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June 8th, 2007 It’s been awhile since we posted any updates, and we certainly apologize, but as you
can imagine, things have been quit hectic. Since the last update in November, and Michael’s return from Project Walk,
the roller coaster ride has continued. Michael as remained upbeat and optimistic, but everyday that goes by, his frustration
level increases every so slightly. This past winter was a difficult time for Michael, as he watched many of his friends take
part in the sport he loves the most, snowboarding. In addition, Michael had an unfortunate health issue arise, which caused
him to be out of commission for several weeks, but he was still able to try mono-skiing for the very first time. We were uncertain
how Michael was going to react to trying the sit down skiing, but he was willing to try it. Unfortunately, his first lesson
was on one of the coldest days of the year, and the conditions were not the greatest, but he had 3 terrific instructors at
Windham Mountain, who spent the full day with him. He did surprising good for his first time, but it was a far cry from what
he was accustomed to, prior to his injury. Michael’s love of the sport, does not revolve around “swishing”
down the mountain, but his exhilaration came from hitting jumps, rails and other “extreme” obstacles. I related
his experience to a NASCAR racer, who after a tragic accident must now retake driving lessons for the very first time. It’s
a drastic difference and a major step backwards, but a step that must be taken if one is to return to the mountain and enjoy
snowboarding or skiing again. This was a difficult thing to accept, and you could see it in his eyes, as he gazed out the
window of the lodge, watching the other snowboarders. Unfortunately,
Michael’s medical issues also sidelined him from going to the Mountainside Children’s Hospital, where he was riding
an FES bicycle. This was helping to keep his legs in shape and his blood circulation flowing. In addition, the financial impact
of this injury has taken its toll and has forced Kim to return to work, making it even more difficult to travel the 3 ½
hours to ride only 20 minutes on the bike. We are in early discussions with the insurance company, to try and get an FES bicycle
for home use, but of course this will be a long and tedious process, when you’re dealing with the insurance companies.
But thankfully we have two very capable people on our side, Anne Marie Santos, of the Children’s Hospital and
Dr. Richard Munley, a terrific Chiropractor located in Vernon. Doctor Munley has been terrific working with Michael, giving
him the hope and motivation that was certainly missing from all the other doctors. He was very optimistic in understanding
Michael’s injury and his possibility of a recovery. His non-traditional, non medical approach, along with reflexology
and his “well being” approach, has given Michael a much better understanding of his own body and the relationship
between positive thinking, visualizing, good nutrition, proper fluid intake and the power of the brain, to help him understand
how Christopher Reeve was able to come so far, with so much less. He also introduced Michael to water therapy for the very
first time, and Michael responded well to his first treatment, indicating he felt more tingling sensations in his feet, then
he has in a long time. In addition to Dr. Munley’s treatment, Michael is also looking forward to attending Push-to-Walk,
a newly open spinal cord injury rehabilitation facility located in Bloomingdale, NJ. The parents of Darren Templeton, a young
man from Kinnelon, NJ., who was injured several years ago, opened up the facility. With the guidance of several trainers from
Project Walk, of California, the facility is fully operational and equipped, with several qualified trainers, who have spent
many months receiving the proper training for handling clients with spinal cord injuries. Michael is looking forward to visiting
and starting his workout sessions with them. We hope to raise enough money from the upcoming fundraisers to allow Michael
to attend the facility on a regular basis. We believe the combination of the intense physical therapy found at Push-to-Walk
and the supplemental therapy and coaching, he receives from the Vernon Wellness Center, will put him on the best path for
a recovery. If you would like information on the upcoming Fundraisers, please visit the fundraiser page for more details.
Thanks
for stopping by the website, and we hope to keep you posted of Michael’s progress as he gets closer to his ultimate
goal. Thanks again for your generosity and well wishes, as Michael would certainly not have made it this far if it wasn’t
for the help of his friends, family and the hundreds of well wishers. Thanks again!
Kim & Mike Ryan
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