KDquilter Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 As many of you have already read my son was in an ATV accident last Ausgust which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Just wanted to put out an update on his progress. Although he is still confined to a wheelchair, we are all very excited about some things that are happening. Chris is participating in the ABLE program here at the Courage Center in Golden Valley, Minnesota. ABLE stands for "Activity Based Locomotor Exercise" . With the able program he is put in a harness above a treadmill and he "walks" for approximately 45 minutes. There are 4+ therapists that work his legs in a walking motion to help re-train his nerve pathways for walking. There has been some great improvements to his muscle response. He has learned how to crawl (on all 4's) and is able to move his hip flexor muscles to draw his legs up. His core muscles are starting to fire again and so his balance is very much improved. (He still cannot hold both hand out in front of himself, but it is getting better every day). Chris got some KFO braces and is able to move around a little in the braces with the help of crutches. It is still pretty difficult, but it now means that he can go to houses that are not necessarily handicap accessible and get through doorways that are too narrow for his wheelchair. A huge change is that Chris stood up, without his braces, just before Easter. I posted a video on youtube called Chris Stands Up. He was in the corner and used his arms to help raise himself up, but he was able to control his quads and hamstring muscles enough that he stood up for several minutes. Chris went with his ABLE "gang" to Kentucky to participate in the Kentuck Derby Mini Marthon. He wheeled his manual wheelchair 5 miles. He has already asked the "gang" to let him know when they go next year because he wants to do the marathon again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDquilter Posted May 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Picture in Kentucky after mini marathon. That's Chris' Grandma Linda in the picture with him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 What wonderful news, Karie! I hope Chris continues to improve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Karie that news is just what I wanted and needed today. Thanks for a bit of cheer. He is so outdoing the Dr.s pronouncements when he was first injured. If that was just to keep people from having a terrible disappointment down the road, I can sort of understand.. Of course none of this improvement would have come about without Chris' positive attitude.. Very Positive !!! Hugs ya all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Wow Karie that is just fantastic news! I'm so happy he is getting the care and tools he needs to get around. That is just awesome! Way to go Chris!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 There is so much than can be done now days. So glad he is getting such excellent care! Please do keep us posted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenH Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Wow that is fantastic, you must be so encouraged by his progress!! He seems like a very determined young man, and I hope for continued progress!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LFQuilts Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Karie, Thank you for the update on Chris. It sounds like all of his PPP'ing is paying off. Watching him stand by himself on Easter must have felt truly miraculous - I get chills just re-reading that part of your post. May his spirit and hard work continue to pay off for him. Lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBQLTN2 Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Wonderful News!! Praise the Lord for all taht he has done for and through Chris!! You have an amazing young man and I pray his progress will continue to soar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda G. Craig Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 What awesome new! You must be so very proud of your son. Prayers always. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 That is excellent progress. He is a fighter !!! love to Chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Karie - Thanks for updating...I think of you all often & was wondering about his progress. Congrats on all the progress and continued prayers for even more! Best to you all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyce Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Great news,prayers that he will continue to progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appr216 Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 WOW, awesome news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinneaMarie Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Yahoo and yippee!!!! good news!! Continued prayers!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 This is awesome news! Thanks for sharing the update. Please tell Chris he is an amazing guy and I know some day he is going leave that wheel chair behind and walk away for good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewcrazy4quilting Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 Your son is making amazing progress. His hard work and courage is an inspiration to ALL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beachside Quilter Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 Great news, Karie, and way to go, Chris! Chris' hard work and determination are paying off. Hoping for continued progress and strength!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolinequilts Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 It's so wonderful to hear some good news! Keep it up Chris! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mswings Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 That is amazing progress. Tell Chris to keep up the good work. We are all rooting for him. What wonderful news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.waits Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 That's wonderful news Karie. It sounds like Chris's nerves are rewiring themselves. Tell him to keep up the work, we're all praying for the day when he can walk without any aid. Good Job Chris! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterfly Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 That's great news Karie and so encouraging. Slowly but surely he will keep improving!!! Jess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReisingStarQuilts Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 Thank you for the update on Chris!! Karie you have an awesome son!!! Tell him we are all cheering him on and praying for him and are so proud of him. God bless you and give you continued strength to help Chris on the road to recovery and healing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o2b Quilting Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 Thank you for the update. One of my boys asked me recently about "the kid in the ATV accident". I will pass this info on to him. My prayers continue... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted May 5, 2011 Report Share Posted May 5, 2011 Sounds like your chris is as determined as my sven. Nothing can stop our boys. I am very proud of chris. Having family stand behind him and help and encourage are huge in his progress. You should be proud. Continued prayers for chris. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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