Fw: Daniel update
Topic: Daniel
SeNT: Thursday, April 07, 2005 3:22 AM
SubjeCT: Daniel update


Hello friends, family and supporters of the Miracle Man!

It's been 5 weeks since our last update and Daniel's progress has been measured but steady -- and remarkable. The giant steps made in the first few weeks have given way to "baby steps". But that's not a slowdown in his progress, it's just a measure of how far he's come!

We visited the Neurologist about a month ago and he instructed Daniel to begin reducing his anti-seizure medications by one pill each week. As of Monday (April 4th) Daniel is off all of his medications! He still takes Advil as needed for his shoulder and knee injuries, but the rest is history.

He has been going to therapy (PT, OT, & ST) -- three times a week/three hour sessions -- since he was discharged from the Acute Recovery Unit. The staff has been so pleased with his progress that they've set a date for his "graduation". Next Friday (April 15th) will mark the end of his therapy! He's been a cooperative patient and worked so hard that they are now releasing him to work on his own.

He is still susceptible to brain fatigue and must limit his activity/stimulation, but he's able to do so much more. His therapists have encouraged him to engage in "remote monitored" activities such as walks in the neighborhood. The other evening he took his cell phone and went out by himself. An hour and a half later it was dark and I was just about ready to call him when he came in the door. He'd walked all the way up to the highest point in the city (the base of the water tower). He was physically tired, but the sense of independence that he gained was a real boost.
Last weekend he went to his brother's house in the next city. It was his second overnight foray in as many weeks. He spent several hours gardening -- pruning, watering, sweeping, etc. -- at a nice meditative pace. Another good thing for this young man who so much enjoys nature and the outdoors. Being one who is acutely aware of what he currently can't do (mountain biking, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain hiking, skateboarding...), it's good for him to take encouragement in what he can do. And that's a tall order for someone who has been "extreme" by most measures.

Daniel had no medical insurance. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to calculate that his medical care was expensive, to put it mildly. He applied for coverage under MSI and we learned just recently that he was approved and will be covered, effective January 1, 2005!

The hospital where he received his life-saving care and rehabilitation, Mission Hospital and Regional Trauma Center, is recognized as one of the best of it's kind in the country. We couldn't agree more! In addition to their unbelievable medical care they were completely supportive of our family in every way imaginable. They allowed us to take photos and video of Daniel during his stay and have requested permission to use Daniel's material in training programs! If you could see the forty minutes of video, taken over a 30 day period, you'd understand why. It's like a Documentary of a Miracle.

Daniel is a very intelligent, sensitive and hard-working young man who has always been very active. He 'knows' that he is a miracle, and is grateful for all of the support that he has received -- especially from so many friends whom he has never even met. Together with his family, you all have made the difference in his survival and continuing recovery. Please continue your thoughts and prayers for him. There is a big gap at times between what he 'knows' and how he 'feels'. His progress at this point is slow, and it will be 1-3 years before his brain and body can be said to be healed. He's come so far, so fast. When he's depressed it's difficult for him to remember that his life isn't over, it's just begun!

As always, thanks to all of you for your kindnesses and support for Daniel.