Finally...I am the very proud owner AND driver of a 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring with a VMI lowered-floor in-floor power ramp conversion! A few pictures have been uploaded, but many more to follow! More details on the mini-van and the move into our new house are forthcoming.
Stay Tuned!
Best,
Dana
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Dana Returns to the Daily Grind!
Just a brief update to inform everyone that I returned to work at TEPPCO/EPCO as an engineer and project manager in the oil and gas industry. I restarted last Wednesday (October 1st) at our region office in Corning, NY; it was nice to be back! With nearly 14 months since I was last in the office, as you can imagine, there are plenty of things to sort through, organize and get back in queue.
In other news, surgery to alleviate my abdominal ventral hernia was a complete success! The operation at the Albany Medical Center went very well and I was on the mend after a couple days. Dr. Kuehler did a great job and sowed me up well; I can even see a little of the abs I once had!
While in Albany, I also met Dr. Dirisio, who operated on my back last August. It was great to met him and shake his hand, as I was one tough customer; I crashed a couple things during his three operations! Anyway, Dr. Dirisio mentioned the incredible advancements they are making with spinal cord injuries and a recent grant he may be a part of researching. He thought practical solutions are (hopefully) only a couple years down the road to restore many leg functions necessary to stand and even walk. Certainly, exciting news!!!
That is all for now. Hopefully, towards the end of the month, I'll have more news on our new home (which is undergoing modifications) and my minivan!
Thanks for the support!
Dana
In other news, surgery to alleviate my abdominal ventral hernia was a complete success! The operation at the Albany Medical Center went very well and I was on the mend after a couple days. Dr. Kuehler did a great job and sowed me up well; I can even see a little of the abs I once had!
While in Albany, I also met Dr. Dirisio, who operated on my back last August. It was great to met him and shake his hand, as I was one tough customer; I crashed a couple things during his three operations! Anyway, Dr. Dirisio mentioned the incredible advancements they are making with spinal cord injuries and a recent grant he may be a part of researching. He thought practical solutions are (hopefully) only a couple years down the road to restore many leg functions necessary to stand and even walk. Certainly, exciting news!!!
That is all for now. Hopefully, towards the end of the month, I'll have more news on our new home (which is undergoing modifications) and my minivan!
Thanks for the support!
Dana
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Milestones for the Project Manager!
Since the last update, a couple milestones have been reached while others are still works in progress. First off, the one year ‘anniversary’ of my catastrophic accident was on August 12th. I recently had the opportunity to speak about the accident and life-threatening injuries that resulted, and the fact that I am writing this update today is a miracle! With all the injuries and complications that resulted, it is by the Grace of God that I am here to share my story and enjoy life in this wonderful, but sometimes, confusing world.
Okay…now to the happenings! Courtney and I purchased a new house in West Elmira that is an accessible, first-floor master bedroom home. Modifications in the kitchen and bathroom are underway to make the house functional, livable and enjoyable for me. With good luck and hard work by our contracting group, we should be able to live in the home by early October!
Also, as mentioned last update, I decided on a lowered-floor mini-van as my accessible vehicle of choice. My mini-van should be ready for shipment to our vendor in approximately three to four weeks! My Honda Odyssey mini-van with a side-entry power in-floor ramp will be ready for cruising around town soon. This is a huge step in independence that I have been looking forward to for several weeks. Without too much hesitation, once acquired, photos of my new ‘ride’ will be posted to the Blog!
After managing job description and role responsibility changes, I should return to work at TEPPCO/ EPCO, Inc. by the end of September as a project manager and engineer. This is also another milestone I look forward to achieving! If all goes according to plan, I’ll have a new vehicle and return to work about the same time.
My surgery to remove a ventral hernia (a.k.a. ‘Bruce’) at the Albany Medical Center is scheduled for September. Dr. Kuehler will be in command while another Doctor (Dr. Chao) 'sews' me up. With luck, my belly will shrink dramatically and provide improved abdominal health into the future, which is of course, more important.
In other things, our Labor Day holiday was spent at our cottage on Keuka Lake in Upstate New York. The weekend was fantastic with beautiful weather and sunny skies everyday; plus I even drove our motorboat again!
Well, I might be signing off in the last days of New York summer! Fall is coming very soon and we’ll hope for an Indian summer!
My best to everyone for their continual support and encouragement!
Live Strong,
Dana
Okay…now to the happenings! Courtney and I purchased a new house in West Elmira that is an accessible, first-floor master bedroom home. Modifications in the kitchen and bathroom are underway to make the house functional, livable and enjoyable for me. With good luck and hard work by our contracting group, we should be able to live in the home by early October!
Also, as mentioned last update, I decided on a lowered-floor mini-van as my accessible vehicle of choice. My mini-van should be ready for shipment to our vendor in approximately three to four weeks! My Honda Odyssey mini-van with a side-entry power in-floor ramp will be ready for cruising around town soon. This is a huge step in independence that I have been looking forward to for several weeks. Without too much hesitation, once acquired, photos of my new ‘ride’ will be posted to the Blog!
After managing job description and role responsibility changes, I should return to work at TEPPCO/ EPCO, Inc. by the end of September as a project manager and engineer. This is also another milestone I look forward to achieving! If all goes according to plan, I’ll have a new vehicle and return to work about the same time.
My surgery to remove a ventral hernia (a.k.a. ‘Bruce’) at the Albany Medical Center is scheduled for September. Dr. Kuehler will be in command while another Doctor (Dr. Chao) 'sews' me up. With luck, my belly will shrink dramatically and provide improved abdominal health into the future, which is of course, more important.
In other things, our Labor Day holiday was spent at our cottage on Keuka Lake in Upstate New York. The weekend was fantastic with beautiful weather and sunny skies everyday; plus I even drove our motorboat again!
Well, I might be signing off in the last days of New York summer! Fall is coming very soon and we’ll hope for an Indian summer!
My best to everyone for their continual support and encouragement!
Live Strong,
Dana
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Summer in Upstate New York is GRRREAT!!!
Since the last update, Courtney and I have been getting settled into life back home in Horseheads, New York. After such a great trip in Atlanta (in May and early June), we were eager to return to upstate New York for summer! We left the warm and humid southern weather for slightly less warm and humid weather back home. The weekends in late June were spent at our cottage on Keuka Lake, where I began getting acclimated to the fun and fine waters of the Fingers Lakes! As you can see from the blog pictures, I have been in our motor boat, driven the boat, been swimming and enjoy hanging out in the sun on our dock! I have long said I would rather be in the Fingers Lakes in June, July and August than anywhere else…the lakes, sports, wineries, sun and activities are fantastic!
Of course the biggest event of the summer on the Finger Lakes is 4th of July weekend. The holiday is a buzz with family, friends and neighbors enjoying the great weather, company and spirit that we have found exceptionally welcoming and enjoyable at Keuka Lake. Our weekend was highlighted by a large family gathering, fireworks, good weather and of course great food!
After the fun in the sun, the following weekend it was time for a tradition (the last 7 years) in Utica, New York at Boilermaker Weekend. The Utica Boilermaker is the nation’s largest 15 kilometer (9.3 mile) running road race that averages over 10,000 participants yearly! Before my accident, I competed in the race running under 55 minutes and finishing around 100th place for six straight years. Before the Boilermaker weekend, I thought I would be able to compete in the 5K portion of the event, but a pulled muscle on the left side of my upper back prevented me from competing :-( However, my spirits were not dampened, as I was the guest speaker at the wheelchair reception held Thursday night before the race on Sunday. I was asked to share my story and the audience thought it was awesome to see my progress in less than one year’s time from the accident! I was asked several times after the presentation if motivational speaking is in my future. Who knows…perhaps that is a possibility some day! The cap of the Thursday evenings events, was the presentation of the William Coughlin Memorial Award to a runner whom represents courage and inspiration, and to my surprise, yours truly was the winner! What’s more, I was the first non-able bodied person to receive the award; it was quite an honor!!!
After an enjoyable weekend in Utica (Courtney’s hometown), we visited the Albany Medical Center to meet up with Dr. David Kuehler, the doctor who we credit with saving my life with a risky procedure that was my only hope for survival the night of the accident. I was eager to meet Dr. Kuehler so I could shake his hand and say a heartfelt thank you! Our meeting was slightly emotional and it was great to catch up with each other’s progress! Amongst other things, Dr. Kuehler is an expert in abdominal surgeries, so we consulted with him to inspect my belly, as Courtney thought I have had a hernia for the last several months. Dr. Kuehler thought I did as well and testing confirmed it! At least I know my belly, which Courtney named ‘Bruce’, is an abnormality and should ‘go away’ with a minor surgery scheduled this fall.
The following weekend, Courtney and I traveled to a good college friend’s wedding in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. As you can see from the blog pictures, Mark and Regina’s reception was a lot of fun! It was a beautiful weekend and the ceremony and reception were great; it was a blast celebrating with my alumni running teammates from Bucknell University! Fun was had by all and we wish Mark and Regina well on their honeymoon in Hawaii!
Those are the highlights of activities in June and July. The other large task I have been undertaking is selecting a vehicle that I can have modified for transportation. I have recently selected a mini-van as my vehicle of choice. Although I am not a soccer mom, lowered floor mini-vans with hand controls equipped for driving are VERY convenient and surprisingly technologically equipped! So, with good luck, I could be cruising around town in a Honda Odyssey soon, but don’t think I am rude for not waving…my hands will be very busy!
That's all folks! Again, Courtney and I thank everyone for their help and support and we look forward to meeting up with more friends, family and co-workers as the summer continues on!
Stay tuned for another update next month!
Best Regards,
Dana
Of course the biggest event of the summer on the Finger Lakes is 4th of July weekend. The holiday is a buzz with family, friends and neighbors enjoying the great weather, company and spirit that we have found exceptionally welcoming and enjoyable at Keuka Lake. Our weekend was highlighted by a large family gathering, fireworks, good weather and of course great food!
After the fun in the sun, the following weekend it was time for a tradition (the last 7 years) in Utica, New York at Boilermaker Weekend. The Utica Boilermaker is the nation’s largest 15 kilometer (9.3 mile) running road race that averages over 10,000 participants yearly! Before my accident, I competed in the race running under 55 minutes and finishing around 100th place for six straight years. Before the Boilermaker weekend, I thought I would be able to compete in the 5K portion of the event, but a pulled muscle on the left side of my upper back prevented me from competing :-( However, my spirits were not dampened, as I was the guest speaker at the wheelchair reception held Thursday night before the race on Sunday. I was asked to share my story and the audience thought it was awesome to see my progress in less than one year’s time from the accident! I was asked several times after the presentation if motivational speaking is in my future. Who knows…perhaps that is a possibility some day! The cap of the Thursday evenings events, was the presentation of the William Coughlin Memorial Award to a runner whom represents courage and inspiration, and to my surprise, yours truly was the winner! What’s more, I was the first non-able bodied person to receive the award; it was quite an honor!!!
After an enjoyable weekend in Utica (Courtney’s hometown), we visited the Albany Medical Center to meet up with Dr. David Kuehler, the doctor who we credit with saving my life with a risky procedure that was my only hope for survival the night of the accident. I was eager to meet Dr. Kuehler so I could shake his hand and say a heartfelt thank you! Our meeting was slightly emotional and it was great to catch up with each other’s progress! Amongst other things, Dr. Kuehler is an expert in abdominal surgeries, so we consulted with him to inspect my belly, as Courtney thought I have had a hernia for the last several months. Dr. Kuehler thought I did as well and testing confirmed it! At least I know my belly, which Courtney named ‘Bruce’, is an abnormality and should ‘go away’ with a minor surgery scheduled this fall.
The following weekend, Courtney and I traveled to a good college friend’s wedding in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. As you can see from the blog pictures, Mark and Regina’s reception was a lot of fun! It was a beautiful weekend and the ceremony and reception were great; it was a blast celebrating with my alumni running teammates from Bucknell University! Fun was had by all and we wish Mark and Regina well on their honeymoon in Hawaii!
Those are the highlights of activities in June and July. The other large task I have been undertaking is selecting a vehicle that I can have modified for transportation. I have recently selected a mini-van as my vehicle of choice. Although I am not a soccer mom, lowered floor mini-vans with hand controls equipped for driving are VERY convenient and surprisingly technologically equipped! So, with good luck, I could be cruising around town in a Honda Odyssey soon, but don’t think I am rude for not waving…my hands will be very busy!
That's all folks! Again, Courtney and I thank everyone for their help and support and we look forward to meeting up with more friends, family and co-workers as the summer continues on!
Stay tuned for another update next month!
Best Regards,
Dana
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We Are South Bound...5 Weeks in Atlanta!
As previously mentioned, I have fallen behind on updating journal entries, but have been updating pictures every few weeks. Moving forward, I will attempt a monthly journal entry with the significant events and progress. But…back to the task at hand.
Back on May 5th, Courtney and I flew to Atlanta to complete several items. The first order of business was taking my second NeuroPsych Test. To summarize, I improved 70% from the first test, which was completed in late October 2007, while only at the Shepherd Center for a month and a half. This substantial improvement was expected by yours truly, but truly impressed the clinical neuropsychology coordinator at Shepherd! So with this milestone achieved, they highly recommended my return to work as a project manager and engineer at EPCO, Inc.
The next hurdle was left arm surgery to move heterotopic ossification (extra bone grow) between my ulna and radius bones in my forearm. The surgery was a success and pronation and supination movements have returned. Typing is a breeze now, but juggling with palm-up motion is still a struggle. Hopefully, one additional left arm surgery to remove extra bone in my elbow will help this motion even more! Hopefully, this surgery will be completed in October or November of this year. Because my elbow motion is impaired, I cannot start wheelchair racing and be competitive L In fact, in early June, while still at Shepherd, I got into a racing wheelchair and loved it! I will look into one of these lightening fast chairs in future once my left elbow is ‘fixed’.
Another program I was involved with while in Atlanta for 5 weeks was the Beyond Therapy program at Shepherd. This exercise based therapy program assembles a home exercise routine and builds strength and confidence in a traditional gym environment. I also improved in this environment as well…at least 25% in maximum weights lifted and strengthening exercises completed the first day of the therapy program. I took forward completing this new exercise routine back home in Horseheads and building up my ‘pipes’!
Finally, my second to last day in Atlanta, was my driver testing and evaluation on the roads of Atlanta. The road test went very well and I passed with flying colors! I look forward to having a vehicle modified and driving around the roads in upstate New York soon!
Additionally, this 5 week trip in Atlanta allowed Courtney and I the opportunities to explore the metro area, Buckhead and even Alpharetta! We even made a Memorial Weekend trip to Savannah, GA! If you have not visited this charming port city, it is worth the trip. There are at least 300 plus years of recorded history at this Southern hot spot; we really enjoyed our time there!
All in, we had a successful trip in many respects and had fun in the process! We certainly have become attached to Atlanta and the Shepherd Center; they are special places to us.
Please stay tuned, more updates are on the way!
Live Strong,
Dana & Courtney
Back on May 5th, Courtney and I flew to Atlanta to complete several items. The first order of business was taking my second NeuroPsych Test. To summarize, I improved 70% from the first test, which was completed in late October 2007, while only at the Shepherd Center for a month and a half. This substantial improvement was expected by yours truly, but truly impressed the clinical neuropsychology coordinator at Shepherd! So with this milestone achieved, they highly recommended my return to work as a project manager and engineer at EPCO, Inc.
The next hurdle was left arm surgery to move heterotopic ossification (extra bone grow) between my ulna and radius bones in my forearm. The surgery was a success and pronation and supination movements have returned. Typing is a breeze now, but juggling with palm-up motion is still a struggle. Hopefully, one additional left arm surgery to remove extra bone in my elbow will help this motion even more! Hopefully, this surgery will be completed in October or November of this year. Because my elbow motion is impaired, I cannot start wheelchair racing and be competitive L In fact, in early June, while still at Shepherd, I got into a racing wheelchair and loved it! I will look into one of these lightening fast chairs in future once my left elbow is ‘fixed’.
Another program I was involved with while in Atlanta for 5 weeks was the Beyond Therapy program at Shepherd. This exercise based therapy program assembles a home exercise routine and builds strength and confidence in a traditional gym environment. I also improved in this environment as well…at least 25% in maximum weights lifted and strengthening exercises completed the first day of the therapy program. I took forward completing this new exercise routine back home in Horseheads and building up my ‘pipes’!
Finally, my second to last day in Atlanta, was my driver testing and evaluation on the roads of Atlanta. The road test went very well and I passed with flying colors! I look forward to having a vehicle modified and driving around the roads in upstate New York soon!
Additionally, this 5 week trip in Atlanta allowed Courtney and I the opportunities to explore the metro area, Buckhead and even Alpharetta! We even made a Memorial Weekend trip to Savannah, GA! If you have not visited this charming port city, it is worth the trip. There are at least 300 plus years of recorded history at this Southern hot spot; we really enjoyed our time there!
All in, we had a successful trip in many respects and had fun in the process! We certainly have become attached to Atlanta and the Shepherd Center; they are special places to us.
Please stay tuned, more updates are on the way!
Live Strong,
Dana & Courtney
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy 4th of July
Sorry for the lacking of journal posting, but we have tried to keep up with new pictures!
A much needed update will be coming soon! Many good things...including a 5 week trip to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where a lot was accomplished...more details are on the way.
In the mean time, HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!!
Best,
Dana
A much needed update will be coming soon! Many good things...including a 5 week trip to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta where a lot was accomplished...more details are on the way.
In the mean time, HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!!
Best,
Dana
Monday, April 28, 2008
Spring has arrived in Upstate New York!
Hello everyone! The last month in Horseheads has been a buzz of activities and accomplishments. Not to mention that the weather was fantastic for the first three weeks of April! With daytime highs at or above 70 degrees, it was pretty awesome.
As noted before, I have been attending regular physical therapy just a few miles from home. Among other things, we have seen increased strength, improved balance, better lung capacity and more proficiency with wheelies! There was also a session where I learned to fall (gracefully) backwards out of my chair. Getting back up is a challenge, but with one assistant it goes very smoothly.
Courtney and I have also been traveling around the state of New York. A few weekends ago, we visited Albany and stopped into the Albany Medical Center SICU, where I was a patient for over a month. It was great to visit the medical center and meet (more formally) some of the nurses and therapists that played such a large role in my recovery. I would still very much like to meet a few of the doctors in Albany that essentially saved my life in the near future! Perhaps another visit in a month or so will allow me this opportunity.
Although we have been getting around the state, we have also been getting around our local community. We have been to most parks in the area for "pushes" and still get to the Arnot Mall every few weeks for a fitness check. My best time around the entire interior is now at 14:45 for about 1.25 miles. This is over 3 minutes faster than my first attempt in early March!
We also continue to see old friends and enjoy getting reacquainted with them. It has been very nice to see folks at events back home and the warm welcoming wishes have been incredible!
Well, that is all that is fit to print. Again, we thank everyone for their support and encouragement!
Livestrong,
Dana
As noted before, I have been attending regular physical therapy just a few miles from home. Among other things, we have seen increased strength, improved balance, better lung capacity and more proficiency with wheelies! There was also a session where I learned to fall (gracefully) backwards out of my chair. Getting back up is a challenge, but with one assistant it goes very smoothly.
Courtney and I have also been traveling around the state of New York. A few weekends ago, we visited Albany and stopped into the Albany Medical Center SICU, where I was a patient for over a month. It was great to visit the medical center and meet (more formally) some of the nurses and therapists that played such a large role in my recovery. I would still very much like to meet a few of the doctors in Albany that essentially saved my life in the near future! Perhaps another visit in a month or so will allow me this opportunity.
Although we have been getting around the state, we have also been getting around our local community. We have been to most parks in the area for "pushes" and still get to the Arnot Mall every few weeks for a fitness check. My best time around the entire interior is now at 14:45 for about 1.25 miles. This is over 3 minutes faster than my first attempt in early March!
We also continue to see old friends and enjoy getting reacquainted with them. It has been very nice to see folks at events back home and the warm welcoming wishes have been incredible!
Well, that is all that is fit to print. Again, we thank everyone for their support and encouragement!
Livestrong,
Dana
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Past Three Weeks in Horseheads
First off...it's March in upstate NY. This means the occasional beautiful warm spring day, followed by a week of cold, snow, sleet and/or freezing rain! I am certainly looking forward to the upcoming warming trend that should bring temperatures in the low 50's...consistently!
Outside of wishing for Atlanta's weather forecast, we have been busy getting adjusted to life back home. It's been great visiting with friends and family and getting caught up with the local happenings.
I have also been going to physical therapy three days a week just a few miles from home! I've been learning a few new techniques and continuing to see strength and mobility gains. Transfers (of all kinds) are becoming more fluid and efficient. In fact, I can get into a sedan independently (minus loading the chair). I am also able to blow up a balloon now; this means that my abdominal muscles are beginning to fire...awesome!
Three to four days a week, I have been getting regular "pushes" in at the Arnot Mall. I push around the entire inside parameter (which is around 1 1/4 miles) and go up a total of six inclined ramps for "hill" work. The track athlete in me has also been timing laps. My best effort is 15 minutes 9 seconds, down from 18 minutes even the first time 2 1/2 weeks ago!
Last weekend, we got out of town and visited family down in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We went down for a cousin's baby shower, but the guys got out of the house on Saturday afternoon to have lunch in downtown DC with some of my Bucknell teammates. We had a great lunch outside in the 65 degree weather just a stone's throw from DuPont Circle. A special thanks to Wally, Jessy, Wes and Dinty for meeting us out!
That is all for now. I will continue to post updates every two to three weeks to keep everyone updated with my continued progress and recovery.
Many thanks for everyone's continued love and support!
Best,
Dana
Outside of wishing for Atlanta's weather forecast, we have been busy getting adjusted to life back home. It's been great visiting with friends and family and getting caught up with the local happenings.
I have also been going to physical therapy three days a week just a few miles from home! I've been learning a few new techniques and continuing to see strength and mobility gains. Transfers (of all kinds) are becoming more fluid and efficient. In fact, I can get into a sedan independently (minus loading the chair). I am also able to blow up a balloon now; this means that my abdominal muscles are beginning to fire...awesome!
Three to four days a week, I have been getting regular "pushes" in at the Arnot Mall. I push around the entire inside parameter (which is around 1 1/4 miles) and go up a total of six inclined ramps for "hill" work. The track athlete in me has also been timing laps. My best effort is 15 minutes 9 seconds, down from 18 minutes even the first time 2 1/2 weeks ago!
Last weekend, we got out of town and visited family down in the Washington, D.C. metro area. We went down for a cousin's baby shower, but the guys got out of the house on Saturday afternoon to have lunch in downtown DC with some of my Bucknell teammates. We had a great lunch outside in the 65 degree weather just a stone's throw from DuPont Circle. A special thanks to Wally, Jessy, Wes and Dinty for meeting us out!
That is all for now. I will continue to post updates every two to three weeks to keep everyone updated with my continued progress and recovery.
Many thanks for everyone's continued love and support!
Best,
Dana
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Graduation Part II- Day Program
Its Friday morning...a big day in the Shepherd Center 3rd floor gym. The day is meaningful for many people..but especially for Dana. After spending 6.5 months in a hospital/rehab setting, graduation day is here. Dana graduated on Feb 29th from the Shepherd Center Day Program.
The last 7 months have been a journey. It is hard to believe the day is finally here. As we reflect back on the first week of uncertainity after the accident, the many, many surgeries and procedures that followed, the intense rehab...we can only say WOW! Dana you are an amazing person who has so much to offer. Inspiring can't even begin to describe! We look forward to August 12, 2008 a year later, when we can revel over the progress you continue to make. Congratulations on achieving such a tremendous goal!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our family, friends, neighbors, supporters. We couldn't have done it without you! We will continue to post updates as Dana's therapy and progress continues in New York!
In the meantime, we plan to take a few days to get settled into our new routine. It will be great to see all of you, once we are settled!
For now...there is only one thing to say....WELCOME HOME DANA, WELCOME HOME!!
The last 7 months have been a journey. It is hard to believe the day is finally here. As we reflect back on the first week of uncertainity after the accident, the many, many surgeries and procedures that followed, the intense rehab...we can only say WOW! Dana you are an amazing person who has so much to offer. Inspiring can't even begin to describe! We look forward to August 12, 2008 a year later, when we can revel over the progress you continue to make. Congratulations on achieving such a tremendous goal!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our family, friends, neighbors, supporters. We couldn't have done it without you! We will continue to post updates as Dana's therapy and progress continues in New York!
In the meantime, we plan to take a few days to get settled into our new routine. It will be great to see all of you, once we are settled!
For now...there is only one thing to say....WELCOME HOME DANA, WELCOME HOME!!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Day Program Weeks Six and Seven
Hi All...
This is an update of the last two very busy weeks. It was therapy as usual at the Shepherd Center. There were however a few high points to reflect back on.
The first one was during week six. A group of 3rd grade students from a local school came to the Shepherd Center for a tour. In addition to the tour they wanted to speak with a patient. I was the chosen patient to share my experience with the children. I spoke and then offered time for questions. As I am sure you can imagine...the questions held no boundaries!!!
I was also featured in an Atlanta Newspaper(Northside Neighbor). My story, experience overall, thoughts on the Shepherd Center and future hopes and dreams were mentioned. The story included several pictures of me,(one being on the front page). It is pretty bad...I have been in Atlanta so long, they featured me in the paper as one of their own!
Early in week seven, a procedure was done to the left arm in hopes of gaining further range. The minimaly invasive procedure paralyzed the nerves in the arm for a short time. Although further range was obtained, it was incredibly painful. It seemed as though something else was going on. Sure enough, an xray revealed that I have extra bone growing(HO)in between my elbow joint. This will be removed surgically at a later date.
On Wednesday of week seven, I pushed up the parking garage in a shorter time than previous. The strenght is increasing daily!
Thursday was perhaps the most challenging and rewarding day at the Shepherd Center. I started the day out bright and early on the LOKOMAT. The lokomat is a robotic device that simulates walking on a treadmill. I was harnessed in and started walking slowly with the robotic device. The speed was increased slowly, and I ended up walking a total of 3/4 of a mile, with the aid of this robotic device.
During the noon hour, I presented on the topic of pipelines and various new technologies in the industry. I enjoyed presenting to the group (there were about 10 people in the audience) and answering their questions. Of course I tried my best to answer the "why is gas nearly $4.00 a gallon" question. I believe the audience was enlightened with the answer.
The late afternoon was spent at The Lovett School in suburban Atlanta, where I met the track & field coach, spoke to the track team and helped with practice. I helped the coach organize and time intervals and even gave the sprinters a little Coach Gulden special on their last 200 meter speed interval (i.e. turned it into a 400m sprint unannounced) I enjoyed working with the coach and the kids and getting back onto the track again!
After a good Italian meal with family at the Brio Tuscan Grill, I was ready for bed! A good Thursday..."walking", presenting and coaching under sunny skies in Atlanta.
Friday was also special, but more on that later.
Good night to all. And thank you again for the unparalleled love and support.
Many Thanks,
Dana
This is an update of the last two very busy weeks. It was therapy as usual at the Shepherd Center. There were however a few high points to reflect back on.
The first one was during week six. A group of 3rd grade students from a local school came to the Shepherd Center for a tour. In addition to the tour they wanted to speak with a patient. I was the chosen patient to share my experience with the children. I spoke and then offered time for questions. As I am sure you can imagine...the questions held no boundaries!!!
I was also featured in an Atlanta Newspaper(Northside Neighbor). My story, experience overall, thoughts on the Shepherd Center and future hopes and dreams were mentioned. The story included several pictures of me,(one being on the front page). It is pretty bad...I have been in Atlanta so long, they featured me in the paper as one of their own!
Early in week seven, a procedure was done to the left arm in hopes of gaining further range. The minimaly invasive procedure paralyzed the nerves in the arm for a short time. Although further range was obtained, it was incredibly painful. It seemed as though something else was going on. Sure enough, an xray revealed that I have extra bone growing(HO)in between my elbow joint. This will be removed surgically at a later date.
On Wednesday of week seven, I pushed up the parking garage in a shorter time than previous. The strenght is increasing daily!
Thursday was perhaps the most challenging and rewarding day at the Shepherd Center. I started the day out bright and early on the LOKOMAT. The lokomat is a robotic device that simulates walking on a treadmill. I was harnessed in and started walking slowly with the robotic device. The speed was increased slowly, and I ended up walking a total of 3/4 of a mile, with the aid of this robotic device.
During the noon hour, I presented on the topic of pipelines and various new technologies in the industry. I enjoyed presenting to the group (there were about 10 people in the audience) and answering their questions. Of course I tried my best to answer the "why is gas nearly $4.00 a gallon" question. I believe the audience was enlightened with the answer.
The late afternoon was spent at The Lovett School in suburban Atlanta, where I met the track & field coach, spoke to the track team and helped with practice. I helped the coach organize and time intervals and even gave the sprinters a little Coach Gulden special on their last 200 meter speed interval (i.e. turned it into a 400m sprint unannounced) I enjoyed working with the coach and the kids and getting back onto the track again!
After a good Italian meal with family at the Brio Tuscan Grill, I was ready for bed! A good Thursday..."walking", presenting and coaching under sunny skies in Atlanta.
Friday was also special, but more on that later.
Good night to all. And thank you again for the unparalleled love and support.
Many Thanks,
Dana
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Day Program - Weeks Four & Five
First off, I would like to apologize for taking so long to update the blog. No excuses...but we'll make sure to post weekly updates (at a minimum) moving forward.
The past two weeks, I have been busy with outpatient therapy here in Atlanta at the Shepherd Center. The highlights from the last two weeks are:
-Continued work (and progress) on transfers of all kinds. As noted before, a transfer is a movement from a wheelchair to another seating surface like a car seat, a bed, a sofa, a piece of fitness equipment, etc. Transfers are getting to be more fluid, efficient and faster...all good things as improving transfers is my most important goal in the outpatient Day Program.
-My take-home wheelchair arrived this past Tuesday. The wheelchair is a TiLite, model ZRA (pictures to follow). The new chair is lighter and more efficient than the loaner manual chair I was in for about 2 1/2 months. Plus, it's faster too...all good things!!
-Learning more advanced "dance" moves at a Shepherd sponsored Valentines Day party. With a little more practice, Courtney and I will be able to get down and boogie at weddings and the like.
-Playing in a group dodgeball game with other dayprogrammers and therapists. No head shots were aloud, but body and chair shots were fair game. It was fun, good exercise and worked on chair mobility.
-Continued use of a standing frame here at Shepherd. Again, these devices mechanically stand the user up so they are weight-bearing through their legs. A few pictures of me in a standing frame were previously posted on the blog for your review.
-Continued strength and endurance with cardio equipment and in group "pushes". I'm able to use a stationary handcycle or other hand-operated fitness equipment to raise my heartrate for up to 30 minutes a couple times per day. A large improvement...10 minutes use to be a struggle. But as noted above, stength and endurance are progressing nicely.
Those are the higlights from the last two weeks. Busy as usual in therapy with continued gains in strength, mobility and endurance.
We attended a Shepherd sponsored outing to the Philips Arena to watch the Atlanta Thrashers play against the Vancouver Canucks in an NHL hockey game. Unfortunately the home team lost in a 1-2 game, but we enjoyed touring the Arena and the CNN center.
The weather has been beautiful! Courtney and I revisited Stone Mountain to enjoy some of the fresh air and push around the paved paths.
Last but not least, I received another letter from a person I would like to call a friend....Lance Armstrong. He wished me continued success in my recovery. He also mentioned he and the folks at the Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF) are keeping me in their thoughts and prayers. This was a little encouragement from a person that I greatly admire.
Courtney and I also have had to opportunity to continue sampling many of Atlanta's eateries with our friends. One of our new favorites is The Italian Restaurant, BRIO. The food is very good and reminds us of the great Italian restaurants home in New York. On Valentines Day, our treat was enjoying some cheese and chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot(a restaurant in downtown Atlanta).
Thank you again to our families and friends for your continued support and encouragement. In that light, Courtney recently became Shepherd Centers newest volunteer. She assists where needed and mainly focuses on helping others adjust, while I am in therapy. Courtney enjoys volunteering and the wonderful people she meets! It is a small attempt to pay it forward!
That is all that is fit to print!
Thank you,
Dana
The past two weeks, I have been busy with outpatient therapy here in Atlanta at the Shepherd Center. The highlights from the last two weeks are:
-Continued work (and progress) on transfers of all kinds. As noted before, a transfer is a movement from a wheelchair to another seating surface like a car seat, a bed, a sofa, a piece of fitness equipment, etc. Transfers are getting to be more fluid, efficient and faster...all good things as improving transfers is my most important goal in the outpatient Day Program.
-My take-home wheelchair arrived this past Tuesday. The wheelchair is a TiLite, model ZRA (pictures to follow). The new chair is lighter and more efficient than the loaner manual chair I was in for about 2 1/2 months. Plus, it's faster too...all good things!!
-Learning more advanced "dance" moves at a Shepherd sponsored Valentines Day party. With a little more practice, Courtney and I will be able to get down and boogie at weddings and the like.
-Playing in a group dodgeball game with other dayprogrammers and therapists. No head shots were aloud, but body and chair shots were fair game. It was fun, good exercise and worked on chair mobility.
-Continued use of a standing frame here at Shepherd. Again, these devices mechanically stand the user up so they are weight-bearing through their legs. A few pictures of me in a standing frame were previously posted on the blog for your review.
-Continued strength and endurance with cardio equipment and in group "pushes". I'm able to use a stationary handcycle or other hand-operated fitness equipment to raise my heartrate for up to 30 minutes a couple times per day. A large improvement...10 minutes use to be a struggle. But as noted above, stength and endurance are progressing nicely.
Those are the higlights from the last two weeks. Busy as usual in therapy with continued gains in strength, mobility and endurance.
We attended a Shepherd sponsored outing to the Philips Arena to watch the Atlanta Thrashers play against the Vancouver Canucks in an NHL hockey game. Unfortunately the home team lost in a 1-2 game, but we enjoyed touring the Arena and the CNN center.
The weather has been beautiful! Courtney and I revisited Stone Mountain to enjoy some of the fresh air and push around the paved paths.
Last but not least, I received another letter from a person I would like to call a friend....Lance Armstrong. He wished me continued success in my recovery. He also mentioned he and the folks at the Lance Armstrong Foundation(LAF) are keeping me in their thoughts and prayers. This was a little encouragement from a person that I greatly admire.
Courtney and I also have had to opportunity to continue sampling many of Atlanta's eateries with our friends. One of our new favorites is The Italian Restaurant, BRIO. The food is very good and reminds us of the great Italian restaurants home in New York. On Valentines Day, our treat was enjoying some cheese and chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot(a restaurant in downtown Atlanta).
Thank you again to our families and friends for your continued support and encouragement. In that light, Courtney recently became Shepherd Centers newest volunteer. She assists where needed and mainly focuses on helping others adjust, while I am in therapy. Courtney enjoys volunteering and the wonderful people she meets! It is a small attempt to pay it forward!
That is all that is fit to print!
Thank you,
Dana
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines Day!!
Good Morning! Sending all of you hugs and kisses and lots of great Valentine Wishes. Things here in Atlanta are going well. Very busy! Sorry it has been a bit since an update...but we will have one shortly.
Have a great day!
Courtney and Dana
Have a great day!
Courtney and Dana
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Day Program Week Three
Hello all...from Atlanta. Dana has completed his third week in the Day Program. The week consisted of business as usual...in the world of therapy. Not many new happenings to report. The focus has been practicing and perfecting what he has already learned.
Transfers are getting smoother and faster. The same for dressing and grooming.
Arm and upper body strength is increasing. Dana has participated in several "push" sessions this week. A group of chairs go on a push down a long carpeted hallway with several turns, inclines and declines.
Theraband class is where the core strength and balance is worked. Dana can feel improvement in his balance over the last couple weeks.
In the next week or so, Dana will participate in track practices at a local high school. He will act as assistant coach to high schoolers during practice. This will require him to plan track workouts and coach the athletes through them. The coaching will require Dana to work on projecting his voice and "yelling". Often after spinal cord injuries....lungs are weak and more suseptible to illness. Good cardiovascular work..can help to improve lung expansion.
Cardio II class is a group session where you work on several different cardiovascular machines and the goal is to keep your heart rate up for as much of the hour long class as possible. Fitness II is very similar, but with weights.
In addition to the grueling therapy, we do manage to have a little fun. Over the last week, Dana visited Stone Mountain with Rick(his dad), and Dana and I have enjoyed some dinners with friends. Today we visited New World of Coke. After tasting several different Coke products from around the world, Dana's favorite was Minute Maid Fresh Mix from France and I enjoyed Apple Kiwi Fanta from Thialand. We both agreed that Beverly a product from Italy, was by far the worst!
In the coming week...Dana will look forward to the arrival of his custom "take home" wheelchair. It is a titanium frame (very lightweight) with special wheels. With several weeks left to go in the Day Program, it will give Dana a chance to get comfortable in his new chair.
Have a great week! If you are watching the Superbowl, we hope your team wins! Thanks for all the support.
All the best,
Courtney and Dana too!
Transfers are getting smoother and faster. The same for dressing and grooming.
Arm and upper body strength is increasing. Dana has participated in several "push" sessions this week. A group of chairs go on a push down a long carpeted hallway with several turns, inclines and declines.
Theraband class is where the core strength and balance is worked. Dana can feel improvement in his balance over the last couple weeks.
In the next week or so, Dana will participate in track practices at a local high school. He will act as assistant coach to high schoolers during practice. This will require him to plan track workouts and coach the athletes through them. The coaching will require Dana to work on projecting his voice and "yelling". Often after spinal cord injuries....lungs are weak and more suseptible to illness. Good cardiovascular work..can help to improve lung expansion.
Cardio II class is a group session where you work on several different cardiovascular machines and the goal is to keep your heart rate up for as much of the hour long class as possible. Fitness II is very similar, but with weights.
In addition to the grueling therapy, we do manage to have a little fun. Over the last week, Dana visited Stone Mountain with Rick(his dad), and Dana and I have enjoyed some dinners with friends. Today we visited New World of Coke. After tasting several different Coke products from around the world, Dana's favorite was Minute Maid Fresh Mix from France and I enjoyed Apple Kiwi Fanta from Thialand. We both agreed that Beverly a product from Italy, was by far the worst!
In the coming week...Dana will look forward to the arrival of his custom "take home" wheelchair. It is a titanium frame (very lightweight) with special wheels. With several weeks left to go in the Day Program, it will give Dana a chance to get comfortable in his new chair.
Have a great week! If you are watching the Superbowl, we hope your team wins! Thanks for all the support.
All the best,
Courtney and Dana too!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Day Program Week 2
This week marked the completion of my second week in the Out-Patient Day Program at the Shepherd Center. The week was busy and challenging with a variety of physical, occupational and therapeutic recreation therapies. The highlights of therapy for the week were:
-Working on improving transfers. Transfers are the most important therapy for me to increase my independence. These are movements from my wheelchair to other seating surfaces like a car, the shower, my bed or a couch.
-Going on a group “push” with other patients and tackling the challenging gradients inside and outside the tunnels and walkways at Shepherd. A “push” is a group wheelchair exercise session similar to a group run or ride where you exercise upper body muscles instead of lower body ones.
-Getting into one of the many standing frames multiple times for up to 1 hour per session. Standing frames are devices that assist patients to stand vertically by fully supporting the legs; the benefits are improved cardiovascular health and bone density.
-Using a Para-Golfer with one of the sport specialists (pictures to follow). This piece of specialized equipment is a motorized cart that places an individual into a vertical position so a golf ball can be hit as naturally as possible.
-“Walking” and playing (in my wheelchair) with Mazy - one of the many dogs that come to Shepherd to help patients get acclimated with caring for their own pets (we’ll be ready for you Ernie!).
-Being interviewed for an upcoming newspaper article about patients at Atlanta hospitals.
We also had the opportunity to experience winter-like weather early in the week; a little cold and snow to remind us of New York!
We look forward to another week of out-patient therapy and the pleasant Southern weather that is “rolling” into town - tomorrow it is suppose to be 60 degrees!
My thanks to everyone for their continued love and support! It has really helped keep me motivated and stay focused on my recovery.
Signing off from Atlanta.
Best,
Dana
-Working on improving transfers. Transfers are the most important therapy for me to increase my independence. These are movements from my wheelchair to other seating surfaces like a car, the shower, my bed or a couch.
-Going on a group “push” with other patients and tackling the challenging gradients inside and outside the tunnels and walkways at Shepherd. A “push” is a group wheelchair exercise session similar to a group run or ride where you exercise upper body muscles instead of lower body ones.
-Getting into one of the many standing frames multiple times for up to 1 hour per session. Standing frames are devices that assist patients to stand vertically by fully supporting the legs; the benefits are improved cardiovascular health and bone density.
-Using a Para-Golfer with one of the sport specialists (pictures to follow). This piece of specialized equipment is a motorized cart that places an individual into a vertical position so a golf ball can be hit as naturally as possible.
-“Walking” and playing (in my wheelchair) with Mazy - one of the many dogs that come to Shepherd to help patients get acclimated with caring for their own pets (we’ll be ready for you Ernie!).
-Being interviewed for an upcoming newspaper article about patients at Atlanta hospitals.
We also had the opportunity to experience winter-like weather early in the week; a little cold and snow to remind us of New York!
We look forward to another week of out-patient therapy and the pleasant Southern weather that is “rolling” into town - tomorrow it is suppose to be 60 degrees!
My thanks to everyone for their continued love and support! It has really helped keep me motivated and stay focused on my recovery.
Signing off from Atlanta.
Best,
Dana
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day Program Week 1
Officially the Day Program began on Monday of this week. Here is a quick recap of the weeks events. We are adjusting to living in our apartment across the street from the Shepherd Center. It is up to us to complete all the activites of daily living, ie showering, dressing, stretching, etc as well as continue with the ot/pt and speech therapy. The day program in general is intense and more structured that inpatient. There is very little down time as therapies are scheduled from 9am - 4pm. The therapists are different from inpatient. I am getting a chance to see different ways to accomplish the same task. I have gotten the chance to try some new equipment and learn new stretches. The day program focuses on goals that you set for yourself. I will work with the therapists to reach the goals by the time I discharge.
I can assure you all that I leave each day tired and sore. I know that all of this is helping to maximize my strength and keep me in great physical and mental shape!
I have enjoyed living under the same roof as Courtney again. It is sometimes the little things that you miss the most. She has been a huge help in supporting me as I try to regain my independence, but steps in when needed. Who knew smiling sweet Courtney was secretly a drill sargeant in disguise (but she does it with a smile) and very strong too!
Wednesday we went on an outing with some therapists to Hartsfield Jackson Airport. A session and tour was held on informing us how to travel in a wheelchair. It was very informative and answered alot of questions we had. The tour consisted of checking in, going through security, what to mention to the security agents, boarding the airplane and deplaning. We did everything except take off! The plane was taking off later that afternoon for Moscow....hmmm that could have been fun!
After a long week, we did some relaxing this morning. This afternoon, we ventured out! The city of Atlanta is under winter storm watch and many things are closed. Perfect day to get out and tour the city....not to much traffic to contend with. We did see many children out playing and lots of snowmen. Very unusual for Atlanta....but us northerners, we felt right at home. Tonight was dinner at a local landmark, The Varsity.
Hope this finds everyone doing well!
We will update again soon!
Love, Courtney and Dana
I can assure you all that I leave each day tired and sore. I know that all of this is helping to maximize my strength and keep me in great physical and mental shape!
I have enjoyed living under the same roof as Courtney again. It is sometimes the little things that you miss the most. She has been a huge help in supporting me as I try to regain my independence, but steps in when needed. Who knew smiling sweet Courtney was secretly a drill sargeant in disguise (but she does it with a smile) and very strong too!
Wednesday we went on an outing with some therapists to Hartsfield Jackson Airport. A session and tour was held on informing us how to travel in a wheelchair. It was very informative and answered alot of questions we had. The tour consisted of checking in, going through security, what to mention to the security agents, boarding the airplane and deplaning. We did everything except take off! The plane was taking off later that afternoon for Moscow....hmmm that could have been fun!
After a long week, we did some relaxing this morning. This afternoon, we ventured out! The city of Atlanta is under winter storm watch and many things are closed. Perfect day to get out and tour the city....not to much traffic to contend with. We did see many children out playing and lots of snowmen. Very unusual for Atlanta....but us northerners, we felt right at home. Tonight was dinner at a local landmark, The Varsity.
Hope this finds everyone doing well!
We will update again soon!
Love, Courtney and Dana
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Address for DANA in outpatient therapy
Now that Dana is in the outpatient day program....many have been asking for his new address. The apartment that we are staying in is associated with the Shepherd Center, so we don't use the mailboxes at the apartment.
Please continue to send all cards, packages, letters, etc to
DANA CARR
THE SHEPHERD CENTER DAY PROGRAM
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
It is very important to include the DAY PROGRAM!
Thank you! Your support is appreciated!
Please continue to send all cards, packages, letters, etc to
DANA CARR
THE SHEPHERD CENTER DAY PROGRAM
2020 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
It is very important to include the DAY PROGRAM!
Thank you! Your support is appreciated!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Discharge Day!
Today, I was discharged from in-patient care at the Shepherd Center!!! Surprisely, I called Shepherd a temporary home for 120 days! However, there is no rest for the weary...I start out-patient care at Shepherd tomorrow (Jan. 11th). Out-patient includes more advanced rehab while living outside the hospital in a nearby apartment. Ultimately, this type of rehab and housing will train and prepare me to move back home and get back to many pre-accident activities and daily tasks. With luck and good fortune, Courtney, Ernie and I will be living under one roof by early March.
Signing off for the night.
Live Strong,
Dana
Signing off for the night.
Live Strong,
Dana
Monday, January 7, 2008
Our Support is Second to None! "Thank You!"
As many of you already know, this past Saturday night, family friends organized a benefit for Dana (Greenlight 4 Dana). For those of you who were unable to attend, we provide you with a brief summary. The night consisted of hundreds of people participating in good food, friends, basket raffles, 50/50 drawings, and a special surprise. Dana was brought in by live feed via the webcam from The Shepherd Center. He was able to spend a few minutes talking to the crowd. Needless to say, it was an emotional time at the Wings of Eagles...there was not a dry eye in the place!
To everyone who helped make this night a success, we owe you many, many thanks! We also want to recognize all of those who supported us, but were unable to attend.
The road traveled following the accident has been a difficult one, made easier by the constant love and support we have been provided. We couldn't have done it without all of you. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We are forever grateful and will never forget Jan 5th 2008!
To everyone who helped make this night a success, we owe you many, many thanks! We also want to recognize all of those who supported us, but were unable to attend.
The road traveled following the accident has been a difficult one, made easier by the constant love and support we have been provided. We couldn't have done it without all of you. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We are forever grateful and will never forget Jan 5th 2008!
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