Happy Valentine's Day
Gracie had a nice Valentine’s weekend… Paul, Lori, and Elizabeth (Gracie’s uncle, aunt, and cousin) arrived on Friday, and had dinner with Bill and Emily on Saturday night. Gracie’s friend Hanna and her mom also came out on Saturday and spent the weekend with Gracie. No greater gift on Valentine’s Day than love, family and friends.
Gracie is getting better with talking… they deflate the cuff that allows her to breather past the trach, and she’s spent upwards of 40 minutes being able to talk. It’s mostly words and short phrases, and it is still uncomfortable for her, but she’s getting better.
She’s also spent more time in the wheelchair, and even went outside for about 5 minutes (it was too cold to stay out any longer!). We’ve had some challenges making the transition from bed to chair (ventilators are really finicky!), but it’s great to see Gracie moving around.
It’s been a bit frustrating waiting on getting her into the rehabilitation process as we go through all of the evaluations (and a bout of fever that she’s over now), but today she got onto an exercise bike where they electrically stimulated her muscles to exercise her legs. It’s great to get the process going.
We saw many of the pictures from the concert last night… thank you all for your prayers and love.
XO,
Debbie
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The Concert for Gracie was a wonderful event last night! Through the generosity of over 250 people, we were able to raise just over $9,000.
We would also like thank KJEE and Dave Hanacek, Independent, American Silkscreen, KEYT3 and John Palmenteri, Kid’s Helping Kid’s, Notes for Notes, and the Blind Tiger. Also, a general thank you to the amazing musicians, the volunteers, and Team Gracie!
Here are a few photos from the event:
Comments (19)
Good going all around. Thank you for the great update. Sitting some, speaking some, "riding" a very special bike...this sounds like solid progress. Hooray for Gracie and the amazing team supporting her.
Great news! So glad to hear there is progress being made and so much love being shared. Praying for all of you. Tracey
Wonderful news! In all areas. Thanks to KEYT I saw clips of the event hosted by John Palminteri. Everyone continues to amaze me. Amazing Gracie and amazing Fishers and amazing network of friends.
Awesome news. Keep working hard. Continuing prayers and positive thoughts. Much love to all the Fishers!
Thank you Debbie. Sounds like one step at a time but it seems progress is being made and for that we're all very, very grateful. Loved seeing that wonderful picture of you and our beautiful, smiling Gracie! Absolutely made my morning. Positive thoughts and prayers everyday for Gracie's continued recovery and for your whole crew's comfort and happiness. Love and miss you all very much.
So happy to hear of Gracie's progress. Poco a poco! Also love seeing her beautiful smile. Hang in there, Mom. You're doing a wonderful job with Gracie and keeping us informed.
I will say, from (too much) experience, that the home ventilator systems are much easier to deal with than the hospital ones. They are much more comfortable, small, light, (maybe one - two pounds?) and It is easy to transfer, shower, and move around with them. Once Hal had his own personalized ventilator, he always insisted on using it, even at the hospital. I do hope Gracie won't need to stay on a ventilator too much longer, but if she does, the home units are much much nicer.
Debbie it was a wonderful concert. So great to see everyone supporting Grace and your family. So glad to hear you are making some progress I will pray for a faster pace. ;-)
Good job Gracie! You are a hard worker and an achiever.... This must be REALLY hard work but you are making progress! Keep it up, we are all rooting for you!!! I love the photo of you and your Mom. I'm sending my love every day.
Wonderful event...So much love from the community, talent from Gracie's friends, and even generosity from complete strangers! Opens the heart and uplifts the spirits...always a good thing!
Good news for you all Debbie!! Lots of bumps in the rehab road. Always good to look back an see how far you've come, not how far you have to go. You'll get there. All our love and support for you all!!
It is so great to see that progress is being made and Gracie looks absolutely beautiful. I can imagine that being able to go outside and get some fresh (and cold) air feels fantastic. The generosity of everyone is amazing and shows Gracie and the family how much they are loved and that they are in everyone's hearts and in everyone's mind!! Keep up the good word Gracie.
Baby Steps turn into Giant Steps Great Job Gracie. We are cheering for you each day knowing the strength and love of family and friends will get you through this. We're with you all the way🎆 Hugs from Nancy and Clint
Great news Debbie. Thanks for sharing. We are all praying for your family.
So very glad the concert last night was successful. We are all delighted to hear of your progress Gracie and ya gotta know that we all think of you every day. The Luke Theatre will be sponsoring a Goonies for Gracie evening in March. We have found a grant that will pay all the expenses so everything we raise will go directly to your fund! So glad you are enjoying a little snow time - ha! There is plenty of it. We send our love, hopes and prayers to you. Love, Gerrie
Beautiful progress Grace! You look amazing! Kiss your mom for me- she's amazing too! XxOo "One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time." John Wanamaker
I love seeing the photo of you, Gracie! Sending you hugs hugs hugs! Love, Peggy
Beautiful picture Gracie. Love seeing your smile, and hearing the good news. Praying for you daily. Love, Vanessa
Thinking of you sweet Gracie! Love, Peggy