Update - 3/29/06

I have a correction to the last post in the prayer request message. Matthew did not have the pump put in yet. On Monday they gave a test dosage of the medication to see if Matthew's body would react positively to it. Within an hour they noticed a change in his muscle tone - great improvement! So, in the coming week or two they will insert the pump into his abdomen and the medication will be administered as needed and they will continue with his physical therapy to help with his muscle tone.

Matthew's appetite wasn't as good on Monday as it was over the weekend. Most likely he was worn out from all they did on Monday to feel like eating. He still has the feeding tube in his stomach so when Matthew doesn't eat well, they make sure he gets the nutrition he needs through the feeding tube to compensate for what he doesn't consume orally.

Monday really was busy day for Matthew. They put him back on the tilt table to see how he would fare. If you recall previous posts about the tilt table, Matthew was able to handle from a 50 degree angle up to a 60 degree angle. This week Matthew made it all the way to an 80 degree angle!!!! His heart rate was good and respiration was fine all the while. This is very good news!

Matthew and Andrew's baseball team in Cole Camp won their first game of the season! Some of the boys chanted "Matthew, Matthew, Matthew" as they ran the bases. They want to dedicate this season to Matthew. Andrew was not able to play because of a knee injury, but he was cheering for his teammates from the dugout!

It's not too late to send Andrew a contribution for the walk-a-thon this Saturday!

Hope you all have a terrific day!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Prayer Request - 3/27/06

We just got word that Matthew is having a surgical procedure this morning for his muscle tone (description in the next paragraph). The next 24 hours are a very crucial time, so please keep him in your prayers. Rev. Kurz and his brother, Joel (who is also a pastor) are with Matthew today. Pray the Lord gives them comfort and peace as they patiently wait the outcome of this procedure.

Matthew's muscle tone is of great concern right now. Several areas of his body have tightened up or are spastic and the joints are difficult to move. (Spasticity is a term used to describe abnormally increased muscle tone and it interferes with movement and can be painful.) If they aren't able to get the muscles to relax and be more flexible - there is concern about Matthew's ability to use those appendages in the future (his right hand, right arm and left foot). The procedure they are doing today involves inserting a small titanium pump that is about the size of a hockey puck and it fits comfortably under the skin. This pump will inject tiny amounts of a medication directly in the cerebrospinal fluid. "For some patients this procedure can produce a dramatic reduction in spasticity and pain." (taken from "Living with Brain Injury: A Guide for Families")

Over the weekend, Matthew got to see his Aunt Teresa (Brenda's sister) and cousins, Nathan and Noah from Boise, Idaho. It was good for them to see Matthew for the first time since the accident. It was also a blessing for the sisters to be reunited in person after months of supporting each other from afar. I also had the pleasure of being with Matthew this weekend and helped Brenda and Paige (Matthew's girlfriend) give him his dinner on Saturday. This was a bit of a challenge because Matthew's left arm is quite active and manages to get in the way of the spoon! Matthew has a great appetite and seems to enjoy eating food (and not all of it is liquified). He even had a ginger cookie and had no trouble crunching down on it. We think his favorite part was the raspberry soda drink!

Once again - please keep Matthew in your prayers today, as you usually do, but especially for the procedure he is undergoing to insert the pump.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:26-28

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/24/06

It has come to our attention that there may be some misconceptions about Matthew's condition and what the future holds. Yes, there are lots of positive things happening and the doctors are very happy with Matthew's responses, but things are very serious and the road Matthew must "travel" is very, very long. Those who have a brain injury do not quickly go back to being the person they were before.

Pastor and Brenda Kurz have asked me to share the following information with you. There is a scale called The Rancho Los Amigos Scale of Cognitive Functioning. This scale is a tool that describes the eight stages that a person with brain injury goes through with gradual progression from a deep coma to appropriate behavior and cognitive functioning. Right now Matthew is at Level IV.

Level I: No Response. The patient is unconscious. He appears to be sleeping. He does not respond to any stimuli presented to him. This comatose state can last for seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months.

Level II: Generalized Response. Here, the patient will react, but inconsistently and without purpose. His response, often a gross body movement or a garbled vocalization, is usually the same, regardless of what Glasgow stimulus is used. But his first response is activated, more times than not, from deep pain.

Level III: Localized Response. The patient is improving. He will react more specifically to different stimuli, but his response will be inconsistent. For example, he may occasionally turn his head in the direction of a speaker's voice. He may have a vague awareness of his body. He may inconsistently follow simple commands such as "close your eyes" or "squeeze my hand."

Level IV: Confused-Agitated. The patient has become very active, but he is not yet able to understand what's going on. His behavior might become bizarre; he might cry out or try to remove his feeding tube. He may be hostile and uncooperative, but he is not acting out of malice. It's a reaction to his overwhelming confusion.

Level V: Confused-Inappropriate. The patient has become less agitated; he will respond to simple commands in a more consistent manner. But if the commands are more complex, he gets confused and gives random, incorrect responses. He may become agitated if he is in a noisy or "busy" environment. He will not take the initiative. He will respond best to his body's aches and pains, to his own comfort, and to close family members. His memory is severly impaired, and he is unable to learn new information. At this level, he is in danger of "wandering off" the ward.

Level VI: Confused-Appropriate. Things are looking up. The patient is motivated, but still depends on others to lead the way toward his goals. His reactions will be more appropriate. If he is uncomfortable he will complain. He is beginning to recognize therapy staff members, and is much more aware of himself and his family. He can easily follow simple directions. His memory of the past has improved greatly, but his memory of recent events is still impaired.

Level VII: Automatic-Appropriate. The patient seems to act appropriately in the hospital and at home. He is now oriented to person, place, and time in these settings. All seems well, but things are still not completely right. He may go through his daily routines automatically. Although he can dress, wash, and feed himself independently, he needs supervision to ensure his safety. His judgment and problem-solving skills are still impaired, and he cannot make realistic plans for his future.

Level VIII: Purposeful and Appropriate. At last! The patient can integrate the past with recent events. He is independent and functional in society. However, he may have subtle difficulties with reasoning, judgment, and processing information, especially in high stress, unusual, or emergency situations. He may be actively involved in a vocational rehabilitation program, learning a new way to live in his new world.

Living with Brain Injury: A Guide for Families continues with the following information: "This hierarchy of levels looks simple and straightforward. But in real life, not every brain-injured survivor moves smoothly through each level. A patient may move from Level II to IV and never demonstrate any true Level III behaviors. Or, a patient may reach Level III and never progress beyond that point. Even if your loved one reaches Level VIII, it won't necessarily mean he is exactly as he once was. As mentioned earlier, he will most likely be changed - in ways that are subtle or not so subtle."

Matthew has been very active and agitated lately. They had to give him a "buzz" haircut because he was pulling and tugging at his hair. He has poked his own eye and scratched himself. Sometimes it takes several people to hold Matthew down to keep him from injurying himself. These things may sound disturbing, but in the long run they are good because it indicates that Matthew is progressing. This is very serious condition and the Kurz family needs our prayers as they live day-to-day helping Matthew through recovery.

Matthew can have visitors, but for short periods of time and only a few people at a time. If you are able to stop in and see him at Rusk, please remember to keep things quiet, because too much noise or activity is disturbing for Matthew.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen" (Romans 11:33, 36)

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/21/06

Matthew's grandmothers were with him this weekend. They both were doing their part to make sure Matthew had what he needed.

Matthew was glad to see his brothers on Sunday. We can be sure he was glad because he would hang onto their hands and smile.

Matthew passed the swallow study with flying colors on Monday! He was rewarded with a meal of roast beef, green beans and lemonade (in liquid form, of course) and he loved it! Now his tongue will be reunited with all sorts of tastes and flavors.

He continues to be extremely active with his left and right arms and the doctors say this is a very good sign.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the Kurz family!!!!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/17/06

There's not alot to report this time. Matthew has been resting alot since his return to Rusk and he's been peaceful - glad to be back in his own room, we think. He hasn't verbalized anymore, but it's probably exhausting for now.

Rev. Kurz has been with his son the majority of this week and Brenda has been home with the boys.

The staff gave Matthew a little applesauce yesterday and at first he just held it on his tongue. When they added a few ice chips, he swallowed it right down. They are still planning to do the swallow study that I mentioned a couple weeks ago. That was delayed because of his trip to the hospital.

They do have concern about Matthew's muscle tone in his left leg and his right arm. Both these appendages are very stiff. Please pray they can be relaxed and limbered up.

We hope for a good weekend for Matthew and a great visit for the brothers when they stop to see him on Saturday with their mom.


Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/15/06

Matthew has returned to Rusk Rehabilitation Center!!!!!!! And there is much rejoicing!!!!! The staff at Rusk were thrilled to have Matthew back yesterday (March 14) and made a thorough examination to see how he's doing since he was gone a week. Despite many struggles being at the hospital, they did see improvement in Matthew.

It was a very rough week for Matthew and his parents while he was at the hospital. Brenda and Erich had to be strong advocates for Matthew's care and ended up doing a good portion of his therapy so that his muscles and joints wouldn't stiffen up and regress. Your prayers for Pastor Kurz and Brenda are greatly needed as this long journey continues. Brenda also shared with me how wonderful all the cards and notes are that they continue to receive. She said that each one is like a huge bouquet of flowers that brightens their day.

Matthew said his first word: "Ma-ma"! Brenda jumped for joy! He has also managed to say "Hi!" It takes him quite a while to get the words out - you have to be patient to wait for him to say it, sometimes five minutes, but it's a major accomplishment. His attention span has also increased. He's even able to watch T.V. and stay focused on it (some might say that's not such a positive thing - hee hee). Recently Matthew moved both his feet and left and right arms in an attempt to get out of bed - the movements were small, but it was evident what direction he wanted to go.

We've had requests to repeat some information for those who missed it before. The Cole Camp high school extra-curricular clubs are organizing a fundraiser for Matthew and the Kurz family. This is all student-led and managed by the high schoolers themselves. Early in the morning on April 1st the students will have a walk-a-thon. Please consider donating for Andrew's efforts in the walk-a-thon on his brother's behalf. Send the donation to:

Andrew Kurz
24302 Cheese Creek Road
Cole Camp, MO 65325

Note on the memo line of your check that this is for the walk-a-thon and make the check out to Andrew Kurz. The students will continue with the fundraising efforts after the walk-a-thon with a carnival.

Birthday party!!!!! Andrew will soon be turning 16 years old. His family is having a spaghetti supper on April 2nd to celebrate this special day and rejoice that Andrew is alive and well. All are welcome to attend Andrew's birthday party. In order to make sure there is enough food, please EMAIL your RSVP to the Kurzs by March 30th - bekurz@iland.net. The dinner will be April 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Maple Street Bake Shop in Cole Camp.

"Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.' The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 8

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Too Much Fundraising Going On?

Dear Friends,

It recently came to my attention that a former update (3/6/06) on recent fundraising ideas for Matthew and the Kurz family has received a comment that, well, questions the necessity or the propriety of fundraisers for more than just medical expenses. I want to take a moment and respond to that comment in general, and then to the specific statements in the comment.

First, let me say that this "blog" site has been established for the regular and frequent updates on Matthew's condition, needs, and recovery. We also want this site to communicate needs of the family so that you, the readers--the family and friends of the Kurz family--can pray for them and do what you can to support and aid them in this time of great need.

With that in mind, the second general thing I want to say is this: the Matthew Kurz blog is not intended for debate in which some try to influence or persuade others to their point of view, whatever it may be. Other blog sites may excel in that, and that's great for their purposes. The purpose of this blog site, however, is simply to disseminate information so that good, supportive people can pray for Matthew and the Kurz family and decide for themselves how to help them.

So, while most comments (all but one, as far as I know) have been very supportive of and encouraging to the Kurz family, I must give this gentle warning: If more comments are posted that try to spark debate on what's going on with the Kurz family, or that question the motives of the Kurz family, or that attempt to dissuade people from their very supportive and charitable actions toward the Kurz family, I will give serious thought to locking out the comments in general. I do not want to do this, because most of the comments have been so very supportive of the Matthew and the Kurz family, and the family has truly been comforted by them. However, if it comes to this--that some try to spark debate on or question something relative to the Kurz family--I will close out the comments in order to protect my dear family members. Please do not view this as harsh or vengeful; I will only do it if I see that Matthew and his family need to their honor and reputation better protected.

Now to some specific reactions to specific statements of the 3/6/06 comment.

There is some concern about the perception of seeking fund raisers for the family to be able to build a new home.

The only "perception" that we should be "concerned about" should be that many people are doing a wonderful job of supporting and coming to the aid of the Kurz family. The fact of the matter is that a new home is and will be one of their essential needs.

In the event that Matthew no longer needs the handicapped home, what do they plan to do with the house then especially when the community gave their money for this home. Would they offer it to the next family that might be faced with this type of crisis in the community?

This seems to be a most uncharitable way to look at the situation! As far as I know, a new home for the Kurz family would not be a "handicapped home" (whatever that may be), but a home that is more accessible for Matthew in his new and future condition. If people in the community donate money, land, etc. for a new home for the Kurz family, let them do so charitably, that is, expecting absolutely nothing in return and with no strings whatsoever attached. Charity does not work like a landlord charging rent or looking for the next tenant. Charity simply gives with no thought of return. And if some don't want to give to such a home, so be it; they don't have to.

Also, if some other family in the community "might be faced with this type of crisis" in the future, then let the community band together again and build yet another home. That would be the wonderful and charitable thing to do for that family, and it would greatly improve the community, both in morale and in property value.

Shouldn't one wait and see how Matthew progresses before they jump the gun and get a new home just because they may want or need one now?

Dear Sir or Madam, the Kurz family is not jumping the gun! The medical personnel have already told them that Matthew will certainly go home in a wheelchair. The house in which they currently live--and I know it well since I've been there many times--cannot possibly handle a wheelchair. Even if a ramp were to be built to allow a wheelchair into the house, the inside of the house could never be modified enough to allow for Matthew even to get to the bathroom.

Whatever lies behind the comment, "just because they may want or need one now," I suggest that you keep it in check and keep it to yourself! These are obviously exceptional circumstances, and this comment borders on impugning the motives of the Kurz family in this time of great need.

I think fund raisers for medical expenses is a tremendous blessing. Asking for a new home may just be over stepping things.

Dear Sir or Madam, you may choose to limit your charity and your support for the Kurz family, but just because you want to do that does not mean that others should. To reiterate, the Kurz family is not merely "asking for a new home," they absolutely need a new home. Please do not try to stifle the generosity of others!

Isn't our God good and merciful and doesn't he always provide what we need even though our thoughts may be different? Doesn't He know our needs even before we request them?

Yes, our God is good and merciful, and He is providing marvelously for the Kurz family through the generosity of many. If you have different thoughts about how far to extend your own charity, so be it. Our gracious and merciful Triune God is seeing fit to spur many on to support the Kurz family, to pray for them, and, as they are able, to give generously for all the needs that the Kurz family now must face. Please don't try to limit the generosity of others in the community!

The request for land and money for a down payment has definitely brought up many thoughts and discussions.

And if those "thoughts and discussions" have been critical of the Kurz family in any way, then they are truly out of line and need to be stopped in their tracks. Let me urge and encourage everyone involved to defend the Kurz family, speak well of them, and explain everything in the kindest way (put the best construction on things).

I believe God has everything worked out for His good and His glory. All praise will go to Him. He is so good!

Yes, God is so good, but questioning the motives of the Kurz family and trying to limit the charity of others who choose to help them out is not good at all. What will truly work for God's glory is to see so many gracious and supportive people give generously not only to the medical expenses, but also to the immediate and dire need of a new home (with no "community strings" attached), as well as to the longer term needs of education and ongoing care and rehabilitation.

May God continue to bless the Kurz family with plenty of family and friends who want to give generously and without thought of return or conditions!

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

Randy Asburry
Matthew's Godfather

Update - 3/9/06

Matthew is still at University Hospital. The procedure on Monday has led to the need to keep him longer to take great precaution. There is a tiny hole in the lining of Matthew's lung that has not healed or closed up. This has led to a pneumatocele - a small amount of air is trapped outside the lining of the lung. The doctors put in a tube to ventilate the trapped air, but the tiny hole in the lining of Matthew's lung needs to heal or close up. He will have to stay at the hospital at least until Monday. (I'm not a medical professional so if I have mis-stated the above, I apologize.)

It is typical for boys of Matthew's age to end up with a collapsed lung in these circumstances, so the doctors are taking great care to prevent that happening. Your prayers are certainly appreciated!!!! Pray for the hole to heal up and that his lungs stay inflated for a good period of time so that Matthew can go back to Rusk to continue his rehabilitation.

Brenda and Erich are doing what therapy they can with Matthew so that he doesn't stiffen up lying in a hospital bed. They requested to have his wheelchair from Rusk sent over. Matthew was in a lot of discomfort and restless, but is more relaxed now after some medication has been put back into his regimen.

Please pray for strength and endurance for Brenda and Erich as well. It has been a trying few days for them with little sleep.

The good news is they took Matthew's trach completely out and he's doing fine without it!!!

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/7/06

In recovery there are always good days and bad days. Today was not so positive for Matthew, but things will be brighter in the a.m.

A pocket of air got into Matthew's chest cavity during the procedure to check the cyst on his lung. This is not uncommon. It caused Matthew some discomfort and a little difficulty breathing and they put a tube in his chest to relieve the pressure. They are keeping him at University Hospital overnight to make sure he's OK. He should be going back to Rusk in the morning.

The doctors drained the cyst of blood and mucus which was as they expected. They will give a full report to Brenda and Erich on Wednesday after they do a culture test.

It has been a long day for Mom and Dad - started very early and alot going on all day. We pray Matthew and his parents have a peaceful night and that Wednesday is a great day!

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - Fundraisers - 3/6/06

My apologies to all of you for not including the link for Matthew's artwork sooner. You can find them at www.colecamparea.com/matthew Andrew is handling the administration of the artwork. Each print is $25 only (shipping costs included), with the exception of the charcoal picture (fruit) which is $40 because of the larger size. Funds can be sent to Andrew at the following address:

Andrew Kurz
24302 Cheese Creek Road
Cole Camp, MO 65325

Be sure to specify the print name in your correspondence. All funds raised through purchase of these prints will go to assist with Matthew's education fund.

Several of you have asked about fundraisers for the Kurz family. There are several that are in the planning stages and we will provide the information as they become available. The high school clubs are putting together a fundraiser that will be held on April 1st. There will be a walk-a-thon and other activities and all proceeds will go to assist Matthew and the Kurz family. If you would like to contribute to the walk-a-thon, Andrew will be walking for Matthew and you can send your donation directly to Andrew at the above address. He won't be collecting funds per mile - send a flat fee donation and put walk-a-thon on the memo line of your check.

Also, to answer another commonly asked question, Matthew's sodium level in his liver count has gone down to normal!!! They "flushed" him with lots of water and his liver is doing quite well.

Thanks for all your help to assist the Kurz family.

Rachel Asburry

Update - 3/5/06

I am able to share a first-hand account with you today after a visit to see Matthew on Saturday. Matthew looks good (and even got a haircut yesterday - just a trim) and it's wonderful to see his eyes bright and alert at times. When his eyes are bright and alert, we are confident that he's aware of what's going on around him or is examining the people by his side very closely. These moments come and go but they are wonderful to witness.

Andrew, Lucas, and Timothy also were there to be with their brother for the first time in two weeks. It was great to have all four brothers together!

Matthew has reached a "stage" where he's more restless and agitated - especially with the movements of his left arm. He fiddles with everything within his reach and when you hold his hand, he fiddles with your rings or gives you a vice grip squeeze.

Yesterday we were very pleased to see Matthew lift his head six inches or so off his pillow or the head rest of his wheelchair and he did this repeatedly!

He's also trying to vocalize. He made a variety of sounds at different times. The time that is quite enjoyable for Andrew was when we went for a walk around the center and Andrew was pushing Matthew in his wheelchair. Andrew went down a long hallway with Matthew and Lucas and they made motor sounds like driving a car. Matthew chimed in and made some sounds too!

Music truly is soothing for Matthew. He has been listening to all sorts of music of different genre, but nothing is like a hymn sung to Matthew. Matthew had been agitated while we were going for the walk mentioned above. Pastor Clayton from Trinity, Cole Camp had stopped by for a quick visit. Before he left he shared words of comfort with Matthew and then we all sang a hymn together. Matthew became very peaceful and his left hand quieted down. It was truly a blessing to witness how much comfort God's word and music brings to this young man. Later when Andrew's girlfriend was with us, we had devotions with Matthew and sang again. He was so relaxed and peaceful.

The doctors continue to be very pleased with Matthew's progress in all areas of his recovery. Next week they will do a swallow test which could lead to getting his trach out. It is common for some brain trauma victims to lose the ability to swallow. Matthew did not and has already demonstrated very strong swallows.

Please keep Matthew in your prayers in particular for this coming Tuesday. He will have an out-patient procedure at University Hospital to examine a cyst on his lung. There's a good possibility that the cyst is pooled blood caused from bruising of his lung as a result of the accident. The cyst is on the outer side of the lung close to the skin. As with any surgical procedure there can be complications, but we pray all goes well.

This was my first opportunity to see Matthew's room at the rehab center and it was a treat to see all the things hanging up in his room. It is easy to see with once glance around his room that Matthew is loved and missed. There are posters from kids at school that plaster the walls. The messages express how much the students miss Matthew, care about Matthew and Andrew and how much they hope and pray for full recovery. The posters also have pictures of Matthew with his classmates in all sorts of activities, including band and baseball. Brenda and Erich have also displayed pictures of Matthew's future school - Kansas City Art Institute. It's a neat "trip through Matthew's life" to see all the things he loves, the artwork that demonstrates his skills and abilities, and pictures of the people he cares about, especially his family and girlfriend. As a person in Matthew's life who has known him since he was born and brought to the font of baptism, it was a joy for me to see how much Matthew as a young man has touched the lives of others in a positive way.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!" Psalm 25:5-7

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 3/2/06

Yesterday Matthew communicated with new signals - he nodded his head a bit for yes, and turned his head back and forth a bit for no. He also made a sound that sounded like "uh-huh"!

Missouri weather was so beautiful yesterday and Matthew got to enjoy it! Brenda took him outside in the wheelchair and she said Matthew was so peaceful and enjoyed it immensely.

More good news - Matthew doesn't have the flu anymore!!!

Unfortunately, I do have some news that isn't so positive. Sometimes when a person is in a condition like Matthew where the muscles aren't active, old injuries can "rear their heads". Matthew had an injury to his knee while playing sports some time ago. Yesterday, his knee cap went out - went completely to the side. It was extremely painful for Matthew - he went "white as a sheet" and if he could yell, he would have. He is now wearing a brace for that knee to support the muscles and keep things intact.

Rachel Asburry

Update - 3/1/06

Blessed Ash Wednesday to all of you! I appreciate the words of thanks for providing these updates. I'm glad to do it and it's nice to know that it is appreciated by so many people connected to the Kurz family.

Erich was with Matthew on Tuesday and had more encouraging information to share with us. Matthew is continuing to do alot with his left hand. He's been grabbing hold of the sheets and as I mentioned before, he fiddles with the tubes and tries to get them out. (The mitt still comes in handy at times.)

While the speech therapist worked with Matthew yesterday he wasn't very responsive with the hand signals for yes and no. The therapist thinks that he's getting tired of answering with his hands. Both the therapist and Erich could see that Matthew was making efforts to move his mouth and makes some sounds.

The therapist also asked him to open his mouth a little and she put a small ice chip in his mouth. They could see him moving the chip around in his mouth and then he make a good, strong swallow to get it down. The therapist said that was really good.

Several days ago Matthew was put on a table that inclines. The first time he couldn't handle more than a 50 degree angle of incline. Yesterday he was able to go up to a 60 degree angle and handled it pretty well. His heart rate increased, but then stabilized (his heart rate is their indicator for if he's handling something well or not). Matthew was also sitting up for several hours in the afternoon. Each time it gets easier for him to handle.

Regarding the influenza - Matthew went another day without a fever. Yeah!!! The staff still hasn't okayed any visitors other than his mom and dad.

For those of you who are wondering about the name "Richard", I'll try to remember how that came about. As I recall, when Matthew started high school someone mistakenly called him Richard. Others heard him being called Richard and thought that was his name. For a while there were some people that had no idea his real name is Matthew, but the name Richard stuck and now many (most?) of the students at the high school call him Richard. Matthew didn't seem to mind when it first happened and he didn't bother correcting them. If I've incorrectly told the story, be sure to share the correction in a comment.

There have been a variety of comments about the Kurz' housing situation. Rev. Kurz and Brenda will undoubtedly be meeting with the church leadership soon to discuss the situation. We pray it can be resolved soon to the satisfaction of everyone involved, but most importantly considering what is best for Matthew when he returns home.

"Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love." Joel 2:13

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother