Dear Family, Friends, and Friends of Friends we have met during this journey,
We are so thankful to each and everyone of you for your love, support, guidance, and friendship during these last several months.
Brett and I continue to be surprised by the village supporting us. Family still flies into town to help when needed, friends still drop off dinners, an anonymous person at Cole's school left an envelope with cash for me the day before Thanksgiving, the list goes on.
We have struggled with how to keep people updated on things, but at the same time begin regain some privacy with our lives, as we are all still healing. Therefore I apologize there have not been updates on the blog for months.
Brett is healthy, going to Physical Therapy twice a week, Occupational Therapy once a week and running three businesses from the front office of our rented house in Wash Park. He calls it the War Room, with three large flat screen monitors and a TV on the wall above in case a baseball game or golf tournament is on that he needs to follow.
As Brett is so dedicated in his rehab and regaining strength, his neck is huge, and his shoulders are unbelievably strong. He has not regained feeling below his underarms, no movement in triceps or hands, fingers or thumbs. He does have amazing strength in his shoulders, biceps and some limited wrist muscles. There are many tricks we have learned along the way like bending utensils and creating super long straws for drinking have offered more independence with eating. Brett has always loved gadgets and he has all sorts of helpful things to help with using the phone and computer with voice activated technology.
Caroline started 1st grade at a new school and has settled in nicely. She is losing teeth, playing soccer year round and loves play dates with her girlfriends. Cole is in Pre-K at the same school he attended last year and is loving learning, and hanging with his buddies. Both children continue to amaze us with their efforts to help~ pick up things, hold doors, put on Brett's eating brace, take turns pouring "meds" from the shot glass into Brett's mouth, carrying in groceries and taking care of insect control in our old house!
I am still working at Qwest, and have an unbelievably strong support system around me also.
A huge highlight of our summer was a two week long trip to Brett's Family's cabin in Montana. His family modified the little cabin for Brett and added ramps to allow him in and out of the main cabin and onto the Party Deck. He was able to watch the kids enjoy the same lake he grew up loving. He enjoyed watching their smiles and hearing their laughter as they played with the cousins. The picture above was taken of Brett on his familiar spot on the deck overlooking the water, watching everything!
We have decided this will be the last update, unless circumstances change and we need to "get the word out" to folks.
Please continue to keep in touch, we love to hear from you!
With Love and Gratitude,
Brett and Kelly
brett@thefootmechanic.com
kjpurdom@hotmail.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wow! What an event!!
My dear, sweet and amazingly determined girlfriends held a fundraiser on April 10.
They first posed the idea last June, just weeks after the accident. They wanted to help raise money for the still unknown, but surely daunting expenses that faced our family. Dozens of ideas for fundraising were discussed, they planned to recruit our friends, family and even strangers. They hoped to raise $10,000. Sure, I said. Thinking to myself, that is a crazy goal given the economy, and related job and housing markets and none of them had actually handled an event of this nature from start to finish.
These dedicated girlfriends kept meeting, throwing around ideas and found an angel in Mary McNicholas. Mary has a big, generous heart and hosts over 30 events each year. She was the guiding light in the whole process that glued together their ideas with solid fundraising experience. Fondly one of the hostesses described they spent the last several weeks in "Fundraising Bootcamp"!
We were the guests of honor at an AMAZING night of fun, auctions, great music, food and drinks. As you can see in the picture above, it was a beautiful venue. My girlfriends were frugal, shameless, and determined to create an evening that was full of laughs and profitable. They worked to get nearly all costs donated or reduced and subsequently they nearly doubled their goal!!!
The band, the Bongo Pygmies donated their awesome music to keep the evening lively! Marcy Kroonenberg brought in her ShutterBooth, and guests enjoyed having their pictures taken in the booth, developed on the spot, and this turned out to be a great party favor.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Co-Chairs and Hostesses of the Evening Kori Hauer, Michelle Kithcens, Melissa Morris, Joni Roberts and Missy Sidwell-Murray.
Final numbers are still rolling in, but we had enough money to put a deposit on a Honda Odyssey Mini Van that is brand new, has the wheelchair accessibility finished, and just needs to be customized for Brett and his two wheelchairs.
I can't explain how excited we are to own a, (gulp) minivan that allows Brett to get out of the house and back into the community.
We were reenergized by the love and energy of the event! The last several months have been a challenge to say the least. Brett is finally admitting things are not "great" everyday, but we are all adjusting and making the most of each challenge that faces our family. Logistics are an ongoing concern. We are finding that wheelchair accessible usually means a wheelchair can fit through the door, but once inside a restaurant or store, actually moving a wheelchair around is a fine art.
The last several weeks have been emotional as we mark the first anniversary of the deaths of the close circle of family-My Grandpa Bob, Brett's Dad Wayne Sr, Aunt Jacqui, and finally, Brett's Mom Biz. These admirable and loving people all passed within 6 weeks of each other last spring.
I have posted a few recent pictures on the top left side of the blog-titled slideshow. Brett is getting stronger, and can ride his new arm bike for nearly an hour circling South High School parking lotl!
Much Love~
Kelly
My dear, sweet and amazingly determined girlfriends held a fundraiser on April 10.
They first posed the idea last June, just weeks after the accident. They wanted to help raise money for the still unknown, but surely daunting expenses that faced our family. Dozens of ideas for fundraising were discussed, they planned to recruit our friends, family and even strangers. They hoped to raise $10,000. Sure, I said. Thinking to myself, that is a crazy goal given the economy, and related job and housing markets and none of them had actually handled an event of this nature from start to finish.
These dedicated girlfriends kept meeting, throwing around ideas and found an angel in Mary McNicholas. Mary has a big, generous heart and hosts over 30 events each year. She was the guiding light in the whole process that glued together their ideas with solid fundraising experience. Fondly one of the hostesses described they spent the last several weeks in "Fundraising Bootcamp"!
We were the guests of honor at an AMAZING night of fun, auctions, great music, food and drinks. As you can see in the picture above, it was a beautiful venue. My girlfriends were frugal, shameless, and determined to create an evening that was full of laughs and profitable. They worked to get nearly all costs donated or reduced and subsequently they nearly doubled their goal!!!
The band, the Bongo Pygmies donated their awesome music to keep the evening lively! Marcy Kroonenberg brought in her ShutterBooth, and guests enjoyed having their pictures taken in the booth, developed on the spot, and this turned out to be a great party favor.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Co-Chairs and Hostesses of the Evening Kori Hauer, Michelle Kithcens, Melissa Morris, Joni Roberts and Missy Sidwell-Murray.
Final numbers are still rolling in, but we had enough money to put a deposit on a Honda Odyssey Mini Van that is brand new, has the wheelchair accessibility finished, and just needs to be customized for Brett and his two wheelchairs.
I can't explain how excited we are to own a, (gulp) minivan that allows Brett to get out of the house and back into the community.
We were reenergized by the love and energy of the event! The last several months have been a challenge to say the least. Brett is finally admitting things are not "great" everyday, but we are all adjusting and making the most of each challenge that faces our family. Logistics are an ongoing concern. We are finding that wheelchair accessible usually means a wheelchair can fit through the door, but once inside a restaurant or store, actually moving a wheelchair around is a fine art.
The last several weeks have been emotional as we mark the first anniversary of the deaths of the close circle of family-My Grandpa Bob, Brett's Dad Wayne Sr, Aunt Jacqui, and finally, Brett's Mom Biz. These admirable and loving people all passed within 6 weeks of each other last spring.
I have posted a few recent pictures on the top left side of the blog-titled slideshow. Brett is getting stronger, and can ride his new arm bike for nearly an hour circling South High School parking lotl!
Much Love~
Kelly
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
New Bike!
Hello All,
The bike fitting is complete, and we were able to get Brett on his new hand cycle! He was so excited, we drove the bike and lift (lift is necessary to transfer in and out of the wheelchair and in and out of the bike) over to the parking lot of South High School. Brett drove over in his power wheel chair with a beaming smile. Fortunately we had plenty of help and cheering committee from Frank Saya and his kids, Meredith (Brett's friend and Business Assistant) and Bob Kopetsky.
Such great progress for Brett to be able to propel the bike around for nearly 20 minutes on the bumpy surface of the parking lot. He was tired, but so excited to get outside and enjoy some exercise. Again, thank you to Dr. Michelle Wolcott, Joy Anderson, Julie Campbell and Meredith Bizer and team for all of your support and organization for the Bike fundraising. With the money from the Birthday Bash in November, we were able to purchase the bike, and all of the necessary customization needed (custom back rest, support system, seat and cover, hand pedals etc). Look for Brett circling Wash Park this summer.
Brett spent last week at Craig Hospital for his 6 month re-evaluation. Hard to believe he has been home for 6 months already! The great news-Brett has been very healthy. No major illnesses, skin issues, infections, colds or flu during the time he has been home. I know he was most proud of the strength he has regained in the limited muscles he has in his arms and wrists. His shoulders and neck muscles are 3 fold stronger than when he was discharged in late September.
We are excited about the spring weather, and opportunities to get outside more. We are so fortunate to have a beautiful park just blocks from our house.
Happy Spring!
Much Love~Kelly
PS, I posted a few more pictures of the bike outing. Look on the left column for Brett's Pictures.
The bike fitting is complete, and we were able to get Brett on his new hand cycle! He was so excited, we drove the bike and lift (lift is necessary to transfer in and out of the wheelchair and in and out of the bike) over to the parking lot of South High School. Brett drove over in his power wheel chair with a beaming smile. Fortunately we had plenty of help and cheering committee from Frank Saya and his kids, Meredith (Brett's friend and Business Assistant) and Bob Kopetsky.
Such great progress for Brett to be able to propel the bike around for nearly 20 minutes on the bumpy surface of the parking lot. He was tired, but so excited to get outside and enjoy some exercise. Again, thank you to Dr. Michelle Wolcott, Joy Anderson, Julie Campbell and Meredith Bizer and team for all of your support and organization for the Bike fundraising. With the money from the Birthday Bash in November, we were able to purchase the bike, and all of the necessary customization needed (custom back rest, support system, seat and cover, hand pedals etc). Look for Brett circling Wash Park this summer.
Brett spent last week at Craig Hospital for his 6 month re-evaluation. Hard to believe he has been home for 6 months already! The great news-Brett has been very healthy. No major illnesses, skin issues, infections, colds or flu during the time he has been home. I know he was most proud of the strength he has regained in the limited muscles he has in his arms and wrists. His shoulders and neck muscles are 3 fold stronger than when he was discharged in late September.
We are excited about the spring weather, and opportunities to get outside more. We are so fortunate to have a beautiful park just blocks from our house.
Happy Spring!
Much Love~Kelly
PS, I posted a few more pictures of the bike outing. Look on the left column for Brett's Pictures.
Monday, January 25, 2010
What's Up with Brett??
Happy New Year!
So, we have spent months updating about the family, basically to distract from Brett's slow but steady progress.
I asked Brett what he would like me to post and he said, "getting stronger".
Brett chose Joy Anderson as his Physical Therapist for his outpatient rehab. Brett and Joy worked together as PTs a few years ago, with mountains of respect for each other. They work well together, but also know how to make the other one tick to work hard and reach and exceed goals!
To put things into perspective, Brett was struggling to complete 30 seconds on the arm bike at CU Sports Medicine PT four months ago. He is now up to 2 minute intervals. He is regaining some small, but distinct and important wrist muscles. He is hoping to be able to pinch his pointer fingers and thumbs together for grasping. Brett and Joy ensure they include shoulder muscle stability and strength for his shoulders with hopes he can manage a manual wheel chair someday.
Thank you everyone for your generous donations for Brett's personal hand bike. It was delivered just last week. We will be taking the bike and Brett to the bike shop for a custom seat, handle bar, hand pedal system, wagon to pull the kids~just kidding. We are super excited!!!
Be patient, this is a long road.
Much Love,
Kelly
The family had a memorable Christmas Holiday season. Please see the recent photo updates.
So, we have spent months updating about the family, basically to distract from Brett's slow but steady progress.
I asked Brett what he would like me to post and he said, "getting stronger".
Brett chose Joy Anderson as his Physical Therapist for his outpatient rehab. Brett and Joy worked together as PTs a few years ago, with mountains of respect for each other. They work well together, but also know how to make the other one tick to work hard and reach and exceed goals!
To put things into perspective, Brett was struggling to complete 30 seconds on the arm bike at CU Sports Medicine PT four months ago. He is now up to 2 minute intervals. He is regaining some small, but distinct and important wrist muscles. He is hoping to be able to pinch his pointer fingers and thumbs together for grasping. Brett and Joy ensure they include shoulder muscle stability and strength for his shoulders with hopes he can manage a manual wheel chair someday.
Thank you everyone for your generous donations for Brett's personal hand bike. It was delivered just last week. We will be taking the bike and Brett to the bike shop for a custom seat, handle bar, hand pedal system, wagon to pull the kids~just kidding. We are super excited!!!
Be patient, this is a long road.
Much Love,
Kelly
The family had a memorable Christmas Holiday season. Please see the recent photo updates.
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