April 11, 2022

Feels good to have something positive to report after a few down weeks. We have felt like we are in a holding pattern recently because we have needed to figure out what the next best thing for julian would be to help him as much as possible to continue to maintain baby steps of improvements. All we have know is julian is set to graduate in June with his class and then we have been searching for the next step in recovery. One of the things I’ve been most thankful for are the relationships we have made at shepherd. Every patient and family has become a big part of our life and will always hold a special place. Navigating the SCI world is the most complex process I’ve ever had to deal with. Much of our information comes from endless research in the area and using our fellow SCI families information to go on. The old saying 2 heads are better than one is so true. We constantly share information to help each other. Well, every since Kristen and Britt went home to Kentucky and started PT/OT at Frazier rehab in Louisville, she told me I needed to get Julian there. Prayers were answered today. We drove up yesterday and got to spend some time with the O’Brien’s before our appointment at Frazier today. Julian qualified to be in a research study on the use of spinal stimulation and PT for the upper extremities. It is an aggressive, forward thinking Approach to where the science is leading. While in the study we can also take advantage of doing PT on lower extremities to maximize what we can get from Frazier. We were so impressed by the personal care they can give and by their dedication to help move the needle forward. I have learned how to take care of Julian’s needs and now we need the next step. We have read that it’s now when and not if there will ever be a cure. My heart goes out to all SCI survivors for the life they have been dealt with. I pray for each one of them that something is going to come along to make life easier. In the meantime, we are going to get to spend some time with the O’Brien’s in Kentucky. I truly believe our families have crossed paths for a reason! Strength in numbers! God knew we would need each other.





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