Tuesday, March 23, 2010

3.23.2010

Hello Everyone,

Paul and my parents are home safely. He is currently at Magee Rehab in Philadelphia where he is receiving three hours of therapy per day: physical, occupational and speech. Paul has been improving a lot since he returned home. His appetite is exellent now and he has been asking for a Philly cheesesteak. He spent some time on the phone with a couple of friends last night (Joe Kennedy and Katherine). His long-term memory is excellent. He does not forget anyone and has enjoyed reminiscing with friends and family who have visited. He struggles at times with short term memory and word retrieval, but overall it is good as well. His wrists are very sore and still do not have much mobility, but he is working on that in therapy. We took him to see a neuro-opthamologist a few days ago. He will have a couple of studies completed to determine the damage to the optic nerves. He is still unable to see, but the doctor said his pupils did have movement in them which is a good sign and we should find out more about his visual prognosis in the next few weeks. We will also find out when he will be discharged from the Inptatient Rehab today. When he comes home he will likely go to a day program 3-5 days/week where he will continue his therapies.


Thank you for all of your love and support,

Tara

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Paul in the News

Many thanks to Kevin Riordan from the Philadelphia Inquirer for taking an interest in Paul and writing about him! See the link to the story below:

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/87313792.html

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Paul's Homecoming March 16th

It's finally official! Paul and my folks will be coming home on March 16th, next Tuesday!

After landing, Paul will be going to Jefferson Hospital for evaluation before transfering to Magee Rehab in Philadelphia for short-term in-patient rehabilitation services. I know everyone is excited to see Paul, but please contact someone in my family before showing up. Paul may not be able to tolerate a lot of visitors right away. I will keep you all posted on his progress.

Thanks!

Tara

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

3.9.10 Paul in the Philadelphia Inquirer

Paul's story will be featured in this Thursday's Philadelphia Inquirer! We are honored to have so much support from the community. My parents and Paul hope to be back home on March 16th which is right around the corner! It's not finalized yet, but I should know for sure by tomorrow and will keep you posted.

Many thanks to everyone for all of your kind words, thoughts, prayers, efforts and donations. Paul will need all of your support and encouragement during his recovery process at home.

Tara

Friday, March 5, 2010

3/5/10

Paul got his Peg (feeding) tube removed yesterday because he is eating well on his own now. He is officially medically cleared to fly back home and we are looking into flights for him and my parents. Our hope is that they will be back mid-March.

We got to see Paul and talk to my parents via Skype last Sunday night. He looks pretty good and was able to make small conversation with us before he left to work with the Occupational Therapist.

I will let you all know when we have a date!

Tara