6.15.08

Great photos from yesterday's benefit, huh? Thanks again to every single person who helped, attended, organized and donated. Here are some more great images from Jennie (link below).

http://targetphoto.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8tlpgf8.7p7zald4&x=0&y=-3lh1hk&localeid=en_US

Also, Courtney had so many people asking her about the shirts, that she is going to place another order for Steve O T-shirts. The rough deadline is June 30. If you'd like a shirt, you can contact her at 256-828-9325, 256-755-7585 or cjlburrough20@gmail.com. Thanks Courtney!

Steve slept soundly last night. When I just spoke with Mare, she said that they were just heading back to the room with Steve. I think they were going to the 6th floor family room in the other building. That's definitely the farthest excursion that Steven has had within Shepherd. MaryAnn is now signed off on the vent which means she can take him out of his room without a nurse, provided that she has someone to assist her. And she had April on hand, so they were free to roam. April also stayed with Steve last night. Awesome.

And Happy Father's Day Joe! Thinking of you! I hope you had a good drive back to the house.

6.14.08

Steve had a good day yesterday. In the morning, he had one last visit from Courtney, Jim and Bubby. Word on the street is that Bubby did a little jig, which earned a Steve-O smile. Sorry to out you Bubby, but good work.

This morning Steve had another scary episode when his trach became clogged again and he wasn't getting enough oxygen. These are truly terrifying moments. And this is why it will be necessary for someone to be close to Steve 24 hours a day once he's home.

Lex was in and showed Steve and the crew a video of a wrestling match where he was wearing hot pink pants. Ah, the 80s. Ah spandex. I'm sure that made Steve smile too.

So to recap, if you want to make Steve smile, do a jig or wear fuschia tights. And if you do both, well then it would be clear that you really, REALLY love Steve.

As for the benefit in Huntsville, Kris said that it is a sea of green Steve-O shirts. A phenomenal turnout, over 50 cars including two fire trucks and my fathers old, much-beloved 1989 Caprice Classic wagon (which my dad gave to Steve, pretty much as a toy. who knew it would become legendary), two bouncy houses, a Coca-Cola refreshment trailer, etc. etc. The yard sale alone raised $1,900 so far! (Thanks Jennie!)

Massive worldwide hugs and thanks from MaryAnn, Joe, Kris and Steve to Jeremy and Jason for putting this car show together. I know they are feeling the love. Kris is going to email me some photos later and I will include them on my next post. Oh, and thank you to every single person who attended the event today. I am moved to tears by the generosity and I'm so grateful that Steven is the recipient of so much love and goodwill.

6.12.08

Steve had a solid day. He started off by taking his first shower. I can't imagine how good having his head under running water must have felt. Later in the day he had a visit from Courtney, Jim and Bubby. Old friends make even a good day better.(Steve used to work with Jim operating backhoes, and then worked for a time with Jim's dad who is a plumber. Bubby was going to be Steve's roommate once Steve closed on his first house. This was due to happen four days after the accident. Courtney, Jim's wife, is the friend/mastmind behind the Steve O T-shirts.)

This afternoon Steve used the electrode bike and rode it for 13 minutes. Since he is on the respirator, he can't breathe faster during physical activities, so you have to keep a close eye on his oxygen levels. From what I've read, Christopher Reeve's doctors credit some of his regained function and sensation from workouts which include using a bike like this one.

Assistive Technology was in and said that they need to wait for Steve's eyes to heal more before he'd be able to use the eye recognition software. So they gave MaryAnn and Joe some contacts in Alabama who should be able to set Steve up with the right software.

Did I mention that Joe is back? Yeah, he got back to Atlanta late last night.

6.11.08

Steve had a fever last night of 101.6 when Mare left. But he slept all night and was still asleep after 9 this morning. Right now he's doing pretty well. Kris left a little earlier today. I know it's always tough for Steve when Kris leaves....

And so, let's talk about this Atlanta roadtrip we're pulling together. Jennie B is kind enough to organize, so if you are interested in joining the crew, please email her (jbfitness13@mchsi.com) with a few dates that work for you. We've been talking about June 21 as a tentative date, so please indicate if that works for you. Once we have a firm head count, we will figure out the kind of vehicle we're going to rent. Woo hoo! This is awesome. Thanks to all of you who are so eager to join the smile brigade across state lines.

Speaking of lines, back at the house in AL, unfortunately, the main water pipe to the house was cut, so last night, Joe was bathing in the hot tub. I'm sure Skip (their black lab) was quite amused.

Nikki, Steve did get your poster and card and wanted to tell you but MaryAnn doesn't have your email. So thank you!!!

6.10.08

Steve had a fever last night and this morning--102. He was taken off of an antibiotic that the infectious disease doctor wanted for him to remain on, so now he is getting it again. Hopefully that will nip this fever. His temp is currently 100, and he's in bed for today. He'll have to give that bike a whirl tomorrow.

So Steve's leave date from Shepherd Center has indeed been moved to July 2. He said that this is good since it will give the house crew more time to get it all done (Thanks guys).

I have to say that I am thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the van offer. The date is flexible, whenever is best for you guys. I am wondering if someone there could be the point person. Jennie, I think I have your email, would it be ok with you if we were to coordinate? You could round up the crew on your end, and I could communicate with Uncle Joe about logistics so that we can make sure everything is covered. Cool?

The Atlanta newspaper is doing a story on Lex Luger, and took a photo of Steve with Lex today. Gotta love the Lex. He always makes Steve smile. He's a riot. I assume the paper will be available online, so if you remember, check that out this weekend.

Finally, I want to remind everyone about the Steve Collins benefit event in Huntsville this weekend. (This includes the yard sale right? if so, it's clear that a boy made this flyer. A girl would never leave off the yard sale!) I couldn't post the flyer, so here is a link to it. Massive hugs and thanks to EVERYONE who had a hand in this.

http://flipbit.com/collins/SteveFlyer.pdf

And of course, thank you to Jimmy who posted a comment and everyone else who is raising money for Steve with the Swim Around Key West on June 22. That's a 12.5 mile swim! If you'd like to make a contribution to Jim's swim, his email is jsingelyn@gmail.com.

http://www.fkccswimaroundkeywest.com/

I am overusing the phrase Thank you in this post, I know. So I will say that I deeply appreciate the response to my request for posts. Muchos gracias my friend.

6.9.08

A bit later than expected, but I'm glad to report that Steve was more comfortable today than he has been over the past few days. Kris is staying with him again tonight. Tomorrow during PT, Steve's going to get on the bike that will put electrodes onto his muscles. He is really excited about that.

Tomorrow will mark 79 days that Steven has been living in a hospital room. 24 hours a day--you can just imagine the boredom. Everyone has been so good about providing positive messages or just admitting how boring things are on their end, and once more, I am going to ask for you to share your tales. Seriously, I want big numbers on the Comments. Steve needs you. I know that he and MaryAnn are running out of topics to cover.

And since we are not sure how firm the June 18th release date is, Steve is likely going to need some company too. My brother (Uncle Joe) wants to rent a van for a bunch of friends to drive to Atlanta together. (Of course, van and gas paid for). Uh, road trip to see one of the most awesome friends you know? Hello. I'd take him up on it fo' sure. So bear that in mind.

6.9.08

Steve slept well last night. He no longer had a fever as of this morning and when I talked to MaryAnn at about 9:40, they were about to get Steve into his chair for the day. He usually has PT at 10 followed by OT--so I may not have another update until around noon when he has a break in his schedule.