Derek Zike Get Well Fund

Hi all,

Derek has been working hard all week in therapy building more endurance each day. Physical therapy has had him laying on his stomach raising his head and rolling side to side. He has been using arms and hand splints to feed himself,  the first day was cereal which was quite messy then fruit which allowed him to stick it with a fork.  Last night when Sam, Taylor and I arrived we witnessed Derek voluntarily moving his right and left big toes after we told him to move right-left,  right-left.  This was a good sign and he had feeling in his toes also.

While I was at home Wednesday night,  some great friends, neighbors came to the house to volunteer their time and effort to remodel our house for Derek. They are turning the den into a full roll in shower with a sunken floor and a toilet and sink with room to maneuver, its really cool and should be rather easy to make the conversion. They have a plan to turn the living room into his bedroom and a side closet.  There will be a ramp in the garage and one at the front door.

Robin had x-rays on her arm and the doctors said they are going to wait two more weeks to see if the bone knits together before they determine whether she needs a plate installed or not ?  She went from a red cast to (UGLY WHITE !) she said.  I guess she will just have to get  ugly white shoes and purse to match, ha!.

Went to Chicago Thursday to see the Fury game and pick up Taylor,  I first of all would like to thank the Jensen family for housing Taylor this season. They had their hands full with Taylor he is high maintenance and a non stop social chatterbox (love you, Taylor!). And then with all that has gone on with Derek, the Jensen family has rallied around my son and family. Taylor said he will miss Matt Jensen he was like having a big brother , and Mrs Jensens cooking and support, and Mr Jensen and warm sense of humor and creative cooking (deer this , deer that,ha!) and great peanut brittle. We will enjoy having Taylor home, I know his friends in Fishers have missed him.

The Fury played in their best of three championship game Thursday against Team Illnois, the game was extremely exciting with the Fury holding a two goal lead for most of the game until the third period and penalties eventually took its toll against an very talented opponent.  The Fury play the next two games at their home ice which should give the them an opportunity to tie it up today and wrap it up Sunday.  These young men started the season at Ranger camp and have battled and stuck by each others sides all of the way. They have rallied around their fallen teammate and have become one. They have sacrificed all for their teammate the last six weeks to get some big wins to get to State, and provide them the chance to win it all ! What ever the outcome these young men have learned about hard work, compassion, and the true meaning of team ! Go Fury !!!

I had the opportunity to meet Christina Granato Wellhausen of the famous Granato hockey family during her visit with her husband Kevin and two beautiful daughters (Baylee and Brookie) at the Carmel rink in Indiana last weekend.   Christina  introduced herself and said she was profoundly affected by the story about Derek.  She said that she wanted to help ,and she was going to contact the media to reach the masses.  She also was worried about Taylor and Sam so,  she so kindly set up a meeting with Sam and Sidney Crosby at the Penguins practice at the United Center in Chicago Friday morning.  Wow!   Sam was so excited he had a Crosby jersey autographed and pictures taken with Sid.  Christina also has set up a meeting with Jerome Iginla of the Calgary Flames during the Redwings game (his favorite team).  She also is working on a meeting between Alexander Ovechkin via e-mail or phone.  Thank you Christina 

Also wanted the thank Jack O’Callahan (1980 MIRACLE TEAM) for calling Derek and encouraging him.  Also would like to thank Joe  Exter of the USA NATIONAL TEAM for getting Derek an autographed Alexander Ovechkin jersey last week, Derek was sooooo excited!   We heard there might be a Mike Babcock sighting of the Detroit Redwings.  All the hockey community, and friends have been working on a benefit for Derek on March 21st at the Fishers Forum hockey rink in Fishers, Indiana, that includes a All-Star game , silent auction, and bake sale, and open skate.  Fliers are being made up now and we will get them out as soon as possible. Thanks to William Golling of the Chrysler dealership in Bloomfied Hills, Michigan for their very generous donation especially during these tough economic times in the auto industry! If anyone wants wrist bands I am at home now and I can mail them to you, they are five dollars each and the money goes towards Derek Zike special needs fund.

Mike (dad)