Tuesday 11-9-10 - Alex

It was like Christmas this week (and its only Tuesday).  Sunday the boys got their Twin Lab gift baskets, Monday Alex was given a Power Balance Band (http://www.balanceband.com/) then today Fallen (http://www.fallenfootwear.com/)  sent Shoes, T-shirts, Hats, Wallets, Backpacks, Socks and Hoodies for the boys.  Alex was wearing his favorite pair of Fallen shoes when he was struck (which they don't make anymore), his step dad contacted Fallen to see if they might have an extra pair of that style lying around their warehouse that we could get (Alex doesn't like change).  They didn't have that style but they said they would be happy to send both boys lots of products, which they did today.  It was also like Christmas for me today, Alex "walked" down the hall.  I didn't get to see it, but his PT said he did great!  I'll take the gift of recovery all day long!  I also talked to our friend "the Proffessor from Vegas"  he is looking forward to Alex getting out of the hospital and said he would come give a lecture on Lightning here in STG.  Thanks to everyone who has helped with the boys recovery. 

Alex Update November 7th

I wish I could post little updates everyday because everyday Alex has an update, an improvement. But now that I'm back in STG and back to "life" I am pulled in so many ways. I'm fortunate enough to return to my job at Stevens-Henager College (they allowed me to be gone for over 3 weeks and are still being very flexible with me and all of Alex's appts), Im trying to resume my many carpools, scouts and just day to day living in addition to having Alex still in the hospital.  Thank goodness I haven't had to cook, meals have been brought over each night along with cookies and treats.
Alex had a GREAT week.  He is making improvements everyday. His Physical Therapy team is amazing  - they have figured out his personality and are using things to get him motivated.  I'm so grateful for the genuine concern the team of Doctors is showing for Alex.  He had an MRI on his Spine this week, they are constantly trying to figure out what is going on with him.    Just this week though Alex has learned to put his shirt and pants on, stand up with out assistance, move his pinkies and drum rollllllll,  he used his thumb to turn his Ipod on..  It's SO amazing  - just a month after being struck by lightning his burns have almost healed and his motor skills are slowly coming back.  This summer, at a LYW event I met Christine Heathman owner of Glymed  Products (http://www.glymedplus.com)   she is a Master Aesthetician  specializing in burns.  She heard about Alex and sent him a Skin Care Package that we started this week on his face and hands.  As soon as we get clearance from his Wound Doctor, we will start using it on his grafts.  This will help minimize his scaring.  We have been so fortunate with the outpouring of gifts and love towards the boys. Twin Labs was told about the Strike by Alex's step dad (http://www.twinlab.com) they did some research on the boys and offered to send any products that will help in their recovery, they too sent a Starter Package, once the boys doctors review it, they will start on that.  All of this is helping so much with their recovery.
Last night at The Electric Theater there was a benefit concert for the boys.  (http://www.theelectrictheater.com/)   Just like at the Tuacahn Concert (http://www.tuacahn.org/)  I was SO amazed at the talent we have in our town.  Last night kids from The Academy preformed, they were great!  They even played the Peaches song dedicated to Alex  - it was Awesome.  All those that preformed were great, a band from SLC even came down to play.  Thanks for everyone that attended, donated prizes to be raffled, the bands that played etc.  It was a great evening.  Thanks SO much - its so awesome to see good things come from this tragedy - last night brought unity and gave the kids something to do on a Saturday night and feel good about helping a cause.  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

Dane's doing very well....considering...

I wanted to update all of you about Dane's progress.
He has been able to eat without as much pain in the last few days so we are encouraged even though he had lost 1.5 pounds at his last weigh-in (Thursday). He also saw his Nutritionist Friday and had an Acupuncture session to help with digestion. He is feeling well enough to go with his friends to visit Alex in the hospital, and he is in Mesquite NV right now watching the SC High School Debate competition. I'm thinking that friends are one of the best medicines for Dane right now...

This photo is from Dane's Physical therapy on Friday morning, they said it was his best one yet! :)





I thought I would also show you the "Reverse Mohawk" he is sporting. It's actually starting to grow out a little bit (it was singed to his scalp and burned the skin underneath). Good thing he had a lot of hair so he could cover it up!

The burns on his feet are healing pretty well too, the body is an amazing thing. His sister took this picture on her cell phone and couldn't wait to delete it, lol.

We are very grateful to all of you for supporting these boys on this blog. They can feel the love and so can we as parents!

Links

CSB Early Show clip
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7025649n&tag=contentMain;contentBody

Boys were wearing Fallen shoes when the strike hit - this is on their link                                                    
www.blackboxdist.com    go to  News section

Boys are doing better everyday!  Thanks for all your support and interest!

The Early Show

Since "The Strike" all forms of the media have wanted "the boys".  We as parents decided to let the boys chose what National Morning Show they would appear on.  All 3 Networks have been in contact with us, and it looks like as soon as Alex is up to traveling we will go to New York to appear live on Good Morning America (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/).  The Early Show will air the boys from a previously taped interview that will air the same day as GMA.
However, today a crew from The Early Show is in town filming (not the boys). They are doing a Health Segment on Lightning tomorrow- informing viewers how important those first few minutes are after a strike. They are speaking with teachers, doctors and moms today.   Tune in Friday November 5th to CBS to see how you can help save a life.

PS - Alex moved both of his pinky's yesterday.  Huge Success!!!!!!!!!!  Kaleen aka Alex's mom

My family room turned into a TV set

The Early Show is an American television morning news talk show broadcast by CBS from New York City. The program airs from 7 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday Eastern Time. It airs live on most affiliates in the Eastern and Central Time Zones, but is tape delayed in the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones. The Early Show features news pieces, weather, celebrity interviews and light entertainment. Having premiered on November 1, 1999, it is the youngest of the major networks' morning shows. The show airs as a division of CBS News.  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SCHS Cross Country Party

Alex had a big day Sunday - he had about 10 visitors which ended up being way too many. His spirits loved seeing each and every one of you (and about 10 people stopped in while he was napping that he didn't even get to see) but his Neurons didn't love the stimulation all the visitors brought. He was cut off from visitors Monday and Tuesday afternoon to prepare him for his Cross Country Party.  One of his Coaches works for the hospital and was able to arrange to have their year end party at the hospital.  The team ate pizza and visited, then just before the slide show and awards Alex was brought into the room so that he could enjoy some time with his teammates.  He was in pain, but he enjoyed it.  He actually smiled and cracked a few jokes.  I think it was good for all the kids to see him.  Even though he is "different" from the last time they ran with him, he looks good and is in great spirits.  SCHS Cross Country team participated in State a few weeks ago, since Alex couldn't attend, they blew a picture up of Alex and glued it to pop cycle sticks and "took" him with them on the trip.  I cant wait to see all the pictures, I hear he had a great time.  I did see a few of the photos, there was one of him by the bus at the Maverick Country Store, one of him in a field of sunflowers.  His team wore stickers that said Alex on their jerseys while they ran.  Thanks for all the love and support - his team showed team spirit and what true athletes are made of.  These kids are Warrior Strong!  Thanks.  Kaleen aka Alex's mom (photo from a meet last year)

Monday November 1, 2010

Tonight is the Anniversary eve of the Strike - I think back to what we were doing 4 weeks ago.  It was Family Night and raining, Alex's 2 younger brothers were in their bathing suits playing football in the street.  Parker, ran into the house and said "Mom can I get struck by lightning?"  I replied "well technically you could, but you wont"  he smiled and ran back out into the rain and finished playing.  Less than 24 hours later I got "the call" telling me that Alex had been struck by lightning. The Principle told me he was with another boy, and I wasn't too surprised when I heard it was Dane.  Alex and Dane were always together.  I've tried to Thank everyone that has helped us and him (from meals, rides nursing care, doctors, EMT's, teachers, students etc), but as I read this blog, I keep finding out that there are SO many more people out there that have helped with Alex's progress.  And Progress is what he is doing.  He is getting better every day.  He is determined to be out of the hospital in 2 weeks.  He's getting great training and has a positive outlook, he just might make his goal.  Thank you for everything you have done and will do.  I'm grateful this tragedy has brought so much good.  People bonding together.  Thank you!  Kaleen aka Alex's mom