Matthew Kurz - Updates & Prayers

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

September 25, 2007

Update - 9/25/07

We couldn't be happier. Matthew is making tremendous progress in many areas, particularly with walking and his speech. For more than two weeks, he has been walking over 100 ft. at a time (with one or two stops to rest for a minute). This walking is done using a walker and he does need a little assistance moving the right leg forward, but Matthew is doing most of the effort on his own. He is doing a terrific job balancing his weight while using the walker and can reach back to his chair and sit down on his own. Matthew's right side still shows signs of strengthening. He can roll himself completely in bed to either side WITHOUT assistance. He couldn't do that before because of his right side.

The last post mentioned Matthew's visit to the neurologist. The doctor did drain a very small amount of excess fluid and there was a little hardening of the shunt, but nothing to be concerned about.

Matthew is also talking a great deal more and initiating sentences on his own. Recently, Lucas turned the TV off and Matthew said without any prompting or difficulty in being understood, "Lucas, turn that TV back on." He definitely knows what he wants and is getting better at communicating that. He is also eating a lot more and asking for food which is quite a change from a few months ago.

We thank you, O Lord, for your continued care of Matthew!

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! . . . Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Ps. 150: 1-2, 6

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother

September 04, 2007

Update - 9/4/07

Matthew is moving right along. Last week he used the walker and took 50+ steps all at one time (with a couple rest stops in the middle). He was very proud of himself!!! Matthew is also scheduled to have more time in the coming weeks on the auto-ambulator at Rusk in Columbia. That is very exciting!!! It will strengthen what he's been able to accomplish on his own.

Today (Tuesday) the neurologist is examining Matthew's shunt from his brain to his stomach. They will put dye in the shunt and watch the flow to see if it is traveling well or if there is blockage. If there is blockage, the neurologist may considering draining off fluid from Matthew's brain. Please pray for a positive outcome of these procedures!!!

God be with you this day!!!

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother