Scooter

Haven't done this in awhile..so here is the Luke story of the week. He is continuing to scoot around. Last night I asked him if he was hungry, he showed me yes. So I told them to scoot into the pantry to show me what he wanted to eat. He did it! It is probably about 25-30 feet into there from where he was, and he had to make the transition from the carpet in the family room to the wood in the kitchen. Once he gets in the kitchen it is easier for him to move on the wood. I need to get a video of him scooting because it sure does amaze me. If nothing else, for when he starts walking to show him how far he has come! Go Luke! Thanks so much for checking in on him:)

News Story

I just wanted to send a shout out to watch a news story tonight on an amazing lady, Trish Stressman, getting ready to leave for Stem Cell therapy in Costa Rica this weekend. Her kids go to school with Lynsey, and I was put in touch with her via a mutual friend. Anyhow, today I get to therapy with Luke and the news is here filming a story on her. So, watch tonight at 10:00pm on channel 15 to hear her story. Her blog is http://tstressman.blogspot.com, and I know she would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Home Sweet Home!

We are home! First, thanks so much for the prayers for Luke. He calmed down right after I posted that...praise God. He certainly is still having some "episodes," but so far none that bad. More than anything I think it is Luke just wanting his independence back and wanting to do things himself...wanting to be treated like a nine year old boy. Can't really blame him for that!

I am happy to say, the therapists at Napa were thrilled with the progress Luke made during the time we were there. His head therapist, Mr. Raf, said he felt Luke gained so much this trip verses last trip. I know one thing, this afternoon I set him down on the floor in the living room, and he scooted himself all the way across the room, and pretty fast too! He even went over a little "bump" we have that separates wood from carpet...GO LUKE! Here are the accomplishments his therapist put on his "diploma"

*Luke only needs contact assistance with crawling!
*Luke is taking independent steps in a walker safely!
*Luke climbed a ladder with reciprocal movements of his arms and legs!

Luke playing the drums...he loves this!

Luke walking in the walker. They worked on him pushing it himself.

This was very interesting to me. As part of the Tomatis therapy he gets here she did this assessment of him. On the first day of therapy, she had him draw a house, tree, and person on the right. Then on the last day, she had him draw them again on the left. You can see the improvement! I found this to be amazing! If you look at the person, he even drew some circles.

Luke climbing the ladder.

Luke's great therapists...Mr. Raf, and the PT aide, Kelly.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support!
I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (Acts 27:25)

Prayers Needed

We are still here in LA for therapy...which is going good. However, Luke is having major anger management issues and is being HORRIBLE after therapy. This afternoon is really bad. Please pray for him to calm down and these issues to go away.

More days like today

What we need from Luke are more days like he had today at therapy. His therapist said he was very focused today, and working very hard. Go Luke!! They also added on an extra hour of occupational therapy to his days on Mon and Wed! Here are some pics:

On the treadmill walking with the walker.

Climbing up the ladder-working on bending the knees.

Fun Fridays...Luke got to ride the bike.

Only in California is riding on a surf board part of therapy! Look how good he is standing up with minimal support.

Tired after a busy day!

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?...Isaiah 43:19

Stem Cells

This article was emailed me to on a Stem Cell group I am on. I thought it may be helpful for someone. These people took their child to the same place we took Luke. We are hoping to take him back the end of September for another round. It is hard to coordinate because they say you need to wait 4-6 weeks after getting the cells to do an intense therapy.

Cerebral Palsy Child Improves After Adult Stem Cell Treatment

Posted 5 August, 2009 in Cerebral Palsy |

Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Treatment

Caleb Turner, a 2 year old boy from New Zealand, with severe cerebral palsy has made many improvements in his quality of life after his stem cell treatment using adult stem cells from cord blood 7 months ago in Mexico. Yes, the Turner family had to fly from New Zealand to Mexico for this stem cell therapy.

However, they are very happy they did make the effort as the adult stem cells helped Caleb immensely. Caleb has severe cerebral palsy as a result of a massive brain bleed days after his birth.

Before the Stem Cell Therapy in Mexico

• 30-50 seizures per day
• Showed no emotion- couldn’t tell if he was happy, sad, sick etc.
• Choked when he ate
• Couldn’t walk, talk, or roll over

After the Adult Stem Cell Treatment

• Down to 4-5 seizures per day!!
• Laughs, cries, smiles- Mrs. Turner says “to see a smile on his face is priceless”
• Now has an easier time eating
• Now can clap his hands, roll over and has better trunk control

Going Back for a Second Helping of Adult Stem Cells

The Turner family was so happy with the changes in Caleb after the first stem cell treatment, that they are planning to go back to Mexico again for a second stem cell therapy. To do this, they are holding an art auction to raise the money needed (approximately $30,000 US for treatment/travel).

Back in the Saddle

Luke has not missed a beat with working hard here at the Napa Center since we left a short 6 weeks ago. The therapists were impressed with how strong he is, not seeming to have regressed any since we left. Monday he did great at therapy, but after he was horrible. The worst I think I have ever seen him!! He was so mad, not sure what about, but I thought for sure the hotel was going to come knocking on our door he was yelling so loudly. The last few days...all is well, except for some pinching and hair pulling now and then (although most of it is directed right at good old mom.) Here are some pics of him in action so far this week:

Standing in the spider cage

Luke's favorite-knee walking

Walking in the walker

Luke's favorite part of the day...Ms. Geni, he hates to be in a crawling position. She got him to hold it all by himself for 27 seconds. The big thing is he did it...he fights us so bad when we try to get him in this position.

Sorry!

Sorry for the lack of updates...life has been busy, busy, busy. Lynsey started school this week...always bittersweet for me. In all honesty, the first day of school is probably worse for me than holidays with Luke. Mostly because he should be starting fourth grade as a normal child. Lynsey started middle school and loves it. My nephews (Mike's brother's kids) were also here for a week. They are so great with Luke. It warms my heart so much to see them playing with Luke as much as they can, including him, pushing him around, and Dylon even helped load Luke in and out of the car. What great boys they are! Luke was also fitted for a new walker this week (www.taoswalker.com) I am excited for him to get it. They are awaiting final approval from insurance, but hopefully by the end of August he will have it.

Another reason we have been busy is.....we leave for LA tomorrow for Luke to attend therapy again at the Napa Center for another 3 week session. Please pray for amazing results this go around. I guess this is Luke's "school" for now. I promise better updates while we are there.