Rich Laverdure

Rich's saga started back on September 1st.  He was on his way to pick up a friend for bagels and coffee, but on the way was involved in a car accident.  Another large vehicle  turned left in front of him as he proceeded through the intersection.
We learned later at the emergency room at St. Joseph's hospital that his neck had been broken and was dislocated from the rest of his spine.  He underwent a 6 hour surgery to repair the break.  They used 12 screws and a few rods for good measure.
They were able to get his bones back in place, but due to the severity of his injuries and his lack of feeling and movement, the prognosis was that there was a good chance he was going to be a quadrapalegic. 
Through God's grace he now has sensation in all of his limbs and is able to move them!  He has amazed all of us, including the doctors!
He moved out of ICU and into St. Joe's neuro rehab facility on September 8th; just one week after the accident.  They have already started both physical and occupational therapy on him, and just as he did in ICU, is progressing quicker than anyone expected. 
He has an incredibly positive attitude and has told everyone that his goal is to walk out of the hospital, and shake everyone's hands!
We heard today that the rehab facility's goal is to discharge him from in-patient rehab in 4 weeks.  After that point, he will continue outpatient rehab for an undetermined amount of time.
He receives physical therapy 3 hours a day.  They spread it out over the day, and the times vary from day to day.  His therapy requires a lot of concentration on his part and he is very tired afterward.  We understand their policy is to only have therapy Monday - Friday, but he did have it this past Saturday. 
It is because of this schedule that the family requests that those friends who are interested in visiting Rich, please call before you come to the hospital.  We will let you know if he is in therapy or is feeling up to company.  The best days for visits will likely be Saturday or Sunday,  but again, please call first to see how he is feeling.  The family also please asks that the visits be limited to 20-30 minutes at a time.
Those of you that know Rich know well that he is very social and loves to talk to people, but too much of it right now wears him out and makes his breathing labored.
We will use this site to provide updates on his progress as we can.
Know that he and his family love and appreciate all of the prayers and positive thoughts coming his way.  Keep them coming.