An Ice Cream Social and Lots More Hard Work!

I want to get this update on the blog before I get too many more "gentle" reminders from the ardent members of Sarah's Team. You folks are nothing if not the most loyal, generous, and concerned group of people around - so here goes:

I talked to Mark and Brigid, and other family members who went to CHOP, and I saw Sarah myself today. There is nothing really dramatic to report about the week - maybe because she has come so far already - and that is probably what we should expect for the near future. She did climb some stairs in PT, and she is increasingly mobile at CHOP in her chair. This week she attended an ice cream social to celebrate one of the teens opportunity to go home, and her Dad took her outside for a bit of fresh air. Earlier in the week they even videotaped Sarah at work in PT - to show other students - prime evidence of her hard work and all of this is good news.

Perhaps even more importantly, (and this is certain) - Sarah still has her positive, indomitable attitude - and she is putting it to good use everyday. Consider that for a moment and be amazed - the child doesn't allow herself to have a "down day." She continues to do everything she needs to do without complaint, in fact, she does it with good cheer. Vintage Sarah.

Sarah GO!

Sarah had a really good week again.

Regards, UJ

A Ride to McDonald's

Hello Sarah's Team:

Try taking a couple days off from this gig and you find out that there are a lot of nice people waiting (almost patiently) for an update. So apologies for keeping you waiting too long - here is the latest from CHOP.

I took our two girls to visit Sarah today - just got back a little while ago and Sarah is doing fine. The Sunday work load is lighter, so there was time for playing cards, watching TV and talking with her cousins. She is enjoying more solid food and the flu bug is now in the rear view mirror of last week. (Let's hope that is over.)

The good news is that Sarah is moving along with the program, making progress, and the Docs / therapists are pleased with her effort - so they keep her busy everyday. Along with all the PT, OT, and ST, she now has an hour of school work each day, and on Tuesday she gets to go to the pool. She did convince Brigid the other day that she was ready for her first ride downstairs to McDonald's (and it is a hike) so they won't be holding her back for long. Also, they have movies in the atrium on certain evenings and Sarah heard about this and true to her nature she wants to go. Maybe she will get to have her popcorn at the movies soon. There are other teenagers on the unit and they visit each other so that is good too. All in all a good week at CHOP- so thanks for keeping in touch here, or on the blog. http://www.sarahgblog.blogspot.com/

Take care till the next update,
UJ.

Happy Ground Hog Day

To Sarah's Team:

Little slow down with a touch of the flu-bug yesterday and today, other kids on the unit have it too, so she is resting now. But, Sarah continues to move forward with her workload. Brigid said she did up to 40 steps with her walker the other day, and she is going to get to do some swim therapy later today if she feels better. She definitely wants to get in the pool. Also, they added art therapy to the mix, and they are continuing with school work and all her other activities. Every day she is showing some more progress with speech, and she is doing better with eating too.

Brigid is with her now and she is looking forward to seeing her Dad on the weekend. Thanks everyone for keeping in touch, all your e-messages are sent to Brigid at CHOP, and they are most encouraging, so hit the blog or email back whenever you want. http://www.sarahgblog.blogspot.com/

Good weekend to everyone on Sarah's Team!

UJ