The things I think of at 4:18am

Dane and Alex were hanging out last night in Alex's Man Cave - I heard them around 2am, again around 3:30, the talking got so loud  that at 4:18am I hauled my tired self out of bed to remind them that others were trying to sleep.  I have to admit though that as I walked back to my room I smiled.  I smiled and then thought about the 2 of them and the things that have happened over the past 14 months.
Over the holidays, while visiting with family, we reflected back to last year and what was happening with Alex; Thanksgiving he was still in the hospital, we got to "check him out" for 3 hours, he was in a wheel chair and had to use a cuff to eat;   Today I can report that he completed his first semester at Dixie State College, he walks, runs and drives.  He's almost 100% self reliant.  His hands/fingers still aren't to full use but he has figured out a way to do almost everything.  He's making new friends and enjoy life.  Its good to see the old Alex returning.  Its still tough as a mom to watch him struggle with things, every morning when I hand him his pills (yes he still has to take a lot of pills for pain, seizures etc..) it breaks my heart to see his hands and scar from his skin graft.  Yet it makes me so proud to know that I can go off to work and that he will get himself ready and off to school on his own.  He's a fighter and I'm so glad!
Even though I'm tired today, I wouldn't trade it.  I'm so grateful to have Alex and Dane still with us, glad they are still friends and enjoy talking about physics (yes it was a horribly intellectual conversation they were having) at 4am.
Kaleen aka Alex's mom

CPR Certification

If you have someone on your Christmas list that seems to have "everything" ask them if they are CPR Certified.  If Not, then contact your local American Heart Association and sign them up for a CPR class.  It costs less than $50 and who knows they could end up saving your life.

December 5th - 14 months later

I have a reminder set in my phone every 5th of the month at 3:03pm - it says Day of Strike.  I have it there to remind me how blessed I am that my son and Dane lived through their horrible accident on October 5, 2010 at Snow Canyon High School.

Yesterday I was at Lins Grocery store (where Dane works), my phone buzzed, I looked at it and saw my reminder; 3:03pm Day of Strike, then looked up and saw Dane walking towards me.  Still so amazed at both boys and how well they have recovered.  As I pulled out of Lins onto Sunset Blvd just past the Mountain America Credit Union all 5 lanes were blocked off with police cars, a fire truck and ambulance.  School had just let out I thought "I hope a Snow Canyon Student didnt get hit by a car".  Well, I found out today that a 17 yr old Boy was riding his bike home from school and he wrecked and hit his head on a Lava rock.  They Life Flighted him to UMC in Vegas where he later died.  My heart goes out to the family of this boy.  

Story from The Give Back Event

Fun Night

http://www.southernutahnow.com/articles/2011/10/06/snow-canyon-lightening-strike-anniversary/

October 5, 2011 - Alex and Dane Give Back

Despite the rain - the Boys event turned out great.  We moved it from the park to Snow Canyon High School (back to the scene of the crime).  Thanks to all those that came especially our family members and friends that came from out of town.  Family and Friends are Forever!

We raised $350 from the Great Harvest picnic dinners and $255.34 from Drinks, Tips for the Face Painting, Donations and T-Shirt Sales.  The Alex and Dane Give Back will donate $605.34 to CPR Training.  This is the first step in getting our Community Prepared to Respond.

Alex, Lara & Dane 3 Lightning Survivors

Thanks to our Sponsors: Lins Grocery Store, Planet 94.1 and Canyon Media, Great Harvest Bread Co, Findlay Hyundai, Costco, Walmart, Don & Sharon Linneer and all those that donated their time.  Thanks Santa Clara 8th Ward YW for the Face Painting - Once again our community came together on October 5th- Kaleen aka Alex's mom

One of many great articles

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52661395-78/alex-dane-strike-college.html.csp

October 5th at Vernon Worthen Park

My amazingly talented friend designed this flyer for the event - Thanks Laurie

Radio Morning Show on KZNU 1450AM 96.7FM - St. George Utah

September 22, 2011 - Alex and Dane talk about the Alex and Dane Give Back Event

http://www.youtube.com/user/Underoathalex12#p/u/0/8pBasmQLwYc

Alex and Dane on Fox News 1450 AM & 96.7 FM Wednesday 9/21/11

Alex and Dane will be promoting their Alex and Dane Give Back event tomorrow morning on our local radio station.  You can tune in live at
http://www.foxnews1450.com/default.asp

Not sure what time they will be on but they will be arriving in studio at 8:30am MST

Thanks Canyon Media for supporting them and so many other charities in southern Utah!

Save the Date! October 5, 2011 5-7pm

Lets Celebrate the Year Anniversary! Alex and Dane Give Back

Alex and Dane will be giving back to the Community that gave so much to them after they were struck by lightning October 5th at Snow Canyon High School in St. George, UT. If it weren't for The First Responders giving CPR, Alex and Dane wouldn't be living the amazing lives they are today. Come celebrate with them and the community at a Picnic in the Park. Vernon Worthen Park in St. George from 5-7pm. Picnic dinners will be provided by Great Harvest for a $5 donation per plate.  All proceeds will go to CPR Training through The American Heart Associate at Dixie ATC. Everyone should be CPR Certified! These funds will help defer the costs of certification for many people.

Music, Food and Fun! Come Celebrate Life!

 

If you drop don't you want the person next to you to know CPR!!


http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=283456651681473

Make a fist!

Alex's hands have been "stuck" straight out, his hands, fingers and forearms are "flat".  Over the past several months he has been getting movement in his fingers, he can move them up and down, wiggling them.  But hasn't been able to curl them or make a fist. UNTIL, we met Jared Gough.  Jared is a local sports Massage Therapist, I heard about through a co worker (Thanks Nicole).  I left a VM for Jared, saying "I want to schedule an appointment for my son".  When he called me back, he said "tell me about your son"  I told him "my son was one of the boys that was struck by lightning outside SCHS last fall"  He got so excited and said "I have wanted to work on them since I heard about the accident, I would be honored to".

He's worked on Alex twice now and made HUGE improvements! Alex's shoulder blades use to stick out like 2 sharp chicken wings poking out of his back.  After working on Alex's muscles he was able to get his shoulders to look and feel the way they are supposed to.  Then today he worked on Alex's hands and he can curl the fingers on his right hand.  Amazing.  Jared said it felt like the muscles had just melted together, describing it like a box of crayons sitting in a car, they would hold their shape but melt together. That's what he thinks happened when the lightning went through Alex's body, giving Alex's hands and forearms the "pancaked" look.  Which makes sense, in the ER at IHC the doctors told us Alex had 3rd degree burns on 40% of his body, when we saw him, we said "he doesn't look too bad".  They said "his body is cooking from the inside out."
His left hand/fingers didn't improve as much, but that's because the left side of his body is weaker due to the "stroke" in the right side of his brain.
Now I'm bugging Alex every few minutes "curl your hand", "show me a fist"  I don't want it to stop working!
Kaleen  aka Alex's mom

Apparently Lightning Strikes In St George More Often Than We Realize

Malibu Cleaners on Hilton Drive 

struck by lightning

Written by Joyce Kuzmanic on September 11, 2011 in Local
 News, News - 1 Comment

ST. GEORGE – The roof of Malibu Cleaners, 324 West Hilton Drive
in St. George, caught on fire after being struck by lightning.

A St. George dispatch officer said that no persons are known
to be at risk and fire  fighters are responding.

Sirens were audible in surrounding areas around 9:40 p.m.

Exciting Week!

Alex started College! 

He will attend Dixie State College for the next 2 years while he continues to recover.  He's doing great and once again learning to adapt to his situation.  Since his hands/fingers still aren't fully functioning he is finding out there are some pretty big hurdles to jump over at College.  Yesterday was a trying day, he went to take a test and since it wasn't available on line I got the opportunity to help him.  I was so nervous, I didn't want to mark the wrong circle. lol -  It was a multiple choice math test and he did all the problems in his head all I had to do was color in the A, B, C, D or E.  

Alex attended Driving Instructions and he Passed - He will now be able to drive himself around - wahoo!  This is exciting for all of us, now we just need to find him a car!  His instructor, Dave from Southern Utah Driving School, said that he is a good driver, both mentally and physically. He had heard so much about Alex and said it was a pleasure to meet him, and that whatever Alex decides to do in his future he will be successful at it.  I already knew that but its SO good to hear it from someone else.  Lightning will not beat him!  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Check out the license plate

He did it! He did it!

Alex RAN his first race this am! 

He ran the whole way and finished!

  I guess some of his PT's had bets whether or not he would even finish.  AND he did!!!  I ran it with him but I cheated, I only did "the loop" once and then I cut through a parking lot so that I could be with Alex when he crossed the Finish Line (I'm soooo out of shape, but hey I ran about 2.8 miles).
Watching him run was SUCH an inspiration. Now if his hands and fingers would catch up with his feet and legs he would be "perfect".

We didn't get to meet Megan though, she was put back in the hospital Friday night.  We are sad for her and I feel for her mom.  We wish her the best and will continue to pray and support her.
Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Alex will Run his first race Saturday 8/13/11

Alex's PT's & OT's work with Megan Birks mom.  When Alex heard her story he decided he would make it a goal to have her Charity Event his first race.  Tomorrow morning,  10 months 8 days after he was struck by lightning he will run in a 5k race.  I'm so proud of him, whether he finishes, wins or not, he attempted it.

Ready, Set, GO!

Good things have come from the Strike

We have met SO many amazing people that we Never would have met if it hadn't been for the strike.  Most of the people we have met have been in the medical field, where they go out of their way to take care of Alex.

Spero Therapy has helped with Alex's nerve pain.  Spero uses a machine called the Calmare.  This machine is a new technology that relieves nerve pain through a low level electrical signal (kind of ironic since it was an electrical signal that started all of this)(LOL)  that is carried through the patients nervous system to the brain.

In December 2010 KSL television did a story on Alex and Calmare.  It aired December 23rd http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=13770113  while Mindy Johnson was at home watching TV.  She has a son,Taylor, that suffers from nerve pain.  KSL just aired a story on Taylor and his Miracle.  Its so good to see good come from bad.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=16580318

http://sperotherapy.com/images/PainTherapy-DeseretNews-7-31-11.pdf

The Professor is in Town

When the Boys were at UMC Professor  Richard "Dick" Blankenbecler contacted Leslie after seeing a News story on the strike.   He was struck by lightning over 20 years ago and went onto be a Physics Professor and currently lives in Las Vegas. He felt an instant connection with them not only because they were all struck by lightning but also because of their love for physics.  Dick was in southern Utah last week for a Conference so we all met for lunch at Red Robin.  It was so good to see him and listen to a very intellectual conversation between he and the Boys.  He gave the Boys some great advise about College and learning.  We are so grateful for him in our life - through this strike we have met sooooo many wonderful caring and giving people.

Kaleen aka Alex's mom

 

 

Summer 2011

Alex has had a busy summer (considering).  In June Dane and his family along with the 5 SCHS Admin and Teacher and their families came over for a BBQ.  It was so fun to meet their wives and families and just visit.  Leslie and I know that there were a lot of people that played a crucial part in the boys survival and we were grateful to spend time with some of them.

Alex took 2 months off from PT and OT but he started back in July and is moving forward full force.  He made a lot of improvement since his last visit (March) and thats due to his determination and will power to overcome this event that has struck his limbs. He will start with pool therapy this week, this will help strengthen his core and his arms. I cant wait for his talented therapist to work him out in the water.

Alex only goes into Spero Therapy every 8-14 days now. His nerve pain is getting less and less.  When he gets a treatment the pain relief lasts longer than it use to.

In June Alex turned Eighteen.  WOW!!  Cant believe my baby is an adult :)

Remember the movie While you were sleeping?  Well......... While Alex was "sleeping" in the hospital, for 2 months, his wisdom teeth popped out.  He will have to have them removed next week.  He is pretty stressed about it and I dont blame him.  The doc he is going to is amazing and has such a calming presence that he was able to answer all of Alex's questions and get him scheduled for this procedure.  Wish him luck!!!!!!!!!!

Dave and I took 2 of our boys camping this past weekend.  Dane stayed with Alex one of the nights to help with anything he might need.  Its great that the boys are still friends, still caring for each other.

Thanks for all the support - Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Very sad deja vu

A flood of grief came over me last night when I heard the words "two boys struck by lightning". It took me right back to October of last year, the same sick feeling, the fear, the overwhelming need to pray. My heart is broken for the family & friends of the boy who did not survive, we will continue to pray for them through this tragic time of loss. Also, we will pray for healing and strength for the boy who did survive and his family.
Leslie

Scofield Scout Camp

My heart goes out to the parents, friends and family of the boys that were struck by lightning today at Scofield Scout Camp.

http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-2-boy-scouts-struck-by-lightning-in-scofield-20110713,0,320762.story

Sad Looks

I didn't see this article until today.  I looked through the pictures on the left and am shocked at how sad we all look.  Of course I know we were sad, but to look at these 8 months later, WOW! I'm shocked!   In the back ground of one of them you can see my mom and dear friend Sherri.  The one of Dave and I looking at each other, just reconfirms his love and concern he has for me and for Alex.  Little did we know then how Alex & Dave's bond would be strengthened over the next 8 months.  Dave took care of Alex 24/7 after he was released from the Hospital December 1, 2010.  So glad that Alex has become more self reliant and has learned to adapt to his new situation.  Dave started a "temp" job 2 weeks ago so he's gone all day now.  Alex's brothers help him with his food prep and I come home at lunch to "check in".  Im usually not needed which is a good feeling :)
Kaleen - aka Alex's mom

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/50426861-76/zdunich-broderick-lambson-dane.html.csp

Dixie State College

Alex spent yesterday at DSC for New Student Orientation.  It was fun to see him interacting and moving forward with life.  His fingers/hands continue to improve. He doesn't have full use of them yet, but he can move almost every finger now.  Last night Dane was over and he was saying to Alex "remember in the hospital when you could just barley move your pinkie". 

Spectrum Article

Graduation

Alex only got to attend 6 weeks of his Senior year, I feel so bad that he missed all the social aspects of that year.  Glad that he prepared so well 9th-11th Grades with his academics so that he only had 3 credits to finish.  One of his final credits was PE so the School District accepted his PT and OT hours along with 15 PE packets.  He finished up Government/English with some papers, reports and packets then his Art Credit.  While he worked on his Art Credit he found a new interest, Movie Making & Special Effects.  He and his brothers and friends have been making movies, then Alex has created some amazing special effects.  All in all, Alex is having fun and enjoy life.

Mr Hurt, Officer Brown, Alex, Mr Brooks, Mr Gali

Proud Momma

Grandpa, Alex & Grandma

Alex will WALK today at his High School Graduation

Alex was awarded the Eagle Warrior Debate Award for 2010-2011

In just a few hours Alex and over 300 other Snow Canyon High School students will walk across the stage as the Class of 2011.  Congrats to all of them,

Honoring

The past few weeks the boys have been able to attend events in honor of those that have helped them on their journey towards recovery.  Tuesday Officer T. Brown received an award from the St. George Police Department for his efforts on October 5, 2010.  Officer Brown is SCHS's Officer and was one of the first responders that frightful day in October.  I was so touched to be at the awards night and thank him and the STGPD for inviting us.  To all the officers that received awards, Thank you for your service.  To you "its your job", to us, that you served, its our lives.  We met a few other people that had also had their lives saved by an Officer, I loved hearing their stories.  We live in a great community.

Other News feeds about the Boys

Howard Stern - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Es6R4XqFqg     (thanks luvbeers)

New 8 NV http://www.8newsnow.com/story/14621028/survivors-of-accidents-thank-umc

Its been a great week.  Alex and Dane and families traveled to Vegas to attend a UMC Suvivors Lunch.  It was a great event put on by great people at a great hospital.

Reminds us once again how lucky we are!!  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Fox 13 News

Fox 13 did a great job on covering the boys.  The following link aired in UT Monday. 


http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-recovering-from-lightning-strike-2-boys-survival-story-20110509,0,1572462,full.story

Iron Man in St. George

The City of St. George hosted the Iron Man this weekend.  It was an amazing event to witness.  Congrats to all the athletes that traveled from all over the world to our amazing city.  One of Alex's OT from Acute Rehab and one of Alex's PT participated in the event, we watched for them during the bike ride from the comforts of our balcony.

Signs we made for Alex's PT & OT

Salt Lake City Fox 13 News

A few weeks ago Alex and Dane spent time with Tala Vaifanua Lee of Fox 13 News.  Their recovery story will air Monday May 16th.  Heres a preview..........................

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1864699089679

American Red Cross

Spent an amazing afternoon with some of southern Utahs finest.  Watch the Adult Good Samaritan video - these are the men we have to thank for still having Alex and Dane with us today.

http://www.youtube.com/user/DepixionVideo#p/c/A66A39DD39DBADB0/0/WkSv9OWEK90

Thanks to the Red Cross organizers for putting this luncheon together.  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Running

Alex busted out his running shoes Monday 4/25 for his first "real" run.  He's worked so hard in PT to learn how to run and Monday he showed off his skill as he ran a mile.  He's so determined!  His health is still progressing, moving forward.  Fingers are a little slower than his legs, but he's getting better.

 

Great to hear

Alex had his skin grafts on his chest done in Vegas October 19th. He was transported to STG November 1st so a wound doctor here in STG followed up with Alex watching his progress of his graft.  He took the 75 staples out of Alex's chest  in December. This local doctor wanted us to visit his burn doctor one last time in Vegas.  We did that over Christmas and Dr Z released us to the STG doctor, Dr. K.  We were told to come back in 3 months to be seen by Dr K.  This past week we went into Dr K's burn/wound office  and after checking all of Alex burns and donor sites he said "See you in 6 months".  What a great thing to hear!!  Alex is getting better everyday.

Pick Me!

Alex was given so many cards and letters while he was in the hospital.  Some of his favorite were from a local Kindergarten class.  This week he went and visited the morning class, next week he will visit the afternoon class.  The children were so cute and asked the funniest things.  Well, as Alex said "they didnt really ask questions, they told me stories".

How big was the lightning?

Pick Me!! Pick Me!!

 One boy said "my mom said a kid got hit by lightning, you'e not a kid" Alex replies "yes I am"  the boy says "no you're not"

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Lots of discipline, determination & love brings independence for Alex.  Its the eve of 6 months since The Strike.  This weekend was LDS General Conference and its been our family tradition to paint either ceramics or wood objects during the afternoon session.  Octobers General Conference was 2 days before The Strike, Alex doesn't remember that weekend at all, he doesn't remember painting his wooden apple, he doesn't remember eating steak at his friends house.  Now 6 months later with the help of his "friend" (shes now his girlfriend) he painted a wooden star to add to our Craft Collection. So much has changed in 6 months, so much good has come to us.  We have met so many wonderful people, Danes parents for example, I didn't know Tim and Leslie prior to this.  Last week we all got together for dinner, it was fun to hang out with them, the boys are doing good.

I read through the blog again today...October 6th - Alex woke up - October 7th - Alex is breathing on his own....... I Read the comments posted by so many, THANK you for your support.  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

He's come a long way

The video below was taken October 14, 2010 and aired at Tuachan during the Alex and Dane Benefit Concert.  Since Alex wasn't able to be at Tuachan, UMC filmed this video of him to play in between some of the amazing acts. The money that was raised that night has helped pay for Alex's many medical bills.  Going through his bills is a full time job, my mom had been helping me with that but now that shes back home in Phoenix fighting her own health battle (bone cancer) I've taken that job on. I took this picture last month of Alex bills.

This video makes me sad yet so proud every time I watch it.  I'm sad to see the burns on Alex, the feeding tube and lack of life in him when this was filmed.  I'm proud to see how far hes come since then.  He could have given up, he could still be in a wheel chair, but he's not.  To watch this video from October, then watch the TV interviews just 5 months later..... I'm a proud mom! Alex is a tough boy! He's come a long way!

Good Morning America & The Early Show Links

For those of you that missed the interviews - below are links to both shows.
Thanks ABC & CBS for the amazing experience


GMA VIDEOS:

Teens Survive Lightning Strike

Two boys survive lightning strikes outside school that stopped their hearts.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/teens-survive-lightning-strike-13147072

GMA STORY:

Teens Survive Lightning Strike, Lived to Tell

17-Year-Old Utah Teen Recalls Waking Up After Accident: 'I Kinda Thought I Was in Hell'

http://abcnews.go.com/US/teens-survive-lightning-strike-recount-waking-hospital-recovery/story?id=13144714

Teens describe lightning strike recovery 

Early Show STORY:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7359825n&tag=related;photovideo

Great Story by KLAS in Vegas

Thanks for the Story KLAS!!!!  I agree with you, the Doctors and Nurses at UMC made correct decisions and saved the boys lives.

I remember being in the ER and Dr.  Sterett saying "I need to know now if CPR was started with in 1-2 minutes or 2-3 minutes".  He said that would determine the care that would be given to the boys.  He later told us that since CPR was started with in the 1-2 minute time frame he treated them as though they would live and fully recover.  One more minute and their outcome could have been a lot different.

Thanks again to ALL that stepped up to save Alex and Dane.
Kaleen aka Alex's mom

http://www.8newsnow.com/story/14265932/utah-teens-struck-by-lightning-speak-out

Three Days in the Big Apple

Well, Kaleen was right, we definitely did not have enough time on the morning programs to thank all of the people involved in the boys rescue and recovery, we would need at least an hour long show for that. We also didn't get to see all that we wanted to see or do all that we wanted to do, but we packed quite a lot into our short visit to New York City!
Some of our adventures included a Broadway show (Mary Poppins), Time Square shopping and restaurants, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and a subway ride to China Town, just to name a few.
We had a great time traveling with the Lambson/Talley family too; although things were hectic at times (with 11 of us traveling, hotel and flight issues...), I was so glad we were there together!
Being in New York for the interviews also made me think of Lara Eustermann and the interview she did on the Today show a few years ago. I'll never forget that morning, I was getting ready for work when her miraculous story came on the TV. I was so amazed that she had survived a lightning strike and I remember thinking how brave her mother was and how hard it must have been with Lara's two young children witnessing the strike. I was sobbing! Little did I know that in the not so distant future, we would be facing a similar situation with Dane and Alex.
I've included the link to Lara's interview for anyone that would like to watch it. She has been Alex and Dane's biggest fan and we can't thank her enough for her words of encouragement and her inspiration!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/22078060#22078060

Love to you and your family Lara!

Leslie (Dane's mom)

I thought I should add to the awesome pictures that Kaleen posted yesterday :)

What an Experience!

WOW!!!  What an incredible experience we had the past 4 days while in New York City.
The past 5 months led us to this experience and because of The Strike we have met so many amazing people, people we never would have had the opportunity to meet.  So much good has come from this, I just feel bad that Alex is in so much pain and suffers with disabilities.  Being on ABC & CBS was great, there was so much I had wanted to say and so many people I had wanted to thank on national TV, but with only a few minutes per show, that wasn't possible.  I wanted to Thank my family & friends for all their help, love and never ending support.  Thank all the students and Responders for their heroic efforts, all the Doctors, Nurses & Staff at IHC ER, UMC Trauma & Burn Center, IHC Acute Rehab.  The ambulance drivers, EMT's, Life Flight Pilots & Nurses.  All of Alex's local Doctors and Pharmacist along with their staff.  Dr. Chalmers for allowing Alex to be treated by Calmare at Spero. This treatment has allowed him to receive pain relief from his nerve pain which allows him to progress in his life.  The Teachers and Admin at Washington County School District.  His Coaches, Cross County & Debate teams.  The Companies that have donated products and those that have donated money. ALL of you have made Alex's progress possible and we thought of you all while on our trip to New York.  We had a great time traveling with Danes family,  here are some photos that show our journey there.

ABC sent a vehicle to take us to Vegas airport

Getting ready to board plane

We're in the Big Apple

Having Fun

Our favorite store

Kiel L, Parker L, Alex & Dane

Eating

Site seeing

Receiving Calmare treatment on Staten Island compliments of CTT http://www.calmarett.com/  

Taking a ferry

Pre Show breakfast at 5:30am 

Green Room at CBS

CBS

CBS Producer with Boys

Off to ABC

Kiel enjoying the Green Room

Getting mic'd

Flying back