February 23, 2006

Michael returned to Kessler, where he began his physical therapy sessions six days per week.  Every day Michael became stronger and stronger has he progressed in his therapy sessions. He had both Occupational and Physical therapy, concentrating on wheelchair transfers and upper body strength exercises. He needed to wear a brace for the first 10 days, which gave him extra support for his back. Unfortunately, the brace caused some discomfort when trying to perform many of the physical therapy activities. It was a happy day when he was able to take that brace off for good

Saturday, March 4th, 2006

Michael’s one month anniversary since the accident, and we decided to take Michael out of Kessler for his first day trip. All agreed upon a trip to the mall, as we made a caravan of cars and headed toward the Palisades Park Mall. Michael’s cousins Heather, Ashley and Joseph all made the trip, as well as his Aunt Brie, Aunt Denise, Aunt Joann and Uncle Cas.  It was good to get Michael out of the rehab center and into different surroundings for a change of pace. We did a lot of wheeling and shopping as we stopped by the Cheese Factory for dinner. For the 3 or 4 times we took the elevator, Michael was surprised he was not the only one in a wheelchair in the elevator. Even while we were out to dinner, the table next to ours also had someone in a wheelchair. I think this made Michael more at ease, as he felt not so isolated being in his chair.

June14th, 2006

It’s been over 4 months since Michael’s accident and the time is flying by. As you can see, we finally got a website setup to inform all of Michael’s friends, family and neighbors of his progress. In addition, the site will be a point of reference for all upcoming fundraisers and events, which will help Michael.  We will also try to use the site to thank so many people who have been more then generous in donations, not only monetary, but also with food and dinners, to helping with house modifications. The love and caring from everyone involved has been overwhelming for Michael and for the entire family. We just can’t thank everyone enough!.

            The past 3 months have been a whirlwind of activity for all us, ranging from our roller coaster ride experience at Kessler Rehabilitation Center, to the first day home for Michael. Everyday has been a challenge for both Michael and our family, as we try to adjust to his setback. Michael’s experience at Kessler was very rewarding, as he meet a lot of great people, both patients and staff. Michael learned a lot from fellow patients on the ins and outs of his injury. Michael’s spinal doctor, Dr. B and the staff in physical therapy have been wonderful. His progress up to this point can be attributed to his hard work and determination, but also to the PT staff, especially Eva, Jill and Barbara, who got Michael to progress in a rapid pace.  He moved quickly from doing wheelchair transfers and weight shifts to exercise and advanced wheelchair techniques. The only problem he seemed to have is when his mother was invited to participate in certain wheelchair classes involving simulating him falling out of his chair. He seemed to have the technique down pretty good, however, his mother on the other hand, was a wreck. He told her, “Mom, if this ever happens, do me a favor and just call for help”. His physical therapist got a big kick out of his remark, his mother however, did think it was so funny. 

            As Michael has stayed strong through out this whole ordeal, it has been his parents that needed the mental pick me up to get through the day. Michael has been thrown into a world that few understand, nor can comprehend the magnitude involved with this injury. A good reference site, which we found that was very informative, is the Spinal Cord Information Network ( www.spinalcord.uab.edu/).

So much needs to be learned regarding the injury and Michael’s daily needs, that we are learning something new everyday. The biggest source of information however, is the people my wife meets at Kessler, who have also experienced a Spinal cord injury (SCI). She is constantly asking questions to everybody that walks through the doors, ranging from insurance issues to the type of wheels on their wheelchair. Michael has commented many a time to his Mom about “How do you know everyone here?”. Which she gladly responds with “I wouldn’t have it any other way”, as she flags down another patient to ask about his handicapped equipped car or how to get involved in wheelchair racing.

Michael returns to Kessler 3 day / week for Physical therapy and is soon to be evaluated for a clinical trial study at the Children’s hospital in Mountainside, NJ, where they have a special FES bicycle for him to workout on. This study involves the effectiveness of 9 months of riding a stationary bicycle, which has electrical stimulation pads, attached to his legs. The pads stimulate nerves in the legs to hopefully “jump-start” the leg motion. We hope to get him enrolled into this study, as this is a $15,000 piece of equipment, and one, which he wouldn’t normally get a chance to use. The exercise on his legs is extremely important, as atrophy is a real concern with his limited motion. Plus, you can’t beat the price, as the study is free. The only concern is the extensive travel, but it is well worth it. 

Michael returned to school 2 days a week, while the other 3 days, he was getting tutored at Kessler before his physical therapy sessions. He is now preparing for his H.S.  graduation this week and it should be an exciting day. He attended his prom 2 weeks ago and had a great time, having a chance to hang with his friends and meeting some other friends who graduated last year. Michael’s uncle, Sahin, surprised Michael with a limo, so he rode in “style” with Brittney and his friends Kenny and Jackie. As summer approaches, Michael’s main goal is to try to raise enough money to attend a Spinal Cord injury recover center located in Carlsbad, California, called Project Walk (www.projectwalk.org). This center takes a more aggressive approach to physical therapy as they concentrate the therapy on the legs, for two reasons. By stimulating the nervous system again with motion in the legs, in an effort to “reteach” the legs to move. The aggressive approach also encourages extensive exercising, which helps with the cardio system as well as preventing muscle atrophy.   

            Again, to the people who have sent cards and have donated in one way or another, we can’t thank you enough.  Your ongoing support and compassion for Michael has been tremendous and we are blessed to live in a community, which reaches out and offers help in a time of need. We would have never been able to get this far if it wasn’t for the incredible support and generosity from our family, friends, neighbors, classmates, teachers, members of the church and even strangers.

 Thank you – Thank you – Thank you !!

The Ryan Family