Update on Suzie

Hi, everyone. I just want to post up some recent developments and updates on Suzie for those of you who haven't seen her in a while.

Suzie is currently getting physical and occupational therapy three times a week. Her therapy is definitely paying off (more on this later.) In addition, Suzie has a special laptop computer at home to help her with speech therapy. She showed me how the laptop works the other day. I was impressed with both the laptop and Suzie's ability to navigate around the different applications. The laptop is a special apple notebook. I think the app is called SmartTalk. Anyway, it has very large icons of different speech exercises. Suzie is able to navigate using either a normal touch mouse or a stylus pen on the laptop screen. It has quizzes and practice exercises. She's been using it every day. There has been improvement in Suzie's vocabulary although she is still struggling to communicate. In one instance, Suzie's father was on the way out and he said something to Suzie in Korean. She translated, "hospital" to me. Suzie's mother later explained that he was going to a doctor's appointment.

Now for the exciting news: Suzie is showing some improvement in the movement of the right side of her body. During my visit today, I noticed that there were handrails setup in the hallway of the apartment, leading to the bathroom. I asked Suzie's mother if Suzie is able to use the rail to walk. She said, "Yes." I was a bit skeptical and said, "Even if she can't move the right side of her body?" She said, "Yes" again. I sat next to Suzie. We continued watching AFV (America's Funniest Video - it's Suzie's favorite TV show followed by Deal or No Deal.) She said to me, "Look." I didn't know what she was referring to but when I looked down, there it was. Her right foot lifted up 5 inches off the floor and then down and up and down. This is HUGE!! This is the side of her body that she has not been able to move. In fact, I didn't think she would ever be able to move it. I could not believe it. She was so proud and happy. She was crying with joy. She tried to also show me something she has been able to do with her right hand. Unfortunately, whatever it was, she was not able to do it today.

I told her that I would post this up on her blog to let all her friends know. I explained that her friends have started a blog to help keep everyone informed about her status. She was so moved that she started crying again.

Her sister, Cindy, has taken Suzie to a few movies, which is a great idea. Suzie has seen Avatar, Sherlock Holmes and Nine. She has seen more movies than I have!

If you haven't seen Suzie in a while, please pay her a visit. She looks forward to having visitors. Even if it's just to sit with her to watch the latest episode of AFV. Her therapy is usually on Mon, Wed and Fri's so it's best if you visit her on the other days of the week. Just give her parents a call beforehand.