8.25.08

The techs from the wheelchair company came and brought over the wheelchair parts that Steve had been waiting for. The pole for his feeding tube was installed, as well as his new head piece. These elements will allow for more mobility. Now Joe can attach Steve's portable vent so that he will be able to move about more freely. This is huge! The chair is much more comfortable and Steve's just about all set to go!

Steve had tons of company today. It was Joe's birthday. And Kylie's, she turned four! Happy Birthday Joe and Kylie!

Below are the photos from my recent visit to AL. Steve looks pretty great huh? Nice to see that smile. And the place looks amazing, doesn't it?

Tomorrow I leave on a trip to Greece for one of my best friend's weddings, so I won't be posting for the next week or so. In the meantime, feel free to keep Steve busy by dropping a line of encouragement and love. Thanks all, I'll see you soon. xo Aunt Jean.

6.20.08

Here's a photo from a party that Marie had with friends after last Saturday's basketball game. Everyone was so moved by Steve's fight and determination, that Team Steve-O just keeps growing and growing. The fundraiser was an amazing success. Once again, thank you to each and every person who contributed and particpated. The whole family is so grateful.


Movie night was a hit last night. Steve had quite a few laughs. They are changing the format, and going to go with one movie, so there is more hang time. Ya know, boy bonding. Good stuff. Kris and Asley slept over last night and Steve's lungs seem to be much improved over a few nights ago. MaryAnn and Joe located an eye doctor who has a wheelchair accessible office, so now Steve will finally get to receive a new prescription once they schedule an appointment. That's all for tonight folks.

8.19.08

Thanks for the offers of help with the inventory! Thankfully, MaryAnn's got the help she needs now.

Steven's chest is sore from the increased amount of suctioning due to the sinus infection. He's also had a low grade fever on and off and some temperature discomfort.

Yesterday Steve had a visit from a company that will be able to supply him with assistive technology. That's great news because it means that down the line, he will be able to access his email, etc. We're not sure exactly when he will have the software to begin, but it's so exciting.

My parents leave on Saturday and Nana and Aunt Karen arrive that day for a week's stay.

8.18.08

Steve's doing okay, a little bored maybe, but okay otherwise. The sinus infection gave him a lot of fluids over the weekend, so he needed to be suctioned a lot, but hopefully, it's almost out of his system.

The jeep is at the house; it has been for a couple of weeks now. Steve had asked for it to be brought there, and Jeremy drove it past the window so that Steve could see it. Steven loves that jeep, no question. When we were down there, Steve told Uncle Joe to go out and start it up (he really wanted for Uncle Joe to see the engine he had put into it). I heard it revving from upstairs. Since my Dad has been there and is not one for sitting still, Steve suggested that he wash the jeep, which my Dad did, top to bottom.

I updated my profile to include my book suggestions, but unfortunately, the format of that window automatically turns everything into a link (as in, it's in blue and underlined). I would add that text into my profile, but there is a limit on the word count. I just wanted to let you know why it looks so funky in case you check.

One thing that I've been meaning to mention is that in the Christopher Reeve book that I recommended, he says that he had 17 full-time staffers. Same injury as Steve: 17 people helping out. How's that for perspective. And on that note, MaryAnn could use a hand creating an inventory list of Steve's medical supplies from someone who can swing by the house to do it. I only mention that in case anyone reading this is a whiz at excel, has a mind for organization, and a little time on their hands. That was something we had hoped to tackle while I was there, but we were just so busy with other stuff.

I should know later today or tomorrow the total of the Enterprise funds. We'll keep a continuous drum roll until then....

8.16.08

Thanks to everyone for your participation at Steve's fundraiser today. Below is a recap from Aunt Karen, as well as photos, including one of Marie--who made today's event possible!

Everything was great. The storms came through last night and cleared for Steven today. It was Alabama hot on Long Island but the players didn't mind. It was a fun day for all. The winners even got a gold (paper) medal. I don't think the NBA has anything to worry about. Thanks again to Marie from 1042 Collision and all of our new friends at Enterprise Rent -A- Car for setting up today's event. Thanks also to all of the wonderful friends, relatives and strangers who have contributed toward Steve's donation fund, your generosity has been overwhelming.

REMINDER: LONG ISLAND FUNDRAISER TOMORROW

Hey everyone,

Lot of family and friends will be on hand to support this fundraiser exclusively for Steven! If you can make it, please come on out and share the love:

WHAT: A Basketball Game Competition that will knock your socks off! ALL ARE WELCOME! The local offices of ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR will be challenging each other, on the court this time!
ALL are playing to win for ONE REASON...STEVEN J. COLLINS!

WHEN: Saturday, August 16, 2008, 2 P.M. Sharp

WHERE: Gibbs Pond Road Park in Smithtown, New York

Get there early to meet, greet and get a good seat! All profits from the game, concessions and others will go directly to supporting Steven and his rehabilitation.

THANK YOU THANK YOU! xo

8.14.08

Steve had a visit to the pulmonologist on Tuesday and the checkup went well. He had needed lots of suctioning the night before the appointment, and the doctor determined that Steve had a sinus infection, so he's on a course of antibiotics. Since Tuesday was also movie night, Steve ended up being in his chair for about 11 hours total! He had a pretty active day, and unfortunately yesterday, he was very uncomfortable. He was napping when I spoke with MaryAnn.

The responses that we've received from the Fundraiser post have been amazing. People indeed reaching out from far and wide! Thank you everyone! Unfortunately, I will not be able to be at the game on Saturday, but I hope that anyone who attends will send me photos (my email is jpannasch@gmail.com). I know it's going to be incredible!