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!!
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14 comments:
congratulations, dana! i've been following along with the blog and i'm very impressed, though i can't say that i'm surprised with your dedication and hard work.
my parents wrote to say that it was downright balmy in athens yesterday, so hopefully that'll make your return to the cold of NY a bit less of a shock.
-palmer
WELCOME HOME DANA!!!!! We have so looked forward to the day that we would be able to say this. The pictures are wonderful and the latest updates leave us speechless!! What a tremendous recovery you have made so far. It is truly awesome how you and Courtney continue to inspire and help others. You surely have blown us away!! Both of you should be proud of yourselves and each other for the lessons you are teaching all of us! We hope that all the skills you learned from past transitions make this one just a little easier. Congratulations on your graduation and on "moving out into the passing lane on the highway of recovery"!! So, we will say again, "WELCOME HOME". We look forward to reading about your continued progress. You and Courtney continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We are thrilled you are home!!!!
The valley people
Dana and Court....Congratulations on coming home. You guys are such an inspiration to all of us who know the both of you. Your determination is truly amazing but there was no question that you both would overcome this obstacle in life. You have taught so many of us patience and gratitude. You both are amazing people and I am glad to call you my friends. Keep up the good work! We are so proud of you!! WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!
Love Jenn and Mike
We love you both!!!!!!
you are such an inspiration Dana! I had tears and goosebumps at the same time as I read that you are coming back home to Horseheads. Congratulations!!
When you get back and get settled and when you feel up to it, make sure to come visit the track team back at the grand old horseheads high. the runners would be glorified to see you and especially the coaches. Those of us that you helped out in the 2006 cross country would love to see you too, and we missed you so much this past season. come see us when you can, we all would really appreciate it.
-Horseheads High XC/Track Teams_
From all of us in the LiveSTRONG family, "Congratulations and Welcome home, Dana!" You are an inspiration to all of us! Peace Bro and LiveSTRONG! -JGM
Hi Dana,
I've been following your blog more frequently than my occasional comments would indicate. Congratulations on your homecoming! As Palmer said, I hope the northern weather isn't too much of a shock and I hope the transition back to "home life" goes smoothly. Continued good luck with your progress and your therapy. Maybe we'll see you and Court at a Bucknell event sometime this summer or next fall?
- Laurel Park
Welcome home and congratulations Dana and Courtney! It seems like a long time since your accident to me, it must seem like an eternity to you. Your hard work will serve you well as you acclimate to the joy and challenges of home life. Your attitudes and determination are an inspiration to all who know your story. Prayers are still being sent your way, and now that you are closer, tangible help if you need or want it!
Linda knows how to reach me.
Linda S. - www group
CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME HOME!!!!! Maybe we will cross paths in Target (or the new Super Walmart - LOL) again!!!
May you have continued success in your recovery and future adventures.
Take care,
Kristin M.
YAY! YAY! YAY!
CONGRATULATIONS! Safe travels and WELCOME HOME!
Love,
Nurse Shannon and the SICU team.
Dana and Courtney,
I don't know if you remember me, but I am one of Eric and Colleen's friends from Loyola. I just read that Dana graduated from the Shepard Center, and it brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of you both. You have shown amazing courage and strength throughout, and I'm sure will continue to be courageous and strong. I wish nothing but the best for you both. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.
Ashley
Congrats Dana. Keep up the great work.
Congratulations and Welcome Dana! We knew You could do it.Just wanted You to know You are still in Our Thoughts and Prayers. We wish the Best for You and Courtney. Love, Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathy
Dear Dana and Courtney,
I am so happy that you will both be back in New York together. You two are quite a pair. You dedication to one another is inspiring. I know you will have a long, happy life together. Although our paths will probably never pass again you will always be near to my family's heart. We will think of you often, especially in August (we will celebrate how far you come) as that is the same month of my dad's accident. My cousin is getting married this summer and my dad is working hard to be able to boogie at the wedding.
My family and I wish you both the best.
Fondly,
Dana Ferraro (Joe's daughter)
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