Wednesday August 23
We’ve had several sparks of hope and clear reminders of Stephanie’s strength, courage, and determination in the past day. The doctors started weaning Stephanie off her sedation medication on Monday, and she is slowly waking. This process will be very slow as her medical teams monitor how she responds. But, she has moved her hands and feet. Dennis felt her squeeze his hand. She clamped down on the respirator mouthpiece when the nurse tried to change it out. And she opened her eyes for a brief while. After being so still for so long (quite the opposite of how Steph normally lives), this has been so great.
With every sign of progress, there are little set backs. This is going to be the reality of this journey. I don’t have the full details of the setbacks, nor do I understand them. And honestly, we’d all rather focus on the positive and celebrate how far she’s already come.
Thank you so much for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers and for continuing to send healing energy and words/pictures of encouragement. As you think of her these days, you might even visualize her alert and responsive to touch/talk (some of the more immediate goals). When she’s ready, we’ll read and share your comments with her to help her realize the cheering squad that is out there for her and just how much we all believe in her.
Thank you all for your support! #GoStephGo
ps// If you're interested in financially supporting Steph's road to recovery & longtetm needs, we've started a Go Fund Me campaign to provide that opportunity (link below). Any little bit can help, but know that ultimately it's the cheers & positive energy you send that are most important! Big thanks to those who have already contributed to her recovery in SO many ways!
https://www.gofundme.com/gostephgo
Comments (15)
Thank you for this good news and for these updates. You all are in our thoughts often.
That is wonderful, encouraging news!!!!! Keep up the good work Stephanie! We continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult journey! Scott & Ann (Bloms) Korthof - Spooner
Go Steph go❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for the updates! Very very encouraging news. Seems like she has an amazing set of caretakers at the hospital and the support continues to be felt around the world.
Thank you for the update. Glad to hear -- it sounds like she's ready to be done with this and fighting towards recovery. Steph and Dennis have been in my thoughts and prayers (plus those of a group of sisters, a bunch of priests, and others I work with) since hearing of the accident. Keep going - excelsior!
Go Steph Go!!
Thank you for the update. Being on an 11-month journey to recovery ourselves, I just received these words of encouragement and try to hang on to them - "Progress is best gauged in weeks not days since daily progress is so hard to see." I know it will be hard but try not to get discouraged with little set backs. Stephanie is a very strong-willed young lady and she will get through this. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers daily. The Willson Family
I'm praying for you and meditating on you everyday, girl. I can feel you in my heart, still shining so brightly. Love love love love love love love
This is such great news! Keep fighting Steph. I'm thinking of you every day and praying for you and the journey ahead.
Stephanie, I always think of you coming into the library to see your mother in your St. Francis uniform with a big smile on your face. As time went by, I didn't see you as much because you were so busy! You are again busy, busy getting better! I know your loved ones look forward to seeing that big smile soon. Keep on keepin' on, Stephanie. You can do it! I'm praying constantly for you and your whole family.
Everyt day we think of you. Keep be strong and fighting Stephanie, you can do this ! Bisous
Stephanie- your strength is incredible. Know that you have so many of us around the globe rooting for you and envisioning your strong, steady, successful recovery. One step at a time, girl. You've got this!!! ❤️
Hi Stephanie ! You don't know me but I went to PT school with Bridie and I work at scripps green as a PT and I pray for you on the way to work and yell "Go Steph Go!" as I pass by scripps memorial. I will keep you in my thoughts and to root and pray for you!! Keep crushing it. Natalie
Stephanie, thinking of you today from over here in D.C. You are an amazing, incredibly strong person, and are showing us all what it means to fight. Sending you all the positive energy I can muster and looking so forward to the next positive update. You are in really excellent hands, surrounded by love, family, and friends, both near and far! Chase
No one stronger or more determined than Stephanie! I believe in you! Prayers from Wisconsin ongoing!