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