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As many of you already know, Zach fell off his skateboard on Saturday Sept. 6th. As a result of the fall, Zach suffered a traumatic, closed head injury and is listed in critical condition in the ICU at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Zach is currently under sedation and being kept in a paralytic state to help keep his intra cranial pressure as low as possible, which will help decrease the swelling in his brain. He has been placed in a RotoProne bed, which will help his lungs combat pneumonia which recently set in. Everyone is hopeful and optimistic regarding Zach’s long-term prognosis. The Monday after the accident, Zach was able to move his legs, arms, toes and even squeezed his mother’s hand on command. He has a long journey to recovery ahead of him, but he has his youth, great caretakers and a large group of friends and loved ones rooting for him. His family will be keeping this blog in an attempt to keep all of Zach’s friends and loved ones up to date on his condition. Please check back often as we will try to provide daily updates. You may also post your own comments and please know that Zach will read them soon.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Day 49 Enter Rehab!




WE ASKED ZACH TO TAKE A PICTURE OF HOW HE FELT ABOUT HIS NECK BRACE??? (This was when he took it off. He was so excited!!!)
After a week of sleeping by your side in the hospital, 11A. you have pulled out dobb hoffs, gotten mad, jumped out of bed, passed the swallowing test, savoring thickened juice enjoying this like nothing else matters....Who would have imagined this day? REHAB!


We went by wheelchair through the ominous tunnel from CMC to Rehab. You were obviously anxious about the move. You said, "I want to just go home". Then you were greeted by warm embracing staff at rehab. The resident did a great assessment on you. You have some upper motor neuron deficits...which is normal for you. Big change, after 6 weeks with a stiff C-collar on....It is finally off, per the neuro surgeon. What a relief...Your neck is so thin. Did we tell you that you have lost 40 pounds in 6 weeks. Now you are 160 pounds. Then Ang and I went to East Blvd Bar and Grill for some dinner and wine. You called us on our cell. So cool that you called us....So, We went back to tuck you in at rehab and reassure you are OK and on YOUR Way.


FYI: Zach will have a tight schedule with lots of work ahead of him. Visiting is limited in the next 2 weeks...please know he will need you when he comes home.


Happy for Mom to sleep at home, while Zach is safe and challenged.

Thanks again to all.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

that picture...Zach really is back.

I am so happy.

Love to everyone,

John David

Display Name said...

This is such terrific news! It seems like so much progress has been made very fast, Zach- you must be thrilled. And I love the pictures!

Joann, my family has been following along with Zach's journey, and Monday night, I was talking to my mom about how awesome we think you three are- how strong and supportive and really inspiring. She said to me, "Wait. Is this the same Joann Hart Wright who's also from Charlotte and who comforted me on the phone when our babies were biking cross-country? Ohhhh....! She is such an amazing woman."

Everyone I've talked to is rooting for you, Zach. It seems like you have a really supportive team behind you, and I know you're going to rock rehab.

Love from DC,

Jen Barry

Angie said...

Zach, I have been following you through this journey and am so happy to hear of all the progress you've been making.

You sister and mother are incredible women!

Keep up the good work!

Love,
Angela Parrotta B&B NC2SC '08

derick said...

congrats zach. you're doing so much better now. and as a bonus, you got rid of some of that weight you talked about losing.

cayoyin said...

Zach is my hero and you guys are all true champions of life!

Words can't explain how close to my heart you guys are.

Zach, we'll have to go eat latin american food so you gain all the weight that you want! YAY!

How about Costa Rica?

I'll be pending for that day!


Love,



Carolina

Joan said...

Zippidy-doo-da;zippidy yea!!
my -oh-my, what a glorious day!!!

Normal words elude us as we try to express our utter joy at Zach's progress.

We are overwhelmed and grateful.
Love,
Joan and Bill

Joan said...

ZIPPEDY,DOO DA;ZIPPEDY YEA!!
my -oh-my, what a glorious day!!!

Normal vocabulary eludes us as we try to express our utter joy at Zach's progress. GO, ZACH, GO!!!

We are overwhelmed and grateful.
Love,
Joan and Bill

American Chinese, Global IT Manager/Business Owner/Wife/Mother said...

Joann, Angela,

We are so happy for Zach's progress !! We know this day will come !! NMHRGK works.

Champagne soon to celebrate !!.


Annie and Peyton

Unknown said...

Yay Zach!! I'm sure it must be SO much better without the collar, and now starting rehab! Your progress will be as incredible as your recovery has been. We will pray for your patience as you do this hard work. Blessings to you all, love--Mary Lynn & Gary