Wednesday, April 4, 2007

A Fine Day Is Almost Here

To Sarah's Team:

The day we have all been waiting for is almost here - Sarah will be going home this weekend!

Evidently there was some discussion between the Docs and Brigid about options for discharge - whether she should stay for a few more days or go home for Easter. True to her nature, Sarah weighed in and she was very definite about being ready to go. She is very excited!

Brigid and Mark don't want any big to-do about getting home. They just want to make Sarah's return happy, and they will focus on helping her get re-acclimated, so she can soon resume her work toward recovery. But they can feel some measure of relief now because they will all be home. This is simply amazing.

I will be sure to let you know how it goes. Go Sarah!

Uncle John.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Springtime at CHOP

It is almost the weekend and that means day-pass and shopping. Meanwhile, here is a special update to Sarah's Team:

***

Today is March 20, 2007, approximately 4 months since my daughter's accident. Sarah continues to exhibit great stamina, tremendous spirit, and each day she makes progress with her therapy. She now utilizes a walker for short distances and her balance is improving, (AWESOME); her fine motor skills with there accompanying functions continue to improve and her speech is clearer with more emotion & intonation (FANTASTIC)!

Thank you all for you prayers. Many good and positive things are happening to Sarah at this time, however, she is still in need of your prayers. Her road to recovery is long. Sarah has some blurriness with her vision, but this has decreased and she has another neuro-opthalmology appointment at the end of the month. So, please continue to pray for a speedy, complete recovery for Sarah.

With my appreciation and love,

Sarah's Mom, Brigid

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Nothing like A Road Trip!

To Sarah's Team:

Hello - it has been a busy couple of week's for our Sarah - she is getting the job done at CHOP and now starting to reap some rewards. Now she can get a day pass on weekends to leave CHOP for awhile. On Saturday the 3rd, Sarah got her first day pass from the hospital and her Mom, Dad, some cousins and family friends took her for a tour of the Univ of Penn campus. Brigid thinks Sarah will someday enjoy the Museum of Anthropology @ Penn, and the King Tut exhibit at the Franklin Institute, but on her first day out Sarah was content to go to Starbuck's, the U of P bookstore, The Gap, and Aunt Annie's pretzels. It just got too late for the cultural stuff - drat - but Sarah didn't seem to mind.

Then on this past weekend, her Aunt Sally and cousin Mary got the bright idea to throw a party for Sarah. Lots of her cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as some local friends visited Sarah over the weekend down at CHOP, and then the next day we partied at our house. The two co-conspirators from back home (Sal and Mary) thought it would be cool to bring to Sarah a couple of her favorite things from W-B: Angelo's pizza and Pal, her faithful dog. So after her cousins saw her at CHOP on Saturday, we picked her up at noon on Sunday, just beating the St. Patrick's day parade traffic and headed out of town toward Valley Forge for the party. We had lots of great pizza, soda, ice cream, and all kinds of treats and Sarah played cards with her cousins and got to see Pal. We are still gathering up the confetti, balloons, and streamers here- it was a great time and Sarah had a blast. I think she wants to go to the King of Prussia Mall on her next pass. You can't get the "go" out of Sarah, just say the word and she is ready to roll. What an inspiration, she is moving forward every day. Go Sarah!

Until the next road trip…Uncle John.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

New Wheels and New Mobility

Sarah's Team:

Among her legion of supporters, many of the good folks at Geisinger who cared for Sarah are able to stay in touch, and like all of Sarah's family and friends, they are delighted to learn of her continued progress.

This week, our irrepressible Sarah continues to amaze us as she buzzes through her routine at CHOP. Check out this list:

* New wheels and new mobility - Sarah must do more of the work in her new chair, but she can get around better on her own.

* Hold the parents, take a break mom. It was time for an outside trip down the street to Starbucks's last week - with the gang at CHOP. The cappucino was fine.

* Did someone say movie? Down to the atrium. RV is worth a second watch.
* CHOP is a big place but not to our intrepid teen. McDonald's, the cafeteria, trips to the day room, visiting friends - no big deal for Sarah, the girl is getting around.

* More swimming therapy may be in the program, Sarah really enjoys the pool and is showing good endurance and spirit in all her PT.

* Lots of work throughout the day, but Sarah joined an after school art program to do more creative work and hang out with other kids.

In general, her stamina is excellent, she continues to progress, and while she is coping with the whole experience, Sarah continues to exhibit her tremendous spirit. Her road is still long, and like the one less traveled from a favorite poem, Sarah is making all the difference.

Regards, UJ (Feb 27)

Monday, February 19, 2007

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

Sunday, February 11, 2007

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.

Friday, February 2, 2007

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

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Schoolwork Added to the Mix

Hello to Sarah's Team from CHOP:

Sarah had a good week. Our favorite mountain climber is continuing her trek toward recovery. Her work day begins at 9 and ends around 4. She completes several hours of therapy everyday, and now schoolwork has been added to the mix. As mentioned before, the Docs know that this takes tremendous energy, and Sarah is doing her part and maintaining good spirits. It sounds like she really sleeps well from all the hard work.

She is starting to eat a little more and is sampling pureed foods. She likes vanilla shakes and since there is a McDonald's located downstairs in the hospital she can get a treat now and then. She enjoys all the cards and e-cards; Brigid reads them all to her, so thanks to everyone for the well wishes. To all you bloggers out there, everyone is welcome to send Sarah a message on her cool site - Sarah's Place http://www.sarahgblog.blogspot.com/, and we will get the messages to her. Or you can reply back here and I will get her the message.

Thanks everyone for staying in touch - Sarah knows that she has a lot of wonderful people pulling for her - and it helps! UJ.

Friday, January 19, 2007

"I Want to Work"

To Sarah's team:

Just got off the phone with Brigid to find out how Sarah is doing, and I can report that everyone should be proud of Sarah. As you know, the program with the therapists is critical to her recovery, and it sounds like her workload increases everyday. Brigid is coaching her, encouraging her to give it her best effort, and then a little more, encouraging Sarah to think and work like Lance Armstrong, and Sarah is responding. She had completed the PT for the day, and the next therapist was going to give her a break because Sarah was feeling some nauseau with a headache. Sarah had been lying down with her eyes closed at this point but when she heard this she rolled over and announced slowly "I want to work."

Go Sarah Go! (Is everyone looking for there dog-eared list of New Year's resolutions now?)

So Sarah is certainly doing her part and she is relearning how to use everything. Yesterday she completed about 30 steps on the parallel bars, down and back, with improved control of her steps. She is sitting in her chair for longer periods and she continues to practice speech, I got a "hello Uncle John" today on the phone. Also, she is getting some tastes of Italian ice and yogurt - evidently it takes over 25 muscles to swallow some food, and who knows how many to sit up straight in a chair?

Clinically she is getting better, not backsliding, she is doing her work, and they are continuously increasing her load. Now they are adding cognitive questions to the mix, and next week they will start some schoolwork, which I am sure Sarah will enjoy. She gets fatigued from all of this but that is all part of her program of recovery.

So, all is good heading into the weekend! UJ.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

First Steps...

1/14/07

Sarah is continuing her work with the PT, OT, and ST. I think the sessions last for several hours each day, but the workload is a little lighter on weekends. That is good, because it is all still very tiring. Brigid said she started a new medication, to facilitate her emergence. (forgot to ask how long that will last, but I will find out.) All is ok, not too much to report on tonight.

Oh, except she did take about 15 steps yesterday with the PT's help, and she is starting to talk! She can say a few words now and she laughs at the sound of her own voice. (because her vocal cords are a bit rusty after their layoff.) But knowing Sarah, we all fully expect that situation to be resolved soon!

Sarah Go!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

January 11, 2006

To Sarah's Team:

Sarah is having a good week, and in general, her transition to CHOP is going smoothly. We just got the word that the Docs removed Sarah's trach! (as in tracheotomy.) This procedure will allow Sarah to make more progress in her recovery, so it is welcome news. More work with the PT, OT, and ST - Sarah will be quite busy everyday, and she will soon have an opportunity to start utilizing more facilities, like the rec room, exercise equip, etc.

Her climb up the mountain continues, but it is very tiring, so please keep Sarah in your thoughts and prayers. Now lots of work! Sarah Go!

UJ

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Next!

Spoke to Brigid, Sarah had the procedure yesterday to remove the Venus filter - everything went well and she did great. She was back in her room yesterday resting comfortablly. It is back to work today with the PT, OT, and ST. ( You can't stay out of school for anything these days.)

Check that off the list. Next!

UJ

Saturday, January 6, 2007

January 6 Update

Sarah's Team:

More good news from our Gold Medal Contestant:

Sarah had a procedure yesterday in the OR to replace her shunt. It was not an emergency, but the good Docs detected that it wasn't working properly on Thursday, so in she went. She handled the procedure well and a short while later she was in recovery. Evidently, this is something that can happen quite frequently with these devices, and in the scheme of things it doesn't sound like it is too hard for the Docs to do.

I just spoke to Brigid and she senses a greater awareness, connection, and communication with Sarah since the surgery. Although she is not fully awake yet and we don't know when that time will come, she is doing well neurologically. Yes!

Next up on the docket, to be scheduled, is the removal of a venus filter (clot prevention), and her trach - both implanted at Danville. Both of these steps will mark new milestones toward her recovery and Mark and Brigid are excited about that. More mobility, including trips to the recreation area, and more work on speech will be facilitated by these procedures.

So our superstar is moving forward and doing her part. They are having a nice weekend with Sarah and she is resting now. Sarah Go!

UJ.

Friday, January 5, 2007

Going for the Gold

Written on Jan 2, only posted now as I have been traveling, etc.-Phantom

Quick hello to Sarah's Team (from Uncle John):

Spoke to Brigid tonight, she wanted to say hello to everyone. Sounds like she is getting used to CHOP, the new routine, and life in the big city, and so is Sarah - she seems to be well aware of the activity and her surroundings. The days are full of activity, and Sarah is working with the PT (physical therapist), OT ( Occupational Therapist), and ST (Speech Therapist) - with all this work she is going for the gold.

All good, but what we are hearing is that this work is very tiring - and it will be for awhile. The OT or ST (not sure, some of this seems to overlap) will be providing a "communication board" to help Sarah expand communication beyond her present capability of answering yes or no with her fingers. The board will have other images, presumably to add more language to the discussions. The ST gave her some Italian Ice today. (Don't know what flavor but I am told lemon is the only real Italian Ice.) She liked it, and this is another step along the way back, (eating and drinking is important after all) and it will help her get ready to speak.

So, the CHOP program is in high gear, with the "assess, plan, work, and then rest" stuff continuing. Interestingly, she did communicate in a new way today. She decided she reached her limit with the PT, and, while sitting on the edge of her bed, she just turned and rolled back in, deciding that it was time for the "rest" part of the program to begin. Sometimes she just wants to do things her way. Brigid finds this level of obstinance amusing, and for some reason, it reminded her of Sarah's dad, Mark! (Had to work that in...)

But, all kidding aside, Sarah doesn’t exhibit obstinance! It is all good. Brigid also said that she is seeing Sarah smile and laugh more frequently now. You never know when that is coming.- but it is certainly good to hear.

Uncle John.

Monday, January 1, 2007

From Uncle John

As the year draws to a close, we send out special thanks from our family to everyone on Sarah’s Team. We have seen so much kindness since Sarah’s accident and with the passing of our dear mother, Nana, that it is difficult to put everything into words.

From the onset of this ordeal, there has been a constant flow of good will that has been extended to the Casey and Godfrey families. We have felt everyone’s shared concern and heard your reassurances, we have received both simple acts of kindness and unbelievable generosity and through it all – we have had your constant friendship, reminding us of the goodness of humanity.

The list of people to whom we owe our gratitude is long. To our wonderful neighbors, who attended to Sarah right away and stayed with our mother – thank you!

To the first responders, friends, and everyone on the scene – thank you! Thanks to the “life-flighters,” to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Geisinger, and now CHOP. To our family members everywhere, to distant friends and associates who have stayed in constant touch, to the local community, and businesses that has been so incredibly supportive - thank you!

We have had people around the world rallying behind Sarah with good deed, thought, and prayer. This has helped Sarah, and all of us, get through a very difficult time.

And Sarah is doing well! Her transition to CHOP has been successful and her therapy is underway. Last night, looking into Sarah’s eyes, Brigid sensed a level of warmth and awareness from Sarah unseen since before the accident. The doctors and therapists are pleased with both her progress and her effort, she is emerging toward consciousness, and the outlook is improving. Sarah’s long climb up her own Mt. Everest is well underway!

In closing, thank you again everyone, and best wishes to each of you for a Healthy and Happy New Year! UJ.

From Uncle Pat

You want some good news on New Year's Day? Here it is.

Thanks again for everyone’s kind wishes and concern. Today, New Year’s Eve 2006 finds Sarah on the third floor of Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. She is gradually returning to full consciousness and one of her doctors told Brigid that someday Sarah would surely walk again, even run, based upon what she is currently showing. This is tremendous news.

Sarah has a lot of hard work to do and she’s in one of the best facilities in the country for getting that work done. She sits with assistance in a chair for set periods throughout the day. She has a daily routine under the direction of highly skilled Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists. At the end of the day she is very tired. Sarah communicates with the staff and our family by hand signal and shows that she is aware of everything going on around her. She has been laughing at her Dad’s antics.

Within a few months we anticipate Sarah will return home to Wilkes-Barre where she can continue her rehabilitation on an outpatient basis. We all look forward to such a time when her friends can visit her and support her full recovery. Meanwhile keep her in your thoughts and keep checking for updates on this blog. Understand though that Sarah has thankfully moved past the critical period and now she is in a slow and tough period where there are not so many big events to report. We will keep you posted as important details emerge.

Site Meter. Look at this to see who is on line right now!