Path's Recovery Journey

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...

We have had such an amazing week. Its been incredibly busy for us - Monday Path went to her first in person haircut in 3 years. Tuesday Steve was making her smile by being just silly with her. Today she went on a field trip bowling, and Steve continued to make her not just smile but laugh. It’s been almost 18 months since I’ve heard her laugh - and it was absolute magic. To hear her laugh after everything she’s been through is astonishing and a testament to her strength of character. And sense of humor 😂. Tomorrow is the boys rugby home match (and fundraiser!) for Path - we will see if we can continue to make her smile and laugh as we cheer on the SJ boys side. ♥️🌈♥️

Local friends and family, the Boys St. Joe Rugby team will have two home matches THIS FRIDAY! ALL proceeds and donations will go to supporting Path's rehab! Date: April 17 Time: Blue team vs. Lakeshore at 5:30 PM Maize team vs. Portage at 7:00 PM Location: Dickinson Stadium, 2521 Stadium Dr, St Joseph, MI 49085 Thank you, Dan LaFond, for organizing this fundraiser! 

We have had an amazing Spring Break. We took naps when we could, got fresh air and went to the park a few times, saw the NASA liftoff, and went to the library to meet some adorable new kittens.  We also hit a huge milestone in finishing upping her pump. It’s taken 7(!) months to reach the level needed to help with muscle spasms and tone and it’s incredible to see so quickly how much it has improved her life day to day. Path is more comfortable and able to learn to trust that when she moves fingers, her arms, or her head that it won’t set of hours of muscle spasms.  Here’s to the beauty of spring and new beginnings. Happy Easter! ♥️ - Elizabeth 

  Hello, you wonderful humans!  It was brought to my attention that many people don't understand what happened to Path. Which is totally fair because it's really overwhelming, and when I first started this fundraiser page, none of us actually understood what happened. I'll be honest, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it! So, here's my attempt at a quick recap.  On Dec 2, 2024, Path (age 16) had a stroke while at school. We didn't know it was a stroke at the time. All we knew was that she had a migraine, then she fell unconscious and stopped breathing. She was rushed to the ER, then to Bronson. The following day, surgeons performed brain surgery to remove the AVM. (Arteriovenous Malformation, also known as an AVM, is a tangle of blood vessels that creates irregular connections between arteries and veins) Until this dreadful December day, no one knew about the AVM, which hemorrhaged and caused Path to have a stroke. The surgery went well but Path suffered se...

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