-------------------UPDATES-------------------

by Kristen Mace

If anyone would like to be notified when updates are posted, email me with the subject "updates"  mighty_mace@epix.com

10/13/2009

Even some more great news from Hershey.   Yesterday Mikalah had her first meal of pureed chicken, peas, potatoes, applesauce, banana and a milkshake.   She is continuing to progress in her therapy at a rate that is surprising everyone. 

Today she actually spoke her first words since the accident.   Danielle entered the room in the morning and said good morning to her as she has been every morning, but this day Mikalah turned to her and said "Momma"   She says Momma and Dadda and some other small words and she is such a little trooper working hard to get herself better. 

This evening my Mom received a phone call from Danielle and on the other end she heard a faint "Ben-uh" (Brenda is my Mom's name)  She said it was so wonderful to hear her little voice and know things are getting better and better.   She still has a long way to go but as long as things are going as well as they have been, patience is not a problem.  

10/11/2009

Got some EXCELLENT news last night from Chuck and Danielle.....this is the copy/paste from the text message I got.  WOOHOO!! 

"Hey just wanted to update on Mikalah's status she is now eyes wide open and looking around she can only use her right side but that's very shaky her left side does not seem to want to move quite well she smiles and giggles at times she puckers up for kisses and rolls from side to side she still cant sit stand or talk not so sure she can see right but we are working on all that everyday in her therapy and if we are lucky we might be able to take her home in about two to three weeks but there will be along road ahead of us lots of in home rehab but its getting better everyday thanks for all your prayers and support and keep praying for her"

Looks like things are continuing to progress in the right direction, Keep up the thoughts and prayers everyone.

10/4/2009

More good news outta Hershey Med from the weekend!!  On quite a few occasions now Mikalah has been grinning ear to ear.   She is still in a stage 2 coma but she is becoming more and more responsive each day.   She has been responding to being tickled and sometimes when she is talked to.  This is a great sign of things to come and we hope and pray that each day she continues to progress at the rate she has been.  Keep up with the prayers, they are definitely working and miracles are happening each and every day.

9/30/2009

Little Mikalah is somewhat responding to therapy...today Chuck was trying to stimulate her by tickling her and she let out a cry/moan sound which was something new while opening her eyes to look at him.    The nurses said this is a wonderful sign and hopefully a preview of more to come.

9/28/2009

Received a text message from Danielle today with a little update.  (correction to previous post...therapy is 3-4 times a day, not week)

Mikalah had music therapy today which seemed to help a little.   They tried having her hit on a drum and hold a bell rattle while singing her songs while another therapist stretched her legs.  Her eyes opened and was watching for a little.  She gripped the bell rattle but did not shake it.   Hopefully as the therapy sessions continue, she will also continue to show improvements in her interaction and join in.

Any progress is a step in the right direction and we just have our fingers crossed that she continues to keep up the good work.

9/27/2009

Jana and I (Mike) got down to visit Mikalah tonight at the hospital.  You could definitely tell from my un-medical diagnosis that she was doing better than the last time we were down.  She was moving her arms and legs and we even got to see her open her eyes slightly.  It was either to see us, or because Chuck was playing with her nose.....either way, it was great to witness.     She will be starting her rehabilitation 3-4 times a day and have off the weekends.   I'm not sure of the exact details of what they will be doing but I imagine it will just be basic movement of her limbs to keep them flexible while she is resting for now. 

Her bed is loaded with stuffed animals and Looney Tunes was on the TV when we arrived.   They are all ready for her to open them eyes and realize Mom and Dad as well as Pap are right there by her side. 

9/25/2009

Latest update!
Mikalah was transferred from the picu (pediatric intensive care unit) to the rehab floor and starts passive physical therapy tomorrow. She is still not awake yet but she has opened her eyes reflexively which is a good sign. She is also following voices with her eyes. She is still considered 'not awake' though.
From a medical standpoint this is still a really really good sign. it shows that her cranial nerves are functioning ie: hear voices look to see who is talking.
Things are progressing and that's all we can ask for!

I hope to see everyone this weekend at the bake sale. I'll be stopping by early Saturday and on Sunday.
You don't even have to buy baked goods just come out and show love!

9/25/2009

Heres the most recent update! I got a phone call from Dani today that said Mikalah opened her eyes! She is blinking and licking her lips as welll. She's not awake and responsive yet but I feel positive that its only a matter of time now - MIRACLES ARE HAPPENING! She also said that it looks as if she appears to try to follow your hand when you put it in front of her eyes.
From a medical standpoint this is awesome!!! Everyday Meccy is progressing little by little and at this point that is what she needs to do BABY STEPS! (I mean hey, she IS a baby!)

I'll keep updating as much as I can - Keep praying guys, I can't tell you how much everyone in our family appreciates it.

Its truly wonderful to see everyone pull together like this... keep it coming gang - oh and don't forget to check out the events page about the Dance!!

Katie and I are going to meet to work out the details so let us know if you have any questions!

9/24/2009

ok so I got a phone update from Danielle.
Our little Meccy was having a little bit of a rough night last night with an increased heart rate and alot of agitation (grunting etc). Turns out she had a very large poop this morning and is now stable again.
I think we can all relate to that agitation ;-)

9/23/2009

I just got home from the hospital and Meccy is doing better then when i seen her last (monday).

She is sighing and yawning at this point and she was also trying to poop when i was there!!!! (she was grunting - he he).
From a medication stand point these are excellent signs! Yawning is a brainstem activity and this is where Meccy has some damage... think about it...do you "try" to yawn? Nope! Yawning is your brain telling you that you need less CO2 and more O2. So Meccy yawning means there is a part of her brainstem that is working. Its also a good thought because she wasn't originally doing this and now she is --- so she's progressing!

Until my next update....Keep the power of prayer!

9/23/2009

Mikalah is currently in the pediatric intensive care wing of the Hershey Medical Center.  She is getting some much needed rest and healing time.  She has not awaken from the accident as of late and has been receiving medication to provide comfort and allow the body to heal.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.