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Latest Updates Sam's Progress | Sam's Progress |
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| Written by Holly | |
| Monday, 05 May 2008 | |
 A note from Ashley: The last couple of months have been so busy that we haven't even updated the website!! Hopefully this time-line with a few fun facts will give you an idea of what Sam has been doing. We're really happy about his progress and excited for him to come home in just two weeks. (The following report was submitted by Ashley.) March 2nd-8th Sam's learning to feed himself using adaptive equipment. He wears braces on his wrists (to keep them straight), and a special bent fork that connects to the brace at the palm of his hand. The first week of self feeding was messy, but fun. March 9th-15th Tuesday of this week Sam went on his first outing (so nice to get some fresh air!) He went to a Spinal Cord Injury forum in Salt Lake where he learned a little bit about stem-cell research. Later in the week he used the Power-Assist wheelchair for the first time. This chair looks like a normal wheel chair except that it has battery packs on the wheels. For each push Sam gives, the wheel chair gives a little more. We feel so blessed that Sam has enough movement in his arms to be able to push himself in a wheelchair. One day, we sat Sam up in bed, propped Benjamin for Sam to hold, and the sweet angel baby fell asleep in his daddy's arms. In physical therapy, Sam broke his record for long-sitting. He held himself balanced for 2 1/2 minutes. March 16th-22nd On Sunday, the 16th, Sam felt sensation in his first finger and thumb of his left hand. Then, on Wednesday, he felt sensation in his right index and thumb. March 23rd-29th On Easter Sunday Sam got trace movement in his left tricep. This is so exciting because with use of his tricep, Sam will eventually be able to do his own transfers. Monday Sam met with his surgeon at the University of Utah hospital. Things were looking so good that the doctor told Sam he could take off the C-collar (that's the annoying neck-brace that kept Sam from even turning his head side to side). Sam was thrilled, to say the least. This week Sam also learned to brush his teeth himself. He uses an electric toothbrush that he attaches to his wrist brace. All of this is made possible by Sam's occupational therapist, Kasey, who is pretty creative and talented with velcro. Saturday we met some new friends, Chad and Shondell Hymas, who have been in our same situation for a few years now. They are an awesome and inspiring couple. (You should check out Chad's website www.chadhymas.com) March 30th-April 5th Sunday the 30th, Sam felt sensation in his right middle finger. This week, Sam (and I) decided he was officially finished using the huge power wheel chair. He might still use one around the house, but he doesn't need it anymore because he's getting strength, coordination, and range of motion in his arms. The other great thing about the Power Assist wheelchair, as opposed to the power chair, is that it folds up and fits in the trunk. In physical therapy, Sam and his friends have been working with the therapists to learn car transfers. Blair, McGarren, and Mike (to name a few) have learned to transfer Sam from his wheelchair to the front seat of a car. This will give Sam a lot more freedom. On Saturday, Sam's buddy, Mike, took him out to Tooele to the raceway. They had a great time... April 6th-12th Sam came home for Sunday dinner! We enjoyed having him home, even just for a few hours. And he, of course, appreciated a good home-cooked meal in the company of many good friends. Thank you Blair & Holly, Seth & Tia, Rich & Sarah,. . . This week Sam broke another personal record in physical therapy. (In fact, we think he broke personal records every few days--but, sadly, we didn't write them down...) Sam progressed from long-sitting to short-sitting. He went from short-sitting for 14 seconds max to over 2 minutes. Our friends finished the final stage of construction on the wheelchair ramp at our home. They poured the last of the concrete Friday afternoon. We are so grateful to Rich, who spent many of his days off working on the ramp. Thanks, also, Blair and Seth, who helped with the finishing work. April 13th-19th Time to get Ashley trained! This week I went to therapy with Sam so his Physical and Occupational therapists could train me on some important aspects of his care. I practiced transfers (from the chair to the mat, first). We worked on positioning Sam in his chair for good posture. Two of Sam's therapists, Cami and Lance, have worked with me especially on proper form and technique during transfers. I need both correct form and technique to keep the two of us safe. . . . More updates coming soon! Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Comments (11)
  written by Briana H., May 06, 2008
Ashley,
What an awesome update! I am happy to hear that Sam will be coming home to you and the baby so soon. :-) I hope that you all are doing great. Love you lots! --bri  written by Devin & Naomi, May 08, 2008
Sam,
Way to go! You are a real champ. We continue to pray for you often. Hopefully you will continue your rapid progress. Keep up the good work. We are excited to see you soon. Dev & Na.  written by Crystal Dearden, May 09, 2008
I am so glad Sam continues to progress! And so glad Benjamin is such a good baby! You are all in my prayers! Love you!
Crystal, Stuart, and Alana  written by Franna Larsen, May 11, 2008
Sam,
You are truly my hero! You have made such huge improvements and it sounds like you have an amazing spirit to go with it. What a blessing this will be for your son. He will learn so much about service and compassion for others. I can't wait to get out to Utah eventually, and see you in person. Keep it going! You are such an inspiration!! Franna, Jon and Sophie  written by Camille Dowler, May 12, 2008
Ashley,
Thanks for the update. I think about you often and was very happy to hear about Sam's progress. I am so glad that you have met Chad Hymas! He has spoken twice at Head Start and I have really been inspired by his amazing attitude and courage. I just finished reading his little book today! You all remain in my prayers! Love, Camille D.  written by Jane Perry, May 21, 2008
I am baaack! Just returned from vacation and I am so ready to return to my "work". I have had a small emergency at my house but things will be fine so call me and I would be happy to come along for another ride.
 written by Tyson and Marie Young, May 29, 2008
The Guarani is a little rusty these days, but you get the drift. We just wanted to say how much we love and support you guys - we pray for you every night and are glad to hear about your progress! I couldn't think of a stronger person or family to take on this challenge. We admire you both so much for your courage and positive attitudes, and you've inspired us all to be better people too!
We love you and wish you the best!!  written by Tristan, June 06, 2008
Hi - I read the article in the Deseret News. I am a fellow snowboarder and I have been in the same situation many time, luckily without serious injury. It could have happened to me, so that is why i felt compelled to donate. Good luck in the recovery!
One note - I made the donation but i am worried that it may not have arrived at the correct destination. The receipt showed the following: "Recipient information - Donations coordinator: Telepark Netcom Contact email: "email user @ telepark.net " If this is correct, you may want to update the website near the "Donate" button. I almost stopped my donation because it didn't look right. If it is not right, let me know and I will forward any information that may be helpful. Tristan - Tristan thank you for the donation. Telepark Netcom is a company that has put this site online and helps us get the donations. We appreciate the concern and the suggestion everything just happened so fast it was a way to get things online and going. Thanks again. -Site Admin  written by Bryce Young, June 17, 2008
Sam,
I am so proud of you and your wife, you are facing a very tough trial strongly and are such a great example to all of us who know your story. I heard that you were injured awhile back but did not realize the details of the circumstances until I received a link in my email today from my mom. I don't know if you remember me but we used to go to scout camp together, you were in the other ward. Hearing the story about you blessing your child about made me cry tonight, you are such an inspiration. I wanted to let you know that my wife and I want to be of help to you and are just a phone call away. This is not a cop out offer btw, where I'm trying to relieve myself of obligation by just simply offering. I don't care what it is, babysitting, cleaning your house, doing yard work, or bringing dinner over for you and your family after a long day, please call me or my wife aubrey, and if its at the drop of a hat that's even better, DO NOT HESITATE!!!. My number is: 801-310-9788 and aubrey's is 512-293-8237. We just live down in provo. When I read the link and heard about the yard sale on JUNE 6th, I realized that someone in my married ward was unable to make it to our ward campout because of the fundraiser. When I came to this realization I felt like one of the sleeping disciples and wished I had my eyes open and realized who the fundraiser was for and been of more assistance. Before I go I just wanted to let you know that your story touched me emotionally as well as spiritually and I felt very strongly that you were going to pull through this and recover. I know you and your family have felt much much more than I have from the Lord during this trying time and I hope turning to those impressions of yours and other family members gives you the strength to push harder and harder everyday. You're a strong man, and your wife sounds amazing. You are in our prayers, Love, -Bryce  written by Chuck Chamberlain, June 29, 2008
Sam,
I just heard about your accident today. At first I couldn't believe it was the same Sam. I remember that you were nearly indestructible as a scout. Remember the zip-line on the farm in Wisconsin? You scared me then and here you are scaring me again. I am glad to hear you are making progress and that you are keeping a positive attitude. I believe you can do it. We will keep you in our prayers. Love Chuck Write comment
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 23 June 2008 ) |
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I'm so glad to hear that Sam's progressing!! You're amazing, too, you know. Can we see more pics of the baby?! I bet you're the most adorable mom ever.
Love,
Emily (Gregory) Walker