From the Front
We have had a busy few days. All had a great visit with relatives from Pittsburgh (superbowl champs) and Indy. Derek got really great massages for 2 days from his cousin Kristen. I think it helped move him forward in the progress he has had since.
Monday the attending respitory doc came to us 1st thing on Monday talking trach. I told her he had good xrays all weekend and had spent 4hr stretches on the candula all weekend that we were seeing improvement. She explained her 13 yr experience and I told I didn’t doubt her experience. I just believed her to have a snapshot of where he was on Thurs and Friday after surgery. She took xrays gave his lungs an A+ and started respitory bootcamp. He has been off the bipap 9-10 hrs at a time and did rehab all this week from a reclined wheel chair for 45min sessions! WHOOO HOOOO! They did a swallow study today and said it was perfect. So guess who had a panera smoothie today?! Guess who brought it to him? The RT gal that has single handedly (almost) brought his lungs back. By the way it was her day off also. So prayers are working keep them coming.
We are putting a blank map of the US up as a visual of where all prayers are coming from. The emails and calls make us feel like it is everywhere. We are hanging it Derek’s room. So keep letting us know where you are and where the prayers are coming from.
I am so happy I could bust! Best day since we have been here!
Robin (mom)
Alleluia!!!!! Hugs and Prayers from Indy! Love, Ruth
WE ARE SOSOSOSOOOO happy for Derek and the whole family - the power of
having family around and having a mom that truly KNOWS in her heart what is best for her children goes ALONG way !!! You have all the prayers and good wishes coming your way from Geneva and Batavia Illinois !!! Hang in there, stay tough - this is the hardest game you will have had to play BUT you will WIN !!!
Thank you for taking the time to share your good news. That cannot be easy, but you must know by now that the entire hockey community has Derek’s health on their mind and we are so grateful for your report. What a blessing your report is and helps all of us remain thankful for what we have and to continue sending those prayers your way. God Bless! Robin, don’t forget to let the Fury know whatever you need, no matter what. We are all here for you.
I am so happy to hear the good news. I was Derek’s second grade teacher. I have been praying daily ever since I found out. My prayers will continue. I remember how much Derek loved hockey and all hands on activities. He was all boy! What a joy to know him and have had him in class. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will continue to be not only with Derek but the entire Zike family. I am now teaching at Geist Elementary and I have my fellow teachers praying too! Hugs to all.
WOOOT!!! You are constantly in our prayers. We are so happy to hear of this good news. And thanks for taking the time to give us all updates, I know how exhausted you must be and to keep up with it all can be so draining. Give everyone a big hug from us!
What wonderful news!! Hearing of Derek’s progress is heart warming. I check here every day for news and pray every day for him. Jessica and Chris both send their prayers as well. From one Hockey Mom to another, stay strong for him Robin….I know you will. Both you and your husband are incredible parents!
Hello family just want to send my thoughts and prayers to all of you. I have sent out mass e-mails in hopes of you all being taken care of in all ways possible.
Big Hugs and All my Love,
Deanna
So glad to read the update and the good news. Your upbeat message did my heart good. You continue to be on my mind and in my prayers. Hang in there and keep the faith.
Many blessing to your family.
Kathy Miller/Indy
Please add Virginia to your Prayer Map. We will keep Derek and your family in our prayers. The Callahan Family
Good to hear! Keep going!
Zike family: Garrett, Hunter, Wyatt and I have been following Derek’s progress along with the rest of the hockey and Fishers communities. Although it’s been some time since we’ve spoken know that you are all in our daily prayers and thoughts. Hunter and Wyatt mentioned how tough Derek is and are pulling for his continued progress. I know how resiliant you guys are as parents and know you’ll get through this. We are all here for you. God Bless.
Just found out about Derek’s injury today. Kathy Miller gave me the update and website to follow his progress. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Continue to stay tough and keep the faith. God Bless!!
The Yovanovich Family/Indy
Derek, and of course Robin and Mike, we think of you all daily and have been looking at the website for good news on a daily basis as well. Derek, we will be rooting for you from Indiana and hope you continue to improve quickly. It looks like you are receiving prayers and support from far and wide which is wonderful. Keep working hard to get better. Robin and Mike, I hope you are taking care of yourselves as well. Please take care.
Amy and Clark Russell, and JT Turner
My son plays mite hockey in a suburb of Buffalo. We heard about your son and we pray every day for his speedy recovery. I firmly believe that God will not give you more than you can handle, and that there is a larger than life reason your son was put on this earth. Thank you for sharing your story and for giving all of us parents one more reason to kiss our children today.
stay strong,connecticut