DATE CHANGE

Hey kids,

Suzie will actually be leaving on Nov 6th to another rehab not the 7th.. we still dont know where so stay tuned. she looks great and is doing well. she started standing this week and she is requesting red nail polish:) lol

have a great weekend.. j

Dr. Oz: What Really Happen to Your Brain During a Stoke...

Everyone:

I know this blog is really about visits and updates about Suzie (and I did have 3 wonderful visit during my recent visit to NYC) but I was watching Oprah this morning (Oct. 21, 2008) and the show was on stroke patients with Brain injuries. The main guest was a Doctor who had suffered a stroke and was describing what she felt like in the hospital with staff and visitors. I found the show very informative on how to deal with a patient with brain injuries. I would have definitely loved to have had some of this information prior to my visits.

Please watch or read...

Here is the link:

http://www.oprah.com/dated/oprahshow/oprahshow_20080904_stroke

Thanks,

Mr. Tracy (who loves his Suzie Moon!)

Friday Visit

Hey All,

Betsy Allen and I went to see Suzie on Friday. We had a great visit. I walked in and said " Suzie i brought someone." Suzie looked up and Said "Betsy" with a big Suzie smile.. " Mr. Moon tried to put Suzie's head piece on her chair (thinking she would want it) Suzie told him she didn't want it she could not see with it on. (finally after her saying it more then once mr. moon got the hint and we all laughed because Suzie was getting her way:) We stayed and talked with Suzie for a bit. she told us she ate a Banana and a piece of a burger? (not sure about the second one:) she said something about stepping on stairs soon. We gave her some work updates and she made some funny Suzie comments from time to time. Suzie said "betty and high school friends were here." (i know betty mentioned she visited with the girls last week) This was the first visit i had that Suzie was trying to have a full conversation with us. She loved the team Suzie shirt that fred made for her. she even held it for a bit and then looked at betsy and said " have great friends". Just an update Suzie is now not being moved till Nov 7th. yeaaaaaaa

Suzie Laughs

Joined Scott Peehl. Tim Holm and her *Chicago Surprise* Tracy Muchesko last night for an evening visit. She was just finishing dinner with my favorite nurse Persia. She asked us to wait until she was through feeding her so she wouldn't be distracted. Walking in with these boys by my side was great. Suzie lit up like a kid on Christmas morn. She just kept repeating "You guys" and beaming. After perusing the crowd a couple of times she truly recognized Mister Muchesko and he literally took her breath away. I had mentioned that a friend of ours was going on a date tonight. She was extrremely excited about this possibility for our friend. It was really cute:) I was looking through her Madonna song book and asked her Suzie are you like a virgin"? She laughed and the I asked "Or are you a Material Girl"? She laughed again and answered swiflty and confidetnly "Material Girl". We got quite of few giggles out of her, she loves her boys. The radio happened to be on as I was walking around to the right side of the bed mid-way thru the visit Stevie Wonder was singing "I just called to say I love you"-I started singing to which Suzie chimed in & the boys joined us. She knew the whole chorus and was perfect. Those moments are incredible and we all got a little misty. Scott said, "Damn her now I have to like a Stevie Wonder song". As we were leaving we asked what she would like us to bring her on our next visit. Without missing a bit she said EVERYTHING!�

THANK YOU!

Hi Team Suzie,

I just wanted to send everyone a HUGE THANK YOU! Last night was a success because of all of you. Thank you to all the bands that donated their time and talent to raise money for Suzie and thank you to everyone that came as well as sent money to support Ms. Moon. Last night we raised $5,390 in three hours (WOW) also adding in donations that have been mailed to myself, jenny and Leona the total amount so far is almost $7,000.

Thanks for the continued support for Suzie . I feel privileged to know each of you and be part of such an amazing group of people!

SUZIE IS HUNGRY!

Great news. Suzie is now eating solid food three times per day.

I visited at 5 PM on Monday afternoon, just in time for dinner. Suzie's nurse Persia was helping her eat soup, beef souffle, apple sauce and tapioca pudding. The pudding was a big hit, as was the cranberry juice that Suzie drank through a straw. Actually guzzled would be a better word.

"Very perfect food," Suzie raved.

Persia told me that Monday was the first day that Suzie ate solid food at all meals. Her appetite was great, and she even asked for corn, which unfortunately was not on the menu. But Persia promised to make a special request.

Suzie's mom and aunt also came in during dinner, and spoke to her in Korean. Suzie repeated Korean phrases back to them, which made them both very happy.

I asked Suzie if anyone from MJM had been by to visit.

"Pat and Lauren," she said.

"And Janine?" I asked.

"Janine Panico," Suzie said.

I told her about my trip to Boca Raton with Danusia last week for MJM, and how Sarah Palin had made a campaign stop at our hotel. (I also explained who Palin was, in case Suzie hadn't heard about America's favorite hockey mom.) Then I mentioned that Danusia had yelled "Go Obama!" at McCain supporters who were lined up along the road to the hotel.

"Go Obama!" Suzie yelled back at me. So I guess we know who she supports.

It had been more than a week since I last saw Suzie, and I found her to be much more responsive than on my last visit. She showed off her strength by giving my hand a few big, hard squeezes, and she was clearly enjoying eating food again. Each time Persia would give her something new, Suzie thanked her. She even fed herself a bit.

I talked a bit more about work and, before I left, I asked Suzie if she remembered my name. In all my visits she has never greeted me by name.

"Betty?" she said. Her mom and aunt laughed and so did Suzie.

I leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"Will!" Suzie said in a raised voice, her eyes wide, as if it was all coming back to her.

That was a great moment.

Looking forward to seeing all of Suzie's NYC crew tonight at 7 PM at The R Bar, 218 Bowery, between Prince and Spring Street. (R/W to Prince, 6 to Spring, F/V to Second Ave.)

Team SUZIE Update Monday Oct 13th

Hi All,

Just a few updates. Suzie is starting to eat food now. (Betty fed her a bit yesterday and Suzie did great) The rehab is starting to get her off the feeding tube. Mia Spoke with Suzie's sister the other night who told us Suzie will be moved to a Rehab in Queens on Oct 23rd maybe before then. Once we have more details we will pass them along. Cindy (Suzie's sister) is still trying to get Suzie moved to a Rehab in the city but as of now she will be moved to queens. As most of you have noticed Suzie has started to move her right side. The doctors are asking that anyone that visits sit or stand to her right side. This is so she gets used to using that side of her body. I know we all (including myself) tend to stay to her left because she seems comfortable that way but force yourself to go to her right. Suzie has her good days and her bad days. So if you happen to get Suzie on a bad day don't get frustrated or upset go again and the next time she will have a good day.

We are awaiting more detailed information on Suzie's progress and future recovery process from her Sister. Once we know we will pass it on.

Just a reminder Tomorrow Tuesday (Oct 14th) is Suzie's benefit.

Hope to see you all there!

My Best Visit with Suzie!

I had a great visit with Suzie tonight. As soon as I walked in, Suzie exclaimed, "Betty!" She and I chatted a bit. I asked her if her foot is still bothering her and she said, "A little." I showed her recent pictures of my son and she ooh'ed and aah'ed. When she held my hand, her grip was firm.

After 15 minutes, Suzie's friends from junior high school, Jessica and Cindy, joined me in Suzie's room. Suzie was so happy to see them. The three of us talked to Suzie. She was in excellent spirits and she LAUGHED. It was the first time I heard Suzie laugh in a very long time. She was a little tired but she was alert and very in control. She didn't have any of the outbursts I've seen in past visits.

It was such a great visit. It was so great seeing Suzie happy. We were all happy at the end of the visit.

Friday visit

hey all,

went to see Suzie on Friday it was a very short but a good visit. Suzie's mom said she had a good day of therapy. she made sure we noticed Suzie's legs moving:) Kay mentioned to Suzie she was going to be out of town for a month and Suzie said "ohhhhhhh" Kay said " do you want to come? Suzie said okay... ummmm no.. she also mentioned betty a few times. "You spoke to betty?, betty was here, and then i think she just said betty again. (we told her betty would be visiting after the weekend) she was pretty tired but looked great. her right arm is up placed in a cushion thing and I asked her mom how it was doing and she said okay.i also tried to order suzie more TV time but mommy moon said the doctors said only the radio right now but that she would ask again. The nurses not only ate all of Noelle's cookies but they want more and wanted the recipe... mission accomplished Noelle!

Videotape Assistance Needed for Fundraiser

Hi All~

We're looking to videotape the fundraiser event on Tuesday, October 14 at the R-Bar. Does anyone have a resource who could handle this request? I'm putting out the word to some key people but thought it couldn't hurt to ask here as well. 

Let me know either with a post here or shoot me an e-mail at miapinto1@aol.com.

Thanks and Go Team Suzie!

Mia

Thursday night shift

hey gang,

Betty we must have just missed you. Myself. primavera and pat went to go see suzie at 5:30. She was in very good spirits but was very tired. she said a few words like thank you and yes and okay. Pat asked if she could polish Suzies nails and Suzie smiled and said Okay and put up her hand:) once again today Suize was moving even more then Monday. She literally lifted her head, arms legs and her right leg is moving...yeaaaaaaa
Betty i will make sure her tv is working tomorrow i turned it on today and was wondering why it wouldn't work (now i know)

Suzie did have a bit of pain. when i asked where the pain was she said here.. (pointing to her leg) i also asked the nurse and they seem to be on it. we lotiond suzies legs and feet which she liked (for whomever goes next) all and all she is getting stronger and stronger everyday. today i totally saw our suzie. it made me leave with a smile.. Our girl is such a fighter.. xoxox janine

Suzie - Thursday Oct 2nd

I visited Suzie twice today. In the afternoon, Suzie was in a wheelchair in front of the nurses' station. She seemed to be in the same state that Will reported. Every once in a while, she would reach down to her ankle and say, "No. No. Pain." The nurses tell me that they have assessed her and she is not in pain and that it is mostly neurological...although they did say that she is on pain medication. When I asked her where it hurts, she looked at me calmly, put her hand on her thigh and said, "Over here." So I can see why she's frustrated. She's trying to say she's in pain but is being told that she is not.

I think Suzie is resisting the restraints on her. She keeps trying to pull at the seat belt that is securing her to the chair. When she reaches down, it looks like she is trying to get the splint off her left foot. Unfortunately, the splint cannot be removed. It is needed to hold her foot up in a certain position. What is incredible is that Suzie is able to reach down with her hand and bring her left leg up so that she is touching her ankle.

Suzie was calmer this evening. She was very quiet before she saw me. However, once she saw me, she got upset and tried to reach down for her foot again. She did calm down again after a while and drifted off to sleep.

Would someone mind reordering the TV for Suzie? The order I put through last week expired. I tried to reorder it tonight but after holding for 20 minutes, I hung up because I didn't want to spend the remaining 15 minutes of visiting hours on the phone. (I think there is less hold time during the day.) I won't be able to go back to the hospital until next week so won't have a chance to reorder it for her. I usually order it for a week but you can order it for as little as one day. To reorder, turn the tv on and call the phone number on the screen.

Thank you all for your continued support for Suzie.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON VISIT

I went to visit Suzie on Tuesday afternoon at 4:45.

She had finished her therapy for the day and was in bed, awake but looking exhausted. She caught a glimpse of me at the sink outside her door, doing my pre-visit hand washing. She smiled and waved.

I noticed a few things immediately. She is much more active than the last time I saw her just a few days ago. Not active in the sense of getting up and walking around, but squirming, wiggling, raising herself up in bed.

The difficult part of this is, her movement often seemed to be discomfort-related. She would yell out “pain” and hold her left hand to her head while lifting her back off the bed and crunching toward her leg.

The pain seemed to go in waves and, when it would subside, she would calm down and re-engage with me.

I sat down on a chair next to her bed. She reached out her left hand and held mine. I asked her how she was doing.

“Fight,” she said. “You can fight.”

“You’re fighting to get better,” I said. "You have to keep fighting."

I told her about some things that were happening at work, and she widened her eyes and said, “Oh.” It was clear to me that she was reacting to what I was saying. Then I told her that Benjamin Solotaire said hello. Suzie said his name and smiled. She also said “the beach.” And then she said something surprising.

“You have an opening?” she asked.

“Damian does,” I said. “Damian has an opening tonight.”

I knew from everyone at MJM that Damian Costilla, one of our PAs, had an art opening that same night. I wonder if someone told Suzie. If not, it’s an odd coincidence.

She repeated it again, more definitively. “You have an opening.”

I sat there for a while, holding her hand, until one of the nurses came in and I said goodbye.

From the hallway I heard her yell “Pain!” three times, much louder than she had yelled when I was in the room . I hope the nurse was giving her something to make her feel better.

Then she yelled “Why why why?”

I’m glad she didn’t ask me that when I was in the room, because I don’t have a good answer for her. She doesn’t deserve this fucked up thing that has happened to her, but she‘s fighting hard to deal with it.