Matthew Kurz - Updates & Prayers

Periodic updates on Matthew's condition and ongoing prayers and words of encouragement for Matthew and his family.

May 16, 2007

Update - 5/16/07

Matthew has been experiencing discomfort and stiffness for the last month and hasn't been able to bend his knees. The doctors found out that something was wrong with the baclofen pump that administers the medicine for his tone. So, yesterday they performed surgery on Matthew and found out the catheter from the pump to the spinal column wasn't working and had to be replaced. It is possible (but not certain) that scar tissue around the area might have caused a "kink" in the line. All went well during surgery and Matthew should be able to go home later today.

Another thing that was anticipated in the coming weeks for Matthew was surgery on his left foot. After wearing the boot/brace on his foot for a year now, there hasn't been enough improvement in his ability to flex his foot and standing is difficult for Matthew. So, while he was in surgery yesterday, the surgeon took care of that problem as well and was able to lengthen the tendons. Matthew is wearing a short cast that he will keep for six weeks. Next week he should be fine standing on that cast. We are very hopeful that this procedure will help Matthew begin taking steps.

Please pray for a speedy recovery from the surgery and procedures! We give thanks that all looks good so far.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother

May 10, 2007

Update - 5/10/07

The Lord is good. Let us thank him for all the blessings he has showered upon us and pray that he care for the people in Kansas that were hit hard by tornadoes.

Matthew continues to progress with his speech. He is responding in simple original sentences that he comes up with. The speech therapists and his parents are working with him to challenge his speech and cognitive abilities. They ask him to "tell me about a book - what is it like", or "tell me about a banana". Matthew is also working with $$ and telling time - basics for us, but essential for Matthew to re-learn.

We're also glad that Matthew is drawing pictures more and more. He prefers to draw pictures that he comes up with - no more copying other pictures. He especially likes to draw faces. Matthew also enjoys finding his way through a maze on paper. He does very well finding the starting point and avoiding the "road blocks" to find the ending point of the maze. Another writing accomplishment is Matthew wrote his name in cursive with his left hand. It is very small but he was able to do it unassisted.

This is an exciting month for Andrew. He graduates from high school on May 20th and is looking forward to college next fall. The bond between Andrew and Matthew is still strong. Matthew perks up whenever Andrew is around. It's good for Matthew to be with his brothers.

Matthew qualified for a government program that gives him the benefit of having a personal assistant. This man will be with Matthew five hours a day, four days a week and he will take Matthew to and from therapy and other activities. Thank the Lord for another blessing!

God be with you this day!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother