Path's Recovery Journey

Happy Autumn! I hope everyone is doing well!  We are still in the doldrums for approval for Mary Free Bed. Is this shockingly slow and frustrating? Absolutely. Are will still determined to get her admitted? Absolutely - we are nothing if not determined and persistent. However the delay may have a benefit as it gave us an opportunity to address a new health issue that began in spring. Path developed severe sleep apnea. We are happy after the initial at home sleep test we were able to quickly get into the overnight sleep clinic at University of Michigan West. We now have the equipment needed to address the sleep apnea and we are confident having consistent good sleep at night will help Path’s recovery. In spite of the setbacks, Path continues to make progress. She is able to move her left and right arm laterally (with support to her elbow) so we are having her draw again. Path used to carry her sketch book everywhere. Art is one of her loves and we are so happy to incorporate it i...

Happy Summer! I hope everyone is doing well and making amazing memories! We have been busy over the past several weeks. The number one question we’re asked is: what’s the status of inpatient rehabilitation? We are currently in limbo. The request was made and we are waiting for the request to be evaluated. The response can take awhile, so we are trying to be patient and continue to work on a lot of stretching and working to build up Path’s strength with her communication device. We have also done our best to take advantage of the summer months and get out while we can. We’ve gone to Sarett Nature Center, out for walks, went to the movies, cheered Scotland on in their World Cup matches, and enjoyed a slower pace to the day than we usually have during the regular school year. Path is attending summer school but it is shorter days and has a few weeks between sessions.  In fun news - we’ve learned how to install and adjust her communication device’s settings to allow Path to scroll soci...

Happy Wednesday! Path has been doing so well lately. Yesterday she was able to use some amazing equipment to help her stand up at school - I love seeing her upright and showing some attitude. We are also incredibly excited to share that along with being upright - yesterday Path spoke for the first time in 526 days. She said ‘Mom’ four times - which shocked and amazed us. We are incredibly proud and excited about how much progress she is showing over the past few months.  Thank you so much for the love and support - it is so appreciated. ♥️ - Elizabeth

Hello! I am so excited to announce that, thanks your *spotfund, venmo, and cash donations, plus the fundraisers held by the St. Joseph High School Rugby Team , Path's cousins Katie and Sophie, and Gelato Paradiso , we have not only met our goal to pay for Path to go back to Mary Free Bed, but SURPASSED IT!  Path is very much looking forward to going back to MFB this summer!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! 

Michigan teen's brain bleed changed her life, but not her spirit Jennifer Pignolet The Detroit News Read the article here: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/04/23/michigan-rugby-playing-teen-path-appleton-fights-improve-birth-defect-rupture/88414364007/

Guys.... GUYS!!! Some significant cash donations were recently added to the fundraiser total, PLUS Path's cousin is doing her own fundraiser that has raised approximately $1,800! AND the boys rugby team donated the proceeds from last Friday's ticket sales, adding another $1,700! This puts us around $5,600 away from our goal to cover 3 weeks of rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed this summer! AND WE'RE NOT DONE! Gelato Paradiso (in The Market) is planning to hold a give back fundraiser Sunday, May 3rd!  With so many incredibly generous helpers, I'm feeling pretty confident that we can not only meet our goal, but surpass it before Summer break!  ALSO, be on the lookout for the article about Path in the Detroit News on Thursday, April 23rd! The other day, Elizabeth and I were talking about how amazing it is, when things feel completely hopeless, so many people - family, friends, friends of friends, and total strangers - step up to help! There really are no words to...