Remarkable progress...

September 25, 2023

Once again, thank you for your prayers and kindness. Our family is blessed to be “held up” by so many. 

As we complete our second week of rehabilitation, there is so much to report. Here are some highlights. 

The Victories…

• Rachel’s respiratory condition has greatly improved. 

• She has been “wearing” her PVN all day! (the device that is placed on the opening of her trache tube to train her to push air up through her mouth/nose) One week ago she was only able to tolerate it for 30 mins. 

• Her Physical & Occupational Therapy sessions have been very effective. She regularly “surprises” us wit her movements (today she sat on the edge of the therapy table with minimal support from behind and kicked a ball forward and to the side repeatedly). She also used the same motion with the music therapist to kick a tambourine to the beat of one of her favorite reggae songs!

• She can “shrug” her shoulders, push against my hands with both feet and her left arm/hand/fingers are now moving slightly. 

• Her Head control has dramatically improved!!! (Keep praying )

What’s next to overcome…

• Rachel’s shoulders have considerable subluxation. This means the muscles are not strong enough to fight gravity causing painful separation in the joints. The care team is implementing techniques and utilizing supportive equipment so her therapy sessions are not interrupted, and Rachel is still working hard through the discomfort.  

• Speech Therapy has been difficult. She struggles to remain alert through an entire session. The care team has been working collectively to improve the situation with the right combination of scheduling, medication, and protocols. 

• Please pray for her facial movement control…for improved swallowing (both the voluntary and involuntary mechanics)…ability to make “facial expressions”…and closing her eyes completely (especially when sleeping) & blinking (she requires eye drops every 2 hours to keep her eyes lubricated.)

Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. Our children are well are so supportive of their momma and me. 

Lastly (but not at all any less important), as many of you know (and possibly many do not know), Quinlan & Taylor (our son and “daughter-in-love”) are expecting their first baby in the middle of November. Please pray for continued health, peace, and provision! 

Blessings,

Jeremy

“When I think of all this, I (we) fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I (we) pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you (us) with inner strength through His Spirit.”

Ephesians 3:14-16