Hello Everyone!  

It's been a while, I hope this finds you all well in the new year!  

There's a few new updates to report:

Jeff had an MRI done last week and Kempa met with the neurosurgeon, who also preformed Jeff's brain surgery, to discuss the results today.  The good news is there is no new damage.  There was again no indication of why Jeff had the stroke or that he would have another one.  He told her the physical therapy during these next 2-3 years will be imperative to his recovery.  

Although Jeff remains immobile, some notable gains he's made over the last few months are:  

• He continues to make more frequent and consistent "awe" sounds
• He still has a feeding tube, but now gets to have small amounts of strawberry yogurt and applesauce for pleasure
• Just last week, he was able to move his thumb to shuffle songs on Kempa's phone when she placed it in his hand 

On Friday, Jeff will be evaluated to see if he would benefit from using a gaze-enabled speech device.  This is a device completely controlled with your eyes that then verbalizes your gaze.  Please specifically pray that this goes well and he would be able to utilize this device!  

Jeff and the family still desperately need our prayers and support as this has been and continues to be a long road.  Kempa's strength, faith, love and devotion remain unshakable and she is a true inspiration to all of us around her.

Lastly, the Burd family was chosen to be the recipient of a annual fundraiser hosted by a local State Farm Insurance Agent, Nanette McClelland-Miller.  Please come and pass the event information along to anyone you think would want to attend!  It will be a fun event for us all to gather and show our support!