did such a great job! During Speech with Julie, Tracy had
cranberry juice and swallowed it really well. She didn't need any stimulation
and swallowed on her own! Kate worked with Tracy during OT. She is very happy
with Tracy's progress as an outpatient. Kate helped Tracy stretch by bringing
her knees to her chest. She then sat Tracy up at the edge of the therapy mat.
Tracy sat up all by herself for THREE seconds! Pretty incredible! She's come
such a long way! Kate was very pleased and also coached Tracy to keep her head
up. During PT, Dave helped Trace sit on the edge of the mat and supported her
pelvis. He also coached her to keep her head up and worked on her balance. Many
thanks to Liz and Gloria for all of their help! Sunday, Mom and Dad took Tracy
to Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. We cheered on the LSU Tigers in the Sugar Bowl!
They won! National Champs! We are pretty excited and Tracy stayed up to watch
the game with us. Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk
control has improved so much since she started outpatient therapy! Tracy has so
many great friends and their support means so much to all of us. We are fast
approaching the one-year mark and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come.
However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your
generosity is greatly
Monday, January 5th, 2004 ~ Geaux Tigers! LSU! Happy New Year! Many thanks to Tracy's friends at
Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. We really enjoyed your video messages! Thank
you for your thoughtfulness and prayers! Mom, Liz, and Gloria are taking Tracy
to therapy today at NRH. We'll let you know how that goes! Sunday, Mom and Dad
took Tracy to Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. We cheered on the LSU Tigers in the
Sugar Bowl! They won! National Champs! We are pretty excited and Tracy stayed
up to watch the game with us. Saturday, Mom, Dad, and Tracy went to Annapolis
for the day. They visited the Naval Academy and walked around the harbor front.
They enjoyed being on the water and it was a nice break from busy DC! Tracy
actually did have one therapy session on Friday. Mom and Dad took her to NRH
for Occupational Therapy with Connie. Connie fitted Tracy for a new arm brace
and splints. The arm brace is for her right arm. It will keep Tracy's arm
extended in order to stretch out her muscles. We celebrated the new year
quietly at home and watched all of the festivities on TV. Mom fed Tracy some
egg nog and she swallowed all 8 ounces. Trace is doing so well! Her stability,
head control and trunk control has improved so much since she started
out-patient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so
much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one year mark and we continue to
recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road ahead of her.
Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and support our way! We
appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A big thank
you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner
three times a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Sunday, January 4th, 2004 ~ Geaux Tigers! New Year! Many thanks to Tracy's friends at Gonzaga
University in Spokane, WA. We really enjoyed your video messages! Thank you for
your thoughtfulness and prayers! Sunday, Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass at Our
Lady of Lourdes. Tonight we will be cheering on the LSU Tigers! They are
playing in the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans! Tracy has been really sleepy
and is getting some rest before a busy week of therapy. Tracy has therapy
tomorrow at NRH. Saturday, Mom, Dad, and Tracy went to Annapolis for the day.
They visited the Naval Academy and walked around the harbor front. They enjoyed
being on the water and it was a nice break from busy DC! Tracy actually did
have one therapy session on Friday. Mom and Dad took her to NRH for Occupational
Therapy with Connie. Connie fitted Tracy for a new arm brace and splints. The
arm brace is for her right arm. It will keep Tracy's arm extended in order to
stretch out her muscles. We celebrated the new year quietly at home and watched
all of the festivities on TV. Mom fed Tracy some egg nog and she swallowed all
8 ounces. Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head control and trunk control
has improved so much since she started out-patient therapy! Tracy has so many
great friends and their support means so much to all of us. We are fast
approaching the one year mark and we continue to recall how far Tracy has come.
However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to
send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate everyone thinking
about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of
Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times a week! Your
generosity is greatly appreciated!
Saturday, January 3rd, 2004 ~ Happy New Year! Many thanks to Tracy's friends at
Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. We really enjoyed your video messages! Thank
you for your thoughtfulness and prayers! Tracy actually did have one therapy
session on Friday. Mom and Dad took her to NRH for Occupational Therapy with
Connie. Connie fitted Tracy for a new arm brace and splints. The arm brace is
for her right arm. It will keep Tracy's arm extended in order to stretch out
her muscles. Thursday, Mom and Dad took Tracy on a few outings. They visited a
rehab facility in Mt. Vernon, VA and then went to a recreation facility to
check out their pool. Tracy also watched the Miami Hurricanes and the FSU
Seminoles play in the Orange Bowl. Go Canes! Wednesday, Mom and Liz took Tracy
to therapy at NRH. She only had PT and OT. During OT, Tori used ultra sound on
Tracy's muscles to help loosen them up. She then stretched Tracy's muscles in
order to keep them in tip-top shape. Dave helped Tracy sit at the edge of the
mat in an upright position and coached her to keep her head up. We celebrated
the new year quietly at home and watched all of the festivities on TV. Mom fed
Tracy some egg nog and she swallowed all 8 ounces. Trace is doing so well! Her
stability, head control and trunk control has improved so much since she
started out-patient therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support
means so much to all of us. We are fast approaching the one year mark and we
continue to recall how far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road
ahead of her. Thank you for continuing to send your prayers, love and support
our way! We appreciate everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A
big thank you to the Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us
with dinner three times a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Thurs-Fri, January 1st-2nd, 2004 ~ Happy New Year! Happy New Year! Many thanks to Tracy's friends at
Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. We really enjoyed your video messages! Thank
you for your thoughtfulness and prayers! Tracy does not have therapy Friday at
NRH. Thursday, Mom and Dad took Tracy on a few outings. They visited a rehab
facility in Mt. Vernon, VA and then went to a recreation facility to check out
their pool. Tracy also watched the Miami Hurricanes and the FSU Seminoles play in
the Orange Bowl. Go Canes! Wednesday, Mom and Liz took Tracy to therapy at NRH.
She only had PT and OT. We celebrated the New Year quietly at home and watched
all of the festivities on TV. Mom fed Tracy some egg nog and she swallowed all
8 ounces. We hope that everyone had a very safe and happy new year. Tuesday
night Charles and I stayed with Tracy while Mom and Dad went out to dinner for
their 24th wedding anniversary! Trace is doing so well! Her stability, head
control and trunk control has improved so much since she started out-patient
therapy! Tracy has so many great friends and their support means so much to all
of us. We are fast approaching the one year mark and we continue to recall how
far Tracy has come. However, she has a very long road ahead of her. Thank you
for continuing to send your prayers, love and support our way! We appreciate
everyone thinking about us during this difficult time! A big thank you to the
Oakleaf Club of Greater Washington, DC for providing us with dinner three times
a week! Your generosity is greatly appreciated!