Latest update from Chuck:

I am sorry about the long delay with updates on my caring bridge site. Kathy and I have been very busy settling into our new norm. Last Friday, August 23rd was the one-year anniversary of my accident. I am happy to announce that all is continuing to go very well with my recovery.  I am continuing go to therapy 5 days a week.  As is normal, the transplanted skin on my extensive skin grafts continues to shrink. This will probably continue for up to an additional 6 months.  My therapy consists mainly of stretching this skin and stretching my range of motion with my fingers, hands and arms.  Therapy is rather slow but it is very affective and I am pleased with the results.  I have gained dramatic improvements in my daily functions and my abilities for self-care. 

I went back into the hospital on August 14 for some minor surgical procedures.  The skin grafts on my right arm and on my neck had become very tight and this was significantly restricting my range of motion. The procedure consisted of cutting the skin on my arm and neck, straightening my arm and straightening my neck and adding skin grafts in both locations. I was only in the hospital for 2 days and everything was successful. I am already feeling the relief.

I have had another huge milestone. After almost one year, on August 14 my driver’s license was reinstated. I am now driving myself to therapy and running life’s many daily errands. This has been a huge life-changing freedom.  For 8 months, from mid-December 2018 to mid-August 2019 I had to depend on others for all of my transportation needs. I have had about 12 of my friends and airport buddies who continued to volunteer to drive me to therapy 5 days a week. Kathy also drove me to all of my doctor appointments.  I am really enjoying my new freedom. I want to thank my many drivers who unselfishly gave up their time and stuck with me through my transportation needs.

I am still receiving home care 5 days a week to help me with my bathing, bandaging and dressing needs.

While I have made good progress on many fronts, I do have some areas that will need further attention.  My right hand suffered severe burns from the fire and has very limited function. I can’t bend my fingers on this hand and can flex them only about one-half inch. The doctors tell me that most likely the tendons on this hand have bonded to the surrounding structures of bone and tissue.  There is some hope that by surgically releasing these tendons I may be able to gain some function in this hand.

Also, I hope to have reconstructive surgery on my right eye at some point in the future to improve its appearance, increase the size of the opening and improve the function of the eyelids.

I also anticipate several laser treatments over my many scar areas.  This is to relax and soften the scar tissue and provide a better range of motion.

I consider all of these future treatments to be very manageable in comparison to what I have already been through. 

Regarding life in general, I have enjoyed several trips this summer. In early June Kathy and I went to Duluth for 3 days for a nice getaway.

In late June Kathy rented a Lake home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. We spent a week relaxing, fishing and riding around the Lake on a pontoon boat with family.

On July 20th I went to Sheboygan, Wisconsin to the annual T28 formation clinic.  A friend of mine generously came along and helped me with my care needs on the trip. I told my story and gave a presentation on fire safety in the cockpit, which was very well received.  It was great seeing the formation gang again. From there, my friend and I went to Oshkosh for 3 days to see the annual air show and visit with more of my flying friends.

Most recently in early September, Kathy and I went to San Francisco to see our son Nathan, our daughter-in-law Denise and our 16-month-old grandson Lachlan. What a delightful, happy little guy. It has been a summer of travel and fun. And, of course, many visits a week from our granddaughter Eleanora - what a breath of fresh air and excitement  

Thank you everyone for your many kind words, the many cards and your prayers for my recovery.  I cannot say how much this means to me.  Your concern, support and love has been extremely helpful for my attitude.

Also, I must acknowledge Kathy and Courtnie, who have been absolutely unwavering in their continued care for me. I don’t know what I would have done without them. They are truly angels from heaven.

I must also give recognition and thanks to the many doctors and nurses and therapists and other hospital staff at HCMC.  Together they have made my survival possible and my recovery what it is today.

All of this combined with spending large amounts of time with my family and friends has really kept my spirits up and my motivation strong. I can honestly say that I have not had many down days.  I consider myself very blessed.  I am very thankful for the many functions I do have and I have gained an extreme appreciation for the joys of every day.