From the Front
Hi all ,
Wow its busy! From getting Derek from place to place for rehab and helping with Robin it has been busy. Robin had her red cast put on today. We go back next Thursday for appointment (they said she could possibly need surgery ?). She will do anything to get out of chores at the Ronald Mcdonald House , Ha!.
Derek is doing well in rehab , he used an arm bike for twenty minutes today which strengthens his arms , shoulders ,lungs , and gives him endurance. We ordered Derek pizza and lemonade for lunch his eyes were as big as silver dollars from all the sugar in the lemonade , ha!. He has been eating this unseasoned bland hospital food for five weeks so when he took a bite of that pizza he just savored every bite (and needless to say he ordered pizza for dinner). Derek said he had feeling and movement in his index finger and thumb, I know it doesn’t sound like much but it means alot to him and us. His arm and shoulder movement is increasing in range with help the therapists had him sitting on the side of a padded table and had to put his arms behind him to support himself for five minutes , then in the same sitting position with help he had to lean forward on his elbows and hold himself up. Last night he had three nurses give him a bubble bath (he came back with a big smile on his face ).
Derek came back from a therapy session yesterday and had yellow Michigan jersey on his bed with a autograph #35 , no card or letter , the nurse came in and said it was signed by Marty Turco ! Two u18 USA players came by last night (Murray #33 ,Wrenn #19) and brought an autographed USA jersey from the whole team,wow! The local Ann Arbor team also brought and autographed jersey! Derek has recieved get well cards and gift certificates from all over the country , amazing! So many young hockey players have sent hand written letters and get well wishes. Derek just loves reading all the letters ,each letter,jersey,card,and prayers help him get through his day.
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to support Derek!
Mike (dad)
Hi Mike! I would love to possibly organize a fundraiser within the “hair community”. I need to speek with you or Robin first. Call me at 479-1092 on any evening. I am thinking of each of you daily and praying for Dereks best possible outcome. XXOO, Sandy Dodd
Hey Zike Family,
Miss you all and are glad to hear that Derek is working hard and getting better. We are gearing up for state and selling Derek’s stickers and wristbands. Tell Derek we could use a prayer from him to get us through this weekend! We will see you all in a week or so. We will text you later to let you know when. Take care and keep up the good work!
Tina Richardson
Hi Mike and Robin, we pray for Derek and your family everyday here in DC. We check the website everyday and love reading the good news. It sounds like Derek is making great strides.
Bob Lewis
Mike - Hang in there. Sounds like you all have an excellent support system. Mike French has rallied the troops from the Class of 80 and we are putting some sort of fundraiser together. We have Missy Beyl and Brian Meyer among others, so it will get done. I have also started a Mary Kay fundraiser on my own since I don’t play hockey.
Back when we were kids running around and acting stupid in Sellersburg, who would have ever dreamed where we would all be today? I am so proud that you have grown up to be such a good father and husband. Your wife, Robin seems great, too! Can’t wait to meet her when things level off. And they will, believe me.
Just wanted you to know that your high school friends are thinking about you, derek and your family. You are in our prayers!
Carol