First, I just want to say I hope everyone had a good holiday and happy new year.
I know that time this year was better for my family; I can’t even imagine what it was like last year with me unconscious in the hospital. As my sister mentioned in a previous post, this December also marked the year-point since my accident. I do not remember much of anything that day, but it was a little tough that day when I thought about the physical issues I still face. I thought I would have been further along in my recovery then I am. I do try to remind myself of all the secondary injuries and issues I have faced, which all slowed my progress. I often forget I had broken bones and organ issues that have impeded my progress.
I am now three months or so into my time in Mooresville at Race to Walk. I go every weekday for about five hours each day. I do personal training three days a week and my own thing the other two days. Overall It has been a good change for me, I was almost bedridden until late September battling secondary issues and I feel like going to Race to Walk has given me a sense of purpose and made me feel like I am being proactive about things. I am trying to be as patient as possible because progress is SLOW and it can be a little frustrating. With my athletic background I am used to working out and pushing myself physically but this is a different type of working out. It is more mentally tiring and challenging then physically.
Therapy is an attempt to reconnect signals in my body, which makes me feel like my nervous system is going haywire 24/7. It is not the best feeling in the world but it does make me feel like my body is trying. The hope is that the signals bust through the injured area or re-route themselves. My body kind of just hurts, especially my hips and lower back but I kind of expected some pain in muscles and parts of my body I have not been able to really use since 2008. The idea is that you have to strengthen things in a cascading manner; hence, a lot of the focus is on my core and my hips. They were very weak when we started therapy but I do feel them slowly getting stronger.
Mentally, I remain strong but I cannot pretend that this stuff is not tough. Like most people, I did not know all the things that accompany a spinal cord injury. I had no idea that paralyzed limbs were just the tip of the iceberg. This stuff just sometimes makes no sense, for example someone with a high injury may be able to regain the ability to walk but cannot move their fingers. I am trying to remain as positive as possible but it is hard some days. Some days I think, I survived a near fatal accident for this??? I go to sleep to wake up to sit down???
I miss being active, before my accident I lifted 3-4 times a week and played basketball once or twice….man I miss that badly. I do not know how sometimes but I remain quietly confident that all this is a temporary and I do expect this nightmare to end. Sometimes I just get mad, I get mad that there are no more medical advances but mostly mad that I let this happen. I have no idea why but even when I was in the hospital I just expected to get past all these things much more quickly.
I do have another few months in Mooresville and after that it is on to Atlanta or possibly somewhere else for another attempt at therapy. In the meantime, I will just stay with it and do what I can to improve. I am continually thankful for the help I have received, without it and my supportive family I do not know what I would be doing. Your kind contributions help pay for this therapy and in turn, give me some hope as I continue to process life in this different body. I know I cannot focus on this forever and life has to go on but I can say that I feel better about things now than I did four months ago.
Another hopeful development I have been researching, I am about to start taking a non FDA approved drug called 4-AP, available through compound pharmacies and found to benefit about 30% of spinal cord injuries. I would say it is like putting the signals in your body on steroids, so I am hoping will benefit me but I will not know for several weeks.
Again, thank you all for your support and concern. We will continue to try and keep you updated with periodic postings. Hopefully I will do another post in the not too distant future where I will be able to mention some significant improvements. Historically I keep things to myself so I do not talk much about this stuff but I feel the need to open up sometimes, especially given all of your support. All I know is I still refuse to live like this, I am not sure exactly what that means but I know some changes will be made.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, December 14, 2009
One Year Later...
Yes, to the date. It was this day, 2008 my mom & dad got the 5:00am phone call that Brian was in the Carolinas Medical Center Trauma ICU & this part of life's journey began.
It's been a tough week for Brian & our family, I guess, though no one's really said too much about it. The memories flood back--like things we last did together "before the accident," where we spent Christmas, & the like.
I have meant to post before today as this tragedy continues to give way to so many wonderful outpourings of support. Yet, somehow day-to-day tasks manage to steal any time I might have to do so.
Anyway, giving these folks the more than overdue thank you they deserve, the Cary High Basketball Scrimmage Benefit for Brian was such a tremendous success. Over $3,000 was raised that day for Brian's uninsured needs--though if you ask my son, he'd tell you the highlight of the event was the super cool green CHS basketball he got & watching a basketball game. The staff made a great presentation of their efforts to our family during the game. Standing on the court where Brian once played, we saw so many wonderful & supportive faces in the stands.
What amazes me even more about the funds raised was how half of them were pledged before school was even out by students & staff alike. Moreover, former CHS graduate & now head basketball coach of Cardinal Gibbons, Marque Carrington, discreetly presented my dad with over $300 for Brian raised by his team alone.
I used to work in the schools. It's a hard, thankless job. More so each passing year, I think. The fact that these folks still managed to make time to organize & show up in support of such a successful event is overwhelming. The whole event & the spirit of it was amazing.
Thank you to all of you.
Some of you also might like to know that we had a nice change of pace for Thanksgiving this year. The couple of times Brian has come to Raleigh, he stayed in a hotel because private residence doors are not large enough for a wheelchair, particularly bathrooms. With NTAF monies, we purchased a small transfer chair that fits through standard doors, allowing Brian to stay at our house, both saving the cost of a hotel & well, just making things a little less difficult & a little more familiar. We look forward to having him back for Christmas, right Brian?
We ate Thanksgiving dinner with some great families at the Town of Cary Fire Station #1 that Myra helped organized since she & others were on duty that night. We brought some food, making a point to come early to help set up (I mean, they are the ones on duty, missing Thanksgiving at home.), but our efforts were moot. They were busily preparing turkey, ham, stuffing, & more--ending up doing the waiting on us rather than the other way around.
Most often, they don't get their calls until night. This year, we had the special treat of witnessing them jump up from what they were doing & take two calls. Really. Jump. Up. They can move. I couldn't believe how quickly they were out the door & down the street, sirens blaring. Jumping up from serving us dinner to take calls. Folks just like them rushed to the rescue of my brother this very day last year...
Thank you to all of you.
There just continue to be so many of you helping in such different, yet, vital ways--rides home for holidays & visits just because you sense Brian might be down that day. Even requesting that in memory of a beautiful life lost, donations be made on Brian's behalf.
Thank you to all of you.
God made us for good works, you know:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
It's not what gets us into heaven but He made us to help others & to glorify Him in doing so.
It's also not just good works that helps others & glorifies God. Suffering can do that too. How much more does it help to hear encouragement, advice, or support from someone going through or having made it through what you are enduring than someone who hasn't?
I liked this commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.
I am always amazed by those who have endured life's wrongs yet all the while remain firm in their belief that they were made by a kind and loving Creator who will one day remove those hardships & restore their loss (Revelation 21:4).
Suffering does so many things. Suffering helps a believer stay kingdom-minded. When things go well, we tend to forget that this life is vanity. When tragedy comes, we don't have to even try to block out daily distractions. Tragedy strips all the frivolity clear out of the picture for you. Instantaneously you know what doesn't matter to you as much as you know what does. Those things we think make us content, we see how vapid they are & we remember what matters.
But for many, suffering also is the age-old stumbling block in his or her belief in Our kind & loving God.
The God who made Himself human to help us grasp eternity within our worldly constraints, a baby even, who willingly endured death on a cross so that we don't have to...
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)?
Anyway, Brian continues to truck along with therapy at Race to Walk (check the link for a couple of shots of Brian in action). Though this week has been a little rough, he has mostly good days.
Andy & his wife, Dawn, have done more than provide a state-of-the-art physical therapy center for Brian (As if that wasn't enough, right?). They have helped him with a couple of errands here & there & just befriended him as people who, first hand, know what he's going through. Brian's also starting a new medication this week that has shown some success with helping nerve sensation return for patients with spinal cord injuries. We are hopeful that it will do the same for him.
This time last year, he was brought to the ER with staff thinking he wasn't going to make it. Many of the attending doctors thought he'd be paralyzed from the chest down. He left the rehab hospital in March paralyzed at the navel. He now feels all the way down to the middle of his hips.
Hang in there, Brian. I know it's so hard, though only as someone who sees what you & those like you daily endure.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
Be encouraged that one day the restoration you'll gain won't even compare to the pain, devastation, & loss you've endured thus far.
For those of you reading, please continue to pray for my brother. I quickly glanced back at the posts I wrote this time last year & it reminded me so clearly of all of those praying for his survival & healing. I'll admit, prayer is not my strong suit but I've seen & felt it work. When you have others praying on your behalf, worry diminishes & a sense of peace takes its place.
Brian could use a lot of prayers for his physical problems. Even more, being able to go through this uncertain process with diminished worry & increased peace would be of tremendous help to him & his family for that matter too (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
It's been a tough week for Brian & our family, I guess, though no one's really said too much about it. The memories flood back--like things we last did together "before the accident," where we spent Christmas, & the like.
I have meant to post before today as this tragedy continues to give way to so many wonderful outpourings of support. Yet, somehow day-to-day tasks manage to steal any time I might have to do so.
Anyway, giving these folks the more than overdue thank you they deserve, the Cary High Basketball Scrimmage Benefit for Brian was such a tremendous success. Over $3,000 was raised that day for Brian's uninsured needs--though if you ask my son, he'd tell you the highlight of the event was the super cool green CHS basketball he got & watching a basketball game. The staff made a great presentation of their efforts to our family during the game. Standing on the court where Brian once played, we saw so many wonderful & supportive faces in the stands.
What amazes me even more about the funds raised was how half of them were pledged before school was even out by students & staff alike. Moreover, former CHS graduate & now head basketball coach of Cardinal Gibbons, Marque Carrington, discreetly presented my dad with over $300 for Brian raised by his team alone.
I used to work in the schools. It's a hard, thankless job. More so each passing year, I think. The fact that these folks still managed to make time to organize & show up in support of such a successful event is overwhelming. The whole event & the spirit of it was amazing.
Thank you to all of you.
Some of you also might like to know that we had a nice change of pace for Thanksgiving this year. The couple of times Brian has come to Raleigh, he stayed in a hotel because private residence doors are not large enough for a wheelchair, particularly bathrooms. With NTAF monies, we purchased a small transfer chair that fits through standard doors, allowing Brian to stay at our house, both saving the cost of a hotel & well, just making things a little less difficult & a little more familiar. We look forward to having him back for Christmas, right Brian?
We ate Thanksgiving dinner with some great families at the Town of Cary Fire Station #1 that Myra helped organized since she & others were on duty that night. We brought some food, making a point to come early to help set up (I mean, they are the ones on duty, missing Thanksgiving at home.), but our efforts were moot. They were busily preparing turkey, ham, stuffing, & more--ending up doing the waiting on us rather than the other way around.
Most often, they don't get their calls until night. This year, we had the special treat of witnessing them jump up from what they were doing & take two calls. Really. Jump. Up. They can move. I couldn't believe how quickly they were out the door & down the street, sirens blaring. Jumping up from serving us dinner to take calls. Folks just like them rushed to the rescue of my brother this very day last year...
Thank you to all of you.
There just continue to be so many of you helping in such different, yet, vital ways--rides home for holidays & visits just because you sense Brian might be down that day. Even requesting that in memory of a beautiful life lost, donations be made on Brian's behalf.
Thank you to all of you.
God made us for good works, you know:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
It's not what gets us into heaven but He made us to help others & to glorify Him in doing so.
It's also not just good works that helps others & glorifies God. Suffering can do that too. How much more does it help to hear encouragement, advice, or support from someone going through or having made it through what you are enduring than someone who hasn't?
I liked this commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.
I am always amazed by those who have endured life's wrongs yet all the while remain firm in their belief that they were made by a kind and loving Creator who will one day remove those hardships & restore their loss (Revelation 21:4).
Suffering does so many things. Suffering helps a believer stay kingdom-minded. When things go well, we tend to forget that this life is vanity. When tragedy comes, we don't have to even try to block out daily distractions. Tragedy strips all the frivolity clear out of the picture for you. Instantaneously you know what doesn't matter to you as much as you know what does. Those things we think make us content, we see how vapid they are & we remember what matters.
But for many, suffering also is the age-old stumbling block in his or her belief in Our kind & loving God.
The God who made Himself human to help us grasp eternity within our worldly constraints, a baby even, who willingly endured death on a cross so that we don't have to...
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things (Romans 8:32)?
Anyway, Brian continues to truck along with therapy at Race to Walk (check the link for a couple of shots of Brian in action). Though this week has been a little rough, he has mostly good days.
Andy & his wife, Dawn, have done more than provide a state-of-the-art physical therapy center for Brian (As if that wasn't enough, right?). They have helped him with a couple of errands here & there & just befriended him as people who, first hand, know what he's going through. Brian's also starting a new medication this week that has shown some success with helping nerve sensation return for patients with spinal cord injuries. We are hopeful that it will do the same for him.
This time last year, he was brought to the ER with staff thinking he wasn't going to make it. Many of the attending doctors thought he'd be paralyzed from the chest down. He left the rehab hospital in March paralyzed at the navel. He now feels all the way down to the middle of his hips.
Hang in there, Brian. I know it's so hard, though only as someone who sees what you & those like you daily endure.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
Be encouraged that one day the restoration you'll gain won't even compare to the pain, devastation, & loss you've endured thus far.
For those of you reading, please continue to pray for my brother. I quickly glanced back at the posts I wrote this time last year & it reminded me so clearly of all of those praying for his survival & healing. I'll admit, prayer is not my strong suit but I've seen & felt it work. When you have others praying on your behalf, worry diminishes & a sense of peace takes its place.
Brian could use a lot of prayers for his physical problems. Even more, being able to go through this uncertain process with diminished worry & increased peace would be of tremendous help to him & his family for that matter too (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Cary High Scrimmage Benefit This Tuesday
We just wanted to let everyone know that this Tuesday, November 10th, Brian's (and his three sisters') alma mater, Cary High School, will be playing their first men's varsity basketball scrimmage of the season. The ever-supportive network of CHS parents, families, friends, and staff, known as the Imp Club, have helped organized a "Brian Keeter Benefit" around this event.
(And who knew that when Sports Illustrated earlier this year ranked the top 15 most unique mascots for high schools and the Cary Imp came in #4!)
Unfortunately, Brian will be unable to attend due to therapy appointments in Mooresville, but we all look forward to being there to cheer on CHS basketball and to thank you all for your ongoing prayers, love, and support.
We'll see you at Cary High at 6:00!
(And who knew that when Sports Illustrated earlier this year ranked the top 15 most unique mascots for high schools and the Cary Imp came in #4!)
Unfortunately, Brian will be unable to attend due to therapy appointments in Mooresville, but we all look forward to being there to cheer on CHS basketball and to thank you all for your ongoing prayers, love, and support.
We'll see you at Cary High at 6:00!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A Thank You from Brian
First of all, I want to thank everyone that attended the Red Rally basketball event a few weeks ago. It was good to see a lot of folks that I had not seen face-to-face in quite a while. Admittedly, I was very nervous about attending, as I am still trying to adjust to my new appearance and the way I have to get around for now. It all can be pretty overwhelming, honestly.
One major adjustment for me is being so low to the ground--and a few former teammates who came out to show their support sure did not help me feel any better about it that night! However, the night went well and I am glad I was able to come. It was great seeing all of you and being able to show a little bit of thanks to all the people who have been so supportive.
I also wanted to come in order to show NC State my appreciation for their help. To date, I am told that the Red Rally raised approximately $1,800 to help pay for direct medical and therapy expenses not covered by my insurance, in addition to insurance co-pays and deductibles.
Again, I am so fortunate to have such great support from all of my family and friends and I am encouraged by the recent efforts of NC State on behalf--including some very supportive emails and letters received from people I do not even really know personally. I thank all of you for your support. I truly feel like the more support I get the more motivation and momentum I carry into my upcoming recovery efforts.
About a week ago, we completed my move from Charlotte to Mooresville to began the recovery efforts I have been looking forward to starting for a quite sometime. I will be here for the next five to six months, spending most of my days at Race to Walk. Simply beginning this phase of the journey has already really made me feel better about things--I am finally able to be proactive and see what can happen with some hard work. In a few weeks I will have better idea of the type of training program I will be following and I will be sure to share how things are going with all of you.
My new address is:
175 Carriage Club Drive
Apt. 3-105
Mooresville, NC 28117
Sincerely,
Brian
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Birthday Brian!
Okay, so this is just one of those days that will probably never be the same for me again--at least not this year so I just wanted to quickly post--
Today is Brian's birthday.
Dare I tell how old you are, little brother? Well, of course, I'm the big (albeit older, yes I know) sister...
Again, I just have to say that it's one of those days where I am reminded of how fortunate I am to even have the possible opportunity to annoy you with this post (assuming someone tells you I did it in the first place).
We almost lost you last year. We should have--by vehicle extrication and emergency hospital standards. I remember a Christmas Eve nurse assigned to you on the trauma intensive care unit who told us she was also in the emergency room the night they brought you in. She, too, remembered thinking that she didn't expect you to make it. She also told us, as a traveling nurse who usually worked with patients with spinal cord injuries, that she'd seen many a God-given miracle that doctors just couldn't explain.
Speaking of--look at you now...alive, moving one step closer to full independence, & wholeheartedly committed, with excitement even, to the upcoming months of an intensive, grueling physical therapy quest to make some gains to what you have lost.
I thank God for having you here with us, Brian. For inspiring me not only in your determination but in being a daily living example that our God is a loving God who does, in His perfect timing, answer prayers.
So, little brother, Happy Birthday...
Today is Brian's birthday.
Dare I tell how old you are, little brother? Well, of course, I'm the big (albeit older, yes I know) sister...
Happy 30th Birthday, Brian!
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).
Again, I just have to say that it's one of those days where I am reminded of how fortunate I am to even have the possible opportunity to annoy you with this post (assuming someone tells you I did it in the first place).
We almost lost you last year. We should have--by vehicle extrication and emergency hospital standards. I remember a Christmas Eve nurse assigned to you on the trauma intensive care unit who told us she was also in the emergency room the night they brought you in. She, too, remembered thinking that she didn't expect you to make it. She also told us, as a traveling nurse who usually worked with patients with spinal cord injuries, that she'd seen many a God-given miracle that doctors just couldn't explain.
Speaking of--look at you now...alive, moving one step closer to full independence, & wholeheartedly committed, with excitement even, to the upcoming months of an intensive, grueling physical therapy quest to make some gains to what you have lost.
I thank God for having you here with us, Brian. For inspiring me not only in your determination but in being a daily living example that our God is a loving God who does, in His perfect timing, answer prayers.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
We love you so much and are so strongly reminded, as we were when He spared you on December 14th, 2008, that as you continue to commit this journey to Jesus Christ, He will bless you & He will keep you.
So, little brother, Happy Birthday...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Few Words from Brian
Also, some of you may have received the below message from Brian in an email. We thought those not on his contact list might like to hear from him too so we've posted it below:
Hey Everybody!
I want again to thank everyone that has & continues to reach out to me following my accident. I continue to be amazed by the tremendous amount of support I receive from family & friends.
Unable to be proactive in my recovery has been very tough both mentally & physically. I am extremely excited that I have finally recovered from secondary issues that have prevented me from taking a very aggressive & proactive route in my recovery. I am ready to get started & confident that nobody will work harder then me at the therapies I am about to begin!
October is going to be a busy & exciting month. I will be moving about 25 miles or so north of Charlotte to be close to the Race to Walk therapy gym in Mooresville. At Race to Walk, I plan on building strength working with therapists & on my own 4-5 days a week. I hope to build up as much strength as I can & make as many gains as possible to maximize the time spent at my next stop at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. The Shepherd Center has a wonderfully renowned outpatient therapy program, Beyond Therapy, which helps people with injuries like mine attempt to recover function. They have many success stories from people with injuries similar to mine. My father got me admitted & on the waiting list shortly after getting injured. He also toured the facility a few months ago. There was an eight month wait when I signed up & I anticipate beginning there in early 2010.
Unable to be proactive in my recovery has been very tough both mentally & physically. I am extremely excited that I have finally recovered from secondary issues that have prevented me from taking a very aggressive & proactive route in my recovery. I am ready to get started & confident that nobody will work harder then me at the therapies I am about to begin!
October is going to be a busy & exciting month. I will be moving about 25 miles or so north of Charlotte to be close to the Race to Walk therapy gym in Mooresville. At Race to Walk, I plan on building strength working with therapists & on my own 4-5 days a week. I hope to build up as much strength as I can & make as many gains as possible to maximize the time spent at my next stop at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. The Shepherd Center has a wonderfully renowned outpatient therapy program, Beyond Therapy, which helps people with injuries like mine attempt to recover function. They have many success stories from people with injuries similar to mine. My father got me admitted & on the waiting list shortly after getting injured. He also toured the facility a few months ago. There was an eight month wait when I signed up & I anticipate beginning there in early 2010.
As most of you know, NC State has offered to help raise money to cover the tremendous out-of-pocket expenses associated with spinal cord injury therapy & recoveries that are not covered by insurance. I invite & encourage everyone to attend the Red Rally this Friday, October 16th. I definitely plan to come out in support of NC State family & hope also to see many of you there.
With the Red Rally coming up, I thought I should address one concern. Some people inquiring about donating to NTAF on my behalf have expressed some confusion regarding where the monies go. Just to be clear, approximately 98% of tax-deductible donations received in my honor go into my personal NTAF account to be used towards paying for progressive therapies such as Race to Walk & Shepherd Center, modifications to a vehicle so that I can begin driving again, & other vital expenses that insurance does not cover (The other 2% goes towards administrative costs & salaried patient fund coordinators.).
I appreciate everyone that has donated & please know that every little bit helps so much. I know times are tough for a lot of people but I cannot tell you how the small donations from many add up to be such a tremendous help to my family & me.
Again, I look forward to seeing you all at Reynolds Coliseum this Friday!
Sincerely,
Brian Keeter
With the Red Rally coming up, I thought I should address one concern. Some people inquiring about donating to NTAF on my behalf have expressed some confusion regarding where the monies go. Just to be clear, approximately 98% of tax-deductible donations received in my honor go into my personal NTAF account to be used towards paying for progressive therapies such as Race to Walk & Shepherd Center, modifications to a vehicle so that I can begin driving again, & other vital expenses that insurance does not cover (The other 2% goes towards administrative costs & salaried patient fund coordinators.).
I appreciate everyone that has donated & please know that every little bit helps so much. I know times are tough for a lot of people but I cannot tell you how the small donations from many add up to be such a tremendous help to my family & me.
Again, I look forward to seeing you all at Reynolds Coliseum this Friday!
Sincerely,
Brian Keeter
As always, thank you so much to all the family, friends, & supporters who continue to encourage & assist Brian & our family through this! Please also be sure to check out Kermit's blog--he's been able to post some GREAT news as to how Brian is doing.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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