Path's Recovery Journey

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well! And enjoying the cozy Autumn season. We have a lengthy (but good!) update so grab a cup of tea and settle in:  A few weeks ago, we were encouraged by one of Paths PTs to reach out to a few other rehab centers for a consultation for Path. She mentioned a few options, including one in Chicago- The Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.  The Ability Lab is the nations best rehab hospital and combines PT, OT, SLP and research. They have many specialties including Traumatic Brain Injury recovery. There is a focus on combining clinicians, scientists, and innovation in the treatment of each individual.  We decided to pursue parallel paths forward to keep our options open for getting Path additional therapies. And to our surprise Path has been approved for a 5 day outpatient mini intensive program in Chicago. We are excited to work with such an amazing team and see how we can build on the progress Path has made. The timing for the program is s...

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/