On July 3^rd Sam finally received his new wheelchair.  It came with good news and bad news.  The good news is that it is functional and does not act like the old chair: “like it’s possessed by demons,”according to Sam.  The bad news is that although they safely delivered the chair, they somehow forgot to bring all of the other parts with it i.e. armrests, seatbelt, cushion, wheel guards, extra batteries.  On the bright side, Sam’s chair will keep getting better and better—just like Sam. 

The other exciting news that we received on the 3^rd is that Sam is eligible to do regenerative bone marrow stem cell therapy.  This will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, and Sam will receive the first treatment in August.  For those of us who aren’t scientists, this means that they will be harvesting adult stem cells from Sam’s hip bones and injecting the cells into the injured area of Sam’s spinal cord.  We hope that these adult stem cells will seek out the damaged nerve cells and replace them.  While there are certainly no guarantees, we remain very hopeful and optimistic that this therapy will greatly assist Sam in his recovery of motor function (i.e. moving his fingers) and sensation.  We’re also looking forward to our first vacation together as a family since both Benjamin’s birth and Sam’s accident.

To end a very eventful day, we attended a Real Salt Lake soccer game at the Rice Eccles Stadium.  After the game, which ended sadly in a tied zero and fist fights, we watched an awesome fireworks show in the stadium.  Whew—what an eventful day!

July 4^th  Thanks Sarah & Rich for a great barbecue!  Happy 4^th of July, everyone!

On July 10^th, at his therapy, Sam army crawled across the room (with a little help).    

July 13^th For the first time ever, in his whole life, Benjamin finally rolled from his back to his tummy.  Though Sam is a little bit jealous of his progress, he’s very proud of his son. 

Comments (5)

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Well Done!!
written by Devin, Naomi, & Spencer, July 15, 2008

Way to go everyone. Benjamin, kudos on the rollover. Sam, way to army crawl. WE are so excited about your trip to Missouri. We will be fasting for you in August. Keep up the great work and the optimistic attitude. We know you will make great progress because of your determination and faith.

Love,
The Wagstaffs

Good for you!
written by Crystal, Stuart, & Alana, July 20, 2008

That's great that you get a little family vacation, and Sam's definitely in our prayers! We hope the therapy will help out! And Hooray for Benjamin, I love all the new things babies learn, it is so fun to see their discovery!!

Good Luck, You three are an amazing family
written by Charles Campbell, July 20, 2008

Sam and Ashley, I'm in Russia and so just barely read articles about you in the Daily Herald and the Deseret News. Sam, I am amazed at your courage and determination. You are an incredible example to me of enthusiasm for life. Good luck with the upcoming treatments, I am fascinated by the opportunity ahead of you and hope that things go well. No matter what I'm sure that your family will continue to grow stronger.

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written by Rita Messer, August 05, 2008

I am so glad to hear about every bit of progress--which I know is an answer to the many prayers that have been said for you! I am also so excited about the bone marrow stem cell therapy and Benjamin rolling over!

Prayers,
Rita

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written by Alicia Boll, September 14, 2008

Hey Sammy--I'm so happy to hear of your progress! You and Ashley keep at it--it sounds like you have a wonderful support system and amazing options ahead of you. I'm keeping you guys in my thoughts--Alicia

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