Repeat After Me

"I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!!" Don't just say this, open up your mouth and yell it, several times. Now stop and be present. Don't you feel just a little bit better? Today I learned a valuable lesson about anger, that you can actually harness its energy and feel good.  Now, I'm not planning on going completely off the deep end a lá Peter Finch in Network (if you haven't seen this movie, it's fantastic!), but I'm allowing myself to be pissed off every once in awhile. Toss it out to the universe and create a positive from the negative

Days Gone By

    Struggling as of late to write on the blog, or write anything for that matter.  I cope with the side effects of Transverse Myelitis- pain, fatigue and depression, yet so often my problems seem insignificant while so many are struggling with illness, poverty and profound grief.  I've used this blog as an outlet to mainly share my triumphs and I desire to keep the focus on the positive, but I selfishly will use it now as a catharsis. Ready? . . . There- that feels better.  Though through 2012 I have absorbed my own and others hardships,  I do feel I have overcome many obstacles and would like to reflect on and celebrate them.  Mother Nature was on my side for most of the year and we enjoyed dry and temperate temperatures until recently.  I had concerns that a rainy winter and spring would impede my new found freedom as my wheelchair cannot get wet and I already had mega fear about just being out alone in the big, bad world. Not having to worry about getting stuck in a deluge allowed me to face my fears.  Now, having gained more confidence, if the sky threatens rain I just pack my poncho and go.  Thankfully, I have not yet had to "rock" the stylish red poncho. If only they could make rain gear for a wheelchair that doesn't make one look like a float in a parade.
     Being out on my own has helped me overcome my anxiety and pride about asking for help.  If I need it, I'll ask and if it's offered at an appropriate time, I'll accept.  To clarify my own boundaries, if I am able to do something on my own, I'll decline the offer.  It's interesting how people relate to me now that I'm in a wheelchair.  They sometimes want to share there own stories of injury or illness. My favorite this year was the random, yet seemingly sane, stranger who said to me as I passed him "I was in a wheelchair for 3 months and it sucked." Ummm, yeah. Thank you for sharing (insert profane word here).  This is when I do my best to avoid eye contact and just ignore that person, though a large part of me would like to share with him that his comment was insensitive. I think that people just want to, in some way, communicate or identify with what they fear- so I just go about day and leave them to ponder.  There is also the kindly woman who owns the nearby flower stand who asked me what was wrong with me and then offered to give me a massage.  If we are going there- how about free flowers? (This was not offered).
     Now that the cycling center is just a few blocks away (for real!) I was able to log many miles on the handcycle and also started going out on my own. Though hills are still a struggle, I can cycle on the flat trail by the bay for four miles.

The Cynphonics!

    October was a awesome month that kicked off with cycling event (the "Rev") in Wine Country where my friend Elizabeth and I rode tandem for over 20 miles and me and my team, The Cynphonics, raised over $5,000 for BORP.  BORP is the organization that not only runs the cycling center but also runs many adaptive sports programs.  Many thanks to all my incredible donors and supporters who made that happen!
A few days after the ride, Trevor and I were able to take a much needed getaway to Yosemite!
A visit from my dad shortly followed, making October one fun filled adventure after another.
As 2012 comes to a close, my focus now is get a J-O-B.  I've kick started a new venture into grant writing and will start volunteering with a few organizations in January to get some experience.  More to follow!
If you would like to see more photos of the ride,click here

Thanks to Scot Goodman who allowed me to use some of his professional photos!

Getting Closer!

StemCells, Inc. Achieves Spinal Cord Injury Milestone With First Neural Stem Cell Transplant Into Patient With Sensory Function Below the Level of Injury

http://www.nasdaq.com/article/stemcells-inc-achieves-spinal-cord-injury-milestone-with-first-neural-stem-cell-transplant-into-p-20120927-00627

In the Blink of an Eye

     Summer is coming to an end; time to update those blog posts.  Within the last week several of the bloggers I follow, who are as remiss as I am about posting, have updated their sites;  I thought I should follow suite.  Being the youngest child of three (and the only girl),  I am constantly scrambling to catch up, and this is no different.
    I openly apologize if this post sounds like an annual holiday letter, but it has been a year and there has been a myriad of change.  Oh forget it, I'm not going to go through my grocery list of changes, so banal -I'm having a brief love affair with my thesaurus so forgive me-, instead I will tell a story (she says chewing her pencil into pulp).
     The last backcountry excursion I took with Trevor before my TM onset was July 2007. We were in the Cascade mountains for four days and we spent our days hiking from our base camp to explore the mountain.  Even though it was July, there were still snow patches to traverse and we hadn’t bought crampons, but we were not concerned and felt well-prepared.  We crossed one such patch in the morning and the snow was firm and we were sure-footed as we continued down to one of many lakes, all alone save for the beasts and one fanatic, yet inspiring, ultra marathoner out for a run with his dogs.  I enjoyed passing through the soft meadow dotted with wildflowers down to the surprising starkness of the lake, but my thoughts would drift with anticipation to our eventual ascent to the top of the mountain where the promise of the yet unseen vista beckoned.
     Hiking back from the lake we discovered that the firm batch of snow we handily crossed was now soft, slippery slush.  This alone would not be a problem but the trail hung narrow on the side of the mountain and to lose our footing would mean a serious and dangerous slide.  We crossed together and it felt like walking on a pile of banana peels, soft and slick. Trevor had a frightful moment as his foot slipped off the trail and (thankfully) landed on his butt.  We managed to navigate safely across, and now had to cross another narrow strip to continue toward the vista or we could  return to base camp.  Trevor, sweaty and out of breath, declined to cross with me. Try as I might I could not persuade him, so I headed over on my own.
    Grabbing two pointed stones I made my way across like a spider, toe jamming into snow followed by stone in hand buried in the snow, securing my place. Once I hit the hard packed soil, I scrambled to the top and caught my breath.  It may not have been one of the highest peaks on earth, but the expanse of the valley floor 8,000 feet below coupled with the adrenaline rushing through my veins and I felt I was in the presence of something greater than myself.  My only sadness was that Trevor was not there to share it with me.  I ambled along the narrow ridge breathing in the thin, clean air and caught a glimpse of another version of myself following that trail onward towards more adventures.  I looked down again, had a moment of vertigo and envisioned myself falling off that mountain. I decided then to turn around and make my way back to Trevor, who was patiently waiting on the other side.           
     There is no doubt that I desperately long to be able to throw my backpack on my back and go wherever the hell I want, but there are still an infinite amount adventures out there for me.  I have been enjoying challenging myself to explore new territory - taking public transportation solo and pursuing new interests and a new career.  But above all- I always have Trevor patiently waiting- that is my greatest treasure.

                               
Researchers find possible breakthrough to relieve pain following spinal cord injury

                                A collaborative research group – led by researchers at Cleveland Clinic – published findings that indicate a one-time injection immediately after spinal cord injury can limit pain for an extended period of time.

                           

Four Years But Whose Counting?

September 27th came and went with little fanfare and nary a thought.  It wasn't even on my radar  until the night before as Trevor and I were driving back from dinner with friends.  I asked Trevor what he thought about this upcoming anniversary.  What came to his mind is how much I have improved over the last few years- that there are so many things that I am able to do for myself now that we didn't even think possible.  Bravo for Trevor's positivity!  I myself felt that slight tinge of mourning I always feel of possibilities lost.  The "what if" portion of my process.  I usually fight this self indulgence, but being the eve of my TM onset anniversary,  I felt certainly justified in this guilty pleasure, and hey, it's less calories than an entire pint of ice cream- which I also felt deserved of.

The amazing thing was that I woke up this September 27th and it didn't cross my mind, not once all day.  I literally forgot all about it until the next day when I realized "hey- that day went by and nothing happened."  I did get one email from a friend on the day after who said she had been thinking about me, but I felt glad that she did not actually contact me the day of.  It just goes to show that life keeps moving forward.

I met a man tonight at yoga class ( yes, my first yoga class in four years!) who commented on my positive attitude of acceptance.  I said that I was accepting of my situation now as I strive to live in the moment, but I will not give up hope for the future and its possibilities of further recovery.

To demonstrate my idea of living in the moment- here is a short photo montage of a recent cycling event I participated in- a truly beautiful day- Cycling Photos

Stepping Out

Well, I did it folks.  No, I'm not walking, though I'm not giving up on miracles yet, whether they are from science or from some  "other source", the big news is that I have made another significant move towards independence.  Yesterday, I went out into the big, wide world all on my own, and you know what? It was exhilarating (and surprisingly easy).  The whole point of me and Trevor moving across the bay to Berkeley became crystal clear as I shut the door behind me, turned the key(with my special adaptive key device) and pushed my power assisted wheelchair down the long hallway, to the elevator and out.. the.. door. Freedom! Say what you want about Mel Gibson, but I felt like that dude in Braveheart as he bellowed out, "they'll never take our freedom!"  So I say to this disability!

My first foray consisted of getting picked up by Paratransit which is a bus system for us disabled folks.  It requires making an advance reservation, but it's door to door transportation for very little cost.  I went to a safe place, this new building call the Ed Roberts Campus that is home to many non-profits focused on disability issues and one organization has yoga classes.  It was my intention to go to a yoga class, but alas, it was cancelled.  Instead I checked out the facilities and enjoyed reading my book and chatting on the phone on the roof deck, shaded by an umbrella as the trees swayed in the breeze.  I was picked up a few hours later and delivered promptly to my doorstep by the driver. Success!

Trevor had at first been a little wary to let me venture forth without a dress rehearsal, but as the saying goes, "Life ain't no dress rehearsal!" In the end, Trevor was encouraging and proud and we celebrated yet another achievement.

So, where do I go from here? I have my laundry list of things to accomplish and as I check things off I will continue to add things on.  I recently read Christopher Reeve's autobiography, Still Me,  and yes, I found myself crying with abandon at many of the passages as he wrote with such honesty.  At the end, he reflects on how painful it is knowing he will never be able to do so many of the physical things he enjoyed doing, so he tries to not to linger on the past, but to "live as fully as possible in the present," no matter how difficult it may be.  Sound words of advice from an inspiring man.

Do I Have To?

My mother recently and gently mentioned that I hadn't posted anything on my blog for quite some time.  Apparently someone actually checked! Well I don't want to disappoint all my readers (Hi Mom!) so I am here to regale you all with an update.  Self-deprecating humor aside- there are reasons why I have avoided the update.  I suppose I feel when I started this blog my progress was much more tangible and dramatic.  When starting from the bottom, everything seems like a tremendous gain.  My progress is much less of the leaps and bounds and more like "where do I go from here?" So there it is- where do I go from here? My goals of walking and being fully functioning in a "normal" body- although still the ultimate dream- have now been replaced with how can I be more independent and go back to work while struggling with fatigue and constant pain?  So you see, these goals are a lot less fun and dramatic.  I don't think a video of me looking through craigslist for a new apartment would be very enticing.  But, I do continue on and am VERY thankful for all that I do have! I do have the most awesome, loving and caring husband. I do have supportive and loving friends and family.  I am so thankful for the gifts that have been given to my recovery fund.  I really cannot imagine my life without the security of knowing I am cared for.  So, to anyone reading this, big hugs and lots of love and light.  THANK YOU!  I will try and write more often. Promise.

Living My Life Like It's Golden

Well, here we are again.  Another season another blog post. Since my last posting, things have been looking up.  A good friend of mine recommended a fantastic acupuncturist and I also have a new home PT whom I am seeing once a week.  I am enjoying the changes I was so fearful of. 
It is hard to believe that it is already July and the summer is in full swing, which in San Francisco means cold and foggy days, brrrrr! But, after hearing the news of triple digits on the East Coast, I think I'll take the fog (Trevor calls the fog nature's air condition). Plus, we can pretty much drive half an hour and be in summer time weather.  Anyway, I will be enjoying (?) the heat and humidity soon enough as I am traveling east in a mere two weeks for a visit to N.J. and also back to Baltimore and Kennedy Krieger.  Baltimore in July, I must be crazy! I am looking forward to my visit and am thankful we are able to pull it off.  I wasn't sure it was going to happen as Trevor got a new job in April and would not be able to take two weeks off this summer, sooo I am going to be traveling without Trevor for the first time since my TM onset.  I'm not quite ready to travel solo, so mom and dad will be flying out to San Francisco for a visit and then I will be traveling back with them and at their mercy for almost two weeks (or is it the other way around).  It's a big step for me and although I feel the butterflies, I am excited to test out my nerves. Trevor will fly out at the end of the trip for a quick visit and then we will travel back together.  Another step towards independence!

Although I haven't had any major gains physically in the past few months- I do feel like I am gaining my life back and exploring what I can do with what I have.  To paraphrase Ferris Bueller, life is too short and I don't want to let it pass me by, so I have been trying new things and challenging myself both mentally and physically.  I am wrapping up an online writing class, a small step towards going back to school and I also started outdoor cycling.  The cycling is incredibly freeing and allows me to enjoy exercise that is fun! The cycling program is run by fantastic center for people with disabilities called B.O.R.P and they have all kinds of bikes to use for a very low fee.  I am slowly working my way up and hope to one day buy my own bike and train for a marathon.  I'm at 2.5 miles an hour right now, ...  it may be a while.  You may be wondering at this point, "gee, I wonder what Cynthia looks like on the bike?" Well, you are in luck because I just happen to have a video. Enjoy! VIDEO
Love and Peace,
Cynthia

Change is good, right?

Spring is a time of change.  It is usually a welcome change from the doldrums of winter.  We all look forward to seeing the new blossoms on the trees and flowers popping up.  In our back garden (kept up by neighbor, friend, and landlord Petra), the calla lilies and forgot-me-knots have taken over and it is quite spectacular.
I have been fervently hoping for change in a few different ways.  The obvious is that I would like to see change physically.  I'm still diligent about physical therapy, but improvements have been difficult to gauge.  Certainly nothing dramatic has happened in many, many months.  Unfortunately, the most obvious change  has been increased pain.  I am not writing that in order to illicit a sympathetic response, I'm just telling it like it is.
The other changes I have been hoping for are things such as Trevor getting a new job, us finding a reasonable priced (yet fabulous) accessible apartment, me becoming more independent and other treatment options becoming available.  These are just a few in a long list, but you get the idea.  Well, Trevor did get a new job (yeah!), but he will be working weekends (boo!).  I wouldn't mind the weekend working thing if I could get out more independently, but those other changes haven't happened yet.  So while I'm trying to get used to the idea of a less freedom from our apartment,  there are other changes happening that I did not wish for.  How dare this happen.  I mean, really!  It seems that other people are busy living their lives as well, which means change for them.  The big three right now are my much beloved home PT Michael has taken a new job that is full time, so no time for me.  He is helping to find a replacement though.  Also, my acupuncturist Laurence is on sabbatical to France for a year.  Another replacement to try and find.  I've been working with both Laurence and Michael since coming home from the hospital over 2 years ago, so replacing them will be difficult, but hopefully not impossible.  The last change saddens me the most.  My dear friend Jennifer is moving to Cincinnati.  She is not replaceable.
Here is the change that I have been desiring, yet I have the blues.  As is often the case in life, the things we have least control over can have the most impact on our lives.  Kind of like a giant meteor.
So I will buck up and try to see the positive.  After all, the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers".

Swimming with Elvis

2009 got away from me before I was able to recap my last Baltimore experience (with accompanying video, of course). I am going to make this post short and sweet although I have been feeling more introspective as we pass from one year into another. Another time.

As always, it was great to visit with family and friends before heading down to Baltimore for two weeks of some serious physical and mental exertion.

The trip was full of ups and downs, but the general outcome was very positive.

The main let down for me was not having any big "aha!" moments. This by no means implies that the quality of therapy was disappointing. It was excellent as usual! This also does not imply that I didn't work hard. I was there 100% everyday. After 2 years, physical return becomes harder. NOT that it doesn't happen, it just happens in slower increments. That doesn't mean that I don't go to sleep every night believing I may wake up the next morning and jump out of bed!

I was so happy to work with Cyndi as my main therapist again, especially since I was her last client at KKI. She has since moved to Hawaii. (lucky Hawaii).

The new facilities at KKI are astounding- especially the pool. I wish I could use this pool everyday in San Francisco like I did in Baltimore, with their excellent therapists. Sad it doesn't exist here.

Baltimore was great and we were there over Halloween- party time.

Here's a video of my pool experience- you'll get the title of the blog now. VIDEO

Back To "Charm City"

Pardon my much belated blog update. I suppose I should start off by explaining where the heck "Charm City" is. The short story is that back in 1974, some ad man thought up the nickname "Charm City" as a marketing ploy to reinvent Baltimore's image to attract tourism. As Trevor cand I prepare to embark on our fourth visit to the Kennedy Krieger rehab in Baltimore, I have been thinking about how I feel the need to reinvent myself as well.

It's been two years since my TM onset, which is actually quite hard for me to wrap my head around. The first year was such a blur as we scrambled about, trying to figure out how to deal with this new way of living our lives. I'm still surprised and quite incredulous when I find myself unable to do things.

Whose body is this anyway?

I have continued my therapy regime by seeing my home PT, Michael, twice a week, going to outpatient PT with Sonya once a week and I have also added a new element to my recovery at SCI-FIT- an intensive workout, once a week. SCI-FIT is similar to other programs throughout the country, such as Project Walk. Although I have to travel an hour each way for a 2 hour workout, it is totally worth it. The atmosphere is charged with positive energy and they really kick my butt (see video at end).

I continue to get stronger and I don’t think I could ever give up on that. I have been thinking about what my next steps are, so to speak. I would like to go back to work, so I am taking this opportunity to decide what I want to be when I grow up. Perhaps I’ll go back to school. I’m not sure yet what the future holds, but I am looking forward to whatever it is.

I still remain positive about my recovery, but as time passes on and I learn about how the spinal cord and nerves heal, I realize that my body will probably need some help from the medical community to get back to a fully functional state. There are new discoveries being made at a more rapid pace. All I can say at this point is "gooooooo science!!".

Back to Baltimore. Kennedy Krieger recently opened a new state of the art facility and I am excited to check it out! I am starting a two week stint there on Oct. 19th. It may be a bit longer before we are able to go back to Baltimore, so I am really thankful we have this opportunity to go now. I am also incredibly grateful, knowing this could not be a reality without all of the generous support we continue to receive; in fact, the majority of my therapy would not be a reality without it.

Speaking of therapy- here is a video of me at SCI-FIT (Trevor picked the background music) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xLhq99Kl7w

Onwards and upwards! Downwards and sideways?

This past week and a half was a full roller coaster of events therapy wise.  Friday, May 29th, at CPMC I arrived and Sonya had decided that I was ready to use the walker without the extra arm supports.  Ummm, ok, sure, why not? Needless to say I was fairly skeptical, but I trust Sonya fully, so we gave it a go.  Unbelievably, we were able to do it.  It was challenging and it took the help of three people instead of the usual two, but I was stoked. :-)

Monday I went back, and this time it was just me, Sonya and Charlene, and I have to say, it was awesome.  I felt so connected and strong and with their help, walked over 100 feet in three attempts.  AMAZING! On Tuesday, I was at the pool with Michael.  With him and Trevor beside me, I walked in three feet of water.  WOW!  Michael said I definitely took a jump healing wise.   

I was very excited about this turn of events and had visions of continuing on this trajectory.  I arrived in therapy on Wednesday ready for another incredible session... or not.  Turns out my body had other plans.  For some reason that I, nor my therapists, can understand,  what I could do that day was a pale comparison to what I did just two days before.  Everything was so much harder and I had to stop several times, barely going a few feet each time.  Why o why?  Not to be defeated, I chalked it up lack of sleep and overexertion.  My session at home with Michael the next day was fair and we discussed possible reasons for it.  O.k.,  I'll rest.   After a easy weekend of just doing the bike and standing frame, I was ready to show my stuff on the walker Monday.  The beginning was good and I felt strong and then five minutes later, fizzle.

(insert favorite swear word here)!  I have to say, I felt defeated.  Again, saw Michael the next day and felt a bit stronger and he soothed my ruffled feathers.  I haven't used the walker again yet, but will try again next week.  I know what I did that Monday will come back again and that I won't be doing it alone (literally and figuratively).  For all you faithful readers- here is a taste of what I did on Monday (and there is not a soundtrack).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcmIhRv46Z4

Video Update

Here are a few video highlights from spring training in Baltimore. I'm learning how to use the iMovie program, which has been very fun though I'm not quite ready for the Oscars yet. The video is about three minutes long.

Springtime In Baltimore

Our trip to NJ and Baltimore this March was fantastic. Not only did we get to see and spend quality time with family and friends, but we had another productive visit to Kennedy Krieger.

This our third visit to KKI, and we continue to be thrilled with the awesome therapists and professional program. It was three weeks of intensive therapy-four hours a day. This time in Physical Therapy we really focused on the lite gait program, sit-to-stands and lots and lots of core work (yay sit ups!). Occupational Therapy was all about the hands. We worked on fine motor skills for the left and using electrical stimulation to wake up those muscle on the right hand.

Function wise, the right side in general is still lagging behind the left, but making small, yet significant gains. The last day at KKI, I used a special walker and walked 60 feet with my therapists! Very cool. Yes, I have video and am working on making on a fun montage of the trip. Coming Soon!
I continue my work in San Francisco with my fabulous home therapist Michael and Sonya at CPMC.

A Breakthrough!

I recently started going back to outpatient therapy at CPMC, thanks to a new year beginning and insurance starting over. So in addition to my three days of home therapy with Michael, I am now at the CPMC gym twice a week for 45 minutes. Sonya, my CPMC therapist, is terrific! Not only has she been a PT for 20 years, but she is also a 5th degree Black Belt and is the head instructor at a local martial arts facility, so she brings a certain disciplined, yet fun, aspect to  therapy. My last session on Friday, we decided to try walking at the parallel bars, something tried once before without much success. Well, we gave it a shot and boy, did it work out. It's difficult to describe what the actual procedure entails, but let me just say it what was QUITE exhilarating! I felt euphoric. Me and the therapists were all pretty pumped, my only sadness was that Trevor was not there to see it. BUT, it will happen again and this time there will be videotape.  I was able to walk the length of the bars- about 10 feet- with assistance. We did this at least 10 times and even backwards a few times- my own version of the moonwalk. All the hard work is truly paying off and I am excited to bring this progress to Kennedy Krieger in a few short weeks!

Here is a link to the video... Walking At Parallel Bars

Video from KKI Sept 08

KKI Fall 2008

Me and my crew of excellent therapists at Kennedy Krieger from the September 2008 visit. We look forward to our visit in the spring! Just a few short months away.

Hope

hope is a word that has been somewhat overused as of late, but is not a word to be taken lightly. i started to think about hope after my friend laurie left me a message saying she had been outside the other night thinking of me and praying to see a shooting star so she could make a wish- as she has done many other nights before. as she was praying a star shot across the sky and she was so excited she almost forgot to say her wish- but she did. in her message to me she stated that she could not tell me what her wish was (as we all know, it would not come true), but she wanted to let me know that this had happened. while listening to her message i started to cry as her voice was so full of hope and in turn it filled me with hope. her hope is that her wish comes true. my hope is that her wish comes true.

August Update

It is difficult to believe that August is almost over and that we leave for Baltimore and Kennedy Krieger in 10 days! August has been full of visitors, trials and triumphs. Michael, my main therapist with whom I work with 6 hours a week, was away for 3 weeks. Although I still had a few PT sessions at the hospital with my therapist, Sonja and did some therapies at home with mom and Trevor, my body and mind really missed the extra hours of physical activity. Needless to say, Michael is back and I am thrilled. I had my first pool session in a month yesterday and showed much improvement by standing for longer periods of time and walking for longer distances. I'm also getting a lot of core strength back, which is more difficult to quantify, at least for me. I mostly take Michael's word for it.
A significant triumph is that I've been able to move my left leg without any assistance while using the lite gait walking machine.
On another note, the Pereyra family has two new additions to the clan, Asher Caden and Conor Thomas- congrats to Ken and Lori, Tom and Julie!!

Update July 29

It's been awhile since the last update, so I will concentrate on the highlights of the last few months since the last update.
Friends and family have been working hard organizing fundraisers to help us with medical expenses. These events have been amazingly successful and Trevor and I are in constant awe at the generous outpouring of time and money. The inspiration this has given me to push myself to recover is incalculable. I feel like I have all these investors!
Triumphs:
-We have returned the hospital bed!! I am so thrilled about this. I now can sleep in my own bed with no issues.
-I am now able to do my own transfers in and out of a car using a special transfer board. Another step towards independence and less work for Trevor.
-My overall strength continues to improve, especially my core strength, essential for standing and walking.
-I am now walking 25 minutes with lite gait machine and three therapists and have taken a few steps in the pool with minimal assistance.
-I have an actual triceps muscle in my left arm! Also, the left hand continues to show improvement. The right hand and arm continue to lag behind, but I am confident they will catch up.

We are planning our second trip to the International Spinal Cord Center at Kennedy Krieger in September.
We will be there for three weeks and are very excited for the outcomes.

Both my mom and Trevor's sister-in-law, Samantha Noonan, are visiting separately in August. We look forward to seeing them and also to have the extra help to give Trevor some much needed respite.

It's obvious I am the tortoise, not the hare, in this race. But, we all know the moral of that story!

Therapy Photos

June Fundraiser in West Orange

Update from Cynthia May 15

Hello- Just wanted to post the latest news on what is going on.
Triumphs:
I am now able to transfer myself from the chair to the bed and back with a slideboard 100% on my own! This means , among other things, that Trevor does not need to be here when I schedule acupuncture, massage and cranial sacral therapy appointments. I can also transfer myself to the sofa w/o a slideboard and am working on the return- it is uphill so more of a challenge.

I am now able to basically do my own dressing, everything except my supertight stockings and anything with hooks and snaps elude my not so nimble fingers. But the rest, the rest I can do!

Working with my at home therapist, Michael, three times a week now (bi-weekly at the pool). One of the goals we have been working on is getting myself up from the floor to the sofa and then to the chair. I'm hoping I will have this goal met in 4-6 weeks. We bought a big floor mat so that the floor work is easier and more fun. Hard wood floors aren't very therapeutic. :-) At the pool I have been able to paddle around on my back wearing a flotation device and using my arms and left leg (right leg still a bit slow to the game). The fact that I can hold myself up demonstrates a lot of core strength.

In my out atient therapy appointments we have begun using the lite gait machine over a treadmill- very exciting. Of course we started this and then insurance ran out... BUT

Finally heard back from insurance and... they approved 24 more therapy appoinments to be used within the next twelve weeks at CPMC (where I currently go for outpatient therapy). This is a great start, but I am hoping for more because...

We booked our next trip to Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore starting Sept. 8th for 3 weeks! A big trip for us in many ways. KK is really one of THE best spinal cord injury rehab facilities and we truly believe that 3 weeks of therapy there is equal to 3 months of therapy elsewhere. We will be going regardless of insurance approval.

With this in mind, my dear friends on the east coast have been starting to work on fundraising ideas. Dana and Laurie have some great ideas and would love to share them with other east coasters. If you would like to hear more about what they are doing, please email Dana at danauhler@yahoo.com.

Trevor's doing well- still being the super husband! I did hire someone to come in once a week to help around the house. A handyman/housekeeper, etc... who is just a wonderful, sweet guy. This should help.

I'll end with a "This can only happen in a wheelchair" story. Trevor and I were on our way to a therapy appointment a few weeks ago. Since we had the time, we decided to take public transportation, even though it requires two different buses. We get on the first bus-it's a brand new bus and we discover that we can lock my new wheelchair wheels in much easier than the old buses- isn't this great. Our stop comes up and since this is a new type of lock, Trevor is unsure how to release it. "press down on the lever" the driver advises. Trevor does, it doesn't work. So he does it again and then the steps on it- SNAP! - the lever breaks. Now we are stuck on the bus with the wheel lock broken. All the other passengers have to get off and the driver calls the fire dept. Oy vey! The fire dept. arrives in about 10min (not too bad) and pries the lock open- I'm free!! AND we still make the appt. Oh, we find out to release the wheel, one needs to lift UP on the lever. Well, now we know.

Love you all! Couldn't do this without you!

Cynthia

Happy Thanksgiving from Trevor and Cynthia

Hello Everybody,Greetings from the California Pacific Medical Center Davies Campus. Cynthia and I cannot begin to thank you all for the kindess and extraordinary support we have received during this challenging period.

Happy Thanksgiving, Love Cynthia and Trevor

LIVERPOOL LIL'S FUNDRAISER

Trevor has worked at Liverpool Lil's for 10 years serving drinks. Lil's is generously hosting a fund raiser for Trevor and Cynthia on Saturday, December 8th from 12-5. If you are local please stop by the bar and show your support. You can buy raffle tickets there to win restaurant gift certificates, wine, and other prizes. The proceeds from food, beverage and raffle sales will be donated to the Noonan family.

Lil's is online at www.liverpoollils.com and the bar is physically located at 2942 Lyon @ Lombard in San Francisco, CA. 415.921.6664

See you there!

Brian