Journal entry by Kari Swirth —
Hey Joan followers :) First, thank you to all who have provided dinner and donations to my family. We are truly thankful to all of you. If you are still interested in donating or providing dinner/meal please sign up with the links below.
Meal Train
GoFundMe
Second, we are now at the point where my dad is needing to return to work...with that being said we are actively looking for a caretaker/companion. This person does not need any medical knowledge, just assisting mom in every day activities. This would be a full time position with an unknown end date. If you or know someone who is interested/would like more info please either call/text/email me (Kari). 715-559-4742 or kariswirth@gmail.com
Now, onto the Joanie update. Wow! She has only been home for 3ish weeks and her improvements are amazing! Her confidence in herself/walking/moving has also grown. She still needs assistance standing and walking to the restroom, bedroom and dining room but is getting noticeably stronger every day. Yesterday for lunch was her first time sitting in a chair vs sitting in her wheel chair at the table. She did wonderful and felt much more "normal". She is able to shower and dress herself with very little assistance. She is going to therapy 2-3 times a week and is loving being able to get out of the house. We are seeing more movements in her right arm. She is able to hold her right arm up about 25% and wiggle her fingers. Her right leg is also moving more. She has more control over her right leg than arm but, that is common. The arm will come with time!
This weekend mom and I went SHOPPING! How exciting. Our favorite activity :) We went to the mall, Ross & Goodwill. This was a huge endeavor for her and cant wait until we can have our full shopping days together again!
Also, for anyone who is keeping up with her hair journey....coloring and cutting was on the top priority list when she came home ;)
Thanks again to everyone for staying up to date with how mom has been doing, donating, praying, sending cards, etc. We could not have gotten through all of this without you. We are far from full recovery but, having her home and her stubborn attitude will get her through it.
Extra love,
The Kolles
Meal Train
GoFundMe
Second, we are now at the point where my dad is needing to return to work...with that being said we are actively looking for a caretaker/companion. This person does not need any medical knowledge, just assisting mom in every day activities. This would be a full time position with an unknown end date. If you or know someone who is interested/would like more info please either call/text/email me (Kari). 715-559-4742 or kariswirth@gmail.com
Now, onto the Joanie update. Wow! She has only been home for 3ish weeks and her improvements are amazing! Her confidence in herself/walking/moving has also grown. She still needs assistance standing and walking to the restroom, bedroom and dining room but is getting noticeably stronger every day. Yesterday for lunch was her first time sitting in a chair vs sitting in her wheel chair at the table. She did wonderful and felt much more "normal". She is able to shower and dress herself with very little assistance. She is going to therapy 2-3 times a week and is loving being able to get out of the house. We are seeing more movements in her right arm. She is able to hold her right arm up about 25% and wiggle her fingers. Her right leg is also moving more. She has more control over her right leg than arm but, that is common. The arm will come with time!
This weekend mom and I went SHOPPING! How exciting. Our favorite activity :) We went to the mall, Ross & Goodwill. This was a huge endeavor for her and cant wait until we can have our full shopping days together again!
Also, for anyone who is keeping up with her hair journey....coloring and cutting was on the top priority list when she came home ;)
Thanks again to everyone for staying up to date with how mom has been doing, donating, praying, sending cards, etc. We could not have gotten through all of this without you. We are far from full recovery but, having her home and her stubborn attitude will get her through it.
Extra love,
The Kolles
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