Path's Recovery Journey

I can’t believe it’s halfway though February. Path started school in January and it’s been wonderful to see her improvements emotionally and socially. Despite the early start to the day, Path has adjusted to a new schedule and routine and does her best everyday. We’ve also noticed exciting improvements in using her AAC - she is able to understand the software and respond to questions. Along with school, she is also getting her pump increased every other week. And we are definitely getting close to the dose that she needs. The impact of getting the pump closer to the level she needs is amazing- she has massively improved the flexibility in her right arm and hand. She has been able to start (with assistance) lifting weights and doing bicep curls on her left and right side. Studies have shown that weightlifting is really important for a mind-body connection after a TBI - and she has been working hard. We can’t wait to see what the next few weeks hold. -Elizabeth 

Today is a huge milestone for Path. After almost 400 days of being out of school, she returned to continue her education today with Berrien RESA. We are incredibly excited about what the future holds as she will continue to be challenged and build on the skills she has learned.  I will be honest- I have never cried when she started school. Ever since she was 3 and started school in Scotland, she’s confidently walked away from us and towards her future. But today, I cried. A year ago, I never would have dreamed this was possible. Here’s to the magic of 2026. ♥️ -Elizabeth 

Today marks a year since the AVM rupture and our lives turning upside down. I will forever credit the amazing and quick response of SJPS for recognizing what Path was experiencing was not just a headache but something far more serious. The EMTs who treated Path in the office and carried her to the ambulance (too snowy to move the gurney), and the safety officer who drove the ambulance while both EMTs took care of her on the way to the hospital. The amazing team of doctors who worked so hard on Path when she arrived. She was exactly where she needed to be and with the right team of people around her. She has since had 5 surgeries. 5 months of hospitalization. Hundreds of hours of PT/OT and speech. Months of muscle spasms. And she continues to fight for every step in recovery. Today feels solemn and heavy. And while acknowledging the grief of what happened there is also so much hope. She’s getting ready to begin attending school. We’re going school shopping. She continues to twitch her a...

Happy almost Thanksgiving everyone!  Today Path and I enjoyed the new Krasl exhibit - if you haven’t seen it you should check it out. Also if anyone has any ideas for activities that are wheelchair friendly that helps fuel the soul please let me know. I’m a little worried about being cooped up all winter due to the snowy sidewalks.  We are very excited to let everyone know we are in the early stages of preparing for Paths return to education. Due to her complex needs, we are working with SJHS and Berrien RESA to have Path attend Blossomland Learning Center. The curriculum will be adjusted to her needs but allow her to continue to work towards earning credits towards graduation.  We are also still (!) going up to either Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo weekly to adjust her pump to reach the levels she needs to allow her to remain comfortable and continue to work her body without it actively fighting her. We are pretty tired of that, but are getting closer to the level...

We have had an exciting week! Path received her AAC (computer that will use her eye movement to talk). She has been working incredibly hard to strengthen her eyes and try to answer our questions to her. It will take time but it’s wonderful to see her determination to communicate with us again. We have also been taking Path on small outings and we took a walk on the bluff and even stopped for gelato. So if you see us out and about over the next few weeks stop and say hi! It’s wonderful to get outside and in the community again. ♥️🌈♥️ - Elizabeth 

Hello! It has been an insane few weeks. Unfortunately we had some insurance issues which prevented Path from being admitted to MFB after her surgery. We have to travel every few days to MFB to follow up which is frustrating. The good news is Path is doing amazing. She is visibly improving and much more comfortable. Although the next few weeks will be tricky we sort out the follow ups with MFB - as seen by the slightly blurry pic - she is much happier. Steve made her laugh and smile. Her joy is the reason we continue to fight the good fight and keep moving forward. Here’s to getting through the next few crazy weeks. -Elizabeth