Update - 5/22/08

Happy Birthday, Matthew!!!

Today is Matthew's birthday and he is having an incredible time at camp this week. I'm sure they are celebrating his birthday today BIG TIME!

Before I describe his experience at camp, I want to mention that Matthew's surgery went very well and yes, it was outpatient without any complications. The leakage from the site has improved, but there is one setback. Several days ago (while at camp) the area around the closed-up hole has shown infection. Matthew is so happy and having so much fun at camp that he's not realizing any discomfort. The doctor has prescribed an antibiotic customized for Matthew because of his previous experience with a staph infection, and then Matthew will see the doctor next week. Please keep Matthew's condition in your prayers because any kind of infection for him can lead to serious complications.

Now, back to the camp story. Matthew loves going fishing on a pontoon boat specially equipped for those in wheelchairs. He has also done crafts (with tie-dyed shirts) and gone on natural trails. Matthew LOVES to be outside and this is absolutely wonderful for him. The boy scout in Matthew is lovin' it!!! The counselors at the camp found out that Matthew loves to sing Beatles' songs, so they encouraged him to sing for the whole camp the first night. Matthew wasn't shy and launched right into the song. Everyone who knew the words joined in with him.

At the end of the night, Matthew is very tired from all the activity, but when asked by his nurse if he wants to go to bed, he says "NO." She then says, "you must not want to miss anything," to which he responds, "OH YEAH."

Regarding Matthew's therapy in the last several weeks, his balance has improved tremendously. A couple days ago he stood for 15 minutes holding his own balance. It is crucial that he is able to maintain his own balance while standing. He can't make progress with walking if he hasn't mastered the balance. So, this is great encouragement. Unfortunately, for the time being walking in therapy is on hold. Matthew uses his stomach muscles a great deal when he walks and this puts a tremendous strain on the ability for the stomach to heal.

Matthew's ability to talk in sentences has also increased. He's not saying short sentences that a young child would say, but rather more in-depth sentences. And he continues to joke with family and friends, as well as give them a hard time.

I can offer you a little more information on the fundraisers being planned in June. The first one will be June 7th and will be held at the Thrivent Lutheran Thrift Store in Kansas City, MO. Mr. Bob Boone is still the contact person. If you have not been able to get a hold of him, please keep trying or call the thrift store for more information. I'm sorry, I don't have the contact information for the store, but those of you in the Kansas City area may be familiar with it.

The other fundraiser is scheduled for June 29th and will be in Our Saviour Lutheran Church's gymnasium (Sedalia, MO) from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Grilled chicken will be served and there will be a very large bake sale. The adult Sunday school Bible class of St. Paul Lutheran Church is sponsoring the fundraiser as well. If you would like to donate or contribute in any way to the fundraiser, contact Pat Monsees, secretary of the church at 660-826-1164 or mail to 701 S. Massachusetts, Sedalia, MO 65301. The location of the fundraiser at Our Savior's on Sunday, June 29th is 3700 W. Broadway Blvd. across from Lowe's on Highway 50.

Have a wonderful day and a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's godmother

Update - 5/1/08

Greetings!



We rejoice that Matthew is doing well and continues to make progress. He is doing very well walking with the walker and now that his right arm can be straightened down to the walker, he is able to walk straighter. Matthew only uses the walker during therapy so he's not out and about with the walker, but we're thankful he's up on his feet for periods of time each day.



Please keep Matthew in your prayers for next Tuesday. The hole left from the removal of his feeding tube has not completely healed shut and it is still causing him discomfort (six months after the tube was removed). What has developed is fishula which is granulated tissue that formed around the feeding tube and when the tube was removed the tissue never healed or closed itself up. It is suppose to be out-patient surgery and we pray there are no complications to cause setbacks for Matthew.



We pray that Matthew heals well from this surgery because he is scheduled to attend camp from May 18-23. This is a special camp for head trauma victims and it will be a wonderful opportunity for Matthew and a well-deserved rest for Mom and Dad at home.



Matthew is getting more assertive and directs his own care. He lets his caregiver know that something needs to be done and when it isn't done immediately, he won't let the caregiver forget and repeats the need over and over.



Other improvements are: his vocabulary is improving and using larger words requiring higher level thinking; he does very well remembering details of a story if he hears it rather than trying to read it - it appears he may do better with auditory learning; and Matthew makes involuntary movements with his right hand (like reaching out to grab a cup without even thinking about it) and then he wonders what to do with it when he has it in his hand - this is a step in the right direction for him to be able to control his right hand even better.



Matthew got to go for a drive with a friend in a car (without the wheelchair) and he was thrilled!!! He operated the radio and was grinning from ear to ear the whole trip.



There will be a couple of fundraisers in June (with matching assistance from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans) to help with Matthew's care and medical expenses. The family does not have additional health care coverage so they have to rely solely on medicare. If you would like more information on how to contribute to the fundraisers, you may contact Thrivent insurance representative, Bob Boone:

Bob Boone
7220 W. 98th Terrace, Suite 230
Overland Park, KS 66212

816-590-9064
Robert.Boone@Thrivent.com

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide as well as your prayers.

Rachel Asburry
Matthew's Godmother