|
April 2008, Many of you have emailed me off line
and asked when I was going to update Michael’s website, for those of you, I certainly apologize for taking so long in
submitting my updates. And if you happen to be new to the site, Welcome! To start off with, we have some exciting news. The 3rd annual
Shred For Mikey Golf outing is scheduled for June 25th, 2008 @ 2:00pm at Great Gorge Country Club. This is the
same course it was held last year, and we had a terrific outing, with good times had by all. We anticipate this years outing
to be even bigger and more successful, and with the earlier date, we hope to have many of Michael’s college and High
School friends playing this year. For your convenience, we have an on-line registration form included on the website, with
all the information necessary, so please spread the word and REGISTER Early! You will not be disappointed! Many of Michael’s friends and
family, continue to stop by or “text” him regularly, so any update I describe here, will be old news to them.
They are probably more updated then even I am! Of course the parents are always the last to know! Michael continues to go
to Physical therapy 5 days a week. Three days at Dr. Munley, a local chiropractor who has a practice in Vernon and 2 days
at Push-to-Walk, a spinal cord injury recovery training facility located in Bloomingdale, NJ. Together, the therapy and treatment
he receives from both facilities has been wonderful. Dr. Munley continues to impress on Michael the positive attitude and
never quite mentality that is so important in living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). His emphasis continues to be the connection
between the body and mind, and he teaches Michael the importance of positive thinking and the need for proper body nutrients
and water. At Push-to-Walk, Michael has been continuing with an aggressive workout regiment, geared toward developing sound
core muscles and balance stability. He continues to use the PowerPlate and the Glider Standing Frame, in addition to numerous
floor and bench exercises. Just 2 weeks ago, Michael finally received his own Standing Frame, which is a medical piece of equipment,
which allows him to go from a sit down position to a supported standing position, all on his own. This was a long and frustrating
battle to get this approved by the insurance company, who first rejected a standing frame with a glider feature, which would
have given Michael the ability to exercise, while he was standing. This would be similar to the glider exerciser you might
see in the gym. But the insurance company failed to see the benefit of this “add-on”, and only approved the Standing
Frame itself. Either way, it was a memorable moment seeing Michael upright, on his own feet, without the assistance of anyone
holding him. The frame is several inches off the ground, so when Michael was standing for the first time in it, and his Mother
came into the room, he had a big smile has he “towered” over her 5’1” body. And of course he had to
add the devious comment of “ hey Mom, I see you getting some gray hairs up on top”, which of course did not go
over big with his Mom. But she was thrilled to see him standing watching TV and surfing the Internet on
his computer, all while standing up. It was nice. That’s it for now. We just want to continue to thank everybody who wishes Michael well
on his long road of recovery. His never give up attitude continues to keep him strong and his spirits high. If you can, please
join us in this year’s Golf Outing, as the funds from this outing will allow Michael to continue his physical therapy
at Push-To-Walk. As Dr. Munley always tells Michael “ One day at a time and one step closer”. Thanks again, Mike & Kim Ryan
|
