Monday, April 28, 2014
X-Ray Results
On April 23rd, 2014 just one day shy of the 6 month mark since his accident, Connor and our mom went back to VGH to get X-Rays done on Connors wrist. We were all patiently waiting for the day to come, to find out if the plate would be removed and his bones fused together, or if the plate could come out and Connor could get all his functions back. I called my mom on their way back from the hospital and she told me the fantastic news, on May 5th, 2014 the plate is scheduled to be taken out and Connor will be able to start using his wrist again. It is however considered an elective surgery so hopefully he will get in that day and they wont push the date back. The doctors had said all the broken pieces did exactly what they were hoping they would and apparently Connor had the biggest smile on his face when they told him. I know he'd been extremely worried about what he was going to hear that day and I'm so happy it's now one less thing for him to worry about.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Updates (March-April)
Sorry it's been so long since I've had an update but as you all know life can get busy and I apologize for this taking so long.
Connors Fundraiser on March 6th was a huge success! Thank you so much to everyone who donated items, everyone who helped us put it on and of course a huge thank you to all of you who came out to support Connor! He was even up for an outing so Connor spent the night at the fundraiser.
Connors transition from GT Strong to back home has gone pretty good. He's been home now for a month and a half and he's now settled in nicely. We did a lot of reno's at my brothers place which are finally finished except for painting the upstairs but at least the messy ones are out of the way. The bedroom we built downstairs was for Cody to move back in so that itself is a huge help and the bathroom on the main floor has made things so much easier for Connor. He has care aides for 12 hours a day, his OT and speech come to his house and his PT is done close to home. Connor still has a long road of rehabilitation but he's continually improving. He hit all the major milestones during his stay at the hospitals so it will really depend on Connor now to fine tune the things that still need work on. His walking, speech and of course the plate in his right wrist/arm are 3 of the things that he's been working so hard at! You can really see the determination he has because when he first came home he wouldn't really use his right hand but now when he plays crib, he's shuffling with both hands. When he walks he only uses a cane which is an amazing improvement. Connors even playing his video games again.
In his spare time he hangs out with his friends, goes out to movies or watches them at home, plays video games and of course crib. Connors even been out to some of ours and Noahs baseball games. Going to our baseball games are not Connors favourite but because he can't be alone he doesn't have a choice. With that said if any of you are free Tuesday or Wednesday nights, I'm sure he'd enjoy some company! One of the auction items at the fundraiser was a night out for 10 in a Vancouver Stealth (Lacrosse) Box hosted by Trevor, Connor, Cody and the companies 2 owners. I'd have to say Connor had a fun night out in a box full of lovely ladies!
Connors Fundraiser on March 6th was a huge success! Thank you so much to everyone who donated items, everyone who helped us put it on and of course a huge thank you to all of you who came out to support Connor! He was even up for an outing so Connor spent the night at the fundraiser.
Connors transition from GT Strong to back home has gone pretty good. He's been home now for a month and a half and he's now settled in nicely. We did a lot of reno's at my brothers place which are finally finished except for painting the upstairs but at least the messy ones are out of the way. The bedroom we built downstairs was for Cody to move back in so that itself is a huge help and the bathroom on the main floor has made things so much easier for Connor. He has care aides for 12 hours a day, his OT and speech come to his house and his PT is done close to home. Connor still has a long road of rehabilitation but he's continually improving. He hit all the major milestones during his stay at the hospitals so it will really depend on Connor now to fine tune the things that still need work on. His walking, speech and of course the plate in his right wrist/arm are 3 of the things that he's been working so hard at! You can really see the determination he has because when he first came home he wouldn't really use his right hand but now when he plays crib, he's shuffling with both hands. When he walks he only uses a cane which is an amazing improvement. Connors even playing his video games again.
In his spare time he hangs out with his friends, goes out to movies or watches them at home, plays video games and of course crib. Connors even been out to some of ours and Noahs baseball games. Going to our baseball games are not Connors favourite but because he can't be alone he doesn't have a choice. With that said if any of you are free Tuesday or Wednesday nights, I'm sure he'd enjoy some company! One of the auction items at the fundraiser was a night out for 10 in a Vancouver Stealth (Lacrosse) Box hosted by Trevor, Connor, Cody and the companies 2 owners. I'd have to say Connor had a fun night out in a box full of lovely ladies!
Hopefully within the next month Connor will get an appointment to see if or when the plate in his wrist will be removed. It's the last ting we don't know about yet so keep your fingers crossed as it would be so huge for him to be able to have it removed one day!
Friday, February 14, 2014
It's Official!
As of Thursday February 13th, it's official that Connor will be coming home February 27th, 2014!
My family had a meeting with the WCB, the doctors and staff yesterday at GF Strong. They came to the conclusion that mentally and emotionally going home is the best thing for Connor, instead of him going to another facility. My mom and Trevor had gone to look at the facilities last week that Connor would go to but the other patients in those places would not be able to stimulate him in ways he needs, that he could get from being at home. A couple weeks ago the first assessment they did on Connor they felt he wasn't cognitively ready to go home so as you can see he'd been working hard on proving them otherwise!
WCB will be going to my brothers house next Tuesday to assess what needs to be changed and added to accommodate Connor, the doctors also want him to spend Tuesday night at home, to see how things go. His release date is now less than 2 weeks away so changes are going to have to happen pretty fast. We're in the process of getting the OK to install a bathroom on the main floor so hopefully we will get a response sooner than later. We'll also have to build shelves in their garage to organize all the stuff being stored down there and then we plan on making Connor a gym. Trevor and I spent last week puttying his walls to get ready to paint and then I guess next week we'll have to go clean their house so it's spotless and organized for them. Connor is going to need 24 hour in home care but by the sounds of it will only be given 12-14 hours. My family will have to continue to work together to make sure one of us can always be there for the time he wont have the extra care.
As for updates on Connor he's been working on relearning to walk and has also been working on gaining control of movements and using his right hand. The best part is he's finally wanting to start using it too. It's been a month now since he was given the go ahead to weight bare and the past couple weekends I've spent with Connor, it's unreal to see what a difference 1 week can make in how he's walking. Connors legs were and still are quite wobbly, he also needs to hold on to things to keep his balance but from week to week you see so many good changes. Connor went swimming a couple weeks ago which was awesome for him because he had no worries of falling while he was in the water. He has actually spent a couple nights alone at GF Strong during the past few weeks too. The doctors thought it would be good for him and he agreed, they went very well from what I've heard. Connors facial expressions don't look as forced anymore either and as he likes to say "He's getting back to his old ways". He still has his sense of humor so there's always a bunch of good laughs during our visits and Connors even promised he will always be the sweet guy he's always been. I always look forward to our visits as they aren't that often anymore but that's all going to change in 13 days! Connor still has a very long road ahead but continues to show improvements every day.
I'd also like to take a minute to thank my dads girlfriend Michelle and my moms boyfriend Mike. They've both been a huge help since the accident and I just want them to know the things they do don't go unnoticed and they're appreciated. Michelle has been staying with Connor on certain nights to make sure my mom and brother can have breaks. She also visits Connor without being asked obviously but is so sweet in helping when they need it. Michelle always has Connors best interest at heart. Mike has been a great support system for my mom and has been amazing at understanding that my mom needed to be there all the time for my brother. He's also given up his bed on weekends and sleeps on the couch so Connor can have a nice place to sleep. Mikes even puts up with all the visitors that come and go during the weekends Connor spends there. Thanks again Michelle and Mike!
My family had a meeting with the WCB, the doctors and staff yesterday at GF Strong. They came to the conclusion that mentally and emotionally going home is the best thing for Connor, instead of him going to another facility. My mom and Trevor had gone to look at the facilities last week that Connor would go to but the other patients in those places would not be able to stimulate him in ways he needs, that he could get from being at home. A couple weeks ago the first assessment they did on Connor they felt he wasn't cognitively ready to go home so as you can see he'd been working hard on proving them otherwise!
WCB will be going to my brothers house next Tuesday to assess what needs to be changed and added to accommodate Connor, the doctors also want him to spend Tuesday night at home, to see how things go. His release date is now less than 2 weeks away so changes are going to have to happen pretty fast. We're in the process of getting the OK to install a bathroom on the main floor so hopefully we will get a response sooner than later. We'll also have to build shelves in their garage to organize all the stuff being stored down there and then we plan on making Connor a gym. Trevor and I spent last week puttying his walls to get ready to paint and then I guess next week we'll have to go clean their house so it's spotless and organized for them. Connor is going to need 24 hour in home care but by the sounds of it will only be given 12-14 hours. My family will have to continue to work together to make sure one of us can always be there for the time he wont have the extra care.
As for updates on Connor he's been working on relearning to walk and has also been working on gaining control of movements and using his right hand. The best part is he's finally wanting to start using it too. It's been a month now since he was given the go ahead to weight bare and the past couple weekends I've spent with Connor, it's unreal to see what a difference 1 week can make in how he's walking. Connors legs were and still are quite wobbly, he also needs to hold on to things to keep his balance but from week to week you see so many good changes. Connor went swimming a couple weeks ago which was awesome for him because he had no worries of falling while he was in the water. He has actually spent a couple nights alone at GF Strong during the past few weeks too. The doctors thought it would be good for him and he agreed, they went very well from what I've heard. Connors facial expressions don't look as forced anymore either and as he likes to say "He's getting back to his old ways". He still has his sense of humor so there's always a bunch of good laughs during our visits and Connors even promised he will always be the sweet guy he's always been. I always look forward to our visits as they aren't that often anymore but that's all going to change in 13 days! Connor still has a very long road ahead but continues to show improvements every day.
I'd also like to take a minute to thank my dads girlfriend Michelle and my moms boyfriend Mike. They've both been a huge help since the accident and I just want them to know the things they do don't go unnoticed and they're appreciated. Michelle has been staying with Connor on certain nights to make sure my mom and brother can have breaks. She also visits Connor without being asked obviously but is so sweet in helping when they need it. Michelle always has Connors best interest at heart. Mike has been a great support system for my mom and has been amazing at understanding that my mom needed to be there all the time for my brother. He's also given up his bed on weekends and sleeps on the couch so Connor can have a nice place to sleep. Mikes even puts up with all the visitors that come and go during the weekends Connor spends there. Thanks again Michelle and Mike!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Trust Account For Connor
An account has been set up at Coast Capitol Savings Credit Union. Donations can be made to this account at any of their branches located across the lower mainland and Vancouver Island. For anybody writing a cheque for Connor that is being sent or brought to us directly please make it payable to: Connor Dick in trust
Cheques can be mailed to:
Sandi Dick
#102 - 23215 Billy Brown Road
Langley, BC
V1M 0B7
Or you can call Sandi to drop them off in person at:
(604)202-8450
Cheques can be mailed to:
Sandi Dick
#102 - 23215 Billy Brown Road
Langley, BC
V1M 0B7
Or you can call Sandi to drop them off in person at:
(604)202-8450
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Another Update
Sorry it's been so long since I've written an update on Connor but we've had our hands full with getting Connor's fundraiser organized. The support from everyone has been so overwhelming! Obviously the first thing that comes to mind are people and companies that know our family or people connected locally through family and friends but it isn't just them. I've had replies back from people we don't know and it's so amazing to see how complete strangers can open their hearts and care so much for someone they've never even met. Honestly it's all so comforting to see people we know and people we don't know show their support for our brother. There's no words to describe how grateful our family is for everyone's generosity towards Connor's Road To Recovery. His fundraiser should be fantastic thanks to all the support! You can view some of the companies that are helping here.
Anyways back to my update. Connor has been busy with his rehab,OT, PT, speech and spending his free time with friends and family. I just had to share this picture because Connor is looking so good (Not that he didn't before) and the kiss on the cheek from Kayla as you can see made him quite happy!
Just so you all know I talk to Connor everyday on the phone because I don't get to see him on a regular basis anymore, but hopefully that will all change soon! As I previously mentioned Connor had his appointment at VGH on January 14th, 2014 to see if he'd get the OK to weight bare. He was a bit scared about what they would say and he told our mom "You better get ready to hold me down". Even though our mom reassured him everything would be fine, Connor had apparently said it again to our mom just before they got the news that we've all been waiting to hear. He is now allowed to weight bare on both sides and is starting to learn to walk again.
Since Connors first weekend spent at home he's enjoyed it so much they've been doing it every weekend. He gets a nice break from GF Strong and gets to feel like himself for a few days surrounded by the serenity of the Fraser river in Fort Langley. He gets many visitors while he's in town which is great, so as always he is surrounded by family and the best friends anyone could ever ask for.
Also as I said earlier Connors vision hasn't been very good for a while. He finally had his eye appointment on January 24th, 2014 and they said his eyes look good just his vision didn't. Connor isn't able to see things that aren't up close, so this morning our mom and Connor went to go pick out a pair of glasses. I personally think the ones he picked out look awesome and make him look more sophisticated but I'll let you decide that for yourselves!
A couple of weeks ago the doctors at GF Strong met with our family to go over their game plan for Connors recovery. The plan as of right now is that February 27th, 2014 Connor will be going home. He will have to have 24 hour in home care and his rehabilitation will be done at his place. Connor said that its too long but we told him time will go by faster then he thinks. Plus the extra time spent at GF Strong will also help his recovery that much more too! I know Connor is so excited and has been looking forward to that day ever since they told him so hopefully it will all go as planned. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
Anyways back to my update. Connor has been busy with his rehab,OT, PT, speech and spending his free time with friends and family. I just had to share this picture because Connor is looking so good (Not that he didn't before) and the kiss on the cheek from Kayla as you can see made him quite happy!
Just so you all know I talk to Connor everyday on the phone because I don't get to see him on a regular basis anymore, but hopefully that will all change soon! As I previously mentioned Connor had his appointment at VGH on January 14th, 2014 to see if he'd get the OK to weight bare. He was a bit scared about what they would say and he told our mom "You better get ready to hold me down". Even though our mom reassured him everything would be fine, Connor had apparently said it again to our mom just before they got the news that we've all been waiting to hear. He is now allowed to weight bare on both sides and is starting to learn to walk again.
Since Connors first weekend spent at home he's enjoyed it so much they've been doing it every weekend. He gets a nice break from GF Strong and gets to feel like himself for a few days surrounded by the serenity of the Fraser river in Fort Langley. He gets many visitors while he's in town which is great, so as always he is surrounded by family and the best friends anyone could ever ask for.
Also as I said earlier Connors vision hasn't been very good for a while. He finally had his eye appointment on January 24th, 2014 and they said his eyes look good just his vision didn't. Connor isn't able to see things that aren't up close, so this morning our mom and Connor went to go pick out a pair of glasses. I personally think the ones he picked out look awesome and make him look more sophisticated but I'll let you decide that for yourselves!
A couple of weeks ago the doctors at GF Strong met with our family to go over their game plan for Connors recovery. The plan as of right now is that February 27th, 2014 Connor will be going home. He will have to have 24 hour in home care and his rehabilitation will be done at his place. Connor said that its too long but we told him time will go by faster then he thinks. Plus the extra time spent at GF Strong will also help his recovery that much more too! I know Connor is so excited and has been looking forward to that day ever since they told him so hopefully it will all go as planned. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!
Friday, January 17, 2014
A Big Thank You!
As we receive donations for Connors fundraiser from companies, businesses and people I will add them on here. Some of these places have a connection to Connor and some of them don't but it's so amazing to see the generosity from each and every one of them. A big thank you goes out to all of them for helping Connor!
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The company all my brothers work for.
The location for Connors fundraiser and our one brothers friends mom, happens to own it.
Connor and his friends gym in Langley, BC
A local restaurant in Cloverdale, BC. They're always helping people in our community!
No connections to them which make it even more touching they offered to help Connor.
A local company located in Surrey, BC. The owner happens to be a friend of our moms and we can't thank them enough for their generosity!
Another local company located in the heart of Cloverdale, BC. Even though they are doing fundraisers of their own to make sure they stay open, they still take the time to help others in the community!
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Vancouver River Rafting
– Canadian Outback whitewater river rafting adventures
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