Hello everyone - we apologize for the delay in our responses and lack of updates as the last couple weeks have been full of ups and downs. Dana has made some great progress and then backtracked a bit, but she is improving nonetheless. 

This past week, Dana was transferred to a wheelchair and brought down to the physical therapy gym for the first time where she was able to perform a few minutes on the seated elliptical bike, pumping her arms and legs back and forth. Then, she was brought to the parallel bars and, with the help of her PT’s, was able to stand and take a few steps while holding onto the bars!!

They plan to continue to focus on trying to get her to walk, though she is still unable to sit up, hold herself upright, or stand on her own, so we know that it will take time and practice. She is off to an amazing start, however, and we couldn’t be more proud!!!

Additionally, Dana was unable to pass the swallowing test in order to begin the process of decannulation; she was not able to safely control and swallow pure liquids or chew and swallow any solid food - however, she was able to successfully swallow thickened liquids and they have begun attempting to integrate thickened liquids, such as juice nectar, into her diet. This is wonderful progress as we were told just two weeks ago she may never be able to swallow, talk, or eat again. She continues to defy all odds placed against her. 

Dana had a great few days last week but has hit a few rough patches since. While she was able to get thickened liquids added to her diet, she has only been able to swallow a couple spoonfuls before getting fatigued or failing to swallow successfully, has come down with a bug that has seemingly left her fatigued and discouraged, and has been unable to successfully complete or participate in speech and physical therapy. 

Dana is still struggling to remain awake for long periods of time and continues to fall into deep, comatose-like sleeps in which they are unable to wake her from, despite being given provigil to stimulate and keep her awake. She remains asleep and/or unresponsive for most hours of the day, is still unable to speak, and still cannot support and/or hold herself up. She has begun to open her left eye for about a minute at a time on her own, however, is still unable to open her right eye. 

Regardless of the many ups and downs she has experienced over the last few weeks, our amazing mom, wife, friend, and more continues to surprise us all and beat the odds that have been placed against her. Although she is not able to do much, she is slowly but surely improving and has progressed immensely given her prognosis just a few short weeks ago. We are truly blessed that she is still here with us today and beginning to recover.

We will continue to update you all as best we can and cannot thank you all enough for your overwhelming love and support. We have a long road ahead of us but one heck of a fighter leading the way!

We are wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday with your loved ones and hope you all have a Happy New Year.