Dear Family and Friends,
Kevin and Sarah were a bit disappointed with their conversation with Kevin's attorney last week. It seems Worker's Comp. still wants to play games. So, they have decided they want to send Kevin to see four new doctors: another neuro-psychologist, another neuro-ophthalmologist, a physiatrist, and another whose specialty I don't remember. The crazy thing is the neuro-psychologist and neuro-ophthalmologist that Kevin has already seen are ones that he was originally sent to by Worker's Comp. Kevin is hoping the first doctor he sees will be the neuro-ophthalmologist and that he, too, will declare that he is legally blind. According to the rules, legal blindness is cause to declare one 100% disabled. Hopefully if that happens he would not have to be seen by the other three. All of this will delay settlement even further. After all of this is taken care of Kevin's attorney will have to set up a court date which will also take several months, so his attorney has said that hopefully settlement will be reached by next summer.
Kevin has also decided to drop out of Coastline Community College. He did speak with some of his teachers and they are in agreement with him that he is no longer gaining anything from them and he would be perfectly right to leave. Last week was his final week there. Kevin is carefully considering his next move which will probably be taking some courses at Biola. However, this will not be until the next semester at the earliest. Beginning next May he can go tuition free because of Sarah's employment benefits at Biola.
I'll give you a quick update on Everett. He continues to improve and is slowly getting his strength back. We saw his doctor last Friday and he believes all is going well but told Everett he needs to take two more weeks off from work. Everett now plans to return on November 16.
As you can no doubt see there is still much to be in prayer about. We know God is still in charge and has blessed us all in so many ways but it is still hard to receive setback after setback. Please pray that Kevin and Sarah will not be discouraged by these new developments and that they will continue to trust God for His perfect timing in all these matters. Please continue to pray for God's provision for their physical and financial needs. Pray that Kevin will make the right decision for his next step toward schooling.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October 1, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Much has happened in the less than two weeks past since I last updated the blog. God has abundantly blessed us again. We are praising him that Everett got the job he interviewed for in August. He will begin as soon as he recovers from his surgery, which should be in three to four weeks. Yesterday he had his robotic prostetectomy, a four-hour surgery, and we are so thankful that the doctor was able to remove all of the cancer. Everett is doing well and will come home tomorrow. He has been up and walking but still feeling a little weak and woozy. A little solid food will go far in resolving some of that as he was on a clear liquid diet for two days before surgery and had nothing except ice chips after surgery yesterday. They finally gave him a soft diet for lunch today and he has begun to perk up.
Everett has created quite a stir at St. Jude Hospital as he was the first patient there, or in Orange County for that matter, to have this surgery with their new Da Vinci SI robot which is the latest model. Doctors, nurses, aids, etc., have all been stopping by his room and saying, "So you're the one!" A couple of the OR nurses who had assisted came by and talked with him for quite awhile and to take pictures with him. Another woman, whose title I believe was VP of marketing or publications, came by and asked if they might use him in their next publication of "Health Connections" as they tout their new robot. We did find out the real reason his surgery had been postponed for a week. The robot was supposed to be up and running by the 23rd but the doctors and the team felt they needed a little more training. And, Everett was specifically selected to be the first for this procedure because of his great overall health and because he is very slim (no body fat, as one nurse put it). We are thankful to God for the wonderful team of doctors, nurses and aids who have been so kind and conscientious in their care of him.
Kevin continues to do well. He did receive a copy of the final report from his primary physician who states that he is 100% disabled. This will hopefully go a long way with Worker's Comp. in getting the settlement he deserves. Kevin went to the Braille Institute on Monday and picked up his white cane and he is meeting with a mobility instructor this afternoon for training. I am so glad this has finally happened as I will certainly feel better when he is out and about and people realize he has a disability. Keith and I took him to the hospital last evening to visit with his dad and he brought his cane to practice with. Afterward he wanted to stop at Sam's Club to pick up something so Keith and I waited in the car for him as we were exhausted after a long day at the hospital. He said he noticed people gave him a wider bearth and, while in line, someone let him go in front of him. I continue to marvel how well he has adjusted and adapted to his circumstances. He seems to take everything in stride and continues to trust and rely on the Lord.
Praise the Lord! For His steadfast love endures forever!
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Much has happened in the less than two weeks past since I last updated the blog. God has abundantly blessed us again. We are praising him that Everett got the job he interviewed for in August. He will begin as soon as he recovers from his surgery, which should be in three to four weeks. Yesterday he had his robotic prostetectomy, a four-hour surgery, and we are so thankful that the doctor was able to remove all of the cancer. Everett is doing well and will come home tomorrow. He has been up and walking but still feeling a little weak and woozy. A little solid food will go far in resolving some of that as he was on a clear liquid diet for two days before surgery and had nothing except ice chips after surgery yesterday. They finally gave him a soft diet for lunch today and he has begun to perk up.
Everett has created quite a stir at St. Jude Hospital as he was the first patient there, or in Orange County for that matter, to have this surgery with their new Da Vinci SI robot which is the latest model. Doctors, nurses, aids, etc., have all been stopping by his room and saying, "So you're the one!" A couple of the OR nurses who had assisted came by and talked with him for quite awhile and to take pictures with him. Another woman, whose title I believe was VP of marketing or publications, came by and asked if they might use him in their next publication of "Health Connections" as they tout their new robot. We did find out the real reason his surgery had been postponed for a week. The robot was supposed to be up and running by the 23rd but the doctors and the team felt they needed a little more training. And, Everett was specifically selected to be the first for this procedure because of his great overall health and because he is very slim (no body fat, as one nurse put it). We are thankful to God for the wonderful team of doctors, nurses and aids who have been so kind and conscientious in their care of him.
Kevin continues to do well. He did receive a copy of the final report from his primary physician who states that he is 100% disabled. This will hopefully go a long way with Worker's Comp. in getting the settlement he deserves. Kevin went to the Braille Institute on Monday and picked up his white cane and he is meeting with a mobility instructor this afternoon for training. I am so glad this has finally happened as I will certainly feel better when he is out and about and people realize he has a disability. Keith and I took him to the hospital last evening to visit with his dad and he brought his cane to practice with. Afterward he wanted to stop at Sam's Club to pick up something so Keith and I waited in the car for him as we were exhausted after a long day at the hospital. He said he noticed people gave him a wider bearth and, while in line, someone let him go in front of him. I continue to marvel how well he has adjusted and adapted to his circumstances. He seems to take everything in stride and continues to trust and rely on the Lord.
Praise the Lord! For His steadfast love endures forever!
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Sunday, September 20, 2009
September 20, 2009
Hi Family and Friends,
I thought I would give you a quick update. We finally received a copy of the report from Kevin's neuro-ophthalmologist from his appointment back in May. It was a bit shocking to find his eyesight isn't even as good as we thought it was. We were under the impressiont that he had a 20-degree field of vision in his left eye but it turns out he has less than a 10-degree field of vision. The doctor's report did include a recommendation for Kevin to have a seeing-eye dog. In the meantime, Kevin has been in contact with the Braille Institute to see about obtaining a "white cane" and hopefully the proper paperwork is underway for that to proceed. He will have to undergo training for that as well.
Kevin's case with Worker's Comp. is still moving along at a snail's pace but hopefully it will gain speed soon.
I told you last month that Everett was scheduled to have a prostectomy this Wednesday but due to scheduling conflicts, his doctor has postponed it until next week on September 30th. We would ask again for your prayers in this matter.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
I thought I would give you a quick update. We finally received a copy of the report from Kevin's neuro-ophthalmologist from his appointment back in May. It was a bit shocking to find his eyesight isn't even as good as we thought it was. We were under the impressiont that he had a 20-degree field of vision in his left eye but it turns out he has less than a 10-degree field of vision. The doctor's report did include a recommendation for Kevin to have a seeing-eye dog. In the meantime, Kevin has been in contact with the Braille Institute to see about obtaining a "white cane" and hopefully the proper paperwork is underway for that to proceed. He will have to undergo training for that as well.
Kevin's case with Worker's Comp. is still moving along at a snail's pace but hopefully it will gain speed soon.
I told you last month that Everett was scheduled to have a prostectomy this Wednesday but due to scheduling conflicts, his doctor has postponed it until next week on September 30th. We would ask again for your prayers in this matter.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 24, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Time for another update. Good news! Kevin was scheduled to meet with the Social Security Disability's Adminstrative Law Judge on September 31st to make a ruling on his disability case as he has been denied benefits twice before. However, his Social Security lawyer called last week to say the Judge had reviewed his case and was granting his Social Security Disability. Kevin is still waiting for Worker's Comp. to make their decision. The final report from his doctor who had been seeing him at Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield came in and he is now waiting for the final report from his primary doctor here. Kevin's lawyer is still confident that he will be ruled 100% disabled and Kevin and Sarah are hopeful this can all come to a conclusion before the end of the year. So please continue to pray.
From this mother's heart I want to thank all of you who have continued to be so faithful to pray for Kevin and Sarah and for continuing to support them with your love, encouragement and special gifts. They have told me how they have been receiving anonymous gift cards to various stores and restaurants in the mail. I am, and know they are too, so very grateful and blessed by your care.
Last November I asked you to pray for Everett's job as rumors were flying that his department would be outsourced making him out of a job. Well, that has happened and as of September 30th Everett will be out of a job. However, we are encouraged as just today a new position at his company has opened up for which he is qualified and he will, of course, be applying for it. So we would really appreciate your prayers in this.
And, I would like to ask for your prayers on another matter. About a month ago Everett was diagnosed with prostate cancer. People always ask what stage the cancer is in, so I will tell you it is in the middle stage. However, the doctor is fairly confident that the cancer is organ contained but won't know for sure until surgery is performed. So, on September 23rd Everett will have robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy and he will have a three to four week recovery time. We of course hope and pray that the cancer has not spread and that there will be no complications from the surgery.
Some months ago while so much was happening with Kevin I told Sarah that "sometimes it rains and sometimes it hails". It seems our family has had its share of hail for awhile but we are so glad God is in charge of the weather. He has brought us through many storms and we can trust Him to bring us through much more.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Time for another update. Good news! Kevin was scheduled to meet with the Social Security Disability's Adminstrative Law Judge on September 31st to make a ruling on his disability case as he has been denied benefits twice before. However, his Social Security lawyer called last week to say the Judge had reviewed his case and was granting his Social Security Disability. Kevin is still waiting for Worker's Comp. to make their decision. The final report from his doctor who had been seeing him at Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield came in and he is now waiting for the final report from his primary doctor here. Kevin's lawyer is still confident that he will be ruled 100% disabled and Kevin and Sarah are hopeful this can all come to a conclusion before the end of the year. So please continue to pray.
From this mother's heart I want to thank all of you who have continued to be so faithful to pray for Kevin and Sarah and for continuing to support them with your love, encouragement and special gifts. They have told me how they have been receiving anonymous gift cards to various stores and restaurants in the mail. I am, and know they are too, so very grateful and blessed by your care.
Last November I asked you to pray for Everett's job as rumors were flying that his department would be outsourced making him out of a job. Well, that has happened and as of September 30th Everett will be out of a job. However, we are encouraged as just today a new position at his company has opened up for which he is qualified and he will, of course, be applying for it. So we would really appreciate your prayers in this.
And, I would like to ask for your prayers on another matter. About a month ago Everett was diagnosed with prostate cancer. People always ask what stage the cancer is in, so I will tell you it is in the middle stage. However, the doctor is fairly confident that the cancer is organ contained but won't know for sure until surgery is performed. So, on September 23rd Everett will have robotic laparoscopic prostatectomy and he will have a three to four week recovery time. We of course hope and pray that the cancer has not spread and that there will be no complications from the surgery.
Some months ago while so much was happening with Kevin I told Sarah that "sometimes it rains and sometimes it hails". It seems our family has had its share of hail for awhile but we are so glad God is in charge of the weather. He has brought us through many storms and we can trust Him to bring us through much more.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
July 15, 2009
Dear Friends,
It has been nearly two months since my last update but there has been little to report. Kevin's attorney has continued to work at getting Kevin declared 100% disabled. Yesterday I took Kevin to see his primary doctor and we are very happy to report that the doctor sees no reason to continue seeing Kevin and has declared him once again "Permanent and Stationary". Just to remind you, this means that all the doctors who have treated Kevin believe they have done everything within their power to get Kevin to the best level he can be. This does not mean that Kevin's condition cannot improve...only God knows that for sure. It is also good news toward settling his case as there is now nothing hindering the process of closing it. We continue to covet your prayers that Worker's Comp. will be sympathetic toward Kevin's case and declare him 100% disabled. Better still, pray that God's will be done.
We are all truly blessed at how God has continued to provide for Kevin and Sarah through so many of you for their personal, spiritual, and financial needs. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for hanging in there with us through this long ordeal.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
It has been nearly two months since my last update but there has been little to report. Kevin's attorney has continued to work at getting Kevin declared 100% disabled. Yesterday I took Kevin to see his primary doctor and we are very happy to report that the doctor sees no reason to continue seeing Kevin and has declared him once again "Permanent and Stationary". Just to remind you, this means that all the doctors who have treated Kevin believe they have done everything within their power to get Kevin to the best level he can be. This does not mean that Kevin's condition cannot improve...only God knows that for sure. It is also good news toward settling his case as there is now nothing hindering the process of closing it. We continue to covet your prayers that Worker's Comp. will be sympathetic toward Kevin's case and declare him 100% disabled. Better still, pray that God's will be done.
We are all truly blessed at how God has continued to provide for Kevin and Sarah through so many of you for their personal, spiritual, and financial needs. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for hanging in there with us through this long ordeal.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Thursday, May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Yesterday, May 27, we were invited to attend the graduation and award ceremony at Coastline Community College. I can honestly say that this was the most inspirational graduation ceremony I have ever attended. Five of the students, all of whom have suffered an acquired brain injury, presented a speech. It was hard to fight back the tears as each of these five people expressed the seemingly insurmountable challenges they have faced, but it was impossible to hold in the cheers as each one relayed how they now see their lives having value and meaning as they expressed the goals they have for themselves and how they have mapped out ways to accomplish these goals and how they refused to be held back by any obstacle. A couple of them told how they had wished and prayed for death but now realize that each new day is a gift to be treasured. Each expressed how Coastline had been instrumental in helping them move forward and giving them the tools needed to succeed.
Coastline divides the students into four teams placing them in the team which best reflects the degree of their individual brain injury and learning ability whereby each team can advance and work together at the same level. One member of each team was presented the Outstanding Student Award and we had been told ahead of time that Kevin was to receive the award for his team. Everett and I, along with Kevin's Uncle Steve, surprised Kevin at the ceremony as he had no idea he was to receive the award. Unfortunately Sarah was unable to attend as she had to be at work.
Below I have written what was said by one of Kevin's instructors as this award was presented to him as we were fortunate to receive a copy of it:
"It is with great pleasure to name the Outstanding Team 2 Student...It will come as a surprise to him I am sure: Kevin Hollar. Kevin is most deserving of this award. I must share that this is a real treat to present to Kevin. The evolution in Kevin's level of awareness and insight into his brain injury has truly been phenomenal. Kevin came into the program insuring us that he had no apparent deficits resulting from his brain injury. He had made it very clear on numerous class occasions that he was not satisfied with the instruction, curriculum, critical thinking, psychosocial class, book club, goal setting and, imagery--Forget It! He made teaching quite challenging. He pretty much resisted all aspects of the program. At one point in time Kim and I pulled him aside and asked him why he was here. He appeared to not need anything that we were offering him by way of compensation strategies or brain injury education...it was that day that we saw a glimmer...it was the way in which he heard the feedback, something in him began to click. I will say from that day forward we have seen a new and improved version of Kevin. It is remarkable how he has changed his attitude and has become more receptive and dare I say, open-minded with respect to the curriculum. He still remains intellectually skeptical, and I believe this to be healthy. He is serious about his role as a student, and as I have observed him embracing the curriculum to a level that is complementing his personal life, he sets realistic goals and contributes to class discussions in a much more positive way. He even presented stress reduction, breathing, relaxation and guided imagery in our last Team 2 project whereby he interacted with every student in the program in a healing and interactive way. I am pleased with the turnaround that Kevin has demonstrated; it gives me hope for all students who are willing to hold up a mirror and trust the process. Team 2 instructors thank you for your willingness to honor the feedback that we have given to you and we are very proud of the way in which you have begun to discover the nuances of your individual brain injury. Keep up the good work Kevin, there is no doubt in our minds that you will continue to excel in your rehabilitation goals."
We were, of course, the very proud parents yesterday and I have included a couple of pictures of Kevin with his award. We are very much encouraged at the changes Kevin has made as he has allowed God to show him the areas where he needs personal growth and that others have seen this as well as was evidenced by the award he received. I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Kim, one of his instructors, before the ceremony. She expressed to me how impressed she has been with the changes Kevin has made. He has been more helpful and friendlier to the other students and has contributed positively to the class and instructors. She said he is really a sweetheart and that he has a great sense of humor.
Kevin still has another year to go at Coastline and we would appreciate your prayers that Kevin would continue to succeed and that he would allow God to use Coastline as an instrument to help him.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Yesterday, May 27, we were invited to attend the graduation and award ceremony at Coastline Community College. I can honestly say that this was the most inspirational graduation ceremony I have ever attended. Five of the students, all of whom have suffered an acquired brain injury, presented a speech. It was hard to fight back the tears as each of these five people expressed the seemingly insurmountable challenges they have faced, but it was impossible to hold in the cheers as each one relayed how they now see their lives having value and meaning as they expressed the goals they have for themselves and how they have mapped out ways to accomplish these goals and how they refused to be held back by any obstacle. A couple of them told how they had wished and prayed for death but now realize that each new day is a gift to be treasured. Each expressed how Coastline had been instrumental in helping them move forward and giving them the tools needed to succeed.
Coastline divides the students into four teams placing them in the team which best reflects the degree of their individual brain injury and learning ability whereby each team can advance and work together at the same level. One member of each team was presented the Outstanding Student Award and we had been told ahead of time that Kevin was to receive the award for his team. Everett and I, along with Kevin's Uncle Steve, surprised Kevin at the ceremony as he had no idea he was to receive the award. Unfortunately Sarah was unable to attend as she had to be at work.
Below I have written what was said by one of Kevin's instructors as this award was presented to him as we were fortunate to receive a copy of it:
"It is with great pleasure to name the Outstanding Team 2 Student...It will come as a surprise to him I am sure: Kevin Hollar. Kevin is most deserving of this award. I must share that this is a real treat to present to Kevin. The evolution in Kevin's level of awareness and insight into his brain injury has truly been phenomenal. Kevin came into the program insuring us that he had no apparent deficits resulting from his brain injury. He had made it very clear on numerous class occasions that he was not satisfied with the instruction, curriculum, critical thinking, psychosocial class, book club, goal setting and, imagery--Forget It! He made teaching quite challenging. He pretty much resisted all aspects of the program. At one point in time Kim and I pulled him aside and asked him why he was here. He appeared to not need anything that we were offering him by way of compensation strategies or brain injury education...it was that day that we saw a glimmer...it was the way in which he heard the feedback, something in him began to click. I will say from that day forward we have seen a new and improved version of Kevin. It is remarkable how he has changed his attitude and has become more receptive and dare I say, open-minded with respect to the curriculum. He still remains intellectually skeptical, and I believe this to be healthy. He is serious about his role as a student, and as I have observed him embracing the curriculum to a level that is complementing his personal life, he sets realistic goals and contributes to class discussions in a much more positive way. He even presented stress reduction, breathing, relaxation and guided imagery in our last Team 2 project whereby he interacted with every student in the program in a healing and interactive way. I am pleased with the turnaround that Kevin has demonstrated; it gives me hope for all students who are willing to hold up a mirror and trust the process. Team 2 instructors thank you for your willingness to honor the feedback that we have given to you and we are very proud of the way in which you have begun to discover the nuances of your individual brain injury. Keep up the good work Kevin, there is no doubt in our minds that you will continue to excel in your rehabilitation goals."
We were, of course, the very proud parents yesterday and I have included a couple of pictures of Kevin with his award. We are very much encouraged at the changes Kevin has made as he has allowed God to show him the areas where he needs personal growth and that others have seen this as well as was evidenced by the award he received. I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Kim, one of his instructors, before the ceremony. She expressed to me how impressed she has been with the changes Kevin has made. He has been more helpful and friendlier to the other students and has contributed positively to the class and instructors. She said he is really a sweetheart and that he has a great sense of humor.
Kevin still has another year to go at Coastline and we would appreciate your prayers that Kevin would continue to succeed and that he would allow God to use Coastline as an instrument to help him.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Today, May 7, marks the two-year anniversary of Kevin's accident. To those of you who have followed us through this journey and supported us with your love and prayers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our God is an awesome and faithful God and He has held us close in His comforting arms during this difficult time and it has brought us much comfort knowing you have been interceding on our behalf.
Without a doubt, these past two years of dealing with Kevin's accident and my brother's suicide just over a year ago have been two of the longest and most painful years I can recall. On both of these accounts it looks as though we are making real progress toward closure...at least at the legal level. As executor, I am very close to closing my brother's estate and that is taking a huge load off my shoulders and things are progressing well toward Kevin's settlement with Worker's Comp.
Two weeks ago Worker's Comp. attorneys took Kevin's deposition and Kevin's attorney said it went very well and their attorney seemed genuinely sympathetic to Kevin's case. A few more things have to be done before final decision is made, however. Yesterday Kevin was seen again by the neuro-ophthalmologist and in the very near future Kevin's attorney will be taking the doctor's deposition to help in Kevin's settlement. The doctor said he thought Kevin's eyesight was about the same as when he last examined him. Kevin wants to be able to go to the Braille Institute to obtain a white cane and asked the doctor for the necessary paperwork he would need. We are all very happy he has decided on his own that this is something he really needs. The doctor said his report would include what he needs and was again going to recommend a seeing-eye dog for Kevin. It is still my understanding that as part of the settlement this would be included for him. Kevin also told the doctor he had some difficulty seeing the computer screen. The doctor was going to look into the matter as he believed there was some adaptive technology for the computer that would be beneficial. I believe the Braille Institute would be of assistance here as well.
Last week I took Kevin to an appointment with a hematologist to check on his condition of Protein S deficiency. As you may recall we discovered he had this condition when he was in the ICU and developed two blood clots. Since that time he has been on blood thinners, at least until about a month ago when the internist told him it wasn't necessary. At his appointment with his primary doctor a couple of weeks ago, however, he was told this really needed to be followed up by a hematologist, which we have now done. The hematologist is running quite a few tests to see if Kevin still has Protein S and/or any other conditions which may be contributing to this problem. If he still has Protein S deficiency he will need to go back on blood thinners. The doctor explained that Protein S is most often an inherited condition but can, in rare cases, be an acquired condition due to trauma. The doctor also said if he does have Protein S the rest of our family (Everett, Keith, and I) would need to be tested as well. He explained that one third of people with Protein S deficiency will experience an embolism at some time in their life. We will find out the results of his blood work when I take him back to the hematologist on the 18th of this month.
We ask your continued prayer that Kevin's Worker's Compensation settlement would be determined very soon and that Worker's Comp. would agree that Kevin is 100% disabled. We also ask that you pray we would all be patient as we wait upon the Lord as to what the future holds for Kevin and Sarah. We still have no idea if he can work, and if so, what he can do.
I want to ask you all to pray for Sarah's niece that was born this past Sunday. Little Charlize was born with a heart problem and was taken to Oakland Children's Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. She was born with 2 backwards heart valves. The surgeons opened up a part of her heart to allow more oxygen and blood to flow through. They are working now to get her stronger so that when she is between 2 and 4 months old she can have open-heart surgery to repair these heart valves. This little girl will have to have surgery again when she is approximately 10 years old because she will need larger parts at that time. She will have to live quite a sedentary life as any stress on the heart can be fatal. Sadly, there is a very high mortality rate and approximately 58% of people with this condition don't make it to 20 years of age. Please pray for Sarah's entire family, for as you can imagine this has been quite a shock. Pray God will draw them closer to Himself during this very trying time.
Kevin and Sarah will be taking a long weekend starting this Friday through Monday to go and visit Sarah's family. Pray for their safety as the drive to the Bay area and that they will have a good visit in spite of the hard times going on at present.
May God's blessings be abundant to you all,
Tami
Today, May 7, marks the two-year anniversary of Kevin's accident. To those of you who have followed us through this journey and supported us with your love and prayers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our God is an awesome and faithful God and He has held us close in His comforting arms during this difficult time and it has brought us much comfort knowing you have been interceding on our behalf.
Without a doubt, these past two years of dealing with Kevin's accident and my brother's suicide just over a year ago have been two of the longest and most painful years I can recall. On both of these accounts it looks as though we are making real progress toward closure...at least at the legal level. As executor, I am very close to closing my brother's estate and that is taking a huge load off my shoulders and things are progressing well toward Kevin's settlement with Worker's Comp.
Two weeks ago Worker's Comp. attorneys took Kevin's deposition and Kevin's attorney said it went very well and their attorney seemed genuinely sympathetic to Kevin's case. A few more things have to be done before final decision is made, however. Yesterday Kevin was seen again by the neuro-ophthalmologist and in the very near future Kevin's attorney will be taking the doctor's deposition to help in Kevin's settlement. The doctor said he thought Kevin's eyesight was about the same as when he last examined him. Kevin wants to be able to go to the Braille Institute to obtain a white cane and asked the doctor for the necessary paperwork he would need. We are all very happy he has decided on his own that this is something he really needs. The doctor said his report would include what he needs and was again going to recommend a seeing-eye dog for Kevin. It is still my understanding that as part of the settlement this would be included for him. Kevin also told the doctor he had some difficulty seeing the computer screen. The doctor was going to look into the matter as he believed there was some adaptive technology for the computer that would be beneficial. I believe the Braille Institute would be of assistance here as well.
Last week I took Kevin to an appointment with a hematologist to check on his condition of Protein S deficiency. As you may recall we discovered he had this condition when he was in the ICU and developed two blood clots. Since that time he has been on blood thinners, at least until about a month ago when the internist told him it wasn't necessary. At his appointment with his primary doctor a couple of weeks ago, however, he was told this really needed to be followed up by a hematologist, which we have now done. The hematologist is running quite a few tests to see if Kevin still has Protein S and/or any other conditions which may be contributing to this problem. If he still has Protein S deficiency he will need to go back on blood thinners. The doctor explained that Protein S is most often an inherited condition but can, in rare cases, be an acquired condition due to trauma. The doctor also said if he does have Protein S the rest of our family (Everett, Keith, and I) would need to be tested as well. He explained that one third of people with Protein S deficiency will experience an embolism at some time in their life. We will find out the results of his blood work when I take him back to the hematologist on the 18th of this month.
We ask your continued prayer that Kevin's Worker's Compensation settlement would be determined very soon and that Worker's Comp. would agree that Kevin is 100% disabled. We also ask that you pray we would all be patient as we wait upon the Lord as to what the future holds for Kevin and Sarah. We still have no idea if he can work, and if so, what he can do.
I want to ask you all to pray for Sarah's niece that was born this past Sunday. Little Charlize was born with a heart problem and was taken to Oakland Children's Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. She was born with 2 backwards heart valves. The surgeons opened up a part of her heart to allow more oxygen and blood to flow through. They are working now to get her stronger so that when she is between 2 and 4 months old she can have open-heart surgery to repair these heart valves. This little girl will have to have surgery again when she is approximately 10 years old because she will need larger parts at that time. She will have to live quite a sedentary life as any stress on the heart can be fatal. Sadly, there is a very high mortality rate and approximately 58% of people with this condition don't make it to 20 years of age. Please pray for Sarah's entire family, for as you can imagine this has been quite a shock. Pray God will draw them closer to Himself during this very trying time.
Kevin and Sarah will be taking a long weekend starting this Friday through Monday to go and visit Sarah's family. Pray for their safety as the drive to the Bay area and that they will have a good visit in spite of the hard times going on at present.
May God's blessings be abundant to you all,
Tami
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers! Kevin's court hearing that was scheduled for two weeks ago was postponed until yesterday. He was reinstated to "temporarily disabled" and it will be retroactive to when he was declared "permanent and stationary". This means that his monthly income will be increased to what it was before. His attorney hopes that they will be able to make final settlement within the next couple of months.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers! Kevin's court hearing that was scheduled for two weeks ago was postponed until yesterday. He was reinstated to "temporarily disabled" and it will be retroactive to when he was declared "permanent and stationary". This means that his monthly income will be increased to what it was before. His attorney hopes that they will be able to make final settlement within the next couple of months.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 5, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
Kevin recently saw the orthopedic surgeon and got the results of his MRI. Thereis a bulging disc at L2 (lumbar spine) as well as a tear in the casing around the disc which might be pressing on a nerve, all of which could be causing his neuropathy. The doctor believes this is all a result of the accident but also believes there is no course of action to be taken at this time. He told Kevin that he was fortunate that he is not experiencing any pain with it and also told him he should not do any heavy lifting.
Kevin has had another appointment with the internist as well but there is really nothing noteworthy to report. He did encourage him to continue working out andto try to keep losing weight.
Now to the confusing part. As you may remember, back in September Kevin was declared "permanent and stationary" and at that time Worker's Comp. decreased his monthly income until final settlement could be made. However, a couple of the new doctors he has been seeing say he is not permanent and stationary but that he is "temporarily disabled". Kevin is permanently disabled but"temporarily disabled" is another one of those terms Worker's Comp. uses that means there is more the doctors feel they can do for him before they are ready to release him. So, Kevin's lawyer has tried to get Worker's Comp. to reinstate Kevin as "temporarily disabled" and to retroactively increase his monthly salary back to what it was before he was declared "permanent and stationary". At present they have refused. So on February 17, Kevin, along with his lawyer, has a hearing before the Worker's Comp. attorneys to try and persuade them to reinstate Kevin as "temporarily disabled". We would appreciate your prayers in that regard.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Kevin recently saw the orthopedic surgeon and got the results of his MRI. Thereis a bulging disc at L2 (lumbar spine) as well as a tear in the casing around the disc which might be pressing on a nerve, all of which could be causing his neuropathy. The doctor believes this is all a result of the accident but also believes there is no course of action to be taken at this time. He told Kevin that he was fortunate that he is not experiencing any pain with it and also told him he should not do any heavy lifting.
Kevin has had another appointment with the internist as well but there is really nothing noteworthy to report. He did encourage him to continue working out andto try to keep losing weight.
Now to the confusing part. As you may remember, back in September Kevin was declared "permanent and stationary" and at that time Worker's Comp. decreased his monthly income until final settlement could be made. However, a couple of the new doctors he has been seeing say he is not permanent and stationary but that he is "temporarily disabled". Kevin is permanently disabled but"temporarily disabled" is another one of those terms Worker's Comp. uses that means there is more the doctors feel they can do for him before they are ready to release him. So, Kevin's lawyer has tried to get Worker's Comp. to reinstate Kevin as "temporarily disabled" and to retroactively increase his monthly salary back to what it was before he was declared "permanent and stationary". At present they have refused. So on February 17, Kevin, along with his lawyer, has a hearing before the Worker's Comp. attorneys to try and persuade them to reinstate Kevin as "temporarily disabled". We would appreciate your prayers in that regard.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
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