Another Busy Week

It is so good to talk to dad on the phone and hear all the updates. I can almost see the expressions on the staff's faces when they ask Matt to do something that they don't expect him to accomplish. And he does it!
The staff are so good with Matt. Communication between all parties is fantastic and they love how motivated Matt is with his exercises. The one staff member found out that prior to Matt's accident he was involved in hockey, basketball and baseball. They don't usually have to motivate a client if they have a sports background. The one staff member likes to push Matt even further by saying things like "Is that all you've got, Matt?" and Matt tries even harder. Sympathy only goes so far and then tough love is needed. Matt's ability to bridge is impressive. Bridging is laying on the floor with your feet on the floor and your knees bent. Then you must lift your butt off the floor and hold that position. Most patients are so flaccid with their muscles meaning they have very little muscle tone.
I am laughing right now because Jonmarie just came into the house crying. I thought she was hurt but she is crying because I told her to go outside to play and the snow isn't sticky enough to make a snowman! It is plus 4 and very little snow is on the ground. Crying is okay when you are hurt, but crying because it is boring outside is not! So she is back outside probably saying bad things about her mean mother! Tough love!
Dad told me a funny story about the one staff member that works with Matt at the Wellness Center. She is quite tall and maybe in her early 20's. Dad was thinking that she looked athletic and must have been in some sports. She answered that she had played with the University of Saskatchewan in volleyball. Dad brought up the fact that Jacki had played in the 90's and explained what her maiden name was and that she had a birthmark. Right away the girl knew who dad was talking about, because she seen Jacki's picture in the hallway at the PhysEd Building! One thing about having a birthmark is that everyone will always recognize you!
Yesterday they got Matt into a standing frame. Matt's arms are still holding onto something but they encourage him just to use his legs. He felt a bit weak and faint, but he persevered and felt better. They also did an assessment on what they could do for Matt over the long run. They would like to have Matt come back for a longer time, such as 4 months. Matt said after he is finished this round of therapy he would like to go back in March.

Back to Work

Matt, dad and Charity arrived back to Regina Sunday night. Thank goodness the weather was good. Mom also travelled back to Red Deer to good conditions. We are so happy she is back!! We missed her so much. We are also missing Matt too but we know he needs to be where he is for the time being. Yesterday Matt did some bike work.
Today Matt was on the total gym and they had Matt do 70 lbs to start with and the owner wanted to see if Matt could do single leg modified squats (again at 45 degree angle) and Matt could it with his right leg better than his left with no weight (just his own body weight) and could even do a little with his left leg. It must wear him out because while he was explaining it to me he was yawning the whole time!!
Just to give a little background information on the Wellness Center. The method they use is the Dardzinski Method, which was created in the States. It is devoted to helping people with spinal cord injuries, recovering function below their level of injury. This is the first certified Project Walk facility in Canada and was started just over 1 year ago. It is a non-profit organization but do not have charitable status therefore they are unable to issue taxable receipts. However corporate sponsorship can be used as an advertising expense and are tax deductible. At each level of sponsorship you get advertising recognition. Silver $2000 (1 year), Gold $5000 (1 year)Platinum $10000 (over 3 years) Titanium $25000 (over 5 years). 75% will go directly to Matt's training fees and 25% to the running of the First Steps Wellness center. The cost to Matt for one hour is $70, so a sponsorship of $1000 would give Matt just over 10 hours of therapy. I really pray one day they will get charitable status so any one can give what they can. Matt said many of the patients attending the Wellness Center are stroke patients with some paraplegics. Some drive back and forth from Swift Current everyday and there is also many from Alberta.
Thanks to all those who are reading the blog again after a loooong hiatus!