Katelyn's Journey

First day of sophomore year!

2009-08-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

I made it through and am already counting down the days till summer....147 to be exact! Well oh well its life i am so happy to be walking around on campus though!

The Exchange Students!

2009-08-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

Siru is now apart of the Bradley Family and forever will be. She is a week older than me and we clicked within the first hour she arrived in our home. I love her like a sister and she will forever be in my heart. I miss her so much and cant wait to visit her in Finland soon. Here are some highlights of her stay. photos: 1) all the students and I at the Golden Gate Bridge 2 and 3) we taught Siru the American tradition of Toilet papering 4)Us at Discovery Kingdom 5) Us on vacation 6) Muir Woods 7) Jelly Belly Factory 8) Praying before heading out to surf 9) Wet after the water ride at Discovery Kingdom 10) Some of the exchange girls with the HOT lifegaurds at the lake

WALKING ALL ALONE!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can now officially walk all by myself and without any crutches!!!!! YAH YAH YAH!!!!!!!!!!! I have been walking all over now, it is such a joy!!!!

Almost complete!

2009-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am now down to only ONE (yes i said ONE) Crutch! YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so so happy! I am almost ready to be done and walking!!!!!!! YEAH! the pictures are of me and my friends at San Fran. with the exchange students!!!!!!!

Awh Summer!

2009-07-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is going over all very well! I am enjoying every minute of it! Some good news is: MY LEFT leg is moving a bit more!!!!! some bad news is: My RSD (my nerve disease i have) is really bad right now. I am in alot of pain, please pray for that. We have an exchange student staying with us right now. Her name is Siru and she is from Finland! She is very nice and we connected right away!

Houseboat trip '09

2009-06-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

I went last week on the houseboat trip with Lakeside Church! It was an Amazing experience! I learned so much and was humbled at how God was touching everyone's lives that were on the trip! He truely reached out to me there! I even got to do some wicked tubeing! It was a total blast!!! If you are reading this and in high school you definitely HAVE to go next year!

You might want to stay off the roads....just kidding!

2009-06-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

I got my Permit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

Life is beautiful vertically!!!

2009-05-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

I had a great 3-day weekend! On saturday i went shopping for "vertical clothes" (clothes fit you differently sitting down then they do standing up) plus i needed some summer clothes! I had a BLAST! I also got to go into the smaller changing rooms and bathrooms!!! It was soooo cool! On Monday we went to the lake and went kyacking! I am now very sore but loving life vertically!!!!!!

I MADE IT THROUGH!

2009-05-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

I made it through the day! That was the biggest challenge! I actually really enjoyed the day! I was so happy all day, I couldn't believe i was actually "walking" onto campus!!!! Everybody at school was so excited and so helpful and supportive! I loved feeling apart of the crowd and breathing in from "new heights" (literally) I took pictures throughout the day and it felt like the first day of school all over again! I really need prayers though because now i am completely wipped out from a long exhasting and wonderful day. Thank you everyone who prayed for me today, they helped me get through the day!

YAH HOOOOOOOOOOOO!

2009-05-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

I am so so so excited!!! Tomarrow is my first day of going to school on crutches!!! "Goodbye wheelchair"!!!!!!! It has been a full year since i was paralyzed and i am so ready to walk onto campus! Praise the Lord! He has brought me this far!!!!!! Please pray for courage and strangth...for i really need that. I added a new song on the music on my blog "Only Hope" by Mandy Moore its so pretty and i've been singing it all afternoon. "At the top of my lungs... i will lift my hands and pray, to be only yours i pray"

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! MY LEFT TOES IS WIGGLING!!!!!!! Yesturday it was twitching a bit and today i can wiggle it on my own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW I am so happpy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you lord!

The walking continues!!!!!!

2009-05-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord my right leg has continued to stay and is slowly getting stronger! I am starting to use the crutches more around the house (still dragging my left leg) and am trying to strengthen my right leg by walking more and using the eliptical bike! I ask for prayers on my left leg to come soon. I finally finished drivers ed and can get my permit but my mom doesn't want me to get it until i am walking so please pray it comes soon. I am starting to get impatient because i see the finish line but i can't seem to reach it but if you look at the road i have been on I have traveled a huge distance!!!! Please continue your prayers for I am in great need. Thanks!

OMG Im WALKING

2009-04-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

OK so i had this dream when i was taking a nap (yes i love to take naps plus i had gotten up early on a saturday an needed some rest) anyway and i had this dream that someone was telling me "if you believe you will walk" and when i woke up it felt like i actuall had a leg again! it felt real not like someone just added a leg to my body but it felt real and mine! it also felt like ten times stronger so i went downstairs and grabbed my crutches and got up and walked ten steps!!!!!!!! I was so HAPPY! i have been praticing like a ton now!!!! Its only my right leg but its getting stronger and its working!!!!! I also want to share something that happened the night before...i was kinda depressed and melting down and i just let go of everything and surrendered like big time to God and i belive that is what helped me to get this far!

track meet!

2009-04-19T12:31:00.001-07:00

i went to my sister's track meet! she did AMAZING! she is soooo fast! I also got to hold my "little sis" Jayden and cheer Becca on with her!

YEAH!!!

2009-04-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

So i've started to take this new medication and it is reducing the swellling in my brain to allow for my nerves to reconnect and allow me to move!!!! so far it is just my right leg that is moving but im positive the left will follow soon! In the picture i am mostly using my arm muscles but Still! It feels amazing to be up again even if for short periods! After one year of not moving i am so glad to finally be able to recover!! Please call or email me if you have questions or just want to say Hi (or sream and yell with me about how exciting this is!)

Sadies!

2009-03-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I went to Sadies (the dance) on Friday Night and had a blast! We went to IHOP then to the dance. It was so much fun!

2009-03-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

So i took my camera to school and took a ton of pictures of my friends and I!! Hope you enjoy them! I had alot of fun taking them!!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!.....my favorite holiday!! (kiss me i'm Irish)

-Katelyn

Precious little baby girl!

2009-02-09T19:18:00.001-08:00

I got to hold a ten-hour old baby!!! She is so adorable! Our really close family friends just had a baby and we are taking care of their other little one. (the one next to me in the picture she is 4 and now a big sister!) We went into the hospital this evening and got to see her! She was born this morning, Feb. 9, 2009 at 9:15 am and was 10 pounds 2 ounces!! and very healthy and beautiful! my mom got to help deliver her too! She is so tiny and prcious and beautiful!! they haven't figured out what name they want yet.

Winter Ball!!!

2009-01-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went to Winter Ball and had a blast!!! It was so much fun! My friends and I got together before hand and got ready together then went and Danced the Night Away!! The Music was great and we had so much Fun!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-29T19:34:00.000-08:00

This year we went down to Southern California to vist some of my dad's family that live down there. It is a large family reunion, my dad has 3 brothers and 5 sisters, so the extended family is pretty large! We also have'nt seen my grandma in a while so it was good to see her! We also spent some time at the beach and the weather was great so we had a ton of fun! (can you believe it was actually felt hot there are you jealous?) :) I hope you had a great Christmas and if i don't see you A Happy New Year! The picture is of Becca and I (of course) and one of my many cousins Alex!

Kate

Happy Thanksgiving Again!

2008-11-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

So i hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I know i did! My family and i went to Ferndale to visit my Aunt, Uncle and cousins! we had so much fun. We went to the cheese factory, hung around their house, went for walks to the park and shivered while looking at the stars!

The Picture of the baby is my cousin Mila Rose Bradley who is now 8 months old! She is so cute! The other picture is my cousin Grace who is 4 and I at the Cheese Factory! Yumm look at all that cheese being made! (though actually i don't like cheese at all it was still cool watching it being made and everyone else ate alot of cheese.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank God for all the blessings he has given us this year!

Enjoy the turkey and Pumpkin pie! yummy my absolute favorite!

Kate

GIRLS ONLY!!

2008-10-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend I had a blast on the Girls Retreat for my church! We went down to Sacromento after school on Friday and dropped our stuff off at the hotel. Then we headed over to Arco for the first part of the Revolve Tour!! It was so much fun! They had amazing speakers and awsome bands! Natile Grant, Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew and more were there! We stayed up really late hanging at the hotel then in the morning went back to Arco for the remainder of the Tour. It was really inspirational and encouraging!!

After that we went to the Block for a big sleepover!!! We did a talent show, were crazy, had a dance party and had amazing food. I learned alot and i felt like a came alittle closer to God!

Unfortuately, I now have a sinus infection, i lost my voice and a really bad cold. So please pray that i start to feel better because i am miserable.

Here are some pictures of the Retreat!

A new adventure

2008-10-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Last night i went to Homecoming at my high school. It was an interesting experience! I had a good time but it was awkward being in a chair. After a while i started to realize that this is how i am right now and i need to except that and just act as myself not being awkward and shy. After i realized that, i felt like i could loosen up and just have a great time with my friends. Sometimes when you feel like an ousider you just have to remember that God will always love you for who you are, so why not just be yourself and if some people don't like you for who you are thats their problem and they are missing out on meeting a wonderful person!!!

The picture is me with my friends, Asia and Hannah, before the dance! I am in the green, of course!!!

Inspiring Video!!!

2008-10-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkCFeNeqyHk

My Birthday!!!

2008-10-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

On October 8th is my birthday!!!

I have a prayer request: I am really sad that i am in a wheelchair for my birthday....please pray that i can enjoy what i do have!!!! Such as wonderful parents, a great sister and amazing friends!!!

Thanks
Katelyn

My poor Baby

2008-10-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have a prayer request......

My puppy Rusty was injured on Sunday. He was at the grooming place and they cut his ear and he had to go to the hospital and have stitches. He has to wear a cone so he won't rub it. It is swollen and it hurts him so please pray for recovery!

"Todays hardships make yesturdays problems old news"

2008-09-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

School is going good, i am starting to get involved in some clubs. Recently i have felt sad because i realized i cant dance anymore but then my friend and i joined the dance club at school. Even though i cant dance the advisor is making sure i can get involved!! She said i can help teach and we also get to go to shows too. I am really excited!
Here is a cool quote i found:
"Smile don’t frown Look up don’t look down Believe in yourself Don’t let yourself go Just be who you are And let your life flow."

Please Pray:-my finger, i sprained it and pulled a ligament, it makes it difficult to write and to push myself it also hurts alot
-my sister who has recently developed pink eye

Lots Of Love

Remembrance.....

2008-09-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

I would like to take a moment to think about everyone who died, was injured, or helped save lives in the September 11th attack.

Thanks God for allowing me to live in such a wonderful country. That i can get good medical care, that i can beleive in whatever i want, and that i can go to school (even if it is boring or hard sometimes)!

Love Ya
Katelyn

3 day adventure!

2008-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

J.J and Katelyn in KAYAK!! Shelby and Katelyn

HEY EVERYONE READING THIS.......

I had an amazing time camping on the 3 day weekend!! We had so much fun! Although we got a little sunburnt and very dirty we had a blast! I hope you all had a good weekend and a nice break! I totally did not want to get up this morning for school; i think i hit the snooze button like 5 times! It was somewhat challenging trying to wheel myself across the dirt and gravel. I had a hard time getting in and out of the boaats because i had to wait for someone to carry me in and out! Thanks if you helped me i really really appreciate it! On the last night we all walked down to the beach (someone carried me) and layed on blankets and star gazed. It was amazing!! We saw some shooting stars and 2 really cool shooting stars where they left a white trail as the went across the sky! It was so beautiful! it really made feal so humble and blessed! When you see the stars so clearly it feals like your sitting next to God as he paints this beautiful masterpiece! I felt like i could reach up and touch the stars and brush my hand against Gods fingertips! As i lay on the cool beach looking up at the stars i thanked God for everythiong he has provioded for me and all that he has done for me these past few months!

Prayer requests:

I am now without an aid at school so please pray that all goes well. i am very nervous as i dont hve any help. i am a lone ranger! luckily my teachers are amazing in helping me when i need it!

i am having some more tests done to see about my processing disoarder please pray they go well

my energy and spirit level..i sometime feel weak please pray for physical and spiritual strength

Love Ya All,

Katelyn

A week of.....

2008-08-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, since i last wrote a lot has happened. I am starting to get into school and get into a routine. I am still enjoying my classes even though they are starting to load on homework, I am still having time to watch some of the Olympics..GO Nastia Liukin!! I have kinda had a hard week with school and my legs and Ive been feeling sick. I have been trying to be happy but it is sometimes hard when you feel like junk. I am having a hard time right now and i am frustrated with my body. I realize that it is in Gods timing when i will be healed but i wish it would hurry up. I also want people to understand that i have NO control over when it returns it could be a week or a year. I just want to be a normal teenage kid again, IT IS HARD......

On a lighter note i am having a wonderful time in my classes and loving them all!!!!

I hope everyone who started school this week had a Great first week!!
God bless You all!!

Katelyn

Sunshine on the Coast

2008-08-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is Jeannette again posting even though Kate has pretty much taken over the blog site but I couldn't not share how Great our God is! Robert and I snuck away for 2 days to Monterey as he had to go down there for work. Thank you to everyone for your prayers that this be a time of renewal for us.

As I sat on the beach yesterday in the sunshine (yes it was actually sunny all day) and thought about everything we have been through this past 6 months, I recalled how faithful God has been every step of the way. So many little things He has provided for us as we surrendered and trusted in Him. On the beach, I had the joy of squishing my toes in the sand as I watched the lifeguard showing the kids a giant jelly fish that had come up on shore. How can anyone not believe in God when you see something like that (I mean the giant jellyfish :)) And then, I watched as a family of dolphins swam by and played with the surfer in the waves. Wow! Thank you God. Then, last night as Robert and I enjoyed dinner together overlooking the beach, a giant rose colored moon rose over the bay. It was spectacular!

As a believer in Christ I know we aren't promised an easy road, but it sure is nice when the Lord gives us such beauty to remind us that He has not forsaken us. Katelyn continues to improve but her journey is not over. Actually, none of our journeys are over until we join the Lord in Heaven and there is no more suffering or tears. For now, during the suffering and tears that this life will bring, we need to remember that even as the dolphin is crashed upon by the waves, it is the waves that also lift him up and carry him on. As it is with Jesus and the grace He gives us.

My first week of school

2008-08-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty good week of school! I like all my teachers and classes! My aid has been working with me and has made a huge difference! I would like to ask everyone who reads this to try not to judge people with a handicap whether it be physical, or with their brains. Try to maybe say hi to them or give them a hand if they need help. I know its hard for me because i feel sometimes like an outcast or someone who is not wanted to be around because of my disability and difference. I know that when people give me a hand or are nice to me i feel much better about myself and i dont hate what i can't control quite as much! Thanks - maybe if we start here we can help make the world a nicer place!!!

Katelyn

One day till High School...EEK

2008-08-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is me with my new baby cousin Mila Rose Bradley (4 months) So Cute!

This is me with my cousin Grace (4 years)

So I start High School in 1 day, as in in one 1 uno, omg (oh my grapejuice) i am really nervous..but before i talk about that i will tell you what has happened in the past couple of days!

On Thursday i got to sleep in and then my friends came over to swim!! BUT the AWSOME news is that my left arm started actually moving like my whole arm...i couldn't lift it very high up but i could start pushing myself a little with that arm!!! I owe it all to God. My friends younger sister woke up early that morning and decided to pray for me. After she did she thought of the story in the bible where there is a young girl who is paralyzed and jesus comes up and heals her and then she starts jumping around...well she was like "Lord why can't you do that for Katelyn" and an hour later i woke up with more movement in my arm. When her mom told me this it brought tears to my eyes for i know that is only by the power of God that i will be healed for there is nothing known to mankind that will heal me. I know that every single thought and pray are the source of my healing. Thank you....

Back to thursday...My friends came over to swim and we had a great time. this was the first time i had really laughed since i've gotten sick! I want to thank all our friends for being here for me while my family and i have been going through this hard time.

On Friday i got my schedule, books and supplies for school. After arena day my mom and i met with the school nurses, my councelor and my aid. My aid who will be helping me at school is named Sarah. She is 23 years old and super duper nice!! We got along great and i felt very comfortable with her! So on monday she will not be there but after that she will be helping me to and from classes and in class as welll! Please pray for me as i am very nervous and please pray for all the other kids there that they will accept me and that they will be nice to me....

On Friday Night i watched the olympics GO USA

On Saturday i went with some friends to see the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants2 It was really cute! My Aunt and Uncle and cousins should be arriving here soon! Im really excited because my new baby cousin is coming : Mila Rose cant wait to meet her!

im actually posting this on sunday after saving the draft and spending time with my cousins!

Crazy Week so Far but Im Finally Done

2008-08-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day of the day program rehab in Sacramento!!!!!!!!

I'm finally done and ready to have my 4 day summer! Although still in rehab this past week i have done some fun things! On Tuesday my friend Victoria and i got our ears pierced! Well she got her first and i got my second on my right ear!!! It was so exhilarating! On Wednesday i got my haircut!! It came out really cute!

We have been talking to the school about what we're going to do so please pray for that!!! I am starting soon so im alittle nervous. I just found out that i am going to be having an aid to help at school. They said that she will mostly be helping me to and from class but the district requires it. I am sure that i will be better soon so i wont need one...but for now i hope shes nice. I also did find out what classes im taking and im really happy with what i got. i wont say what classes i have because everyone doesnt have theirs yet and i dont want to be rude.

BYE

A Little Rest Was What I Needed!

2008-08-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! It's me again!!!!

This weekend my family and I went to Pacifica to take a small vacation to rest and relax before school starts! We left on Friday, also my Dad's birthday, toward Pacifica! We spent Friday at the hotel, looking at local shops and having Mexican food for Dad's birthday.

On Saturday, we had beautiful weather (which is unusual for Pacifica) where it was sunny and warm! We spent the morning in Half Moon Bay and the afternoon on the beach! My parents carried me out onto the sand where i lounged for the day and got a little pink!!

Sunday, we went for a little hike by the hotel before leaving Pacifica and heading up the coast to San Francisco. We spent the rest of our vacation taking pictures by the Golden Gate Bridge and touring Fort Point right under the bridge! These sights were amazing!!!

This trip was small but it was what we all really needed!

Thanks for reading and commenting! I really enjoy reading the comments. It is family and friends' encouraging words that have brought me through this dark point in my life...thanx

Hello, Its Me!!!!!!!!

2008-07-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hi This is Katelyn and I am typing my blog by myself for the first time! My right arm has full control now and i can hold my head up on my own! I am able to type (obviously), push myself somewhat, and yes finally able to brush my own teeth!! (So simple yet so enjoyable)

I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support, i know we couldn't have gotten through it without such wonderful people surrounding us!

I am so excited about starting High School but it will be somewhat of a challenge so please pray for that! Luckily there are wonderful teachers, counselors and staff that are so willing to help me out! Praise God!!

COMING HOME!

2008-07-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Praise God - Katelyn will be coming home this afternoon! She continues to improve and is excited about being home again. She will start the day program on Monday from 8am - 3pm for 5-7 days but at least will be home with us at night.

Please pray for the transition home to go smoothly for all of us. Especially for Kate as she adjusts to everything. We will be minimizing her visitors and activities as her rehabilitation continues but at least she can be on the phone and computer more talking to her friends!

Please pray regarding the transition to doctors and therapists out patient.
Answered prayer: we have heard back from the doctor we were hoping would take her case on and she has agreed. The last step is finding a pediatric ENT to adress her continued hearing loss. We know God will provide this too!

Finally, we are working with the school district to get her on track to start school on August 11. This will be a big adjustment for her considering she is just coming out of the hospital and also will be attending high school for the first time.

God continues to be good and walk beside us!

Fingers are a wiggling...

2008-07-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Kate continues to improve this week as her fingers on her left hand are now wiggling too and she has full use of her right hand and arm! Also, she now has head control and will be getting rid of the head rest on her wheelchair soon. Please pray for endurance for her during this time of rehabilitation. Please also pray as we are working on getting the right doctors lined up for her rehab when she comes home and for the details regarding school that starts Aug. 11.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer!

Peace Up

2008-07-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Katelyn has gained most of the control of her right arm now and gives us the peace up sign. She is getting pretty good at getting around in her wheelchair with the one arm.

She is a fighter and trying to focus all her energy on her recovery. Our visiting hours are limited and though that is hard, it allows her to stay focused. We will be talking with the doctors further on Monday regarding her continued treatment plan.

God is good! It is not easy and it's a hard journey for all of us but God is faithful to show us He is walking beside us and carrying us at the times we need it.

Katelyn asks for prayers for her to recover quicker and for her to have the patience to endure.

A Visit from Rusty

2008-07-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last night we were able to take Katelyn's dog Rusty to visit her. It was wonderful watching her be able to pet him. Yes, her hands are starting to work again! I think every night we visit we will be surprised by what she has accomplished.

Yesterday was a good day but also difficult as it was her first full day at this facility. New faces, new food, new doctors, etc. She was nauseas and vomitted 3-4 times yesterday and so they are taking a look at some of her new medications. Please pray for this to resolve quickly.

She was in good spirits when we left though exhausted and wants to come home. The road before her is not a short one though. She will probably be there a week or two and then we are looking into whether she can continue rehab in an outpatient setting or transferring to a longer term rehab facility. PLEASE pray for wisdom and decernment for us as we research this and for the doctors to guide us. Praise God for our friends who are nurses and for all the connections we have with people who are helping us with this research! Jodie - you rock!!!

A huge praise is that one of God's angels continues by her side. The nurse that prayed with her when she arrived has asked to be Kate's nurse in the evenings. Katelyn has asked her to pray with her every night and read the bible with her. WOW! God you continue to amaze us!!! (Pray for protection for this nurse due to the separation of church and state issues. Because Kate asked though, she should be ok.)

Also, please pray for the other kids that are in there with her. Her tender heart is saddened by what they are battling too.

Finally, please lift Becca up in your prayers too. It's been a long journey for her too and she so much wants her big sister to just get better and come home.

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and support!

Angels Watching Over Her...

2008-07-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

God's angels continue to walk very closely beside Katelyn. Today was a day of progress and miracles! This morning with a little help from the nurse, Katelyn feed herself breakfast and by tonight she was coloring within the lines!

Last night, the nurse that was with Katelyn was a hindu who had recently become a Christian. She shared her faith story with Katelyn and prayed for her throughout the night.

This afternoon she was transfered to the unit we were hoping to get her into. Both the doctors attending her called the head of Sutter to get her in. As her doctor started to walk out after he told me the good news, he said "May God bless you and her". She was transfered late this afternoon. Though it was VERY scarey, we knew this was a step in the right direction. God was guiding us on the path.

As I was showing the nurse in Kate's room tonight before we left how I've been helping transfer her from her wheelchair, she told us that she noticed we were Christians and shared that she was too. She said that God had healed her Grandmother and she knew that God would heal Katelyn too. She then got on her knees and laid hands on Katelyn and prayed for her! Prior to this Robert and I were very nervous about leaving her but after this, we knew God had a multitude of angels watching over her and she would be ok. We both left with a renewed sense of peace.

The battle is not over and we don't plan to get off our knees ever but God WILL BE glorified through all this. We are not to be strong but that God is glorified the most when we are weak.

We don't know the diration of her rehab at this unit and what comes after this, but have renewed confidence that we are not alone. The prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world continue to uphold us.

Please pray for the hard work she will be facing especially the next few days. Pray that she continues to cry out to Jesus!

Monday Night Update

2008-07-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Kate will continue to be in the hospital until near the end of the week. Today was a roller coaster ride for them with exhilarating highs and lows that left them crying out. On a positive note to those lows though was one point today, Kate was alone in her room crying out to God and the nurse that came in to her room prayed with her. She had movement that was purposeful, now her brain needs to remember that and repeat it. Robert & Jeannette are begging for you to be on your knees for them for the next couple of days as the journey to healing and through the medical system is overwhelming them. I have been asked many times what we can do for them, and right now it is purely prayer. I know that cards and emails of support and encouragement would bless them as well. -- Karen (karenhamer@lakesidechurch.com)

Monday Morning Change in Plans

2008-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Kate isn’t going home yet, but being transferred to another unit. They found another specialist who is familiar in this condition and he is going oversee her new medications and wants to keep her in to evaluate her closer. Praise God, that the right people are getting on board to get her the help she needs!

Coming home...

2008-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

We have all the test results back and Dr. Chez is going to stay on board as part of the team of doctors helping Katelyn. He has started 2 new medications that he hopes will help. Please pray for wisdom regarding the medications they are trying. Please also pray for the addition specialist they hope to bring on the team. They are trying to find someone that specializes in this condition.

On coming home, Katelyn's p.t. will be increasing to 4 mornings a week for at least 2 hours and we will have more rehab that is being scheduled to do with her at home. So, she will be working very hard and we all will need prayers to endure the intesity of this new schedule. Visitors will be limited and short due to trying to balance encouraging her and also her getting the rest she needs.

PLEASE pray for her spirit and all of us to hold onto our faith in the Lord to endure. Scripture says that when we are weak, HE is strong. We are holding onto this. The scripture we are claiming right now is Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your strength and lean not on your own understanding and he will make your paths straight." We don't understand this, the doctors don't even understand it all, but God does!

Tests and more tests

2008-07-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your continued prayers! We definately need them to endure. Yesterday they sedated Katelyn and did an MRI/MRA and a spinal tap. It went well and she came out of the anastesia ok and was hungry. Praise God! She was in good spirits when we left last night. We are very comfortable with the environment she is in and the guidance we are getting from the doctors. He will continue some more tests and then decide hopefully what direction to go the beginning of the week. Please pray for wisdom and discernment. Please pray that if we need to transfer her to another treatment facility that there is one with an opening.

Again, we treasure your prayers! (The doctor is still encouraging us that she not have visitors at this time during all the testing.)

Thursday Afternoon Update

2008-07-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

They met with the new neurologist, Dr. Chez and are so encouraged by his response and approach. Dr. Chez has ordered a bunch of tests for the next day or two and has asked to keep Kate calm and laying low for the next 48 hours, so please no visitors and keep the phone calls down to a minimum. She'll have her EEG this afternoon and the MRI tomorrow. Jeannette and Robert feel very confident and comfortable with the care and attention Kate is receiving, and the attitude displayed by everyone - which is to find out more, why, how and how to get her better. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Another Round

2008-07-10T11:26:00.001-07:00

This is Karen posting today, yesterday was an eventful and traumatic day. Kate had PT at 2:00 and things were progressing well. She had some new movements and everyone was encouraged. As she was getting settled into her chair to come home though it looks like she might have had a siezure and then she passed out. They took her to Folsom Mercy and from there transfered her last night to Sutter Memorial. There Kate is being attended to by a top neurologist, one they were waiting to see at the end of September. Kate is improving, remembers Monday, but not Tuesday (Jeannette’s fine with that, it means she didn’t just have a birthday). She realizes she’s in the hospital, but not why or how. They plan to do an EEG and an MRI with MRA today. Please continue to lift the whole family in prayer.

More Iky Testing

2008-07-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

According to dad, "it was an electrifying day with some shocking experiences". Ok, Dad has a warped sense of humor and he wasn't the one having to comfort Katelyn as she cried and screamed (but it did make her laugh tonight when he came up with the phrase).

All that to say, we headed back to UC Davis this afternoon for some more tests. They did some brain wave and nerve conduction studies. The good news is that it was painful , the bad news was that it was painful!! This means that the pain indicated the nerves were working in some capacity but it was very difficult for her to go through. We don't know the final results but there was some "weird" responses by the nerves on the side where she isn't able to feel touch.

(Katelyn's memory of the experience is a follows: awful, terrible, painful, they electricuted me and poked me!)

But, that is done now and hopefully will lead to some answers or atleast rule out some more things. The good part of the afternoon was seeing a few of her favorite nurses at the hospital and having ice cream in the cafeteria with our dear friend Faye who went with us. (Praise God for her being there to help me comfort Katelyn).

Her neck strength continues to improve and she spent 2 hours tonight painting with her Grandma :)

Please pray as we continue to pursue a second opinion and look into other medical facilities for guidance.

Please pray for her to get some sleep as she continues to wake up every 2-3 hours at night to be turned. (Robert and I could use some long term shut-eye also).

Last, please pray for Rebecca as she left Sunday morning with her Girl Scout troop for Lassen camping and won't be back until Wed. night.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support along this journey!

FREEDOM...

2008-07-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

On this day of celebrating freedom, Katelyn has discovered a new freedom for her. She has learned to use her ipod by controlling a stick with an erasor on the end. This is a huge freedom for a teenager!

Also, she wants to say that she is thankful for the freedom she has today to move and control her head. She realizes how lucky she is to atleast have the freedom to think clearly and communicate.

We look forward to celebrating our country's freedom tonight BBQing with friends and thanking God for all He has given us. Please take a moment also to remember those serving our country to protect our freedom!

Happy 4th of July!

Rollercoaster Week

2008-07-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a week. We are looking forward to Robert being home tomorrow and some family time for the 4th.

The week in review...Monday was quite a day as she experienced trying a new "swing" at p.t. that was difficult for her. She had also lost her head and trunk control Sunday night again.

Then we were off to UC Davis for a follow up with the rehab doctor. We got some good info. from the appointment but also it became more clear that we need to push for the second opinion. (This doctor is also sending over a referral to the same pediatric neurologist that her other doctor recommended. Pray for an opening soon). It also was traumatic for her being back at UC Davis. The one bright spot of the afternoon was that her dear friend and former teacher Mrs. Shapley joined us for the excursion!

Another thing that came out of the appointment though was that they confirmed what we wanted to do about sending her to school in August. We are working on filing the paperwork so that the district provides the necessary accomodations and an aid so she can atleast go to school part time in the fall.

Tuesday morning her head control started coming back (yeah!) and we were off early to accompany Becca to her horseback riding lesson. Katelyn loved watching the horses and getting nuzzled by them. Later, some of her dear friends came over to paint nails with her, then they painted using the "paintbrush in the mouth technique" and then helped me with getting her in the pool.

What a day!Wednesday morning we were off early to p.t. and had a great day there with her back and neck strength continuing to improve. At the end of the session, she started having some head spasms again but they lasted less than 10 minutes this time! Then with the help of my p.t. friend and her 4 year old, we were off to watch the horses practice for the rodeo and then the parade at noon with the cattle drive. After a good LONG nap, she headed out last night to youth group and enjoyed the worship there with some friends.

Today has been a down day as her sister and her have their noses in books. Becca is very merciful at turning pages for Kate as long as it doesn't require her taking her eyes off her own book!

We continue to look for God in each moment and rely on His strength. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Great Day and Answered Prayers

2008-06-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for your prayers - the specific requests we made were all answered!

Robert and Becca are having a great time camping with many adventures and fun. I heard something about fishing for crawdads, spearing fish, roasting donuts and squirrel chasing. I think Robert has constant entertainment watching Becca and her friend in their element!

Katelyn's head spasms stopped Friday morning and has regained some head and trunk control again! Praise the Lord. We had a wonderful GIRLs day yesterday as she and her aunt got pedicures, then we all went to jamba juice and hit the strip mall. Shopping is definately great p.t. as Kate is constantly trying to turn her head to see everything. We ended the day at Macaroni Grill for her first meal out at a restaurant. It was amazing that she lasted that long and as soon as I carried her to bed when we got home, she was out!

It's been wonderful having Robert's sister here and we ventured out again today to the movies and a stroll through Costco. I've become really good at transporting and moving her and it has opened up more possibilities for her to get out.

We look forward to getting her in the pool tomorrow and Robert and Becca's return.

Please pray for next week as they will be trying some new things in therapy and her body seems to be really responding right now to what they are doing. We are back to UC Davis for a follow up on Monday also.

Last, it is so exciting how her journey has touched so many people. We received exciting news today from her dear friend and teacher Mrs. Shapley. Her son Glenn is currently doing the Journey of Hope ride. Journey of Hope is a bicycle ride across the continental US. The event's purpose is to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities. The bike-ride includes daily visits to various centers that help people with disabilities (these visits are known as "friendship visits").

Glenn called today to say that the focus of their learning about different disabilites for today, was "paralysis". Paralysis of all kinds and for all reasons. He said they try to have a different topic each day to teach them more about the people they meet and to be sensitive to their needs and to help others to better understand disabilities, too. ANYWAY---they also ask if there are any on the team that know of someone that is struggling with whatever the particular disability is and Glenn briefly shared about Katelyn. So today, Saturday June 28, the Journey of Hope team dedicated their miles to Katelyn. Essentially the guys use the focus person to inspire and encourage them to pedal on as they trek across the states. Katelyn has touched all their lives with her courage!

That is SO COOL!!!

May God continue to be praised and glorified through this journey!

The 7 week stretch...

2008-06-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Well this weekend is coming up on the 7th week since Katelyn developed her current condition. We've tried to remain positive and hopeful amongst the set backs and slow progress.

The latest is that the last few days she has had increased involuntary movement. On Wed. at p.t., when her right leg was moved out, her right pointer finger curled in. And then when the leg was brought back in, the finger went out. She also had random "typing like" movement with the fingers in her right hand. The therapist was encouraged though it is still all movements she is not able to control.

Today was a rather "interesting" day. I think we are too overwhelmed to know what to think. First, one of her doctors here is suggesting getting a 2nd opinion with a pediatric neurologist he knows at Sutter Sac. We are going to pursue this but know it will take awhile to get it.

Second, this morning in p.t. Katelyn did something completely new. As they put her through the motions of trying to stand (as they've been doing more and more lately to put pressure through her legs and try to stimulate the muscles), her major head muscles decided to kick in. However, they kicked in uncontrollably and with large spuradic movements. This was very scarey for Kate and it took awhile to slow down the intense twitching. Upon transfering her to home, anytime she is moved, the head spasms start up again. Her p.t. was very reassuring that this is not unusually as the brain is trying to figure out how to make things work again (layman's explaination). Also, he did contact her UC Davis doctor to consult him regarding this and let him know that her pupils have also been very dilated on and off. They both feel this is the body's way of starting to try to "come out of it". It's hard to be excited as we watch the concern in her face as she can't control the movements. It's been so hard for her that she can't make her body move and now this. We're working through it though. Hopefully this is the start of something... (isn't that a song?)

Also, we have been told by two different sources that they've heard of RND patients having something like this happen and then when the "paralysis" goes away, the RND pain is gone too. It's sorta like rebooting a computer. To come out of this with her chronic pain condition gone would be a huge blessing but we don't want to hang too much hope on that and just focus on what we working with right now.

On that note, we have been counseled to not give up hope on Kate's full recover but to be sure that we are accepting that right now, we're taking care of a basically quadroplegic 14 year old and all that entails. We're in for the long haul! We've been blessed that the support we have received has been great and we greatly appreciate everyone!!! It's a balance between having people come help and entertain her, and then also making sure she isn't overwehlmed and gets the rest she needs.

All that to say, keep the prayers coming...

Please pray for:

1. Katelyn's head spasms to become controllable and lead to increased head muscle control.

2. For Kate to not be anxious about this change in her condition

3. For an opening with the new doctor and wisdom

4. For Robert and Becca as they left for Tahoe today camping for 4 days that they have fun and be recharged. Especially for Robert to have some time of peace and renewal without being worried about us.

5. For myself and Robert's sister Vicki as we care for Kate with Robert away. That we have some special "girl time" even in the midst of the situation.

As Katelyn's favorite verse says, "God has a plan for us..." I just wish He'd give us a little glimpse right now :)

PT and V

2008-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today at PT (Physical Therapy), while my therapist asked me to try to move my leg my arm went flying!!! He said this was normal and that sometimes the signals get crosswired. We worked hard on trying to get me to sit up straight.

My best friend Victoria came over and helped me organize my photos from this past couple months so that I can print them out and make a scrapbook!

Tonight I am looking forward to Mr. Jim and Ms. Patty coming over to watch me and feed me banana ice cream, yummmmmmm!

-Kate

A day of rest?

2008-06-22T16:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you for your prayers regarding Katelyn going to high school group at church today. She received an excited greeting from many she hadn't seen for awhile and had a wonderful time. She's also regained a little side to side head movement today.

She is enjoying a visit with her Grandma, Uncle and cousins today and looks forward to floating in the pool.

We have set up a yahoo group called katelynsjourney for an online meal calendar for those that haven't received this invite go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group.katelynsjourney. This continues to be a HUGE help and blessing.

Jeannette has officially stepped down from her job temporarily and will miss seeing everyone but it is necessary at this time.

Robert and Becca will be leaving on Thurs. for a 4 day camping trip in Tahoe we had planned and Katelyn looks forward to her Aunt coming to spend those 4 days with her and her mom.

Please pray for renewed spirits and faith for all of us.

2008-06-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough few days but even though there is no change in her condition, today is a little better day. We've discoverd that if we use her music stand, she can read but we have to come turn the pages for her.

So, we are out working in the yard some (yes, I know it's too hot) and it feels good. Katelyn is laying on the chaise outside in the shade and we all take turns turning pages for her :)

Thurs. June 19th Update

2008-06-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well Katelyn had a wonderful day on Tuesday and Wednesday morning but unfortunately her condition changed Wednesday afternoon. It's like they have been telling us - a switch turned off and it wasn't gradual at all. (We've been hoping for the switches to work this quickly in the other direction.) One minute she was painting and then 5 minutes later the "switch" went off and she had lost all the head and trunk control she has gotten over the last week. Her p.t. said this isn't unusual and that next time it will come back sooner and stay longer until it stays for good.

It is so hard not to be discouraged though. Please pray for Katelyn's spirits and ours. We had already taken for granted how much easier it was with her having head control. Katelyn wants so much to get up and go - to shop and bike and swim and just be a teenager! Please pray for her to perservere.

Also, for those of you that aren't Lakesiders or don't know yet, please pray for our Women's Ministry pastor. She was struck while riding her bike yesterday norning and is in critical condition. You can access the updates via the Lakeside website (http://www.lakesidechurch.com/) and go to the Kathi Sturgeon updates link that will take you to the blog. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors as they gather this morning to evaluate how to proceed. Please uphold Kathi in your prayers!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Katelyn and our family. It is the Lord's hand alone that upholds us.