November 22, 2008

A GUEST POST FROM JUDI BROWN, rjbrown03@msn.com

Friends helping friends...planning, praying, visiting, cooking and most important, sharing! It's all working for ME as you have all seen from the blog! Her recovery process at the University of Washington has been accelerated incredibly by the intensity of the rehab they have to offer ME.

However, according to her insurance company, her 30 days of "in hospital rehab" have been depleted for the year. ME's therapists and doctors at the UW Hospital feel there is SO much more that can be accomplished in just a few more short weeks. With a bit more sharing, along with some real creativity, we, family and friends, can play a part in making this happen.

Dave's goal is to bring ME directly home from the University. To that end, ME is learning how she can best assist a caretaker in her everyday routine. Watching her drive a wheelchair, sit on the end of her bed, reach for various objects, and be able to assist her therapists in transfers from bed to chair to exercise equipment is truly a sight to behold. Watching her write peoples names, play Blackjack and hangman (and beat the therapist) and read anything put in front of her is amazing. Her communication skills have improved incredibly and with more and more vocalization comes more and more demands by ME!!! You go, girl!!

So, here's the plan-----PROJECT 22 SKIDDOO----22 captains of 22 teams each raising $2200.00 to get ME 22 more days of rehab before she can " SKIDDOO from the U". From coast to coast we'll see how many people we can get involved and just how creative you can all get. Online Auction? Gourmet Spaghetti Dinner? Midwinter Golf Tournament (complete with Hot Chocolate & Peppermint Schnapps)? Holiday Cocktail Party and Dessert Auction? 5 or 10K Sponsored Run? The list is endless! ME would want us to have some fun with this project, so let's not let her down.

Dave will be opening a “benevolent” account at WAMU on Monday, the 24th. You will be able to walk into any branch office, across the country, and make a deposit. More details on this will posted early next week.

Just email Judi @ rjbrown03@msn.com and let her know if you would like to be a captain. As a captain, you might want to involve friends who may not actually know ME & Dave personally, but know their story and would like to be a part of this journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email Judi Brown (509-966-7873) or Dave (509-961-3350). And with all of that said, a thought to leave you with: "If we are to have an impact on the world around us, we must add feet to our faith and hands to our love."