The new year seems to have finally kicked in.
For one, Steve's feeling a little better and his mood is a little brighter. That could be thanks to the weekend visitors: Melissa, Amanda, Austin, Boomer, Jim, Courtney, Brandon, Jeremy, Melissa and Sydney; and then he rounded out his Saturday with Kris and Ashley taking the overnight. This weekend Steve also got back to his neck exercises, something that he wasn't able to do between the discomfort and infections in the last number of weeks.
And as most of you have probably heard (or read in the comments), the FDA approved clinical trials for stem cell research, which could have HUGE implications for Steven's future. Yes, yes!
And, (yes, there's more) the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act was passed which will work toward the support and enhancement of paralysis research (expands research on paralysis at the National Institutes of Health), rehabilitation (builds on research to enhance daily function for people with paralysis, including a Clinical Trials Network, to measure effectiveness of certain rehabilitation tactics and encouraging shared findings on paralysis to improve rehabilitation, and quality of life programs (works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities).
So, things are looking a bit brighter, a bit better. And we are so grateful. As always, thanks for checking in. Hope is a powerful thing and I know Steven continues to have a solid family of hope here. Thank you.