What a whirlwind 4 months.   I wanted to take a moment to update you and thank all of you for your generosity, prayers and support during this time of healing .

 In true Rysha fashion, she has made a remarkable recovery!

We were able to come face to face with the stent that saved her life (or at least an exact replica.  see photos)  It looks like a giant Chinese finger trap!  This is unchartered territory for all of us.  There is no data on 17 year olds with aortic stents.  The vascular surgeon is hopeful Rysha will have no complications and that this will mend the aorta completely.  But because of the lack of data, we are part of the Vascular family for the rest of her life and will see him annually.  I have added some photos of the before and after of her tear and the repair of the stent. 

Her ankle recovery has come along well.  She is walking around and working again with minimal limp.  She has been going to the gym to ride the bike and walk the treadmill which helps with mobility and strength.  She was even able to do some pretty nice hiking on our vacation to Colorado.  Those pins aren't slowing her down much. 

Her ribs and back have healed up well and the various cuts and bruises are still on their way.  She has seen a plastic surgeon to help with the scars - especially her hand that she is really anxious to have repaired.  There still seems to be glass finding it's way to the surface of her hand periodically, which is very strange- but makes sense. 

Rysha graduated and is in her first few weeks of college.  She is driving again and is doing well, only having some issues when it is raining- which is to be expected.  Admittedly, I have a bit of anxiety when she is out driving around- especially after seeing the car, and hearing from the crash expert that he cannot understand from the data how she survived.  The crash was the equivalent of her driving into a concrete wall going 80mph.  He wasn't the first person to tell me this, the paramedic told me he was surprised there was a "live body" that came out of that car- let alone- getting herself out! Scary stuff!

We are all a little more kind, a little more patient, and a lot more appreciative of the community we have.  So many people came together to rally for Rysha and to support us so we could support her.   We really are so very blessed and know that this girl is destined for AMAZING things.  God created her to be fierce and resilient.  I can't wait to see what her future holds. 

Thank you all for the outpouring of love, the prayers, and support in many forms.  We are truly humbled by all of the love.  My heart is full. 

Love you all! 

Julie