Everyone, sorry for the delay - based on the number of inquiries in the last day or so, I know that Sarah has a captive audience.
You will all be happy to know that she has made the transition to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.) She is doing very well there in the new environment, and her rehabilitation has begun! The Docs at Geisinger said that CHOP will be her "boot camp" and she has a team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, guiding her through a program along the way to recovery. (Her own Mt. Everest) From what I hear, the new Docs are very pleased with her progress - though she is not fully conscious, she is emerging.
In this state she is responding to commands with purposeful movement, so we know she can hear us. It is very heartening to see her respond to questions, she can't talk yet, but she can answer "yes and no" or "either or" type questions by holding up one or two fingers. Example, I asked her to hold up one finger if she likes the Cowboys or two fingers if she likes the Eagles, and like her Dad, she is sticking with those guys from Texas - just like before. She has also laughed a few times at Mark's antics, and laughter is a higher end function - so that is really nice to see.
So it looks like she has her strong spirit going for her, and she will need that now. As Brigid described it to me - this is a period of assessment, planning, work, and then rest, a program that will require great endurance on her part, but again, if anyone can do it we know that Sarah can!
Sarah Go!
P.S. Noticed that some of you like to post comments on Sarah's blog, please feel free to do that anytime, it is nice to see. Uncle John
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Message
Christmas Message to Sarah's Team
As we gather together with family and friends during this special time of year - a time of peace, hope, and love, we are reminded of our good fortune... and things fall into proper perspective.
Sarah Godfrey continues to improve tonight. She is responding nicely to her parents Brigid and Mark, and they have not left her side.
So thanks to all of you - for your boundless support and love! This has helped Sarah to continue her remarkable recovery.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on Sarah's Team!
Uncle John
As we gather together with family and friends during this special time of year - a time of peace, hope, and love, we are reminded of our good fortune... and things fall into proper perspective.
Sarah Godfrey continues to improve tonight. She is responding nicely to her parents Brigid and Mark, and they have not left her side.
So thanks to all of you - for your boundless support and love! This has helped Sarah to continue her remarkable recovery.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone on Sarah's Team!
Uncle John
Friday, December 22, 2006
Message from Santa Claus!
To Sarah's Team:
HO, HO, HO - Read below!
Uncle Santa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Brigid
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 6:14 PM
To: jlc89@comcast.net
Subject: Sarah gets her " wings"
Dear John:
Today is Thursday, 12-21-06 if I'm correctly oriented (my short term memory is shot), day 34 at Geisinger/Danville. I'm confirming Sarah's transfer date. She will be transported via ambulance to CHOP/Seashore House on Tuesday, 12-26-06. I've been told that rehab is long and arduous. As we know Sarah has made miraculous progress here at Geisinger. As of Tuesday her new journey begins. Let us continue to hope and pray for a rapid and complete recovery! Again our thanks to all of Sarah's loving supporters who are helping us through this
difficult time.
Love
~Brigid
HO, HO, HO - Read below!
Uncle Santa
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Brigid
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 6:14 PM
To: jlc89@comcast.net
Subject: Sarah gets her " wings"
Dear John:
Today is Thursday, 12-21-06 if I'm correctly oriented (my short term memory is shot), day 34 at Geisinger/Danville. I'm confirming Sarah's transfer date. She will be transported via ambulance to CHOP/Seashore House on Tuesday, 12-26-06. I've been told that rehab is long and arduous. As we know Sarah has made miraculous progress here at Geisinger. As of Tuesday her new journey begins. Let us continue to hope and pray for a rapid and complete recovery! Again our thanks to all of Sarah's loving supporters who are helping us through this
difficult time.
Love
~Brigid
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Getting Ready For Boot Camp!
To Sarah's Team:
Just got off the phone with Brigid - she called to say that Sarah is being moved out of the PICU (pediatric intensive care) now and is going upstairs! (Yes!!) Getting closer to checking out of Geisinger at Danville and going to rehabilitation. Try as I may, I can't write this story better than Brigid - so below is the update she sent earlier in the evening...
Uncle John
-----------
From Sarah's Mom
Today is Tues, 12-19-06, day 32 in the PICU. Sarah continues to respond on command! She's awesome! I have asked her to point and flex her feet (both right & left), she differentiates & complies! Her ballet teachers would be so impressed! The OT (occupational therapist), PT (physical therapist) & nurses work with Sarah and continue to be impressed by her seemingly small feats, (they're huge when you compare them to what she was doing last week, let alone when she came in!)
Dr. Maffei is presently talking about rehab ( aka boot camp ) sooner than later, possibly this coming Friday or next Tuesday. As soon as we know for certain we'll let you know. Apparently Sarah will be going to CHOP (Children's Hosp of Phil), for their intensive pediatric neuro in-patient treatment.
(The physicians at Bryn Mawr feel their program is not age appropriate for Sarah. )
So I'll close on this - we're sure to have the best Christmas ever: Sarah's going to rehab! I've been reminding her how she "eats nails for breakfast" and she'll continue to perform and meet the coming
challenges. I urge her on with her cousins chants of "GO FOR THE GOLD" ! Please let all our friends, family, caring, loving & supportive network know how deeply we appreciate their generosity, love and prayers.
~Brigid
Just got off the phone with Brigid - she called to say that Sarah is being moved out of the PICU (pediatric intensive care) now and is going upstairs! (Yes!!) Getting closer to checking out of Geisinger at Danville and going to rehabilitation. Try as I may, I can't write this story better than Brigid - so below is the update she sent earlier in the evening...
Uncle John
-----------
From Sarah's Mom
Today is Tues, 12-19-06, day 32 in the PICU. Sarah continues to respond on command! She's awesome! I have asked her to point and flex her feet (both right & left), she differentiates & complies! Her ballet teachers would be so impressed! The OT (occupational therapist), PT (physical therapist) & nurses work with Sarah and continue to be impressed by her seemingly small feats, (they're huge when you compare them to what she was doing last week, let alone when she came in!)
Dr. Maffei is presently talking about rehab ( aka boot camp ) sooner than later, possibly this coming Friday or next Tuesday. As soon as we know for certain we'll let you know. Apparently Sarah will be going to CHOP (Children's Hosp of Phil), for their intensive pediatric neuro in-patient treatment.
(The physicians at Bryn Mawr feel their program is not age appropriate for Sarah. )
So I'll close on this - we're sure to have the best Christmas ever: Sarah's going to rehab! I've been reminding her how she "eats nails for breakfast" and she'll continue to perform and meet the coming
challenges. I urge her on with her cousins chants of "GO FOR THE GOLD" ! Please let all our friends, family, caring, loving & supportive network know how deeply we appreciate their generosity, love and prayers.
~Brigid
Friday, December 15, 2006
From Sarah's Mom and Dad....
Comes some fine, fine news....
Re Sarah's status update Thursday 12-14-06, day 27:
Continued good news for Sarah.She underwent surgery yesterday to repair her broken jaw & the doctor reported she did well. She did not require the vent after surgery and she continues to breathe on her own. As of today she is responding to some commands; when you ask Sarah to open her eyes or wiggle her toes SHE DOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Throughout her day, various doctors & nursing staff, including her Neurosurgical PA, along with Mark & myself had asked Sarah to open her eyes or wiggle her toes. She complied! We're taking this positive step and continuing to build on it! So all in all she's had a big day. Again our many thanks to all our friends, family & concerned individuals for their continued support, well wishes and prayers. Sarah continues to need it all on her remarkable journey to recovery.
With our love,
~Brigid
Re Sarah's status update Thursday 12-14-06, day 27:
Continued good news for Sarah.She underwent surgery yesterday to repair her broken jaw & the doctor reported she did well. She did not require the vent after surgery and she continues to breathe on her own. As of today she is responding to some commands; when you ask Sarah to open her eyes or wiggle her toes SHE DOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Throughout her day, various doctors & nursing staff, including her Neurosurgical PA, along with Mark & myself had asked Sarah to open her eyes or wiggle her toes. She complied! We're taking this positive step and continuing to build on it! So all in all she's had a big day. Again our many thanks to all our friends, family & concerned individuals for their continued support, well wishes and prayers. Sarah continues to need it all on her remarkable journey to recovery.
With our love,
~Brigid
Now Warming Up in the Bullpen....
Uncle John is getting loose in the bullpen, and you'll be seeing more of him here soon.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
From Sarah's Mom
From Sarah's mom:
Monday 12-11-06, day 24. Sarah's numbers are good. ICP's good. The doctor's are still monitoring CSP (cerebreal spinal fluid) drainage to determine whether or not she will need a shunt (she has a drainage problem) as well as to decide when the "vent" will be removed from her head. Yesterday's CT scan is similiar to the more recent scans, they were good. No CSF infection at this point!!!!
Possible jaw surgery on Wednesday. Occupational therapy assisted the nurse with putting Sarah in a chair for approx 2 hrs today and OT & PT (physical therapy) continue to work w/Sarah even though she's still in the "light phase"? of the coma.
Hopefully sleeping beauty will wake up soon and dig looking at Teddy Geiger's picture (Sarah's favorite performer) on the wall!
Sarah's getting more rest than all of us combined! Hopefully she's healing with each hour of sleep.
Love
~Brigid
Monday 12-11-06, day 24. Sarah's numbers are good. ICP's good. The doctor's are still monitoring CSP (cerebreal spinal fluid) drainage to determine whether or not she will need a shunt (she has a drainage problem) as well as to decide when the "vent" will be removed from her head. Yesterday's CT scan is similiar to the more recent scans, they were good. No CSF infection at this point!!!!
Possible jaw surgery on Wednesday. Occupational therapy assisted the nurse with putting Sarah in a chair for approx 2 hrs today and OT & PT (physical therapy) continue to work w/Sarah even though she's still in the "light phase"? of the coma.
Hopefully sleeping beauty will wake up soon and dig looking at Teddy Geiger's picture (Sarah's favorite performer) on the wall!
Sarah's getting more rest than all of us combined! Hopefully she's healing with each hour of sleep.
Love
~Brigid
Article from Times Leader
There was an article about Sarah in yesterday's Times Leader.
I'm sure that Steve Mocarsky and the paper won't mind if we reprint it here, so you'll find it below.
Also, theres' an entry from December 1 that wasn't posted here. I just posted it, so scroll back to December 1 if you want to read it.
--------------
From December 11 Times Leader
Helping an injured friend
Two thousand dollars has been raised in past week to help Sarah Godfrey, a St. Boniface student hit by a car.
By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@timesleader.com
WILKES-BARRE – Friends of 14-year-old Sarah Godfrey, who was struck by a car last month on Hazle Avenue, raised about $2,000 to help the girl’s family last week, culminating with a basket raffle on Sunday.
Sarah’s recovery will be long and difficult, and her supporters say donations are still being accepted.
“It’s like a climb up Mt. Everest,” Nikki Johnson, one of Sarah’s close friends and classmates, said Sunday when describing her friend’s recovery.
Sarah was dropped off from school on Nov. 17 when she exited a car, tried to cross the street and was struck by a car driven by Michelle Doyle of Ashley. Sarah was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where she continues to receive treatment for severe head injuries.
Patti Zak, a family friend, said the raffle proceeds will help with Sarah’s medical bills. They will also help Sarah’s parents, Brigid and Mark, to afford to miss some work so they can spend more time at the hospital with their daughter, said Rebecca Johnson, another family friend.
Zak, Johnson and Lorrie Griffiths coordinated the fundraiser. Their daughters are all officers of the St. Boniface Elementary School Student Council, of which Sarah is president.
Their daughters – Carly Zak, Nikki Johnson and Sarah Griffiths – led the drive to sell tickets for the basket raffle at their school during the week.
The fundraiser was opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday at the school hall, where about 50 baskets full of items such as candles, picture frames, lottery tickets, candy, coffees and toys, were on display. The holiday-themed baskets were donated by families of students, teachers and one business – radio station WKRZ 98.5-FM.
Describing her injured friend, Nikki said Sarah is “lovable, funny, smart, extravagant, thoughtful … I can’t think of anything else. I’m going to start crying.”
Carly said Sarah is “always there for you. She always listens to you and always wants to work things out. We call her ‘the therapist.’ ”
Now that Sarah is the one needing help, the girls rallied to her support.
“She’d be happy people would care this much about her,” Sarah Griffiths said.
According to a Web site set up by Sarah Godfrey’s uncle, the most recent posting, from Thursday, described her condition as slowly improving.
Patti Zak said Sarah’s parents are “overwhelmed with the pouring out of people being so generous.”
I'm sure that Steve Mocarsky and the paper won't mind if we reprint it here, so you'll find it below.
Also, theres' an entry from December 1 that wasn't posted here. I just posted it, so scroll back to December 1 if you want to read it.
--------------
From December 11 Times Leader
Helping an injured friend
Two thousand dollars has been raised in past week to help Sarah Godfrey, a St. Boniface student hit by a car.
By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@timesleader.com
WILKES-BARRE – Friends of 14-year-old Sarah Godfrey, who was struck by a car last month on Hazle Avenue, raised about $2,000 to help the girl’s family last week, culminating with a basket raffle on Sunday.
Sarah’s recovery will be long and difficult, and her supporters say donations are still being accepted.
“It’s like a climb up Mt. Everest,” Nikki Johnson, one of Sarah’s close friends and classmates, said Sunday when describing her friend’s recovery.
Sarah was dropped off from school on Nov. 17 when she exited a car, tried to cross the street and was struck by a car driven by Michelle Doyle of Ashley. Sarah was flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where she continues to receive treatment for severe head injuries.
Patti Zak, a family friend, said the raffle proceeds will help with Sarah’s medical bills. They will also help Sarah’s parents, Brigid and Mark, to afford to miss some work so they can spend more time at the hospital with their daughter, said Rebecca Johnson, another family friend.
Zak, Johnson and Lorrie Griffiths coordinated the fundraiser. Their daughters are all officers of the St. Boniface Elementary School Student Council, of which Sarah is president.
Their daughters – Carly Zak, Nikki Johnson and Sarah Griffiths – led the drive to sell tickets for the basket raffle at their school during the week.
The fundraiser was opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday at the school hall, where about 50 baskets full of items such as candles, picture frames, lottery tickets, candy, coffees and toys, were on display. The holiday-themed baskets were donated by families of students, teachers and one business – radio station WKRZ 98.5-FM.
Describing her injured friend, Nikki said Sarah is “lovable, funny, smart, extravagant, thoughtful … I can’t think of anything else. I’m going to start crying.”
Carly said Sarah is “always there for you. She always listens to you and always wants to work things out. We call her ‘the therapist.’ ”
Now that Sarah is the one needing help, the girls rallied to her support.
“She’d be happy people would care this much about her,” Sarah Griffiths said.
According to a Web site set up by Sarah Godfrey’s uncle, the most recent posting, from Thursday, described her condition as slowly improving.
Patti Zak said Sarah’s parents are “overwhelmed with the pouring out of people being so generous.”
Monday, December 11, 2006
Note from Sister Mary Joseph
We've received letters from Sarah's friends in the community. I've not posted them here, as I wasn't sure if the writers wanted them to be on the blog. If any of these folks want their messages printed, please shoot me another note. Or you can post a comment to this post.
Here, see a letter came in today:
Dear Family and Friends of Sarah Godfrey,
My name is Sister Mary Joseph Calore and I am a Sister Servant of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from Cresson, Pennsylvania.
My sisters, Theresa Macko and Kathleen Franckiewicz as welll as my cousin Katie Burns Szafran, are keeping me updated on Sarah. I am saddened to also learn of the death of Mrs. Casey, whom I knew through my Uncle Joe Burns and Aunt Jo Ann Burns from Hazel Street.
Please be assured that the Sisters of my convent pray daily for Sarah, as do the children of All Saints Catholic School here in Cresson Pennsylvania (near Altoona, Pennsylvania.)
We not only pray for Sarah's recovery, but also remember Sarah's family in a difficult time of loss, that God will sustain everyone and give them enough courage and strength to meet the challenges and demands of each moment! As we observe the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe tomorrow, I am reminded of her words to the Indian St. Juan Diego:
“Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.
May the Mother of God, who visited Juan Diego so long ago in Mexico, visit her dear little daughter, Sarah, and restore her to health!
Sincerely in Christ,
Sister Mary Joseph
Here, see a letter came in today:
Dear Family and Friends of Sarah Godfrey,
My name is Sister Mary Joseph Calore and I am a Sister Servant of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from Cresson, Pennsylvania.
My sisters, Theresa Macko and Kathleen Franckiewicz as welll as my cousin Katie Burns Szafran, are keeping me updated on Sarah. I am saddened to also learn of the death of Mrs. Casey, whom I knew through my Uncle Joe Burns and Aunt Jo Ann Burns from Hazel Street.
Please be assured that the Sisters of my convent pray daily for Sarah, as do the children of All Saints Catholic School here in Cresson Pennsylvania (near Altoona, Pennsylvania.)
We not only pray for Sarah's recovery, but also remember Sarah's family in a difficult time of loss, that God will sustain everyone and give them enough courage and strength to meet the challenges and demands of each moment! As we observe the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe tomorrow, I am reminded of her words to the Indian St. Juan Diego:
“Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.
May the Mother of God, who visited Juan Diego so long ago in Mexico, visit her dear little daughter, Sarah, and restore her to health!
Sincerely in Christ,
Sister Mary Joseph
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Sarah Starts Climb Up Mt. Everest
I think we would all agree that Sarah certainly has a knack for adding cheer and love to every gathering - and she is doing it again today. Just got off the phone with her dad, and our champion continues her climb on what her docs have categorized as her own personal Mt. Everest. I think it is safe to say, that Sarah has definintely left the base camp!
Just like climbing the mountain in real life is a treacherous, arduous endeavor, Sarah's struggle will be filled with many up and downs. The update below from her mom Brigid shows some of this, but since then the news is pretty good.
Sarah's arhythmia is not viewed as a major concern today and she is in fact in surgery now to fix her broken jaw. But Sarah was taken off the ventilator machine last night and is breathing on her own. ( I almost can't believe that!) They were also able to take off the neck brace - another good sign. Brigid and Marc just had an update with the good Dr. Maffei (the intensivist and quarterback) He is pleased with her progress, and so is the ID doc (infectious disorder?) There are times in the day now where she is trying to open her eyes (huge!) and she is moving around more. Last night the docs were (finally) able to get her an MRI, and while I don't have a comprehensive summary of their findings, I did not hear that they were too alarmed. There is a little spot that supposedly could account for the (relative) slowness of movement in certain areas, but therapy should be able to help with that.
I want to be careful as to how any news of Sarah's progress is reported to everyone -she still has a long climb. But on this day where we will be gathering to celebrate another life, these reports of Sarah's progress are truly uplifting. Her timing is excellent.
(Uncle John)
Just like climbing the mountain in real life is a treacherous, arduous endeavor, Sarah's struggle will be filled with many up and downs. The update below from her mom Brigid shows some of this, but since then the news is pretty good.
Sarah's arhythmia is not viewed as a major concern today and she is in fact in surgery now to fix her broken jaw. But Sarah was taken off the ventilator machine last night and is breathing on her own. ( I almost can't believe that!) They were also able to take off the neck brace - another good sign. Brigid and Marc just had an update with the good Dr. Maffei (the intensivist and quarterback) He is pleased with her progress, and so is the ID doc (infectious disorder?) There are times in the day now where she is trying to open her eyes (huge!) and she is moving around more. Last night the docs were (finally) able to get her an MRI, and while I don't have a comprehensive summary of their findings, I did not hear that they were too alarmed. There is a little spot that supposedly could account for the (relative) slowness of movement in certain areas, but therapy should be able to help with that.
I want to be careful as to how any news of Sarah's progress is reported to everyone -she still has a long climb. But on this day where we will be gathering to celebrate another life, these reports of Sarah's progress are truly uplifting. Her timing is excellent.
(Uncle John)
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Welcome to Sarah's Place
Hi, everybody. This is Sarah's Place, a website devoted to providing news and support to Sarah's many friends and family in Pennsylvania and beyond. It's brand new, and will be spruced up over the next day or two.
We'll be copying the old posts from Bay Ridge Blog and copying them to this site. Any suggestions, please send them either
a) in the comments section below any "post" or
b) by e-mail to me at bayridgephantom@gmail.com or
c) by e-mail to John Casey at jlc89@comcast.net
John advises that Sarah had a good day today and has a big day tomorrow, so I will get an update out to Sarah's team this evening.
Good night, everybody.
We'll be copying the old posts from Bay Ridge Blog and copying them to this site. Any suggestions, please send them either
a) in the comments section below any "post" or
b) by e-mail to me at bayridgephantom@gmail.com or
c) by e-mail to John Casey at jlc89@comcast.net
John advises that Sarah had a good day today and has a big day tomorrow, so I will get an update out to Sarah's team this evening.
Good night, everybody.
Monday, December 4, 2006
December 4, 2006
Mrs. Casey
Mrs. Casey, mother to Brigid, grandmother to Sarah, and matriarch of the Casey family suffered a stroke a few days ago.
She passed last evening at about 7:00pm. The loss is great. Mrs "C" was full of life, love and was always upbeat. It won't be the same without her, but the house will
continue to be the place to gather. It will continue to be filled with the people she loved most..her family.
The family is in the process of making arrangements. Though specifics aren't yet known, Sharon believes that arrangements are being made with Lehmans, which is located on Hazle Street on the hill toward Ashley.
Sarah
Sarah continues to remain stable. This morning we believe she broke a fever she has had since her hospitalization, so that is great! She is also exhibiting more movement, so we continue to hope she starts responding to commands, and opens her eyes.
As always, the family thanks you all for your love, concern, support and your prayers. (Sharon)
Sunday, December 3, 2006
December 3, 2006
Sarah had a quiet evening [Saturday night] , and continues to remain "stable" which we are pleased to report. She did sustain a broken jaw during the accident, and on Wednesday of this week one of her Dr's will be exexamining the situation to determine whether it can be wired at that time. They are concerned about infection, and although we would hope they are able to fix it on Wednesday, it may be something that will have to be addressed down the road.
Friday, December 1, 2006
December 1, 2006
It is about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1 and time for an update on Sarah.
Early this morning Dr. Pratt notified Brigid that Sarah would need a minor procedure today. They were concerned about the overall appearance ofSarah's wound at the back of her head. Not a critical situation but something that needed proper attention. They took her to the operating room in the late afternoon.
She was returned to her room relatively quickly and the procedure was characterized as a success. They were able to clean and dress the affected area. Moreover, they were able to get a good look at surfaces within the incised area and were pleased with what they saw.
Onward (from Pat)
Early this morning Dr. Pratt notified Brigid that Sarah would need a minor procedure today. They were concerned about the overall appearance ofSarah's wound at the back of her head. Not a critical situation but something that needed proper attention. They took her to the operating room in the late afternoon.
She was returned to her room relatively quickly and the procedure was characterized as a success. They were able to clean and dress the affected area. Moreover, they were able to get a good look at surfaces within the incised area and were pleased with what they saw.
Onward (from Pat)
December 1
On 12/1/06 3:51 PM, "jlc89@comcast.net" wrote:
To Sarah's Team:
I started this yesterday and there are already 30 people on "Sarah's Team" - with more folks joining by the hour. On behalf of Sarah, (and Brigid and Mark) I am happy to get this msg out (I am getting help doing so.) We are seeing and hearing stories about all of your efforts. People on this list are reaching out and offering prayers and support - even asking friends and colleagues around the globe to join in with good thoughts for Sarah.
It is helping very much right where it is needed- so please continue your kindness!
Ok, so here is a quick update - starting from 6:00am this morning:
It was determined by one of Sarah's Dr's and confirmed by a subsequent CAT scan, that she has to undergo another procedure today to help reduce the fluid and pressure in her head. While it would be more pleasant not to have to report the need for any procedures, this is in keeping with the expectations that the Doctors have set - that there will be many bumps in the road along the path toward Sarah's recovery. Hopefully this is just that - another bump in the road.
As we think of Sarah this evening, please keep in mind that it does take a considerable time to go from the point where a procedure is indicated, to where her medical team all weighs in, and then to get all the necessary resources lined up at the hospital. So what starts out at 6AM may not be completed until 8:00 or 9:00 or whenever. Then it takes time for the team to get Sarah squared away again back in her room at the PICU. That is not necessarily a bad thing - just lots of anxious waiting in between. So keep the faith, please maintain your thoughts and prayers for Sarah and we will update you as soon as we can.
For Sarah,
Uncle John
To Sarah's Team:
I started this yesterday and there are already 30 people on "Sarah's Team" - with more folks joining by the hour. On behalf of Sarah, (and Brigid and Mark) I am happy to get this msg out (I am getting help doing so.) We are seeing and hearing stories about all of your efforts. People on this list are reaching out and offering prayers and support - even asking friends and colleagues around the globe to join in with good thoughts for Sarah.
It is helping very much right where it is needed- so please continue your kindness!
Ok, so here is a quick update - starting from 6:00am this morning:
It was determined by one of Sarah's Dr's and confirmed by a subsequent CAT scan, that she has to undergo another procedure today to help reduce the fluid and pressure in her head. While it would be more pleasant not to have to report the need for any procedures, this is in keeping with the expectations that the Doctors have set - that there will be many bumps in the road along the path toward Sarah's recovery. Hopefully this is just that - another bump in the road.
As we think of Sarah this evening, please keep in mind that it does take a considerable time to go from the point where a procedure is indicated, to where her medical team all weighs in, and then to get all the necessary resources lined up at the hospital. So what starts out at 6AM may not be completed until 8:00 or 9:00 or whenever. Then it takes time for the team to get Sarah squared away again back in her room at the PICU. That is not necessarily a bad thing - just lots of anxious waiting in between. So keep the faith, please maintain your thoughts and prayers for Sarah and we will update you as soon as we can.
For Sarah,
Uncle John
Thursday, November 30, 2006
November 30, 2006
Thanks to Juliana, who advised me that the proper spelling is "Sarah".
Sarah has spent some quiet days in the hospital, which is good. She is gagging and coughing at times--which is also actually good in this context.
Additional tests are forthcoming, which will reveal more.
Monday, November 27, 2006
November 27, 2006
Sarah Godfrey- update
Sarah Godfrey was severely injured in an auto accident on Friday, November 17.
I heard today that tests indicate that it appears that she may maintain control of both arms and legs. At this stage, considering the scope of the injuries, that's good news.
This comes after some earlier good news.
-----
(Reprint of November 22 post)
**Please share this with friends**
Sarah Godfrey is a thirteen year old girl from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She's an eighth-grade student at St. Boniface School.
This past Friday, she was hit by a car. She had just exited a vehicle after being dropped off. She sustained severe head injuries and was placed in a drug-induced coma.
"She is in a struggle for her life", says her uncle, Herb Godfrey. " She is a strong girl. Her vital signs are good, but we don't know the extent of the head injury".
Her mother Bridget is asking those concerned to pray for Sarah. She has made a "prayer map" with stars in all the places in the world where people are praying for Sarah. If you care to join the prayer map, please add a comment here, with your location, or send me an e-mail at bayridgephantom@gmail.com.
---
A fund has been established for the benefit of the family. Any money raised will go toward lodging and travel expenses, and will help with the girl’s rehabilitation, said Herb Godfrey, director of purchasing at King’s College.
Donations can be made to the Sarah Godfrey Fund, Choice One Credit Union, 101 Hazle St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
---
Newspaper articles shown here and here. I will provide updates in future posts.
November 27, 2006
Sarah Godfrey- update
Sarah Godfrey was severely injured in an auto accident on Friday, November 17.I heard today that tests indicate that it appears that she may maintain control of both arms and legs. At this stage, considering the scope of the injuries, that's good news.
This comes after some earlier good news.
Friday, November 24, 2006
November 24, 2006
Sarah Godfrey - UPDATED
Heard on Saturday:
- she is now breathing on her own.
- they're unable to do some brain-function tests at present because to do so, they'd have to move her.
Hang in there, Sarah.
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I heard the following as of Friday:
- bladder control returning
- there had been concern about her heart, but that has abated-heart seems fine
- some eye response observed
Will pass along additional information when I can.
Sarah Godfrey is a 13 year old girl who was badly injured in an auto accident in Wilkes-Barre, PA exactly one week ago.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
November 22, 2006
Sarah Godfrey is a thirteen year old girl from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She's an eighth-grade student at St. Boniface School.
This past Friday, she was hit by a car. She had just exited a vehicle after being dropped off. She sustained severe head injuries and was placed in a drug-induced coma.
"She is in a struggle for her life", says her uncle, Herb Godfrey. " She is a strong girl. Her vital signs are good, but we don't know the extent of the head injury".
Her mother Bridget is asking those concerned to pray for Sarah. She has made a "prayer map" with stars in all the places in the world where people are praying for Sarah. If you care to join the prayer map, please add a comment here, with your location, or send me an e-mail at bayridgephantom@gmail.com.
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A fund has been established for the benefit of the family. Any money raised will go toward lodging and travel expenses, and will help with the girl’s rehabilitation, said Herb Godfrey, director of purchasing at King’s College.
Donations can be made to the Sarah Godfrey Fund, Choice One Credit Union, 101 Hazle St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
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Newspaper articles shown here and here. I will provide updates in future posts.
This past Friday, she was hit by a car. She had just exited a vehicle after being dropped off. She sustained severe head injuries and was placed in a drug-induced coma.
"She is in a struggle for her life", says her uncle, Herb Godfrey. " She is a strong girl. Her vital signs are good, but we don't know the extent of the head injury".
Her mother Bridget is asking those concerned to pray for Sarah. She has made a "prayer map" with stars in all the places in the world where people are praying for Sarah. If you care to join the prayer map, please add a comment here, with your location, or send me an e-mail at bayridgephantom@gmail.com.
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A fund has been established for the benefit of the family. Any money raised will go toward lodging and travel expenses, and will help with the girl’s rehabilitation, said Herb Godfrey, director of purchasing at King’s College.
Donations can be made to the Sarah Godfrey Fund, Choice One Credit Union, 101 Hazle St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
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Newspaper articles shown here and here. I will provide updates in future posts.
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