Updates about Emma's Progress
Update from 12/16/18:
We are now past the 10 month point in Emma’s Journey to Recovery and we are preparing to enter a new phase. We have been working as a family over the past 6 weeks to get Emma accepted into a specialized TBI Recovery Program at Success Rehabilitation in Quakertown PA. Success Rehabilitation is a premier post-acute rehabilitation center located in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their team of experts have 30 years of experience providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs and services for adults with acquired and traumatic brain injury.
This has been a very difficult decision that Michele and I have finally come to. We have worked with Emma and her family to come to this decision. Over the past few months we have unfortunately found a number of issues with Emma’s rehab that we are just not equipped to handle.
This program is run by a group of Therapists for the purpose of providing the best possible care for individuals in similar situations as Emma. Their program is covered care under the PA Independence Waiver that Emma has been approved for. This program is a Residential Rehab program where Emma will live in a home with two other individuals. They will provide a 5 day a week program of therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Cognitive Therapy) as well as Recreational programs that Emma will have interest in like Art and Music. They also have scheduled events for the weekends for groups based on areas of interest.
This program will be able to provide the stepping stones for Emma to go from her current condition where she requires 24/7 supervisory care and significant assistance for most daily functions to hopefully being able to live more independently. Our hope is that Emma will be able to maximize the possibilities of this program to achieve the ability to live on her own and conduct a normal life again.
Emma will start tomorrow, Monday 12/17, at Success Rehab. She will then come home for the week of Christmas and then go back to begin her next phase in ernest just after the New Year.
The group of Therapists at the Bloom group have been very helpful, especially the Aqua Therapy from Penny Daly, but it is our feeling that this program will allow Emma to move towards a more independent way of living while providing quality 24/7 care.
… #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
We are now past the 10 month point in Emma’s Journey to Recovery and we are preparing to enter a new phase. We have been working as a family over the past 6 weeks to get Emma accepted into a specialized TBI Recovery Program at Success Rehabilitation in Quakertown PA. Success Rehabilitation is a premier post-acute rehabilitation center located in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their team of experts have 30 years of experience providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs and services for adults with acquired and traumatic brain injury.
This has been a very difficult decision that Michele and I have finally come to. We have worked with Emma and her family to come to this decision. Over the past few months we have unfortunately found a number of issues with Emma’s rehab that we are just not equipped to handle.
This program is run by a group of Therapists for the purpose of providing the best possible care for individuals in similar situations as Emma. Their program is covered care under the PA Independence Waiver that Emma has been approved for. This program is a Residential Rehab program where Emma will live in a home with two other individuals. They will provide a 5 day a week program of therapies (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Cognitive Therapy) as well as Recreational programs that Emma will have interest in like Art and Music. They also have scheduled events for the weekends for groups based on areas of interest.
This program will be able to provide the stepping stones for Emma to go from her current condition where she requires 24/7 supervisory care and significant assistance for most daily functions to hopefully being able to live more independently. Our hope is that Emma will be able to maximize the possibilities of this program to achieve the ability to live on her own and conduct a normal life again.
Emma will start tomorrow, Monday 12/17, at Success Rehab. She will then come home for the week of Christmas and then go back to begin her next phase in ernest just after the New Year.
The group of Therapists at the Bloom group have been very helpful, especially the Aqua Therapy from Penny Daly, but it is our feeling that this program will allow Emma to move towards a more independent way of living while providing quality 24/7 care.
… #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
Update from 10/23/18:
Hard to believe we are quickly approaching the 9 month point of Emma’s Journey to Recovery. This new phase began almost 3 weeks ago now. She was released from the full day outpatient program at Penn State Health as they did not feel they were able to make much more progress. That may have been their evaluation but it is not what Emma or we are were willing to except. Through the grace of God we have identified a number of other options for providing Emma with quality rehabilitation services here in the Harrisburg area.
It was obvious to us that Emma would benefit from Aqua Therapy … we have done some on our own and did one session at a place that specializes in Aqua Therapy … there is not doubt it helped her find her balance and allowed her to begin to move normally. Unfortunately Hershey did not have this option.
As of last week Emma as been accepted at the Select Physical Therapy at the Bloom Building associated with the UMPC Osteopathic Hospital Neuroscience Labs in Harrisburg. She will be getting weekly PT, OT and Speech sessions as well as Aqua Therapy. This is still combined with alternate therapies at the Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center. Emma also has an Aide with her each day that specializes in care for head trauma patients like Emma who works on cognitive, vocal exercises, as well as pushing her to be more independent in her daily life.
Improvements are slow but still steady:
Eating with a spoon now much better but still requires work
Much more Independent while doing personal care tasks like showering and getting in and out of the restroom. She still requires close supervision but with the patiences of the Aides we have Emma is making some improvements
Steps are nothing but a thing now … up and down either upright going sideways with help or scooting on her butt with limited help required. The Chairlift that was rented will be removed right on time at the 6 month point
We think the improvements will hopefully start to increase as we have received the new Rifton Gait Trainer. We have included a picture and a video. Emma has already started working with the new PT group using this trainer. There is noticeable improvement in her stride each time she uses it … it will take lots of hours in this device but we believe it will be the key to her getting up out of the wheelchair for good … #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
Hard to believe we are quickly approaching the 9 month point of Emma’s Journey to Recovery. This new phase began almost 3 weeks ago now. She was released from the full day outpatient program at Penn State Health as they did not feel they were able to make much more progress. That may have been their evaluation but it is not what Emma or we are were willing to except. Through the grace of God we have identified a number of other options for providing Emma with quality rehabilitation services here in the Harrisburg area.
It was obvious to us that Emma would benefit from Aqua Therapy … we have done some on our own and did one session at a place that specializes in Aqua Therapy … there is not doubt it helped her find her balance and allowed her to begin to move normally. Unfortunately Hershey did not have this option.
As of last week Emma as been accepted at the Select Physical Therapy at the Bloom Building associated with the UMPC Osteopathic Hospital Neuroscience Labs in Harrisburg. She will be getting weekly PT, OT and Speech sessions as well as Aqua Therapy. This is still combined with alternate therapies at the Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center. Emma also has an Aide with her each day that specializes in care for head trauma patients like Emma who works on cognitive, vocal exercises, as well as pushing her to be more independent in her daily life.
Improvements are slow but still steady:
Eating with a spoon now much better but still requires work
Much more Independent while doing personal care tasks like showering and getting in and out of the restroom. She still requires close supervision but with the patiences of the Aides we have Emma is making some improvements
Steps are nothing but a thing now … up and down either upright going sideways with help or scooting on her butt with limited help required. The Chairlift that was rented will be removed right on time at the 6 month point
We think the improvements will hopefully start to increase as we have received the new Rifton Gait Trainer. We have included a picture and a video. Emma has already started working with the new PT group using this trainer. There is noticeable improvement in her stride each time she uses it … it will take lots of hours in this device but we believe it will be the key to her getting up out of the wheelchair for good … #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
Update from 10/3/18
We had a great turn out for the 1st Annual Toss’Em for Emma Cornhole Tournament last Saturday. We ended up with 16 teams and almost 60 people attended. We had a number of hole sponsors as well:
Gold Sponsors
Mitch and Jane Dill
The Daly Family
The Boys – 16 Co. Class of “85 USNA
Silver Sponsors
Tim Walde – RTS Transport
The Bryan Family
The Hepfer Family
Dr. James Daly Jr.
The Bender Family
The Beltrandi Family
This event also had sponsors for Food and Beverage as well that included; Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream, Kline Law Offices, Planet Fitness, Route 15 Beverage, Golden Rentals and Excel Logistics.
With all of the donations, including those received this week, we were able to raise a total of $4,800. Thank you to all who donated and participated.
Emma has continued to make improvements. She has continued to work towards here goal of not needing the chairlift in the house and has walked up and down the steps each day during the month of October. She even made a trip to the basement for the first time doing some work on the basketball court in her wheelchair and watching a movie in the basement. It did me some good to see her wrapped up in a blanket on the lounge chairs in the basement watching a movie.
Emma has also had a goal of going to church and fully taking part in mass. Over the past few weeks Emma has begun to stand and kneel throughout the mass. It is a lot of hard work on her part but she has continued to push through. This past weekend we actually moved down to the front couple of rows of pews and were able to have Emma walk up to communion. God has and will continue to be a large part of the successful recovery that Emma is experiencing.
The next phase of Emma’s Road to Recovery starts next week as she will be transitioning out of the Full Day Outpatient care at Penn State Health in Hershey. We will start Aqua Therapy here on the west shore at Fyzical Therapy. We are working to identify a Speech Therapist as well. We are looking at a number of other alternative therapies and will be having an aide working with her each day in the house. It is going to be a challenge for Michele and I but we have gathered a very qualified team of professionals to be around Emma. We are building a plan to ensure Emma continues to see improvements trying these new therapies and new therapists. … #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
We had a great turn out for the 1st Annual Toss’Em for Emma Cornhole Tournament last Saturday. We ended up with 16 teams and almost 60 people attended. We had a number of hole sponsors as well:
Gold Sponsors
Mitch and Jane Dill
The Daly Family
The Boys – 16 Co. Class of “85 USNA
Silver Sponsors
Tim Walde – RTS Transport
The Bryan Family
The Hepfer Family
Dr. James Daly Jr.
The Bender Family
The Beltrandi Family
This event also had sponsors for Food and Beverage as well that included; Reeser’s Soft Ice Cream, Kline Law Offices, Planet Fitness, Route 15 Beverage, Golden Rentals and Excel Logistics.
With all of the donations, including those received this week, we were able to raise a total of $4,800. Thank you to all who donated and participated.
Emma has continued to make improvements. She has continued to work towards here goal of not needing the chairlift in the house and has walked up and down the steps each day during the month of October. She even made a trip to the basement for the first time doing some work on the basketball court in her wheelchair and watching a movie in the basement. It did me some good to see her wrapped up in a blanket on the lounge chairs in the basement watching a movie.
Emma has also had a goal of going to church and fully taking part in mass. Over the past few weeks Emma has begun to stand and kneel throughout the mass. It is a lot of hard work on her part but she has continued to push through. This past weekend we actually moved down to the front couple of rows of pews and were able to have Emma walk up to communion. God has and will continue to be a large part of the successful recovery that Emma is experiencing.
The next phase of Emma’s Road to Recovery starts next week as she will be transitioning out of the Full Day Outpatient care at Penn State Health in Hershey. We will start Aqua Therapy here on the west shore at Fyzical Therapy. We are working to identify a Speech Therapist as well. We are looking at a number of other alternative therapies and will be having an aide working with her each day in the house. It is going to be a challenge for Michele and I but we have gathered a very qualified team of professionals to be around Emma. We are building a plan to ensure Emma continues to see improvements trying these new therapies and new therapists. … #Pray4EmmaMae … #EmmaStrong
Update from 9/13/18-Today is Emma’s 23rd Birthday.
Emma had an amazing time during the 2 weeks of vacation while Michele and I traveled to Hawaii for our Naval Academy Cruise and Football game. She stayed with her Godfather and his wife, Uncle Don and Aunt Joey. Thank you to them for taking good care of Emma while we were gone. They went to the beach while she was there and spent time at the pool. Emma had a great time. She did have to climb up the stairs at their house as you can see in the video.
We are working hard to get back into the groove. We have been back to the therapy program at Hershey for the last two weeks. We also went to use the therapy spa at the Lithgow’s home again this weekend. She really seems to be improving in the pool each time we use it. We carried the idea of climbing steps into the pool by working on stepping up and trying to have her feel the body weight shift. Emma has a goal of being able to go up and down the steps in our house by the end of the month. We are looking to try and have the chairlift out of the house in November.
This week we got some news that feels like the worst news possible but may very well be the best thing that has happened to Emma to this point in her recovery. The Therapy team gave us the news this Monday that Emma will be transitioning to their Surveillance Program in October. This means that she is being released from their Full Day Program and will we be sent home to as they said “use techniques she has learned”. Michele and I are still trying to put our minds around the fact that they are telling us that she needs to go home and not have therapy and rest then they will reevaluate her in 2-3 months. It is so hard to hear because in our minds Emma has been improving each week. I would agree that they may have slowed down but she is still improving and realistically she still has so far to go. Emma still requires supervision for any movement, to use the restroom, to eat , to shower, pretty much everything. In the mind of the team she has reached the end of what she can accomplish in their program. We are looking at more like she has tested out of their program and has reached the extent of their abilities to be able help her.
So now we will be planning for the next 4 weeks until October 9th to put together Emma’s next program. We will be using the talents and capabilities of the office where Michele works at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness to build a program that will begin to accelerate her recovery. We have begun to gather other resources that can help provide therapists and other types of therapy programs. It looks like we will be learning more about Health Care and Financial Support than we really want to … so anyone that has experience we will be happy to take some advice.
Emmas is driven by goals. For a long time we have been talking with her about returning to the Disney Marathon Weekend in January 2019. Emma participated in and completed the Half Marathon in Jan 2018, the month prior to her accident. So we have on the calendar January 9th as the date that Emma will return to Orlando and participate in the 5K at the Disney Marathon Weekend. The therapy team has put a fire in her (and definitely in me) to make sure she can do this race using her own power. At this point the Hershey Therapy group has not been able to provide the capability for Emma to stand-up and walk without a significant amount of support and supervision. We have researched and are working on the purchase of something called a “gait trainer” made by Rifton. It will not be cheap so we are working to get it covered by insurance. It is my belief that this device will allow Emma to recover her ability to walk properly and eventually walk on her own. It will also allow Emma to walk upright safely on her own with limited support and spotting from an individual. It is our believe that she will need this device to make the next big move change in her recovery journey.
Emma’s brothers and friends have put together a fundraising event: Toss’Em for Emma (https://www.facebook.com/events/472711456544708/). If you are in the area and available please come join us for some fun playing Corn Hole on Sep 29th. If you are not able to be there check out the Event on Facebook for other opportunities to support.
Emma had an amazing time during the 2 weeks of vacation while Michele and I traveled to Hawaii for our Naval Academy Cruise and Football game. She stayed with her Godfather and his wife, Uncle Don and Aunt Joey. Thank you to them for taking good care of Emma while we were gone. They went to the beach while she was there and spent time at the pool. Emma had a great time. She did have to climb up the stairs at their house as you can see in the video.
We are working hard to get back into the groove. We have been back to the therapy program at Hershey for the last two weeks. We also went to use the therapy spa at the Lithgow’s home again this weekend. She really seems to be improving in the pool each time we use it. We carried the idea of climbing steps into the pool by working on stepping up and trying to have her feel the body weight shift. Emma has a goal of being able to go up and down the steps in our house by the end of the month. We are looking to try and have the chairlift out of the house in November.
This week we got some news that feels like the worst news possible but may very well be the best thing that has happened to Emma to this point in her recovery. The Therapy team gave us the news this Monday that Emma will be transitioning to their Surveillance Program in October. This means that she is being released from their Full Day Program and will we be sent home to as they said “use techniques she has learned”. Michele and I are still trying to put our minds around the fact that they are telling us that she needs to go home and not have therapy and rest then they will reevaluate her in 2-3 months. It is so hard to hear because in our minds Emma has been improving each week. I would agree that they may have slowed down but she is still improving and realistically she still has so far to go. Emma still requires supervision for any movement, to use the restroom, to eat , to shower, pretty much everything. In the mind of the team she has reached the end of what she can accomplish in their program. We are looking at more like she has tested out of their program and has reached the extent of their abilities to be able help her.
So now we will be planning for the next 4 weeks until October 9th to put together Emma’s next program. We will be using the talents and capabilities of the office where Michele works at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness to build a program that will begin to accelerate her recovery. We have begun to gather other resources that can help provide therapists and other types of therapy programs. It looks like we will be learning more about Health Care and Financial Support than we really want to … so anyone that has experience we will be happy to take some advice.
Emmas is driven by goals. For a long time we have been talking with her about returning to the Disney Marathon Weekend in January 2019. Emma participated in and completed the Half Marathon in Jan 2018, the month prior to her accident. So we have on the calendar January 9th as the date that Emma will return to Orlando and participate in the 5K at the Disney Marathon Weekend. The therapy team has put a fire in her (and definitely in me) to make sure she can do this race using her own power. At this point the Hershey Therapy group has not been able to provide the capability for Emma to stand-up and walk without a significant amount of support and supervision. We have researched and are working on the purchase of something called a “gait trainer” made by Rifton. It will not be cheap so we are working to get it covered by insurance. It is my belief that this device will allow Emma to recover her ability to walk properly and eventually walk on her own. It will also allow Emma to walk upright safely on her own with limited support and spotting from an individual. It is our believe that she will need this device to make the next big move change in her recovery journey.
Emma’s brothers and friends have put together a fundraising event: Toss’Em for Emma (https://www.facebook.com/events/472711456544708/). If you are in the area and available please come join us for some fun playing Corn Hole on Sep 29th. If you are not able to be there check out the Event on Facebook for other opportunities to support.
Update from 8/22/18-
Emma Update (8/22): Emma has had a busy month of August. She continues to work hard at the Hershey Outpatient Clinic. She has been working hard to complete one of her short term goals which was to walk 10 steps with little to no help. She was able to walk forward and backward the entire length of the parallel bars at Therapy. It is not easy but she has continued to push until she got it.
Emma received a special package from the Montour Township Fire Chief and proudly wore the 2 T-Shirts she received to Therapy the next two days. Their is not enough Thank You’s to send their way for their initial care of Emma. Thank you to the team that removed Emma and got her to the Trauma Center.
We have been working on a number of new therapies at home for Emma. I am sending two videos of Emma using a mirror to hide one arm from her brain. In doing this with a mirror the brain will actually pass better signals to the weaker hand. I was able to notice a difference in how her left hand operated when she could see versus when it was hidden. It will take a lot of work but these types of steps are required for Emma to continue her pace of recovery. She has also moved to sitting at the dinner table on a stability cushion. Emma is fighting to get back the ability to balance her body. The more she is in an unstable position the more her brain will work to relearn that ability. Sitting at the table without her wheelchair was another short term goal. The final short term goal we had was to limit the use of the wheelchair in the house. In the last week we have made giant steps (small pun) on this goal. Emma did not use the chair the entire day on Saturday when we had a party at the house … walking with help everywhere she had to move. By this Tuesday she was asking to walk to and from the chairlift each time she used it for Nostradamus of using the chair. Emma has also continued to do some Aqua therapy either at the Lithgow’s or Goyette’s pool over the past 4 weeks. The difference in her ability to balance and walk on her own in the water continues to improve. It is amazing how much she has improved from the first time we tried it.
Amazing enough Emma had an appointment with her doctor and she opened the session by saying she had reviewed Emma’s scans and charts in preparation(I guess I would have thought she did that every time?). Her statement was that she could not believe it has been 6 months. Better yet, she commented that she just can’t believe how far Emma has come in 6 months because most patients that suffered the type of injuries she has usually take much longer to get to this point in their recovery. Well we are not surprised … we know how hard she is working and we have put a solid team of people around her who are doing as much as they can to ensure she can have the best chance of brain recovery. This includes her Gluten Free diet, her natural supplements, Acupuncture Therapy, Massage Therapy, and even the amount of sleep she gets make a difference. One important piece has been the Aid we hired, Tammy, to be with Emma at Therapy. Because of her experience, she has helped push Emma to do more and provides needed relief for Michele. Emma is not sitting back and waiting… she is working non-stop to get better.
Emma is heading to Delaware to stay with her Aunt Joey and Uncle Don for the next 10 days on somewhat of a vacation. She will get to visit the beach while she is there. Michele and I are heading out on a cruise we had planned almost 18 months ago. Hopefully this time will allow all of us to recharge our batteries. When we get back we will be evaluating the plan for the next 6 months and putting together a strategy to get Emma ready for her 5K Run/Walk/Ride at Disney in January 2019. Emma did the Half-Marathon there last year just before her accident. It has been her plan since she woke up to get back there and be able to participate this year but more importantly a long term goal is to run the Half-Marathon there again in the future. Emma continues to set goals and then knock them out so it will be no surprise to be running my second Half-Marathon alongside her in the near future. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma Update (8/22): Emma has had a busy month of August. She continues to work hard at the Hershey Outpatient Clinic. She has been working hard to complete one of her short term goals which was to walk 10 steps with little to no help. She was able to walk forward and backward the entire length of the parallel bars at Therapy. It is not easy but she has continued to push until she got it.
Emma received a special package from the Montour Township Fire Chief and proudly wore the 2 T-Shirts she received to Therapy the next two days. Their is not enough Thank You’s to send their way for their initial care of Emma. Thank you to the team that removed Emma and got her to the Trauma Center.
We have been working on a number of new therapies at home for Emma. I am sending two videos of Emma using a mirror to hide one arm from her brain. In doing this with a mirror the brain will actually pass better signals to the weaker hand. I was able to notice a difference in how her left hand operated when she could see versus when it was hidden. It will take a lot of work but these types of steps are required for Emma to continue her pace of recovery. She has also moved to sitting at the dinner table on a stability cushion. Emma is fighting to get back the ability to balance her body. The more she is in an unstable position the more her brain will work to relearn that ability. Sitting at the table without her wheelchair was another short term goal. The final short term goal we had was to limit the use of the wheelchair in the house. In the last week we have made giant steps (small pun) on this goal. Emma did not use the chair the entire day on Saturday when we had a party at the house … walking with help everywhere she had to move. By this Tuesday she was asking to walk to and from the chairlift each time she used it for Nostradamus of using the chair. Emma has also continued to do some Aqua therapy either at the Lithgow’s or Goyette’s pool over the past 4 weeks. The difference in her ability to balance and walk on her own in the water continues to improve. It is amazing how much she has improved from the first time we tried it.
Amazing enough Emma had an appointment with her doctor and she opened the session by saying she had reviewed Emma’s scans and charts in preparation(I guess I would have thought she did that every time?). Her statement was that she could not believe it has been 6 months. Better yet, she commented that she just can’t believe how far Emma has come in 6 months because most patients that suffered the type of injuries she has usually take much longer to get to this point in their recovery. Well we are not surprised … we know how hard she is working and we have put a solid team of people around her who are doing as much as they can to ensure she can have the best chance of brain recovery. This includes her Gluten Free diet, her natural supplements, Acupuncture Therapy, Massage Therapy, and even the amount of sleep she gets make a difference. One important piece has been the Aid we hired, Tammy, to be with Emma at Therapy. Because of her experience, she has helped push Emma to do more and provides needed relief for Michele. Emma is not sitting back and waiting… she is working non-stop to get better.
Emma is heading to Delaware to stay with her Aunt Joey and Uncle Don for the next 10 days on somewhat of a vacation. She will get to visit the beach while she is there. Michele and I are heading out on a cruise we had planned almost 18 months ago. Hopefully this time will allow all of us to recharge our batteries. When we get back we will be evaluating the plan for the next 6 months and putting together a strategy to get Emma ready for her 5K Run/Walk/Ride at Disney in January 2019. Emma did the Half-Marathon there last year just before her accident. It has been her plan since she woke up to get back there and be able to participate this year but more importantly a long term goal is to run the Half-Marathon there again in the future. Emma continues to set goals and then knock them out so it will be no surprise to be running my second Half-Marathon alongside her in the near future. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 8/4/18-
Today is the 6 month point in Emma’s journey to recovery from her accident. It really is hard to believe it has been that long but it is even more amazing to see just how far Emma has come in that relatively short period of time. When we arrived at the hospital that Sunday night in February we really did not know what to expect. In the coming days the doctor's really did not give us much of a positive prognosis. We had no real idea of what was ahead of us. Through the Grace of God and the amazing spirit within Emma she is truly making a miraculous recovery. To think that it took her almost 28 days for her to wake up it makes her current success even that much more amazing. Over the past two weeks we are seeing Emma able to make transfers from her wheelchair to chairs at the dinner table. She is now doing a majority of the effort to get herself in and out of the car as well. Each of these still require close supervision but she is able to do a majority of the effort. Her real challenge is in what is termed as proprioceptive movement. Understanding the relationships between the movement of different parts of her body from the other is still very much a challenge. It is getting better but her body gets out of control very quickly. When you are spotting her movements you have to be ready for her to lose her balance but two months ago she was nowhere close to finding a balance point. Emma finally received her custom wheelchair this week after almost 60 days. Check out here smile in the photo. The difference this chair makes is already significant. It really should not take that long. Emma continues to work at the Penn State Health Outpatient Clinic in the full day program four days a week. In her Physical Therapy sessions they have been working on walking more … using the parallel bars and an upright walker like you see in the video. Another amazing difference from the videos we posted in June. In her Speech Therapy sessions they are working on her reading comprehension. Emma is working to build up her ability to project her voice using one of my favorite chants … ROCK, CHALK, JAYHAWK, KU. It really has helped her build volume and work on some of the tough sounds like vowels and K’s. In Occupational Therapy they are working on a lot of fine motor skills with her hands using a peg board and cornhole game. They also have been applying that work by cooking meals for lunch in the kitchen at Therapy. In Recreational Therapy they have been doing Wheelchair yoga helping Emma regain some flexibility for her upper body. They have had a couple of community trips to the store and Harrisburg Mall over the past couple of weeks. They have also been playing board games working on applying a lot of the skills from all of the other areas of therapies. Emma has been blessed to have a number Angels cross her path on this journey to recovery from this tragic event. The Lithgow’s, Jim, Lisa and Jackie, have been an amazing resource for Michele and I to lean on during this time and have been huge supporters of Emma since the very beginning of this event. They have offered Emma access to their Therapy Spa for her to do Aqua Therapy. We have been on Sundays for the last three weeks. The difference each week is amazing. Emma was actually able to stabilize herself and stand for about a minute. She was able to walk forward against the current with minimal queuing on her balance. We truly believe that this therapy has been an accelerator for Emma in this recovery. She is now standing up on her own at the bottom of our stairs when she comes down on the chairlift. With God’s help, Emma continues to make amazing strides in her recovery. Keep the prayers coming! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Today is the 6 month point in Emma’s journey to recovery from her accident. It really is hard to believe it has been that long but it is even more amazing to see just how far Emma has come in that relatively short period of time. When we arrived at the hospital that Sunday night in February we really did not know what to expect. In the coming days the doctor's really did not give us much of a positive prognosis. We had no real idea of what was ahead of us. Through the Grace of God and the amazing spirit within Emma she is truly making a miraculous recovery. To think that it took her almost 28 days for her to wake up it makes her current success even that much more amazing. Over the past two weeks we are seeing Emma able to make transfers from her wheelchair to chairs at the dinner table. She is now doing a majority of the effort to get herself in and out of the car as well. Each of these still require close supervision but she is able to do a majority of the effort. Her real challenge is in what is termed as proprioceptive movement. Understanding the relationships between the movement of different parts of her body from the other is still very much a challenge. It is getting better but her body gets out of control very quickly. When you are spotting her movements you have to be ready for her to lose her balance but two months ago she was nowhere close to finding a balance point. Emma finally received her custom wheelchair this week after almost 60 days. Check out here smile in the photo. The difference this chair makes is already significant. It really should not take that long. Emma continues to work at the Penn State Health Outpatient Clinic in the full day program four days a week. In her Physical Therapy sessions they have been working on walking more … using the parallel bars and an upright walker like you see in the video. Another amazing difference from the videos we posted in June. In her Speech Therapy sessions they are working on her reading comprehension. Emma is working to build up her ability to project her voice using one of my favorite chants … ROCK, CHALK, JAYHAWK, KU. It really has helped her build volume and work on some of the tough sounds like vowels and K’s. In Occupational Therapy they are working on a lot of fine motor skills with her hands using a peg board and cornhole game. They also have been applying that work by cooking meals for lunch in the kitchen at Therapy. In Recreational Therapy they have been doing Wheelchair yoga helping Emma regain some flexibility for her upper body. They have had a couple of community trips to the store and Harrisburg Mall over the past couple of weeks. They have also been playing board games working on applying a lot of the skills from all of the other areas of therapies. Emma has been blessed to have a number Angels cross her path on this journey to recovery from this tragic event. The Lithgow’s, Jim, Lisa and Jackie, have been an amazing resource for Michele and I to lean on during this time and have been huge supporters of Emma since the very beginning of this event. They have offered Emma access to their Therapy Spa for her to do Aqua Therapy. We have been on Sundays for the last three weeks. The difference each week is amazing. Emma was actually able to stabilize herself and stand for about a minute. She was able to walk forward against the current with minimal queuing on her balance. We truly believe that this therapy has been an accelerator for Emma in this recovery. She is now standing up on her own at the bottom of our stairs when she comes down on the chairlift. With God’s help, Emma continues to make amazing strides in her recovery. Keep the prayers coming! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 7/17/18-
Sorry for the delay in getting an update on Emma posted. She continues her therapies at Hershey. PT continues to work on her walking with the walker and actually removing the elbow supports. She has also been working on transitioning herself from her wheelchair to the exercise table which she has used to actually do a transfer onto the couch at home. She has also has been using using her legs to pull herself around in the wheelchair helping to build muscle memory for the cadence of moving your legs while walking. Her balance is improving. She still has a long way to go but she can pull herself upright from her chair while holding on to a bar or rail. She can balance in an upright position for a short period of time. She also wants to be able to kneel at church so she asked her team to help her practice kneeling. In ST she is working on her reading comprehension and the tough sounds like c’s and g’s. Acupuncture seems to help her speech as well. She has also been able to start to speak louder when she needs to. Building up enough air volume is still a problem but breathing exercises are helping. Over the 4th of July Emma visited the Plante’s and got to swim in their pool. Emma is also getting the chance to work with friends of ours that have just installed a Therapy Spa to start water exercises. In the water she will be able to move her limbs without the problem of having to balance. She had her first time there this past weekend. Another part of the therapy program is the outings they do with the patients, putting them in situations in the community. One of Emma’s favorite outings was to Chocolate World where she loaded up on chocolate. She also had a trip to go bowling in Harrisburg. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Sorry for the delay in getting an update on Emma posted. She continues her therapies at Hershey. PT continues to work on her walking with the walker and actually removing the elbow supports. She has also been working on transitioning herself from her wheelchair to the exercise table which she has used to actually do a transfer onto the couch at home. She has also has been using using her legs to pull herself around in the wheelchair helping to build muscle memory for the cadence of moving your legs while walking. Her balance is improving. She still has a long way to go but she can pull herself upright from her chair while holding on to a bar or rail. She can balance in an upright position for a short period of time. She also wants to be able to kneel at church so she asked her team to help her practice kneeling. In ST she is working on her reading comprehension and the tough sounds like c’s and g’s. Acupuncture seems to help her speech as well. She has also been able to start to speak louder when she needs to. Building up enough air volume is still a problem but breathing exercises are helping. Over the 4th of July Emma visited the Plante’s and got to swim in their pool. Emma is also getting the chance to work with friends of ours that have just installed a Therapy Spa to start water exercises. In the water she will be able to move her limbs without the problem of having to balance. She had her first time there this past weekend. Another part of the therapy program is the outings they do with the patients, putting them in situations in the community. One of Emma’s favorite outings was to Chocolate World where she loaded up on chocolate. She also had a trip to go bowling in Harrisburg. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 6/28/28-
Emma continues to make strides each week. This week she had her evaluation for the Therapeutic Riding Program working with horses. She did very well and it is something she will definitely benefit from helping with core strength as well as the idea of feeling where her body is in relationship to the moving horse as she works to maintain balance. It will be something that we will have to fit into the ever busy schedule of things. It will require some additional logistics as well as it is 15 min further away than the Outpatient clinic. We are working the plan for the remainder of the summer. In PT they are working on mastering the use of the upright walker. The video shows her walking and is a definite improvement from just two weeks ago. Emma has been working on her leg strength doing extra squats at home holding on to the kitchen sink. She is starting to be able to stand and hold herself up for periods of time. In OT they are working on a lot of common skills- folding towels and pillow cases as well as transitioning to and from the wheelchair from a table. We are still fighting with the Medical Equipment provider about getting her custom chair on order so she is still using a loaner chair that does not quite fit but Emma is fighting through and is gaining strength and coordination in her legs. She is now able to move herself throughout the house using her legs in the wheelchair. In ST Emma is working on being able to project her voice and slowing down her pace so that she can be better understood. There has been a noticeable difference over the past week. She is able to build enough lung power to raise her voice and then make her point. As part of RT they have had Emma doing puzzles but have her stand up while she is doing it. She has continued to work with the iPad and iPhone but is a little challenged by the eventual shaking that happens in her arm and hands when she is doing those fine motor movements. She has been fighting these tremors on her right side. She continues to persevere through it and will not quit until she completes the task. Emma is also getting a number of additional treatments to Chiropractic adjustments, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture Therapy at the Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center where Michele works. There are noticeable changes each time we leave the office. It has also been a true family effort over the past week. Patrick has been an amazing help working with Emma and making meals happen around the house. Dan was home early last week and spent the day at therapy with Emma. RJ and Brittany were up with LeeAnn over the weekend. RJ and Brittany were pushing Emma during squats and little LeeAnn was giving Emma some of the best medicine with lots of lovin’ sitting on Emma’s lap for long periods of time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma continues to make strides each week. This week she had her evaluation for the Therapeutic Riding Program working with horses. She did very well and it is something she will definitely benefit from helping with core strength as well as the idea of feeling where her body is in relationship to the moving horse as she works to maintain balance. It will be something that we will have to fit into the ever busy schedule of things. It will require some additional logistics as well as it is 15 min further away than the Outpatient clinic. We are working the plan for the remainder of the summer. In PT they are working on mastering the use of the upright walker. The video shows her walking and is a definite improvement from just two weeks ago. Emma has been working on her leg strength doing extra squats at home holding on to the kitchen sink. She is starting to be able to stand and hold herself up for periods of time. In OT they are working on a lot of common skills- folding towels and pillow cases as well as transitioning to and from the wheelchair from a table. We are still fighting with the Medical Equipment provider about getting her custom chair on order so she is still using a loaner chair that does not quite fit but Emma is fighting through and is gaining strength and coordination in her legs. She is now able to move herself throughout the house using her legs in the wheelchair. In ST Emma is working on being able to project her voice and slowing down her pace so that she can be better understood. There has been a noticeable difference over the past week. She is able to build enough lung power to raise her voice and then make her point. As part of RT they have had Emma doing puzzles but have her stand up while she is doing it. She has continued to work with the iPad and iPhone but is a little challenged by the eventual shaking that happens in her arm and hands when she is doing those fine motor movements. She has been fighting these tremors on her right side. She continues to persevere through it and will not quit until she completes the task. Emma is also getting a number of additional treatments to Chiropractic adjustments, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture Therapy at the Turnpaugh Health and Wellness Center where Michele works. There are noticeable changes each time we leave the office. It has also been a true family effort over the past week. Patrick has been an amazing help working with Emma and making meals happen around the house. Dan was home early last week and spent the day at therapy with Emma. RJ and Brittany were up with LeeAnn over the weekend. RJ and Brittany were pushing Emma during squats and little LeeAnn was giving Emma some of the best medicine with lots of lovin’ sitting on Emma’s lap for long periods of time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 6/20/18-
An amazing week for Emma with a full week of therapies. She is making improvements each session. In PT she continues to work on the required elements for her to eventually walk on her own. She is doing squats now as extra work strengthening her legs which is helping tone the core as well to help keep her balance. They are working with a walker that has elbow supports which has helped her focus more on the her legs and building some rhythm in her gait. She was also working on standing up out of her wheelchair without using her arms. Amazing to see her balance! She had some assistance from her therapist but was still balancing her upper torso on her own. In ST they are doing exercises to help strengthen her pallet to bring back her hard sounds like S’s, T’s, and D’s as well as improve the sound of her voice. They are working on her deep breathing to get back the volume required to project her voice louder. I just never appreciated the amount of work our body does to talk. They do a lot of reading out loud and working on reading comprehension as well. In OT they are working skills to help Emma dress and undress herself. They have also been working on teaching her how to transfer herself to and from the wheelchair. At this point she is still too unsteady for that but getting better all the time. In RT they continue to work on using the phone and iPad as skills to practice the fine motor skills in her hands. She is also doing some texting but it requires a lot of energy for her at this point. They are using a stylus to help her be able to work on the touch screens. They have scheduled a horseback riding session next week to evaluate if she is ready for that kind of therapy. She has had a number of “outings” where they take the patients out into the community and work on exercising various tasks they have been working on in the facility. They went to the State Police Museum in Hershey and had to speak to introduce themselves and ask questions. They went to the Wildwood Park and Nature Center to see the Flower Gardens where they had to read and then talk about what had read. They took a trip to the Grocery Store this week to purchase food items for a meal they will be preparing tomorrow. She was required to do all of the talking and communicate with the Store Clerks. We had a great Father’s Day Weekend visiting our good friends the Plante’s where Emma was able to get into the pool for a little bit. There is no doubt that Water Therapy will be helpful as we continue to move through the process of her recovery. Both families also attended the movies Sunday to see Incredibles 2 where Emma sat in one of the reclining chairs. Emma continues to make strides using goals she sets to help her stay focused on her recovery. One of her first goals is to set in our kitchen chairs for meals instead of her wheelchair. This past week she sat in an armed chair for meals every night we were home to eat. Emma has been walking in the house and out onto the deck but she has set a goal of no using her wheelchair in the house by late August. She even completed her first trip up our stairs to the second level for the first time. She has set the goal to be done using the Chair Lift by Halloween. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
An amazing week for Emma with a full week of therapies. She is making improvements each session. In PT she continues to work on the required elements for her to eventually walk on her own. She is doing squats now as extra work strengthening her legs which is helping tone the core as well to help keep her balance. They are working with a walker that has elbow supports which has helped her focus more on the her legs and building some rhythm in her gait. She was also working on standing up out of her wheelchair without using her arms. Amazing to see her balance! She had some assistance from her therapist but was still balancing her upper torso on her own. In ST they are doing exercises to help strengthen her pallet to bring back her hard sounds like S’s, T’s, and D’s as well as improve the sound of her voice. They are working on her deep breathing to get back the volume required to project her voice louder. I just never appreciated the amount of work our body does to talk. They do a lot of reading out loud and working on reading comprehension as well. In OT they are working skills to help Emma dress and undress herself. They have also been working on teaching her how to transfer herself to and from the wheelchair. At this point she is still too unsteady for that but getting better all the time. In RT they continue to work on using the phone and iPad as skills to practice the fine motor skills in her hands. She is also doing some texting but it requires a lot of energy for her at this point. They are using a stylus to help her be able to work on the touch screens. They have scheduled a horseback riding session next week to evaluate if she is ready for that kind of therapy. She has had a number of “outings” where they take the patients out into the community and work on exercising various tasks they have been working on in the facility. They went to the State Police Museum in Hershey and had to speak to introduce themselves and ask questions. They went to the Wildwood Park and Nature Center to see the Flower Gardens where they had to read and then talk about what had read. They took a trip to the Grocery Store this week to purchase food items for a meal they will be preparing tomorrow. She was required to do all of the talking and communicate with the Store Clerks. We had a great Father’s Day Weekend visiting our good friends the Plante’s where Emma was able to get into the pool for a little bit. There is no doubt that Water Therapy will be helpful as we continue to move through the process of her recovery. Both families also attended the movies Sunday to see Incredibles 2 where Emma sat in one of the reclining chairs. Emma continues to make strides using goals she sets to help her stay focused on her recovery. One of her first goals is to set in our kitchen chairs for meals instead of her wheelchair. This past week she sat in an armed chair for meals every night we were home to eat. Emma has been walking in the house and out onto the deck but she has set a goal of no using her wheelchair in the house by late August. She even completed her first trip up our stairs to the second level for the first time. She has set the goal to be done using the Chair Lift by Halloween. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 6/13/18-
Emma had a very good week last week. We are all settling into the new arrangement of having Emma here at home. Emma has been living with us here on Valleybrook Drive in Mechanicsburg for the last 3 years when she was not at school, but this change has been a much bigger challenge for all of us. It has required some minor modifications to our house as in a Chairlift, Wheelchair ramp, and Shower modifications. She is still on a nightime schedule like she had in the hospital waking up multiple times a night needing assistance. Using the shower requires a good bit of assistance still but getting better each time! She is able to do some part of dressing herself but still requires help in getting on pants/shorts, so morning and evening schedules are requiring a lot of planning and effort to get everyone out the door on time. We had meeting with the Outpatient Rehab Team this week where they said that Emma is continuing to progress in all four areas of her therapy: Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST) and Recreational Therapy (RT). In PT they are working very hard on improving her walking and limiting the amount of support she requires using the parallel bars and the treadmill. In OT they continue to work on her left arm and hand to improve the fine motor skills required to reach and grab objects. In ST they are working hard on difficult sounds like B’s, T’s and S’s and focusing on people during conversations. In RT they are working on some computer/cell phone skills. She has even been doing some minor texting on her own and playing games on her iPad. The team is looking at other types of therapy options like Horseback Riding for balance and core strength as well as Water Therapy for working on coordinating movements with resistance to improve balance and walking. We are including a couple of videos. The first video below is of Emma walking with a walker with minimal support. The second video is of Emma standing up out of her wheelchair on her own. She came home from therapy and proclaimed that she could stand up from her wheelchair. Very good medicine for all to see this kind of progression. We want to thank all those that have supported the All In For Emma Fundraising effort. We have begun to use the funds that have been donated to support Emma's recovery. We have used some of the funds to help with the required upgrades to our house. These donations are also providing support in monitoring and helping Emma at the Outpatient Therapy sessions. Because she requires personal assistance for eating and using the facilities, Hershey Rehab requires that someone be there to support the patient. Michele has been able to gain access to additional therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy at her office at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness. Funds from the trust are also being used for these sessions as they are not covered by insurance at this time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma had a very good week last week. We are all settling into the new arrangement of having Emma here at home. Emma has been living with us here on Valleybrook Drive in Mechanicsburg for the last 3 years when she was not at school, but this change has been a much bigger challenge for all of us. It has required some minor modifications to our house as in a Chairlift, Wheelchair ramp, and Shower modifications. She is still on a nightime schedule like she had in the hospital waking up multiple times a night needing assistance. Using the shower requires a good bit of assistance still but getting better each time! She is able to do some part of dressing herself but still requires help in getting on pants/shorts, so morning and evening schedules are requiring a lot of planning and effort to get everyone out the door on time. We had meeting with the Outpatient Rehab Team this week where they said that Emma is continuing to progress in all four areas of her therapy: Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (ST) and Recreational Therapy (RT). In PT they are working very hard on improving her walking and limiting the amount of support she requires using the parallel bars and the treadmill. In OT they continue to work on her left arm and hand to improve the fine motor skills required to reach and grab objects. In ST they are working hard on difficult sounds like B’s, T’s and S’s and focusing on people during conversations. In RT they are working on some computer/cell phone skills. She has even been doing some minor texting on her own and playing games on her iPad. The team is looking at other types of therapy options like Horseback Riding for balance and core strength as well as Water Therapy for working on coordinating movements with resistance to improve balance and walking. We are including a couple of videos. The first video below is of Emma walking with a walker with minimal support. The second video is of Emma standing up out of her wheelchair on her own. She came home from therapy and proclaimed that she could stand up from her wheelchair. Very good medicine for all to see this kind of progression. We want to thank all those that have supported the All In For Emma Fundraising effort. We have begun to use the funds that have been donated to support Emma's recovery. We have used some of the funds to help with the required upgrades to our house. These donations are also providing support in monitoring and helping Emma at the Outpatient Therapy sessions. Because she requires personal assistance for eating and using the facilities, Hershey Rehab requires that someone be there to support the patient. Michele has been able to gain access to additional therapies like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and massage therapy at her office at Turnpaugh Health and Wellness. Funds from the trust are also being used for these sessions as they are not covered by insurance at this time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 6/3/28-
A great Week for Emma. She had Therapy on Tues, Wed and Thur from 10-4. Getting used to the new schedule is a big change. In PT she is working on the bike to build up the rhythm of moving her legs. They are having her walk a good bit using the walker as well. In ST they are working a lot of exercises for her mouth to help form words. In OT they are working on coordination exercises like catching a ball. She also has RT where they have been working with Emma to start using her phone and iPad. It has really helped to get her engaged with her friends again. She spent a good portion of Sat working up a full sweat typing a few texts to friends as well as her Sisters and Brothers. She also got to attend a surprise Birthday Party for one of her best friends from High School Sat night. She looked very comfortable with her friends and had a good time. She has some home work and we are doing a number of other extra work as well. We had her sitting up in a hard back chair for almost 25 min. Emma is choosing to walk (with help) in the house and even out to the car. It is a lot of work but truly seems to be getting better. Her passion and determination come through in all she does. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
A great Week for Emma. She had Therapy on Tues, Wed and Thur from 10-4. Getting used to the new schedule is a big change. In PT she is working on the bike to build up the rhythm of moving her legs. They are having her walk a good bit using the walker as well. In ST they are working a lot of exercises for her mouth to help form words. In OT they are working on coordination exercises like catching a ball. She also has RT where they have been working with Emma to start using her phone and iPad. It has really helped to get her engaged with her friends again. She spent a good portion of Sat working up a full sweat typing a few texts to friends as well as her Sisters and Brothers. She also got to attend a surprise Birthday Party for one of her best friends from High School Sat night. She looked very comfortable with her friends and had a good time. She has some home work and we are doing a number of other extra work as well. We had her sitting up in a hard back chair for almost 25 min. Emma is choosing to walk (with help) in the house and even out to the car. It is a lot of work but truly seems to be getting better. Her passion and determination come through in all she does. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/26/18-
It has been a great week for Emma. She had an evaluation at the Outpatient Clinic. Emma only had 1 day of Therapy because the schedule was full for the other days. She will be doing a full day program starting at 10 a.m. and going until 4 p.m. for 4 days per week. We have been working to keep her days busy. She has started a few alternate therapies through Turnpaugh Health and Wellness. She has had several chiropractic adjustments, an acupuncture session and a message. They also have a hypobaric chamber we are looking to have Emma in. We want to find and use all of the possible tools to facilitate a full recovery. Emma is much more relaxed at home. It has been a change for sure. We are working through most of the logistic issues. Michele is having to carry a lot of the load in handling Emma’s personal care. We have had a couple dinners out and she has been out shopping. All good so far. We are looking forward to a great holiday weekend and starting a week of 3 full days at Therapy. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
It has been a great week for Emma. She had an evaluation at the Outpatient Clinic. Emma only had 1 day of Therapy because the schedule was full for the other days. She will be doing a full day program starting at 10 a.m. and going until 4 p.m. for 4 days per week. We have been working to keep her days busy. She has started a few alternate therapies through Turnpaugh Health and Wellness. She has had several chiropractic adjustments, an acupuncture session and a message. They also have a hypobaric chamber we are looking to have Emma in. We want to find and use all of the possible tools to facilitate a full recovery. Emma is much more relaxed at home. It has been a change for sure. We are working through most of the logistic issues. Michele is having to carry a lot of the load in handling Emma’s personal care. We have had a couple dinners out and she has been out shopping. All good so far. We are looking forward to a great holiday weekend and starting a week of 3 full days at Therapy. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/20/18- Day 105
The end of a great weekend ... we started the day taking Emma full circle. We attended mass on Sun 2/4 super Bowl Sunday with her prior to the accident. We took her back to mass this morning for the first time in 105 days. An amazing reception from the church community. Faith has been a consistent part of Emma’s recovery. Thank you to the unbelievable number of people praying for her. She was back in church long before many thought. We finished the day with dinner on the deck. It felt almost normal again- amazing feeling. We are getting used to the process of having her home. This week Emma will return to Hershey to enter the Outpatient Therapy program. She will have an evaluation on Monday. We will know the schedule after that. Moving on to the next chapter of this journey. Emma has a new goal. Her brother, Dan, got engaged last week, the same day she was discharged from the hospital. She will need to be ready to participate in a wedding. As we move back to somewhat of a normal family schedule, I am going to change these updates to once a week. I will give a weekly update. Please continue to pray for Emma her journey is not over and she still has a lot of recovering to do. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
The end of a great weekend ... we started the day taking Emma full circle. We attended mass on Sun 2/4 super Bowl Sunday with her prior to the accident. We took her back to mass this morning for the first time in 105 days. An amazing reception from the church community. Faith has been a consistent part of Emma’s recovery. Thank you to the unbelievable number of people praying for her. She was back in church long before many thought. We finished the day with dinner on the deck. It felt almost normal again- amazing feeling. We are getting used to the process of having her home. This week Emma will return to Hershey to enter the Outpatient Therapy program. She will have an evaluation on Monday. We will know the schedule after that. Moving on to the next chapter of this journey. Emma has a new goal. Her brother, Dan, got engaged last week, the same day she was discharged from the hospital. She will need to be ready to participate in a wedding. As we move back to somewhat of a normal family schedule, I am going to change these updates to once a week. I will give a weekly update. Please continue to pray for Emma her journey is not over and she still has a lot of recovering to do. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 5/19/18-
Today Emma completed one of the goals she had on her board the longest at Hershey ... Attending the Trauma Survivor Day. We traveled up to Danville this morning and had a chance to see members of the Trauma Team. Thank you just does not seem like enough to say to them but them seeing Emma was the reward they were all looking for. We saw two of the trauma doctors, nurses that took care of her in the ICU, Case worker and Social worker. All of the people were instrumental in getting Emma stable and then getting her to Hershey where she has made such great progress. Next year’s goal is for Emma to return and tell her story herself. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Today Emma completed one of the goals she had on her board the longest at Hershey ... Attending the Trauma Survivor Day. We traveled up to Danville this morning and had a chance to see members of the Trauma Team. Thank you just does not seem like enough to say to them but them seeing Emma was the reward they were all looking for. We saw two of the trauma doctors, nurses that took care of her in the ICU, Case worker and Social worker. All of the people were instrumental in getting Emma stable and then getting her to Hershey where she has made such great progress. Next year’s goal is for Emma to return and tell her story herself. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/18/18-
Day 1 at home in the books. Emma had a good night sleep in her own bed. We definitely have a few things to figure out but seemed to get through the day with no problems. Michele took her out to get her nails done. We went to dinner with a group of friends at our local Restaurant (Black N Bleu). Tomorrow will be another milestone in this recovery. We will be heading back up to Danville to attend the 2nd Annual Trauma Survivor Day Event at Geisinger Medical Center. Emma will get to meet and thank a lot of the amazing team that took such great care of her in the very early days of this event. We had promised to come back if at all possible. It will be a monumental day for her. She does have one thing she wants to do, she wants to find the Doc that cut her hair and give him a close buzz herself. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Day 1 at home in the books. Emma had a good night sleep in her own bed. We definitely have a few things to figure out but seemed to get through the day with no problems. Michele took her out to get her nails done. We went to dinner with a group of friends at our local Restaurant (Black N Bleu). Tomorrow will be another milestone in this recovery. We will be heading back up to Danville to attend the 2nd Annual Trauma Survivor Day Event at Geisinger Medical Center. Emma will get to meet and thank a lot of the amazing team that took such great care of her in the very early days of this event. We had promised to come back if at all possible. It will be a monumental day for her. She does have one thing she wants to do, she wants to find the Doc that cut her hair and give him a close buzz herself. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/17/18- Home Day!
It was truly a glorious day. All of the prayers for Emma have been answered she is finally home. This was something that seemed so far away 102 days ago. Her first stop was at Michele’s office for a chiro adjustment. She had 3 ribs out of place and her neck required some serious work as well. Crazy enough she showed immediate improvements. It’s amazing that modern medicine cannot recognize the importance of making sure the structure of the temple is all lined up. We left the hospital with a loaner wheelchair. They will continue to work Emma’s custom chair. It may be hard to believe but the Dill’s were on time getting out of the Hospital. We walked out at 11:00. We had a great family dinner tonight. Emma wanted steaks so we grilled a nice filet. She had her first ride on the chairlift tonight, a shower and is tucked into her own bed. God is great all the time. This was one huge step in Emma’s recovery but is is only the beginning of her journey. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
It was truly a glorious day. All of the prayers for Emma have been answered she is finally home. This was something that seemed so far away 102 days ago. Her first stop was at Michele’s office for a chiro adjustment. She had 3 ribs out of place and her neck required some serious work as well. Crazy enough she showed immediate improvements. It’s amazing that modern medicine cannot recognize the importance of making sure the structure of the temple is all lined up. We left the hospital with a loaner wheelchair. They will continue to work Emma’s custom chair. It may be hard to believe but the Dill’s were on time getting out of the Hospital. We walked out at 11:00. We had a great family dinner tonight. Emma wanted steaks so we grilled a nice filet. She had her first ride on the chairlift tonight, a shower and is tucked into her own bed. God is great all the time. This was one huge step in Emma’s recovery but is is only the beginning of her journey. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/16/18- Just A Wake Up!
Emma is beyond excited. She is truly ready to come home. She spent most of the day today getting ready to leave. In PT they worked on walking frontwards and backwards. She did a full flight of stairs (12 steps) with help. During she a second session of PT she was measured for a custom wheelchair. Which can take several weeks to be delivered. We are having some issues with the wheelchair but we hope to have that solved before discharge. OT they worked on some vision drills to help her eyes work better together. The therapist also worked with us on transfers to the shower. Watching Emma’s face light up knowing she was going home as she took her final stroll around the hospital was amazing. Everyone said her finals hellos and goodbyes. She has some coasters that she is having the staff sign for her. We carried them around and asked those that had worked with her to sign it. Tomorrow will be day 102 ... really does not seem that long but what a distance she has come so far. We know the work has just begun but this young lady is getting ready to work hard to get back and finish her student teaching . Drive and Determination are going to carry her through. God is good all the time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma is beyond excited. She is truly ready to come home. She spent most of the day today getting ready to leave. In PT they worked on walking frontwards and backwards. She did a full flight of stairs (12 steps) with help. During she a second session of PT she was measured for a custom wheelchair. Which can take several weeks to be delivered. We are having some issues with the wheelchair but we hope to have that solved before discharge. OT they worked on some vision drills to help her eyes work better together. The therapist also worked with us on transfers to the shower. Watching Emma’s face light up knowing she was going home as she took her final stroll around the hospital was amazing. Everyone said her finals hellos and goodbyes. She has some coasters that she is having the staff sign for her. We carried them around and asked those that had worked with her to sign it. Tomorrow will be day 102 ... really does not seem that long but what a distance she has come so far. We know the work has just begun but this young lady is getting ready to work hard to get back and finish her student teaching . Drive and Determination are going to carry her through. God is good all the time. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/15/18- 1Day and a Wake-Up Left
Today was day 100 following the accident. An early day with 3 therapies today. She started the day with an 8:15 shower with OT which meant we had to do breakfast at 7:30. OT is working every day skills. Emma was able dress herself with limited help today. In ST they worked on some logic skills and more annunciation. During PT she did the steps again. Also more walking forwards and backwards. Final preparations are happening for Thursday. The chair lift is being installed Wednesday. We can’t wait to have our girl home! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Today was day 100 following the accident. An early day with 3 therapies today. She started the day with an 8:15 shower with OT which meant we had to do breakfast at 7:30. OT is working every day skills. Emma was able dress herself with limited help today. In ST they worked on some logic skills and more annunciation. During PT she did the steps again. Also more walking forwards and backwards. Final preparations are happening for Thursday. The chair lift is being installed Wednesday. We can’t wait to have our girl home! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/14/18- 2 Days and a Wake-up Left
We are ready to have Emma home. It’s time. These last few days are not moving quick enough. Today started with ST, continuing to practice the tough sounds and projecting her voice. PT was supposed to incorporate a wheelchair fitting but the vendor never showed up. However PT worked on walking and leg strength. Walking backwards is truly helping her gait. OT has Emma working on her Yoga poses. She seems to get a lot of muscle control out of it. She continues to push through and reminds us she will be home in a short time. #EmmaStrong #PrayforEmmaMae
We are ready to have Emma home. It’s time. These last few days are not moving quick enough. Today started with ST, continuing to practice the tough sounds and projecting her voice. PT was supposed to incorporate a wheelchair fitting but the vendor never showed up. However PT worked on walking and leg strength. Walking backwards is truly helping her gait. OT has Emma working on her Yoga poses. She seems to get a lot of muscle control out of it. She continues to push through and reminds us she will be home in a short time. #EmmaStrong #PrayforEmmaMae
Update from 5/13/18- 3 Days and a Wake-up Left
A quiet day for Emma. Lots of rest after her big day. As is normal with Emma, she had been working to have presents ready for Mother’s Day long before anyone else had been. She worked with one of her nurses to get a neckless for Momma Dill that says “I Love You ... To the Moon and Back”. A great day with family and friends celebrating Mother’s Day. Emma got to bed early to get ready for 3 days of therapies before her discharge on Thursday. We can’t wait to have her home # Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
A quiet day for Emma. Lots of rest after her big day. As is normal with Emma, she had been working to have presents ready for Mother’s Day long before anyone else had been. She worked with one of her nurses to get a neckless for Momma Dill that says “I Love You ... To the Moon and Back”. A great day with family and friends celebrating Mother’s Day. Emma got to bed early to get ready for 3 days of therapies before her discharge on Thursday. We can’t wait to have her home # Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/12/18- 4 Days and a Wake-Up Left
A glorious day for Emma ... the morning started for her at about 4:30 when her OT Therapist arrived and got her up and started curling her hair. Her and an aide that has been really close with Emma came in on their own- amazing support for this young lady. When we arrived it felt like the entire hospital was helping get things ready for her. I did her make-up. Emma handled the trip very well. Had to have Starbucks along the way. When we arrived at Bloomsburg her girlfriends were waiting with her cap and gown- the cap was fully decorated. The University made a decision to have the ceremony outdoors. There were a few periods of rain but it eventually cleared for most of the ceremony. Emma received a standing ovation from the students in the College of Education when her name was called as the first graduate. Emma had a plan following the event to get pictures at a number of locations. She even went back to her Sorority House and stood in front of the door with her girlfriends. Afterwards we had a group of family and friends gather for a late lunch at one of Emma’s favorite restaurants back here at home. Knowing where we were 98 days ago this glorious day was only possible through the Spirit of God. The love and support Emma has felt from all the prayers that continue to be sent her way is so uplifting for us and our family #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
A glorious day for Emma ... the morning started for her at about 4:30 when her OT Therapist arrived and got her up and started curling her hair. Her and an aide that has been really close with Emma came in on their own- amazing support for this young lady. When we arrived it felt like the entire hospital was helping get things ready for her. I did her make-up. Emma handled the trip very well. Had to have Starbucks along the way. When we arrived at Bloomsburg her girlfriends were waiting with her cap and gown- the cap was fully decorated. The University made a decision to have the ceremony outdoors. There were a few periods of rain but it eventually cleared for most of the ceremony. Emma received a standing ovation from the students in the College of Education when her name was called as the first graduate. Emma had a plan following the event to get pictures at a number of locations. She even went back to her Sorority House and stood in front of the door with her girlfriends. Afterwards we had a group of family and friends gather for a late lunch at one of Emma’s favorite restaurants back here at home. Knowing where we were 98 days ago this glorious day was only possible through the Spirit of God. The love and support Emma has felt from all the prayers that continue to be sent her way is so uplifting for us and our family #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/11/18- 5 Days and a Wake-up Left
Game Day tomorrow! Early night tonight. Getting ready for Graduation👩🎓... Emma had a full day today of Therapies. PT was working on more walking and walking backwards. In ST they worked on conversations in preparation for tomorrow. For OT she had an afternoon shower. The smile on Emma’s face tonight as we talked about tomorrow ... she is truly excited. It will be a long day. Starting at 5 a.m. when we will arrive and start getting her ready. On the road by 5:45. We have to be in Bloomsburg for 8:00 with a ceremony at 8:30. The University will make an early morning decision on inside vs outside. The link to the live stream is below ... #Pray4EmmaMae ... #EmmaStrong
https://intranet.bloomu.edu/graduation/live
Game Day tomorrow! Early night tonight. Getting ready for Graduation👩🎓... Emma had a full day today of Therapies. PT was working on more walking and walking backwards. In ST they worked on conversations in preparation for tomorrow. For OT she had an afternoon shower. The smile on Emma’s face tonight as we talked about tomorrow ... she is truly excited. It will be a long day. Starting at 5 a.m. when we will arrive and start getting her ready. On the road by 5:45. We have to be in Bloomsburg for 8:00 with a ceremony at 8:30. The University will make an early morning decision on inside vs outside. The link to the live stream is below ... #Pray4EmmaMae ... #EmmaStrong
https://intranet.bloomu.edu/graduation/live
Update from 5/10/18- 6 Days and a Wake-up Left
Emma have another positive day. Started her day with OT where the worked on posture and dexterity. She is making good progress in the both areas. The afternoon was busy. It started with PT where she walked with assistance over 50 feet. She also walked frontwards and back while using the parallel bars. From there she went to ST where they focused on appropriate responses. Then back to the room for a hair trim and eyebrows. Getting all ready for graduation. The best part of the day was when we were told Emma’s discharge date May 17! We are so ready! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma have another positive day. Started her day with OT where the worked on posture and dexterity. She is making good progress in the both areas. The afternoon was busy. It started with PT where she walked with assistance over 50 feet. She also walked frontwards and back while using the parallel bars. From there she went to ST where they focused on appropriate responses. Then back to the room for a hair trim and eyebrows. Getting all ready for graduation. The best part of the day was when we were told Emma’s discharge date May 17! We are so ready! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/9/18- 8 Days and a Wake-up Left
Long Day for Emma today. She started with OT. She did lots of trunk work standing with minimum support. In ST she worked on specific sounds trying to better pronounce words. In PT she walked again like yesterday and spent time working on getting up off the floor. Got the official written order today from the Doc for her day trip on Saturday. It is official she will be attending Graduation in Bloomsburg. She will be in a wheelchair. Her girlfriends will help her up to the stage. But 90 days ago it was a question if she would ever get out of the hospital bed. Let alone sitting up and being able to stand with assistance. Amazing drive and determination #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Long Day for Emma today. She started with OT. She did lots of trunk work standing with minimum support. In ST she worked on specific sounds trying to better pronounce words. In PT she walked again like yesterday and spent time working on getting up off the floor. Got the official written order today from the Doc for her day trip on Saturday. It is official she will be attending Graduation in Bloomsburg. She will be in a wheelchair. Her girlfriends will help her up to the stage. But 90 days ago it was a question if she would ever get out of the hospital bed. Let alone sitting up and being able to stand with assistance. Amazing drive and determination #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/8/18- 9 Days and a Wake-up Left
Game Day is approaching. Great day for a Emma today. They stopped the meds for her tremors. She was able to get some sleep and seemed much more rested today. She started the day with a shower. She did a lot more of it on her own and was able to do much more to dress herself. In speech they worked on breathing trying to expand her lungs. Emma used the life walker, a contraption that can allow her to walk while she is suspended in a harness. She made it out of the gym and a good ways down the hallway. Amazing to see what she has been able to accomplish in 60+ days in this facility. Thank you to the amazing therapists. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Game Day is approaching. Great day for a Emma today. They stopped the meds for her tremors. She was able to get some sleep and seemed much more rested today. She started the day with a shower. She did a lot more of it on her own and was able to do much more to dress herself. In speech they worked on breathing trying to expand her lungs. Emma used the life walker, a contraption that can allow her to walk while she is suspended in a harness. She made it out of the gym and a good ways down the hallway. Amazing to see what she has been able to accomplish in 60+ days in this facility. Thank you to the amazing therapists. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/7/18- 10 Days and a Wake-Up Left
The day started with PT in the morning. They worked on balance and stability. She has a tremor that happens when she is working on different things. The tremor makes it hard at times to do things she wants her body to do. But as always Emma fights through to do all that is asked of her. The afternoon was a trip to the outlets. The first time she has been in the community since her accident. She bought a sundress, navy blue and white. She tried it on with some help to make sure it fit. Then she headed to Starbucks for a black tea lemonade and a insulated cup with a straw. Her smile was magical. She then returned to the hospital. To say her outing was a success is an understatement. Emma did all that was asked, no matter how difficult. She purchased the dress and the cup on her own. She put her money away on her own. Were there hurdles? You bet there was. But as always she was our Warrior Princess. She is Emma Strong! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
The day started with PT in the morning. They worked on balance and stability. She has a tremor that happens when she is working on different things. The tremor makes it hard at times to do things she wants her body to do. But as always Emma fights through to do all that is asked of her. The afternoon was a trip to the outlets. The first time she has been in the community since her accident. She bought a sundress, navy blue and white. She tried it on with some help to make sure it fit. Then she headed to Starbucks for a black tea lemonade and a insulated cup with a straw. Her smile was magical. She then returned to the hospital. To say her outing was a success is an understatement. Emma did all that was asked, no matter how difficult. She purchased the dress and the cup on her own. She put her money away on her own. Were there hurdles? You bet there was. But as always she was our Warrior Princess. She is Emma Strong! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/6/18- 11 Days and a Wake-up Left
Emma started her day with speech therapy at 8:00. Early start for a Sunday. They just keep working on talking and annunciation. The rest of the day was spent resting and with visitors. She is very excited for her first outing tomorrow. Emma will get to go shopping at the outlets in Hershey. She also is giving us lots of directions for graduation. The next two weeks can’t go quick enough. We’re ready to have our girl home. #EmmaStrong #PrayforEmma
Emma started her day with speech therapy at 8:00. Early start for a Sunday. They just keep working on talking and annunciation. The rest of the day was spent resting and with visitors. She is very excited for her first outing tomorrow. Emma will get to go shopping at the outlets in Hershey. She also is giving us lots of directions for graduation. The next two weeks can’t go quick enough. We’re ready to have our girl home. #EmmaStrong #PrayforEmma
Update from 5/5/18- 12 Days and a Wake-up Left!
Restful day for Emma today- no therapies. She spent most of the day resting and trying to calm her right leg and keep it from shaking. We were able to take a stroll around the place today before the rains came. Emma had her nails done in preparation for graduation. She still had to work the peg board to improve her dexterity. What a Princess Warrior. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Restful day for Emma today- no therapies. She spent most of the day resting and trying to calm her right leg and keep it from shaking. We were able to take a stroll around the place today before the rains came. Emma had her nails done in preparation for graduation. She still had to work the peg board to improve her dexterity. What a Princess Warrior. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/4/18- 13 Days and a Wake-up Left!
She had ST first thing where they worked on communicating skills in preparation for her outing on Monday and for Graduation. She had a shower for OT and continues to work on life skills like getting dressed. In PT they worked on transitions in and out of bed and standing up to sitting down. They put weighted balls on the floor that she had to touch with each foot from a sitting and standing position. Not as easy as one would think. She finished the peg board three times today, a week ago she was happy putting one ring on each post. Today all rings on three times!! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
She had ST first thing where they worked on communicating skills in preparation for her outing on Monday and for Graduation. She had a shower for OT and continues to work on life skills like getting dressed. In PT they worked on transitions in and out of bed and standing up to sitting down. They put weighted balls on the floor that she had to touch with each foot from a sitting and standing position. Not as easy as one would think. She finished the peg board three times today, a week ago she was happy putting one ring on each post. Today all rings on three times!! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/3/18- 14 Days and a Wake-up Left!
Fun day today for Emma. In PT they worked on walking again. She tried some new techniques to help. She is fighting some tremors in her right leg that are not helping the progress in walking but she keeps fighting. In OT they did some outdoor yoga. They working on flexibility and being able to stand up from the ground. The ST and RT group met with Emma to plan her first “outing”. They are going to take her out into a community situation. Of course because the Hershey Outlets are about a mile away the natural choice was a trip there. So next Monday afternoon she will get a short day trip to see how things go. Emma also did the hand board again today 3 times. She had put at least 10 rings on with her left hand before I left this morning. Her work ethic is amazing. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Fun day today for Emma. In PT they worked on walking again. She tried some new techniques to help. She is fighting some tremors in her right leg that are not helping the progress in walking but she keeps fighting. In OT they did some outdoor yoga. They working on flexibility and being able to stand up from the ground. The ST and RT group met with Emma to plan her first “outing”. They are going to take her out into a community situation. Of course because the Hershey Outlets are about a mile away the natural choice was a trip there. So next Monday afternoon she will get a short day trip to see how things go. Emma also did the hand board again today 3 times. She had put at least 10 rings on with her left hand before I left this morning. Her work ethic is amazing. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 5/2/18- 15 Days and a Wake-Up Left!
Emma is working so hard. She started her day with SP. They are continuing to work on her speech. Having her continue conversations to build her confidence. OT worked on getting in and out of the car. At first we used the car they had in the gym then we went outside to use the car Emma will actually be getting in and out of. She rocked it. She ended her day with a double PT session. She used the walker to walk 50 feet twice. She practiced getting in and out of her wheelchair from the mat. Then her therapist stretched her out and she also did some stretching on her own. Lastly she went to the parallel bars where to used one bar like it was a grab bar to get herself in and out of her wheelchair. She also worked on her peg board to build dexterity, she does this on her room in her own. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Emma is working so hard. She started her day with SP. They are continuing to work on her speech. Having her continue conversations to build her confidence. OT worked on getting in and out of the car. At first we used the car they had in the gym then we went outside to use the car Emma will actually be getting in and out of. She rocked it. She ended her day with a double PT session. She used the walker to walk 50 feet twice. She practiced getting in and out of her wheelchair from the mat. Then her therapist stretched her out and she also did some stretching on her own. Lastly she went to the parallel bars where to used one bar like it was a grab bar to get herself in and out of her wheelchair. She also worked on her peg board to build dexterity, she does this on her room in her own. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 5/1/18
Emma has started to count down the days till she is discharged. Busy day for Emma started the day with OT at 8:15 and a shower. They are really working the skills she needs to be ready to come home. She was able to dress herself today for the first time. In ST they worked more on annunciation and speaking with other people. In PT she worked on the steps again making it up and down 3 times for 12 steps. She also walked almost 100 ft in the walker with limited help. Emma worked the hand skills again and actually finished all of the rings today. She did the board twice tonight. Her determination to improve is amazing. She finished the day with a walk with friends that came to visit after work. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma has started to count down the days till she is discharged. Busy day for Emma started the day with OT at 8:15 and a shower. They are really working the skills she needs to be ready to come home. She was able to dress herself today for the first time. In ST they worked more on annunciation and speaking with other people. In PT she worked on the steps again making it up and down 3 times for 12 steps. She also walked almost 100 ft in the walker with limited help. Emma worked the hand skills again and actually finished all of the rings today. She did the board twice tonight. Her determination to improve is amazing. She finished the day with a walk with friends that came to visit after work. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/30/18
Great Monday for Emma! She had 4 sessions of therapy and 1 self therapy. We have been working on hand motor skills as extra work. This morning she wanted to do them before her planned sessions. So she ate breakfast. Then we got her set up to work on those hand motor skills. She has an amazing drive. Today in PT she worked on transitions in and out of bed. In ST she worked on annunciation. In OT she worked on life skills. Which were cleaning a table and folding towels. Then she had to move a 10lb bar up a set of rungs and back down. Emma continues to impress with her drive. On Saturday she barely was able to put one ring on the board with her left hand doing the hand skill exercises, this morning she asked to do it again and had done 6 before I left the room. What a Champ! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Great Monday for Emma! She had 4 sessions of therapy and 1 self therapy. We have been working on hand motor skills as extra work. This morning she wanted to do them before her planned sessions. So she ate breakfast. Then we got her set up to work on those hand motor skills. She has an amazing drive. Today in PT she worked on transitions in and out of bed. In ST she worked on annunciation. In OT she worked on life skills. Which were cleaning a table and folding towels. Then she had to move a 10lb bar up a set of rungs and back down. Emma continues to impress with her drive. On Saturday she barely was able to put one ring on the board with her left hand doing the hand skill exercises, this morning she asked to do it again and had done 6 before I left the room. What a Champ! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/29/18
Quiet day with family and friends. All settled in to a new bigger room. Allows for plenty of room for visitors. No planned therapies today. Emma did work on some hand skills again today and was much better than yesterday but her determination is amazing as she wouldn’t quit until she did better than yesterday. The sign of a true champion. While on one of our tours around the hospital this afternoon Emma stopped in the gym to say hello to her PT Therapist. She offered to put Emma on the bike, no hesitation “Sure”. 15 min and annoyed when the machine wouldn’t register when she was pushing. Just amazing drive and perseverance . Ended the night having dinner with dear friends that brought pizza for Emma. She had GF Pizza and coconut ice cream . #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Quiet day with family and friends. All settled in to a new bigger room. Allows for plenty of room for visitors. No planned therapies today. Emma did work on some hand skills again today and was much better than yesterday but her determination is amazing as she wouldn’t quit until she did better than yesterday. The sign of a true champion. While on one of our tours around the hospital this afternoon Emma stopped in the gym to say hello to her PT Therapist. She offered to put Emma on the bike, no hesitation “Sure”. 15 min and annoyed when the machine wouldn’t register when she was pushing. Just amazing drive and perseverance . Ended the night having dinner with dear friends that brought pizza for Emma. She had GF Pizza and coconut ice cream . #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/28/18
Quiet Saturday for Emma. She did have ST in the morning where they worked on a few techniques for talking. We did some extra work in the room trying to work her hands. She did take a trip around the building before the rain came in. She also got her nails done by a special friend. We got to share Emma’s story on the local news today. The first of what we believe will be many chances for her to show her inspirational story of courage and triumph. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
http://www.abc27.com/news/inspiring-22-year-old-recovering-from-traumatic-brain-injury-attending-college-graduation/1149228113
Quiet Saturday for Emma. She did have ST in the morning where they worked on a few techniques for talking. We did some extra work in the room trying to work her hands. She did take a trip around the building before the rain came in. She also got her nails done by a special friend. We got to share Emma’s story on the local news today. The first of what we believe will be many chances for her to show her inspirational story of courage and triumph. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
http://www.abc27.com/news/inspiring-22-year-old-recovering-from-traumatic-brain-injury-attending-college-graduation/1149228113
We are proud to share the news that Emma will be going home 5/18! #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/27/18
Great Day for Emma. She had 3 sessions today. She started the day with a shower. She worked on doing more and more of the required tasks on her own . ST worked more on the strategies to help her with being able to pronounce words better. In PT she did a lot of walking with and without the walker as well as doing the steps again totaling over 100ft. Emma worked with the Lebanon PT students again during her PT session. Emma also moved rooms today (moved up to the penthouse ... took the bigger room) ... one of the aides made sure Emma had a nice welcome in her new room. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Great Day for Emma. She had 3 sessions today. She started the day with a shower. She worked on doing more and more of the required tasks on her own . ST worked more on the strategies to help her with being able to pronounce words better. In PT she did a lot of walking with and without the walker as well as doing the steps again totaling over 100ft. Emma worked with the Lebanon PT students again during her PT session. Emma also moved rooms today (moved up to the penthouse ... took the bigger room) ... one of the aides made sure Emma had a nice welcome in her new room. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Updates from 4/26/18
Busy day again today for Emma. In OT she did Yoga poses working on body positioning. In ST worked on sentence structure and being able to project her voice with more volume. In PT they worked on walking. Trying to improve the process of lifting and placing each foot. Walking almost 100 ft with out the walker with help from her Therapists, amazing change in the last 50+ days. She ended her day blowing bubbles which in itself is amazing since two days ago she didn’t have the strength to do it. #Pray4EmmaMae#EmmaStrong
Busy day again today for Emma. In OT she did Yoga poses working on body positioning. In ST worked on sentence structure and being able to project her voice with more volume. In PT they worked on walking. Trying to improve the process of lifting and placing each foot. Walking almost 100 ft with out the walker with help from her Therapists, amazing change in the last 50+ days. She ended her day blowing bubbles which in itself is amazing since two days ago she didn’t have the strength to do it. #Pray4EmmaMae#EmmaStrong
Updates from 4/25/18
4 sessions today. Emma is working hard across the board. In OT they were working on being able to reach using a big screen TV that puts letters and numbers on the screen to have to touch. In ST she worked on annunciation she was very proud to tell us the “Sally sells sea shells ...” sentence. Her speech is getting much better this week. In a double PT in the afternoon she was all over the gym, up and down the steps, using parallel bars to walk and throwing bean bags in a bucket while maintaining her balance and she ended the session with 10 minutes on the bicycle. I would have to say the best part of her day was a visit from a Goldendoddle named Romeo. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
4 sessions today. Emma is working hard across the board. In OT they were working on being able to reach using a big screen TV that puts letters and numbers on the screen to have to touch. In ST she worked on annunciation she was very proud to tell us the “Sally sells sea shells ...” sentence. Her speech is getting much better this week. In a double PT in the afternoon she was all over the gym, up and down the steps, using parallel bars to walk and throwing bean bags in a bucket while maintaining her balance and she ended the session with 10 minutes on the bicycle. I would have to say the best part of her day was a visit from a Goldendoddle named Romeo. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/24/18
Emma started the day with OT. She is working on getting a shower. They are working more and more on her being able to do these processes on her own. In ST they worked on strategies to help her talking. Trying to slow down and string words together. It really is getting easier to understand her. In PT she walked with the walker for a total of 102 ft. She also worked on using the walker to transfer herself from the chair to the bed and back again. She also worked on her head position with the laser again. Emma received an award for Chapter Member the Year for her Sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. They set up an online meeting so she could hear the award presentation and all the girls could see her ... very special #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/23/18
Emma’s day started with a combined session of OT/PT this morning where they worked on sitting balance and head/neck movement. They used post it notes on a wall and Emma had a laser light on her head. The light needed to be lined up with the post it notes for proper alignment. After lunch she had speech therapy where they played a game very similar to heads up. It worked on putting words together to form sentences to describe the picture. Emma’s last session of the day was PT again where they worked on walking. First she stepped up and down on a step. Then she used the walker to walk. Emma still needs assistance to use the walker but is getting better each day. Walking today was about quality step not quantity steps. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Emma started the day with OT. She is working on getting a shower. They are working more and more on her being able to do these processes on her own. In ST they worked on strategies to help her talking. Trying to slow down and string words together. It really is getting easier to understand her. In PT she walked with the walker for a total of 102 ft. She also worked on using the walker to transfer herself from the chair to the bed and back again. She also worked on her head position with the laser again. Emma received an award for Chapter Member the Year for her Sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. They set up an online meeting so she could hear the award presentation and all the girls could see her ... very special #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/23/18
Emma’s day started with a combined session of OT/PT this morning where they worked on sitting balance and head/neck movement. They used post it notes on a wall and Emma had a laser light on her head. The light needed to be lined up with the post it notes for proper alignment. After lunch she had speech therapy where they played a game very similar to heads up. It worked on putting words together to form sentences to describe the picture. Emma’s last session of the day was PT again where they worked on walking. First she stepped up and down on a step. Then she used the walker to walk. Emma still needs assistance to use the walker but is getting better each day. Walking today was about quality step not quantity steps. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/22/18
Emma had another day off from therapy. However she worked on maneuvering her wheelchair on her own. She can walk it around. Sitting in a wheelchair and pulling with your legs looks much easier then it is. Our girl is working those core muscles. Which in the end with make her that much stronger. She did go outside to enjoy the beautiful day. Another plus for the day where lots of visitors. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/21/18
Emma had a day off today. No therapies. Rest is just as important as therapy. She had lots of visitors. Went out side two times and enjoyed the day. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/20/18
Emma started her day with speech therapy. Where they worked on eating and mouth care. Her diet has no limitations. She had occupational therapy where they worked on personal hygiene. But physical therapy is where Emma shinned brightly today. Three physical therapy students from Lebanon Valley College came in to do an assessment on Emma as if she was a new patient. She was with 3 people her age for the better part of 2 and half hours. She called it teaching and was thrilled to be involved. After the assessment she walked in the walker well over 50 feet. Then Emma walked the same distance with out the walker. Then she walked up and down the stairs. Then ended the session riding the stationary bicycle. The LVC student will return next Friday to report their findings. She continues to get stronger every day. Please continue to pray for our girl! #PrayforEmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/19/18
Four therapies again today. PT started the day with stretching, something that Emma really needed. That was followed by SP where Emma successfully ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She has been taken off meal restrictions. She was able to rest for about 45 minutes. Her afternoon began with life skills which was a combined session of OT and RT. They had Emma in an apartment setting where she made vanilla pudding. She was quite proud of herself as she should be. The pudding was pretty good. After life skills she had a another short OT session where they worked on personal skills. As always her attitude is very positive. Her smile lights up the room. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Updates from 4/18/18
Another four therapy day for Emma. During speech therapy Emma ate her lunch, gluten free pizza and a salad. This is the last step before meal restrictions are lifted. She had no problem with the pizza or salad. OT was spent in the little gym working on fine motor skills. They gave Emma putty with beads in it. She accomplished removing the beads from the putty. PT and RT were combined and she was in the big gym for that session. Emma sat up for 30 minutes at a table working a puzzle called rush hour. Problem solving while working her body is not an easy task for a TBI patient but in true Emma form she completed ever puzzle they gave her. She then used a walker to walk about 30 feet. Last, but certainly not least, Emma was hooked up to treadmill with a harness. She rocked it for 5 minutes. She truly is an inspiration to all. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/17/18
Emma had all four therapies today. The day began with speech therapy and it was truly that. They worked on her speech, word pronunciation and sentences. Next was PT where she worked on the parallel bars for standing. Then on to the mat for some more balance on her knees with her arms resting on a stool. She also did some walking. She finished PT on the bicycle. OT worked on life skill, opening and closing things. Great for the fine motor skills. Her day ended with RT. She practiced writing her name with proper holding of pencil. Then they moved onto a tile game where Emma had to match color or shape on the tile. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/16/18
Most people complained about the weather change today. Not Emma she went about her day working hard and not giving in to being exhausted. She had speech therapy where they worked on reading and comprehension. She did very well. During PT she used the treadmill. They put a harness on her and she walked on the treadmill for 5 minutes. After the treadmill she walked 53 feet then 118 feet with the walker. She is like the energizer bunny, never stops. She ended her day with OT where she had a shower. After holding her body up right to shower she was able to help get herself dressed. Not an easy task when your body doesn’t always respond the way you want it to. Her commitment to recovery is unwavering. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/15/18
Rest day for Emma today, no therapies today. Visits from family and friends were key today. Some good rest and a couple of trips around the halls of the hospital. Seeing Emma just relax and have a good time with family and friends. Playing air hockey with Dan and rocking her sunglasses before bed. For the last three nights we have been blessed to have good friends with us for nightly prayers. Emma has definitely found her personality again! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Emma had another day off from therapy. However she worked on maneuvering her wheelchair on her own. She can walk it around. Sitting in a wheelchair and pulling with your legs looks much easier then it is. Our girl is working those core muscles. Which in the end with make her that much stronger. She did go outside to enjoy the beautiful day. Another plus for the day where lots of visitors. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/21/18
Emma had a day off today. No therapies. Rest is just as important as therapy. She had lots of visitors. Went out side two times and enjoyed the day. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/20/18
Emma started her day with speech therapy. Where they worked on eating and mouth care. Her diet has no limitations. She had occupational therapy where they worked on personal hygiene. But physical therapy is where Emma shinned brightly today. Three physical therapy students from Lebanon Valley College came in to do an assessment on Emma as if she was a new patient. She was with 3 people her age for the better part of 2 and half hours. She called it teaching and was thrilled to be involved. After the assessment she walked in the walker well over 50 feet. Then Emma walked the same distance with out the walker. Then she walked up and down the stairs. Then ended the session riding the stationary bicycle. The LVC student will return next Friday to report their findings. She continues to get stronger every day. Please continue to pray for our girl! #PrayforEmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/19/18
Four therapies again today. PT started the day with stretching, something that Emma really needed. That was followed by SP where Emma successfully ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She has been taken off meal restrictions. She was able to rest for about 45 minutes. Her afternoon began with life skills which was a combined session of OT and RT. They had Emma in an apartment setting where she made vanilla pudding. She was quite proud of herself as she should be. The pudding was pretty good. After life skills she had a another short OT session where they worked on personal skills. As always her attitude is very positive. Her smile lights up the room. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Updates from 4/18/18
Another four therapy day for Emma. During speech therapy Emma ate her lunch, gluten free pizza and a salad. This is the last step before meal restrictions are lifted. She had no problem with the pizza or salad. OT was spent in the little gym working on fine motor skills. They gave Emma putty with beads in it. She accomplished removing the beads from the putty. PT and RT were combined and she was in the big gym for that session. Emma sat up for 30 minutes at a table working a puzzle called rush hour. Problem solving while working her body is not an easy task for a TBI patient but in true Emma form she completed ever puzzle they gave her. She then used a walker to walk about 30 feet. Last, but certainly not least, Emma was hooked up to treadmill with a harness. She rocked it for 5 minutes. She truly is an inspiration to all. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/17/18
Emma had all four therapies today. The day began with speech therapy and it was truly that. They worked on her speech, word pronunciation and sentences. Next was PT where she worked on the parallel bars for standing. Then on to the mat for some more balance on her knees with her arms resting on a stool. She also did some walking. She finished PT on the bicycle. OT worked on life skill, opening and closing things. Great for the fine motor skills. Her day ended with RT. She practiced writing her name with proper holding of pencil. Then they moved onto a tile game where Emma had to match color or shape on the tile. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/16/18
Most people complained about the weather change today. Not Emma she went about her day working hard and not giving in to being exhausted. She had speech therapy where they worked on reading and comprehension. She did very well. During PT she used the treadmill. They put a harness on her and she walked on the treadmill for 5 minutes. After the treadmill she walked 53 feet then 118 feet with the walker. She is like the energizer bunny, never stops. She ended her day with OT where she had a shower. After holding her body up right to shower she was able to help get herself dressed. Not an easy task when your body doesn’t always respond the way you want it to. Her commitment to recovery is unwavering. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/15/18
Rest day for Emma today, no therapies today. Visits from family and friends were key today. Some good rest and a couple of trips around the halls of the hospital. Seeing Emma just relax and have a good time with family and friends. Playing air hockey with Dan and rocking her sunglasses before bed. For the last three nights we have been blessed to have good friends with us for nightly prayers. Emma has definitely found her personality again! #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/14/18
Emma had a relaxing day. Only Speech Therapy today. They worked on word association. She had three trips outside to enjoy the fabulous weather. She is in excellent spirits and always has a smile. All the nurses and aides enjoy working with her. She is a blessing to all those she encounters. She had some special visitors who brought her a special gift.
#EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Emma had a relaxing day. Only Speech Therapy today. They worked on word association. She had three trips outside to enjoy the fabulous weather. She is in excellent spirits and always has a smile. All the nurses and aides enjoy working with her. She is a blessing to all those she encounters. She had some special visitors who brought her a special gift.
#EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/13/18
It was another milestone day for Emma! Her peg tube(feeding tube) was removed. She spent time outside. PT was spent with Emma sitting and working her core, as well as working. She has been using some braces from ankle support and they are really helping with the mechanics of her walking. During OT she was working on opening jars. Then she went outside to do some bench sitting and kicking a ball. SP and RT was combined with cards games and speaking. She was again outside sitting for this activity. It was a beautiful afternoon. The best part of the day for all was when Emma found out she will be participating in graduation at Bloomsburg. The expression on her face was priceless. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
It was another milestone day for Emma! Her peg tube(feeding tube) was removed. She spent time outside. PT was spent with Emma sitting and working her core, as well as working. She has been using some braces from ankle support and they are really helping with the mechanics of her walking. During OT she was working on opening jars. Then she went outside to do some bench sitting and kicking a ball. SP and RT was combined with cards games and speaking. She was again outside sitting for this activity. It was a beautiful afternoon. The best part of the day for all was when Emma found out she will be participating in graduation at Bloomsburg. The expression on her face was priceless. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/12/18
A great day today for Emma. She had all 4 therapy sessions today. In RT she worked on a puzzle game that required her to move pieces around and solve a puzzle. Which she did every time correctly. During ST they worked on math skills. OT had her change from pants to shorts for PT. PT was the last session of the day. She walked with the the braces for 45 ft and rode the stationary bike for 15 minutes, just under 2 miles. Just amazing. Then she stood at a table picking up bean bags and tossing them in a bucket. After dinner she took a trip outside. Emma had on shorts and a T-Shirt. There is no substitute for sun in your face and wind in your hair ... Emma’s attitude is infectious ... She wakes up every day with a smile and looks forward to her work outs. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
A great day today for Emma. She had all 4 therapy sessions today. In RT she worked on a puzzle game that required her to move pieces around and solve a puzzle. Which she did every time correctly. During ST they worked on math skills. OT had her change from pants to shorts for PT. PT was the last session of the day. She walked with the the braces for 45 ft and rode the stationary bike for 15 minutes, just under 2 miles. Just amazing. Then she stood at a table picking up bean bags and tossing them in a bucket. After dinner she took a trip outside. Emma had on shorts and a T-Shirt. There is no substitute for sun in your face and wind in your hair ... Emma’s attitude is infectious ... She wakes up every day with a smile and looks forward to her work outs. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/11/18
Emma had a really good day. After her visit in the ER yesterday. Emma was a champ and got up early to start her day with ST. She had RT where she played card games and worked on gaming with her sister-in-law. She worked on the computer and actually typed a note. She was actually able to concentrate on typing while there was a major incident in the gym with another patient which is huge. In PT she walked 49 ft across the gym and worked on balance by standing in the corner of a room. She was able to balance all by herself for 5+ min. Emma’s doctor was changed today. The new doctor has a personality and a great bedside manner. Hopefully Emma will continue to ramp up her progress under this doctor . Emma took a stroll around the hospital after dinner to greet folks while she was wearing her amazing set of Rose Gold Mickey Ears. She was a big hit with all. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/10/18
Tough day today for Emma ... she started the day with a shower ... then had lunch moving to chunks of food ... beacause she is eating so well and in preparation for getting her Tube removed they were having her swallow her meds by mouth today for the first time ... unfortunately one of the pills had a red case and Emma has a very severe Red Dye allergy ... she started having a reaction about 1.5 hrs later ... they eventually had to give her a shot of epinephrine ... this required that she be sent to the ER for monitoring ... she spent 4+ hours with really very little monitoring ... and then waited 2 hrs for a ride back to the Rehab Hospital. Can you say frustrated? #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/9/18
Emma had a full day once again. She started her day with OT where they worked on money counting skills. Of course she was 100% accurate. She also sat on the mat and worked her core. The second stop of the day was SP where she had chopped food. Lastly at lunch she ended her day with PT where is she stood up at the parallel bars. She walked 40 feet in a walker and sat on the exercise ball for over 5 minutes. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
To request wristbands, click here or visit the tab made for the wristbands.
Update from 4/8/18
Emma had Speech Therapy today where they worked on Math Skills. She took another stroll around the hospital and greeted all the people passed. More visitors arrived at the hospital which always puts a smile on her face. Her transfers from bed to wheelchair are getting easier each day. Emma continues to gain strength and help with these transfers. She truly is warrior princess. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/7/18
Quiet day today for Emma. She did not have any therapies today. Well deserved rest after the last few days of really hard work. However that doesn’t mean she is not working on something. She has been working to be able to lift her left arm and in the last week it has made unbelievable progress . After breakfast this morning we took a tour around the hallways of the hospital. I made her be the greeter having to talk and say hello to all. Other than that she slept and had a few visitors. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/6/18
Another day of hard work. PT was filled with more leg and trunk work. She also worked on rolling her body from side to side. Speech Therapy consisted of her third day of having ground food at lunch. Only today instead of hospital ground beef Emma had Momma Dill’s Meatballs She has officially had her meals upgraded to ground instead of puréed. So today was meatballs for everyone including the staff.. RT was social activities with cards. Using them to create words and sentences. OT was shower day where she was up graded from a shower wheelchair to a shower chair. Most people think a shower is no problem but for Emma she must maintain body control. So showering is a workout for her as well. She continues to amaze us with her progress everyday. After her shower Emma was pampered by some of her specials gels. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/5/18
Emma Strong is an under statement! This young lady had 4 therapies today. She had Recreational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. During RT the focus is on social skills and she is all over it. ST is all about drinking from a straw and eating ground food. OT and PT were right after one another and they worked her hard. First she used her feet to move her wheelchair over 30 ft twice. Then they had her walking with the therapist and an aide over 30 feet twice. If that wasn’t hard enough they then had her sitting on the mat holding herself up. Next she had OT where they had her sitting with a table in front of her picking up Disney Princess Card matching the picture with the name and handng it to the aide. Then they took her out in the hall put a mirror in front of her. Then they taped the Disney Princess Cards to the wall and Emma had to take the name of the Princess to her picture. After completing the task correctly she had to take them down. Needless to say she was exhausted when she finished. She is one determined young woman. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/4/18
Another full day of all therapies for Emma. During OT Emma had a vision test to see where she is at. RT worked on sitting and playing cards which was amazing. Speech therapy brought ground beef which Emma devoured and she worked on using a straw. PT brought leg exercises, Emma walking 29 feet with a walker, and a new smaller wheelchair. As always, she continues to have the never quit attitude. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Emma had a really good day. After her visit in the ER yesterday. Emma was a champ and got up early to start her day with ST. She had RT where she played card games and worked on gaming with her sister-in-law. She worked on the computer and actually typed a note. She was actually able to concentrate on typing while there was a major incident in the gym with another patient which is huge. In PT she walked 49 ft across the gym and worked on balance by standing in the corner of a room. She was able to balance all by herself for 5+ min. Emma’s doctor was changed today. The new doctor has a personality and a great bedside manner. Hopefully Emma will continue to ramp up her progress under this doctor . Emma took a stroll around the hospital after dinner to greet folks while she was wearing her amazing set of Rose Gold Mickey Ears. She was a big hit with all. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/10/18
Tough day today for Emma ... she started the day with a shower ... then had lunch moving to chunks of food ... beacause she is eating so well and in preparation for getting her Tube removed they were having her swallow her meds by mouth today for the first time ... unfortunately one of the pills had a red case and Emma has a very severe Red Dye allergy ... she started having a reaction about 1.5 hrs later ... they eventually had to give her a shot of epinephrine ... this required that she be sent to the ER for monitoring ... she spent 4+ hours with really very little monitoring ... and then waited 2 hrs for a ride back to the Rehab Hospital. Can you say frustrated? #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 4/9/18
Emma had a full day once again. She started her day with OT where they worked on money counting skills. Of course she was 100% accurate. She also sat on the mat and worked her core. The second stop of the day was SP where she had chopped food. Lastly at lunch she ended her day with PT where is she stood up at the parallel bars. She walked 40 feet in a walker and sat on the exercise ball for over 5 minutes. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
To request wristbands, click here or visit the tab made for the wristbands.
Update from 4/8/18
Emma had Speech Therapy today where they worked on Math Skills. She took another stroll around the hospital and greeted all the people passed. More visitors arrived at the hospital which always puts a smile on her face. Her transfers from bed to wheelchair are getting easier each day. Emma continues to gain strength and help with these transfers. She truly is warrior princess. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/7/18
Quiet day today for Emma. She did not have any therapies today. Well deserved rest after the last few days of really hard work. However that doesn’t mean she is not working on something. She has been working to be able to lift her left arm and in the last week it has made unbelievable progress . After breakfast this morning we took a tour around the hallways of the hospital. I made her be the greeter having to talk and say hello to all. Other than that she slept and had a few visitors. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/6/18
Another day of hard work. PT was filled with more leg and trunk work. She also worked on rolling her body from side to side. Speech Therapy consisted of her third day of having ground food at lunch. Only today instead of hospital ground beef Emma had Momma Dill’s Meatballs She has officially had her meals upgraded to ground instead of puréed. So today was meatballs for everyone including the staff.. RT was social activities with cards. Using them to create words and sentences. OT was shower day where she was up graded from a shower wheelchair to a shower chair. Most people think a shower is no problem but for Emma she must maintain body control. So showering is a workout for her as well. She continues to amaze us with her progress everyday. After her shower Emma was pampered by some of her specials gels. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/5/18
Emma Strong is an under statement! This young lady had 4 therapies today. She had Recreational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. During RT the focus is on social skills and she is all over it. ST is all about drinking from a straw and eating ground food. OT and PT were right after one another and they worked her hard. First she used her feet to move her wheelchair over 30 ft twice. Then they had her walking with the therapist and an aide over 30 feet twice. If that wasn’t hard enough they then had her sitting on the mat holding herself up. Next she had OT where they had her sitting with a table in front of her picking up Disney Princess Card matching the picture with the name and handng it to the aide. Then they took her out in the hall put a mirror in front of her. Then they taped the Disney Princess Cards to the wall and Emma had to take the name of the Princess to her picture. After completing the task correctly she had to take them down. Needless to say she was exhausted when she finished. She is one determined young woman. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/4/18
Another full day of all therapies for Emma. During OT Emma had a vision test to see where she is at. RT worked on sitting and playing cards which was amazing. Speech therapy brought ground beef which Emma devoured and she worked on using a straw. PT brought leg exercises, Emma walking 29 feet with a walker, and a new smaller wheelchair. As always, she continues to have the never quit attitude. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 4/3/18
Another hard working day! All four therapies worked her hard. She played more cards today during RT. Speech worked on her breaths and voicing. PT had her sitting up on the mat. She didn’t stop there. They then put her on her hands and knees. She was able to hold herself for a while. She is one tough cookie. Occupational therapy ended her day with a shower. But the best part of the day is no more tube feedings. It’s only a matter of time till the feeding tube comes out. #EmmaStrong #Pray4 EmmaMae.
Update from 4/2/18
Emma now has 4 therapies a day- occupational, recreational, physical and speech. Her never quit attitude is ever present in all see does. OT worked on trunk control. Emma continues to strengthen her upper body and gain more control of her neck. RT worked on fine motor skills. She played cards and won 2 out of the three hands. Speech worked at her voice and she got breathing exercises to strengthen her lungs and voice. PT ended the day with Emma using the walker. She walked 25 feet with minimal assistance from her therapist and aide. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae.
Update from 4/1/18
Emma had no therapies today but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t strive to continue the process of healing. She was given leg exercises as homework and she did them. She once again had three meals of puréed food. However today during breakfast and lunch if you handed her the spoon this rock star feed herself. She once again ended her day with a walk outside in the sunshine. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/31/18
Saturday brought 2 therapies for Emma. She started the day at 8:15 with Physical Therapy. She walked 15 feet in the walker. The left leg needs some assistance but she never shy’s away from a challenge. Occupational therapy had her sitting on the elevated mat for 30 minutes. During that time she worked on her core strength and got to visit with Norway the therapy dog. She got to pet Norway and play fetch. Another day of three puréed meals. After dinner Emma went outside. We wheeled her around the hospital parking lot. #EmmaStrong
#Pray4EmmaMae
Another hard working day! All four therapies worked her hard. She played more cards today during RT. Speech worked on her breaths and voicing. PT had her sitting up on the mat. She didn’t stop there. They then put her on her hands and knees. She was able to hold herself for a while. She is one tough cookie. Occupational therapy ended her day with a shower. But the best part of the day is no more tube feedings. It’s only a matter of time till the feeding tube comes out. #EmmaStrong #Pray4 EmmaMae.
Update from 4/2/18
Emma now has 4 therapies a day- occupational, recreational, physical and speech. Her never quit attitude is ever present in all see does. OT worked on trunk control. Emma continues to strengthen her upper body and gain more control of her neck. RT worked on fine motor skills. She played cards and won 2 out of the three hands. Speech worked at her voice and she got breathing exercises to strengthen her lungs and voice. PT ended the day with Emma using the walker. She walked 25 feet with minimal assistance from her therapist and aide. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae.
Update from 4/1/18
Emma had no therapies today but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t strive to continue the process of healing. She was given leg exercises as homework and she did them. She once again had three meals of puréed food. However today during breakfast and lunch if you handed her the spoon this rock star feed herself. She once again ended her day with a walk outside in the sunshine. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/31/18
Saturday brought 2 therapies for Emma. She started the day at 8:15 with Physical Therapy. She walked 15 feet in the walker. The left leg needs some assistance but she never shy’s away from a challenge. Occupational therapy had her sitting on the elevated mat for 30 minutes. During that time she worked on her core strength and got to visit with Norway the therapy dog. She got to pet Norway and play fetch. Another day of three puréed meals. After dinner Emma went outside. We wheeled her around the hospital parking lot. #EmmaStrong
#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/30/18
Emma had another great day! Had 3 meals of puréed foods. However she likes what her speech therapist puréed for her much better then the hospital food. It was puréed gluten free pasta and sauce. She totally enjoyed it. In Recreational Therapy she played some games. In physical therapy she did leg exercises. When she did leg squats she pushed 45% of her body weight. She also got PT homework. During OT she had a shower. Since the trach is all healed she was able to use the over head shower. The super star even brushed her own teeth. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/29/18
Emma had a great day. She had puréed food for lunch and dinner. It was great to see her eating. She had Recreational Therapy today. OT had her change from pants to shorts. PT had her work on the stationary bike with her legs while she was hooked up to stimulation pads to help activate her muscles. She then walked the whole length of the bars, more then 8 steps. She ended pt sitting on one of the elevated mats to work her core. She's has amazing determination. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/28/18
Emma had a really good day. I can't believe how hard she works. She had PT/OT combined this morning. Where she took 8 steps without the walker with aides on either side of her. She rested for about an hour then she had another 45 minute OT session. Where she laid on her belly to work on upper body strength. After that she had speech therapy where they gave her ice, chocolate coconut ice cream and some water. Her speech therapist then prepped her for her swallow study. She is allowed more puréed foods. #EmmaStrong.
#Pray4EmmaMae
Emma had another great day! Had 3 meals of puréed foods. However she likes what her speech therapist puréed for her much better then the hospital food. It was puréed gluten free pasta and sauce. She totally enjoyed it. In Recreational Therapy she played some games. In physical therapy she did leg exercises. When she did leg squats she pushed 45% of her body weight. She also got PT homework. During OT she had a shower. Since the trach is all healed she was able to use the over head shower. The super star even brushed her own teeth. #EmmaStrong #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/29/18
Emma had a great day. She had puréed food for lunch and dinner. It was great to see her eating. She had Recreational Therapy today. OT had her change from pants to shorts. PT had her work on the stationary bike with her legs while she was hooked up to stimulation pads to help activate her muscles. She then walked the whole length of the bars, more then 8 steps. She ended pt sitting on one of the elevated mats to work her core. She's has amazing determination. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/28/18
Emma had a really good day. I can't believe how hard she works. She had PT/OT combined this morning. Where she took 8 steps without the walker with aides on either side of her. She rested for about an hour then she had another 45 minute OT session. Where she laid on her belly to work on upper body strength. After that she had speech therapy where they gave her ice, chocolate coconut ice cream and some water. Her speech therapist then prepped her for her swallow study. She is allowed more puréed foods. #EmmaStrong.
#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/27/18
Another progress filled day. Her trach site is healing quickly. She had puréed peas and whole peas today as well as chocolate coconut ice cream. She walked 6 steps in the stand up walker. She sat up for a good amount of time. She had a shower to end the day. She has such a positive attitude. She's a warrior princess! #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/26/18
Today was a great day! Emma had her trach removed today! She can make sound but talking will be difficult until the trach site is fully healed. She held herself up today and took 4 small steps. She is gaining strength in her legs and upper body. Her neck muscles are the weakest right now but Emma is a fighter and works on them a everyday. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/25/18
Emma's day today was a little slower paced. She only had one therapy and that was Speech. During Speech Therapy she had some more pudding. Only having one therapy allowed her body to rest. Emma has a positive attitude and her smile lights up the room. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/24/18
Emma had an amazing day! Started the day with Speech Therapy finished her Rita's Italian Ice and then had 3 tablespoons of pudding. PT was in the room with the leg and arm exercises . PT ended with Emma and I sitting back to back on the bed with her feet on the floor. She ended her day with the first shower since the accident. She enjoyed it and got her hair washed. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/23/18
Emma Update (3/23): Emma was very busy day. PT has her standing. She supported herself for 3 plus minutes upright. She did this twice. Her strength keeps coming she worked on her dexterity with OT. By removing rings from a peg board with her right hand and she would not quit until she got them all. She is one determined young lady. Ended her day with Speech Therapy. Emma got to have Rita’s Ice. She was able to swallow a couple of spoonfuls. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 3/22/18
Emma has made it 72 plus hours with the trach capped. The trach should come out early next week. The speech therapist feed her apple sauce. During PT she stood and held herself up for a short time. She also helped a bit getting her self in the chair by steadying herself a little bit with her right arm. She is working so hard all the time. We also realized tonight that she knows sign language. #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/21/18
Emma continues to work hard and show us positive things everyday. Today during OT they brought snow in. She tried to make a snowball and throw it at one of her therapist with the help of another therapist. Emma crushed legs today during PT. She did squats on the tilt table and peddled the stationary bicycle. During speech therapy she continues to chew ice and work on swallowing. She is over 57 hours into the track trial. She is #EmmaStrong#Pray4Emma
Update from 3/20/18
Emma is over 30 hours into her 72 hour trach trial and doing wonderfully. She has been approved to go to the big gym for all her pt sessions. She squatted 20 % of body weight during pt. She spent 45 minutes in an up right position. In addition to all that she is learning to communicate with a communication board until she is able to speak to us. She is a rock star! #Pray4Emma!
Update from 3/19/18
Emma had an MRI today, all clear. During OT she washed her hands. PT was leg day she worked both left and right. She was able to lift each leg about 20 degrees from a sitting position in her wheelchair, 5 times each leg. She is squeezing with her left hand slightly. During speech the capped her trach. So she has started her 72 hour trial. Once she completes that her trach should come out. #Pray4EmmaMae
Another progress filled day. Her trach site is healing quickly. She had puréed peas and whole peas today as well as chocolate coconut ice cream. She walked 6 steps in the stand up walker. She sat up for a good amount of time. She had a shower to end the day. She has such a positive attitude. She's a warrior princess! #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/26/18
Today was a great day! Emma had her trach removed today! She can make sound but talking will be difficult until the trach site is fully healed. She held herself up today and took 4 small steps. She is gaining strength in her legs and upper body. Her neck muscles are the weakest right now but Emma is a fighter and works on them a everyday. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/25/18
Emma's day today was a little slower paced. She only had one therapy and that was Speech. During Speech Therapy she had some more pudding. Only having one therapy allowed her body to rest. Emma has a positive attitude and her smile lights up the room. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/24/18
Emma had an amazing day! Started the day with Speech Therapy finished her Rita's Italian Ice and then had 3 tablespoons of pudding. PT was in the room with the leg and arm exercises . PT ended with Emma and I sitting back to back on the bed with her feet on the floor. She ended her day with the first shower since the accident. She enjoyed it and got her hair washed. #EmmaStrong#Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/23/18
Emma Update (3/23): Emma was very busy day. PT has her standing. She supported herself for 3 plus minutes upright. She did this twice. Her strength keeps coming she worked on her dexterity with OT. By removing rings from a peg board with her right hand and she would not quit until she got them all. She is one determined young lady. Ended her day with Speech Therapy. Emma got to have Rita’s Ice. She was able to swallow a couple of spoonfuls. #Pray4EmmaMae #EmmaStrong
Update from 3/22/18
Emma has made it 72 plus hours with the trach capped. The trach should come out early next week. The speech therapist feed her apple sauce. During PT she stood and held herself up for a short time. She also helped a bit getting her self in the chair by steadying herself a little bit with her right arm. She is working so hard all the time. We also realized tonight that she knows sign language. #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/21/18
Emma continues to work hard and show us positive things everyday. Today during OT they brought snow in. She tried to make a snowball and throw it at one of her therapist with the help of another therapist. Emma crushed legs today during PT. She did squats on the tilt table and peddled the stationary bicycle. During speech therapy she continues to chew ice and work on swallowing. She is over 57 hours into the track trial. She is #EmmaStrong#Pray4Emma
Update from 3/20/18
Emma is over 30 hours into her 72 hour trach trial and doing wonderfully. She has been approved to go to the big gym for all her pt sessions. She squatted 20 % of body weight during pt. She spent 45 minutes in an up right position. In addition to all that she is learning to communicate with a communication board until she is able to speak to us. She is a rock star! #Pray4Emma!
Update from 3/19/18
Emma had an MRI today, all clear. During OT she washed her hands. PT was leg day she worked both left and right. She was able to lift each leg about 20 degrees from a sitting position in her wheelchair, 5 times each leg. She is squeezing with her left hand slightly. During speech the capped her trach. So she has started her 72 hour trial. Once she completes that her trach should come out. #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/18/18
Emma had speech therapy today and physical therapy. They capped the trach during speech therapy. Her breathing and blood oxygen level was great. Good leg movements during PT today. She continues to show us her personality and that she's a fighter. Pray for Emma Mae.
Update from 3/17/18
Emma continues to make progress each day no matter what. There were no therapy sessions today. She made a fist with her left hand for the first time. Her left eye continues to open. Also Dan asked Emma to raise her eye brows and she did. Her strength is an example to all of us. She is Emma strong. Prayers are greatly appreciated.
Update from 3/16/18
Emma's speech therapist says she is making excellent progress with her trach capped. Emma had an amazing PT session today. Her therapist asked her to respond when she touched her legs and arms. Each time she responded accurately with a thumbs up which means yes or pointing her index finger which means no. Her left eye is opening more and more. During OT today she worked really hard. She even made intentional sounds, they called the speech therapist in to hear them. They are so proud of her and her progress. She is Emma Strong. Please continue to pray for Emma!
Update from 3/15/18
Emma had her trach changed to a 4 which is the smallest size. She spent 40 minutes with it capped. Meaning she was expanding and contracting her lungs all on her own. During her physical therapy session she moved her head left to right 5 times each way. She also had leg exercises engaging the muscles in both legs. During occupational therapy she sat in chair with her therapist supporting her while she leaned forward to paint. In addition to all of that her left eye is opening up. She is Emma Strong! Please keep the prayers coming.
Update from 3/14/18
She once again rocked it. During PT this morning she did exercises with both legs. Turned head to both sides. She picked up puzzle pieces and she practiced holding her head up while leaning forward in the wheelchair. During OT she pushed and pulled a wedge pillow to and from one of her therapists. Then during SLP she had her trach fully capped. She was able to breath on her own for 30 minutes maintaining 100 % blood oxygen level and heart rate was in the low 100 to high 90. Our girl is working hard. Please don't stop praying for our Emma.
Emma had speech therapy today and physical therapy. They capped the trach during speech therapy. Her breathing and blood oxygen level was great. Good leg movements during PT today. She continues to show us her personality and that she's a fighter. Pray for Emma Mae.
Update from 3/17/18
Emma continues to make progress each day no matter what. There were no therapy sessions today. She made a fist with her left hand for the first time. Her left eye continues to open. Also Dan asked Emma to raise her eye brows and she did. Her strength is an example to all of us. She is Emma strong. Prayers are greatly appreciated.
Update from 3/16/18
Emma's speech therapist says she is making excellent progress with her trach capped. Emma had an amazing PT session today. Her therapist asked her to respond when she touched her legs and arms. Each time she responded accurately with a thumbs up which means yes or pointing her index finger which means no. Her left eye is opening more and more. During OT today she worked really hard. She even made intentional sounds, they called the speech therapist in to hear them. They are so proud of her and her progress. She is Emma Strong. Please continue to pray for Emma!
Update from 3/15/18
Emma had her trach changed to a 4 which is the smallest size. She spent 40 minutes with it capped. Meaning she was expanding and contracting her lungs all on her own. During her physical therapy session she moved her head left to right 5 times each way. She also had leg exercises engaging the muscles in both legs. During occupational therapy she sat in chair with her therapist supporting her while she leaned forward to paint. In addition to all of that her left eye is opening up. She is Emma Strong! Please keep the prayers coming.
Update from 3/14/18
She once again rocked it. During PT this morning she did exercises with both legs. Turned head to both sides. She picked up puzzle pieces and she practiced holding her head up while leaning forward in the wheelchair. During OT she pushed and pulled a wedge pillow to and from one of her therapists. Then during SLP she had her trach fully capped. She was able to breath on her own for 30 minutes maintaining 100 % blood oxygen level and heart rate was in the low 100 to high 90. Our girl is working hard. Please don't stop praying for our Emma.
Update from 3/13/18
Emma was one tired girl today. She started her day in the gym on her unit on the tilt table. Which is a table that puts the weight on her legs, it's a gradual process. Then she spent time with Norway, the therapy dog. She is chewing ice consistently. She moved her head a bit. She also wrote the Greek letters for her sorority. Lastly they tested her grip strength at 10lbs. She is Emma strong!
Update from 3/12/18
Emma had four therapy sessions today. She is one tough girl. She wiggles her fingers. She smiles at us. Each day she continues to show us her spirit. Please keep those prayers coming. All in for Emma!
Update from 3/11/18
Emma had a busy Sunday. She has physical therapy and speech therapy before noon. She is the ice chewing champ. When asked she pushed my hand with her foot. She also made her first trip to the big physical therapy gym. #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/10/18
Emma's weekend schedule is not as vigorous as her weekday schedule. She has speech therapy. Once again she was dressed and enjoyed time in her wheelchair today. Our girl is a fighter. Emma Strong!
Update from 3/9/18
Today Emma was dressed in sweat pants and t-shirt all day for the first time since her accident. She conquered four therapy sessions and was a success at each one. During her OT session she was able to write her name while the therapist held her forearm and wrist. It was an amazing day. God is good all the time.
Update from 3/8/18
Emma had her trach capped today for several hours. The trach cap allows air in then Emma breaths the air out through her mouth. The cap allows her to swallow easier. She also spent time in her wheelchair and had her first trip out of her room. These things together show she is tolerating changes all at once. Each small step adds up to a big step! All in for Emma!
Update from 3/7/18
Emma had a great second day of rehab. She took the first step today towards getting her trach removed. She chewed on ice and swallowed it as well as swallowed a small amount of OJ. She is working to fulfill Emma Strong.
Update from 3/6/18
Emma is all settled in at Hershey. She met her doctors and all her therapists. They will be working with her for several hours a day. It was a great first day of the next chapter.
Update from 3/5/18
Emma had a big day today. She left Danville Geisinger Trauma Center to move to Penn State Hershey Rehab Hospital. She is in the Brain Injury wing. Now that she is closer to home it will make it easier for us to best support her. Visitors are still limited. Rest is very important during this early phase of recovery. She will get started on an intensive rehab schedule tomorrow.
Update from 3/4/18
We are praying tomorrow is the day we start our next stage of recovery for Emma. She had a follow up cat scan today for Hershey. She smiled several times today especially when her sorority sister came to visit. Our girl is up to the challenge that is ahead of her. Please continue to be all in for Emma. 🙏🏻
Update from 3/3/18
Emma had a good day, still showing us positive purposeful movements. Resting a lot which is much needed. We got her glasses for her to use. We are waiting as patiently as possible to get our girl to Hershey!
Update from 3/2/18
Emma had a busy day. Had all three therapies at once, she was exhausted, however she had a great session doing all that was asked of her. She had her hair washed. She even wore her glasses for a short time. We are waiting for insurance approval for transfer to Hershey TBI Clinic. Still need all those prayers for our warrior princess. We have a long road to travel. We feel very blessed for the distance we gave come.
Update from 3/1/18
After being in a coma for 3 and 1/2 weeks, Emma is in the waking up phase of her recovery She opened her right eye, smiled, cried, and squeezed hands! She is “making meaningful responses to stimuli.” Visitors are limited right now because rest is critical for continued healing and improvement. We ask for continued prayers for our Emma.
Update from 2/28/18
Emma moved rooms today because her room was above some construction and she can't have the extra stimulation. Also she had her trach changed. No PT today as it was a day of rest. Keep letting our girl know your pulling for her.
Update from 2/27/18
Emma’s heart rate and respirations are good. She proves to us everyday she is fighting hard to recover.
Update from 2/26/18
Emma has now been in the Special Care Unit for over 24 hours. She is doing well. Her heart rate is good and breaths per minute are good too. She continues to progress with her PT. The best time of day for Emma seems to be between 5 and 7:30 pm. Prayers for her recovery are still very much appreciated.
Update from 2/25/18
Emma has moved out of the ICU to the SCU- Special Care Unit. This is a step down unit. Emma is breathing with out the ventilator. We continue to see movements with her hands. They are small but purposeful movements as PT refers to them. Let's all continue to stay strong for Emma.
Update from 2/24/18
Emma continues to show improvements. The ventilator was taken out of her room. She had great PT session again. She is starting to move her hands. She is a true fighter!
Update from 2/23/18
Emma is continuing to recover from her pneumonia. She is doing very well off the ventilator. She is still showing positive signs with her PT. Continue to keep Emma and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Update from 2/22/18
Emma is working on 24 hours off the ventilator. She had a great PT session today. Her therapists are seeing positive things. Keep those prayers flowing.
Update from 2/21/18
Emma continues to fight her pneumonia. She spent 12 hours off the ventilator. PT saw small improvements. Every small step counts!
Update from 2/20/18
Emma is fighting her pneumonia and has gone more than 24 hours without a fever. Each small step gets us to bigger steps. We're all in for Emma.
Update from 2/19/18
Emma continues to fight some infections, pneumonia being one of them. She is working really hard. She spent almost 4 hours off the ventilator today which is impressive with pneumonia. She is a fighter!
Update from 2/18/18
Emma spiked a fever today which indicates there could be an infection somewhere. Her heart rate went up and they put her back on the ventilator. She had a Cat Scan which was clear. Her heart has come down but she will stay on the ventilator to allow her body to rest overnight. Keep the prayers coming to help her with this fight.
Update from 2/17/18
Emma, she was off the ventilator for a good portion of the day. Tonight she'll go on bipap which means she will be assisted if she needs it. She is effectively fighting the infections and no fever at all today. We are still waiting for those beautiful eyes to open.
Update from 2/16/18
Emma continues to be weaned of the ventilator and is doing very well with that. She sat in a chair today which is good for circulation. Please keep the well wishes and prayers coming. We look forward to seeing those eyes open.
Update from 2/15/18
Steady progress on weaning off the ventilator and her chest tube was removed. Each day we look for a win. We are so grateful for all the support and love for Emma.
Update from 2/14/18
Emma is still in a coma as well as fighting some infections so prayers of healing are still needed. They have started to wean her off the ventilator which is a win for today.
Update from 2/13/18
The MRI showed that Emma does not have any broken bones in her neck so they removed the cervical collar. The coma score we updated on last week has improved from a 3 to a 6. She is receiving excellent care for the staff at the hospital!
Update from 2/12/18
Today, Emma’s ICP (Intercranial Pressure) monitor was removed. They are continuing to monitor her and all vitals.
Update from 2/10/2018
The procedures with the tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastronomy tube were successful and are hopefully providing more comfort and nutrition, allowing Emma to get stronger each day.
Update from 2/9/2018
The procedure was rescheduled for today because of other higher priorities. The immediate goal is to see Emma stabilize and then they can move her to an acute care facility in their home area, as the current facility is 1.5 hours from Mechanicsburg, PA.
Emma was one tired girl today. She started her day in the gym on her unit on the tilt table. Which is a table that puts the weight on her legs, it's a gradual process. Then she spent time with Norway, the therapy dog. She is chewing ice consistently. She moved her head a bit. She also wrote the Greek letters for her sorority. Lastly they tested her grip strength at 10lbs. She is Emma strong!
Update from 3/12/18
Emma had four therapy sessions today. She is one tough girl. She wiggles her fingers. She smiles at us. Each day she continues to show us her spirit. Please keep those prayers coming. All in for Emma!
Update from 3/11/18
Emma had a busy Sunday. She has physical therapy and speech therapy before noon. She is the ice chewing champ. When asked she pushed my hand with her foot. She also made her first trip to the big physical therapy gym. #Pray4EmmaMae
Update from 3/10/18
Emma's weekend schedule is not as vigorous as her weekday schedule. She has speech therapy. Once again she was dressed and enjoyed time in her wheelchair today. Our girl is a fighter. Emma Strong!
Update from 3/9/18
Today Emma was dressed in sweat pants and t-shirt all day for the first time since her accident. She conquered four therapy sessions and was a success at each one. During her OT session she was able to write her name while the therapist held her forearm and wrist. It was an amazing day. God is good all the time.
Update from 3/8/18
Emma had her trach capped today for several hours. The trach cap allows air in then Emma breaths the air out through her mouth. The cap allows her to swallow easier. She also spent time in her wheelchair and had her first trip out of her room. These things together show she is tolerating changes all at once. Each small step adds up to a big step! All in for Emma!
Update from 3/7/18
Emma had a great second day of rehab. She took the first step today towards getting her trach removed. She chewed on ice and swallowed it as well as swallowed a small amount of OJ. She is working to fulfill Emma Strong.
Update from 3/6/18
Emma is all settled in at Hershey. She met her doctors and all her therapists. They will be working with her for several hours a day. It was a great first day of the next chapter.
Update from 3/5/18
Emma had a big day today. She left Danville Geisinger Trauma Center to move to Penn State Hershey Rehab Hospital. She is in the Brain Injury wing. Now that she is closer to home it will make it easier for us to best support her. Visitors are still limited. Rest is very important during this early phase of recovery. She will get started on an intensive rehab schedule tomorrow.
Update from 3/4/18
We are praying tomorrow is the day we start our next stage of recovery for Emma. She had a follow up cat scan today for Hershey. She smiled several times today especially when her sorority sister came to visit. Our girl is up to the challenge that is ahead of her. Please continue to be all in for Emma. 🙏🏻
Update from 3/3/18
Emma had a good day, still showing us positive purposeful movements. Resting a lot which is much needed. We got her glasses for her to use. We are waiting as patiently as possible to get our girl to Hershey!
Update from 3/2/18
Emma had a busy day. Had all three therapies at once, she was exhausted, however she had a great session doing all that was asked of her. She had her hair washed. She even wore her glasses for a short time. We are waiting for insurance approval for transfer to Hershey TBI Clinic. Still need all those prayers for our warrior princess. We have a long road to travel. We feel very blessed for the distance we gave come.
Update from 3/1/18
After being in a coma for 3 and 1/2 weeks, Emma is in the waking up phase of her recovery She opened her right eye, smiled, cried, and squeezed hands! She is “making meaningful responses to stimuli.” Visitors are limited right now because rest is critical for continued healing and improvement. We ask for continued prayers for our Emma.
Update from 2/28/18
Emma moved rooms today because her room was above some construction and she can't have the extra stimulation. Also she had her trach changed. No PT today as it was a day of rest. Keep letting our girl know your pulling for her.
Update from 2/27/18
Emma’s heart rate and respirations are good. She proves to us everyday she is fighting hard to recover.
Update from 2/26/18
Emma has now been in the Special Care Unit for over 24 hours. She is doing well. Her heart rate is good and breaths per minute are good too. She continues to progress with her PT. The best time of day for Emma seems to be between 5 and 7:30 pm. Prayers for her recovery are still very much appreciated.
Update from 2/25/18
Emma has moved out of the ICU to the SCU- Special Care Unit. This is a step down unit. Emma is breathing with out the ventilator. We continue to see movements with her hands. They are small but purposeful movements as PT refers to them. Let's all continue to stay strong for Emma.
Update from 2/24/18
Emma continues to show improvements. The ventilator was taken out of her room. She had great PT session again. She is starting to move her hands. She is a true fighter!
Update from 2/23/18
Emma is continuing to recover from her pneumonia. She is doing very well off the ventilator. She is still showing positive signs with her PT. Continue to keep Emma and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Update from 2/22/18
Emma is working on 24 hours off the ventilator. She had a great PT session today. Her therapists are seeing positive things. Keep those prayers flowing.
Update from 2/21/18
Emma continues to fight her pneumonia. She spent 12 hours off the ventilator. PT saw small improvements. Every small step counts!
Update from 2/20/18
Emma is fighting her pneumonia and has gone more than 24 hours without a fever. Each small step gets us to bigger steps. We're all in for Emma.
Update from 2/19/18
Emma continues to fight some infections, pneumonia being one of them. She is working really hard. She spent almost 4 hours off the ventilator today which is impressive with pneumonia. She is a fighter!
Update from 2/18/18
Emma spiked a fever today which indicates there could be an infection somewhere. Her heart rate went up and they put her back on the ventilator. She had a Cat Scan which was clear. Her heart has come down but she will stay on the ventilator to allow her body to rest overnight. Keep the prayers coming to help her with this fight.
Update from 2/17/18
Emma, she was off the ventilator for a good portion of the day. Tonight she'll go on bipap which means she will be assisted if she needs it. She is effectively fighting the infections and no fever at all today. We are still waiting for those beautiful eyes to open.
Update from 2/16/18
Emma continues to be weaned of the ventilator and is doing very well with that. She sat in a chair today which is good for circulation. Please keep the well wishes and prayers coming. We look forward to seeing those eyes open.
Update from 2/15/18
Steady progress on weaning off the ventilator and her chest tube was removed. Each day we look for a win. We are so grateful for all the support and love for Emma.
Update from 2/14/18
Emma is still in a coma as well as fighting some infections so prayers of healing are still needed. They have started to wean her off the ventilator which is a win for today.
Update from 2/13/18
The MRI showed that Emma does not have any broken bones in her neck so they removed the cervical collar. The coma score we updated on last week has improved from a 3 to a 6. She is receiving excellent care for the staff at the hospital!
Update from 2/12/18
Today, Emma’s ICP (Intercranial Pressure) monitor was removed. They are continuing to monitor her and all vitals.
Update from 2/10/2018
The procedures with the tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastronomy tube were successful and are hopefully providing more comfort and nutrition, allowing Emma to get stronger each day.
Update from 2/9/2018
The procedure was rescheduled for today because of other higher priorities. The immediate goal is to see Emma stabilize and then they can move her to an acute care facility in their home area, as the current facility is 1.5 hours from Mechanicsburg, PA.
Update from 2/8/2018
No changes.
They decided at the doctors recommendation that tomorrow morning Emma will have two procedures done. A tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastronomy tube which will allow the tubes to be taken out of her mouth/throat. It's just for comfort for the long term.
Facebook Post from Dan:
On February 4th, Emma was in a serious car accident while driving back to school in inclement weather. She’s currently at a Neuro-trama ICU near Bloomsburg, PA. A few injuries non-brain related occurred but the serious injury is in her brain. She has been in a coma and unresponsive since the accident and is currently sedated to keep her body calm as she fights brain swelling. The next few days will be tough as we wait for any change in her condition. As of now her recovery is dependent on her body healing properly and slowly. Continued prayers and faith will be crucial in the upcoming days; Emma is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all of those who have reached out to our family. We ask that you please respect our privacy as the Kenyon and Dill family go through this journey with Emma. We ask that you hold off on sending flowers, food, etc. as we currently do not have the capacity to store either.
No changes.
They decided at the doctors recommendation that tomorrow morning Emma will have two procedures done. A tracheostomy and a percutaneous gastronomy tube which will allow the tubes to be taken out of her mouth/throat. It's just for comfort for the long term.
Facebook Post from Dan:
On February 4th, Emma was in a serious car accident while driving back to school in inclement weather. She’s currently at a Neuro-trama ICU near Bloomsburg, PA. A few injuries non-brain related occurred but the serious injury is in her brain. She has been in a coma and unresponsive since the accident and is currently sedated to keep her body calm as she fights brain swelling. The next few days will be tough as we wait for any change in her condition. As of now her recovery is dependent on her body healing properly and slowly. Continued prayers and faith will be crucial in the upcoming days; Emma is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all of those who have reached out to our family. We ask that you please respect our privacy as the Kenyon and Dill family go through this journey with Emma. We ask that you hold off on sending flowers, food, etc. as we currently do not have the capacity to store either.
Update from 2/7/2018
Pressure in the brain is down a bit today. Emma was scored according to the Glasgow Coma Scale as a 3. Pressure in the brain is down a bit today.
Pressure in the brain is down a bit today. Emma was scored according to the Glasgow Coma Scale as a 3. Pressure in the brain is down a bit today.
Article released on 2/6/2018