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.

December brunch & manicure

Suzie had a great time, and some delicious french toast, with a group of us this past Sunday.


After brunch she, Jenny, Janine and Kay went for a manicure - Suzie chose brilliant PINK, of course.




If you want to visit Suzie, her parents can be contacted at 212-598-0467. They live in Stuyvesant Town near 14th Street and Aveune A and they welcome visitors.

It's usually easiest to meet Suzie outside of their building and take a stroll around the Stuyvesant Oval with her and her caregiver.

However, Suzie loves to be social, so if you want to take her shopping or out for dinner, just call the Moons and arrange it. It's not difficult and, as I said, they welcome it.

Happy Holidays.

Sunday, Dec. 20th

Suzie's heading for a holiday brunch and a manicure Sunday. Brunch will be in the E. Village around 1:30pm. Manicures will happen around 3pm. If you want/can attend give me call. 347.782.2204.

november news

As many of you know several of us took Suzie out to dinner a few weeks ago. She had a great time - we all did. The group included Jenny Moss, Will McKinley, Scott Peehl and Tim Holm. I'd encourage everyone to move beyond the "visitation" mode with Suzie and engage her in an activity. Take her shopping. Go to a movie. Go out to dinner. As we all know, she's a party girl and you'll all have an excellent time. We certainly did. Her love for margaritas has not diminished at all. Cheers, Suzie.

News from Suzie's sister

Hello Everyone,
Maybe you already know but I just came back from Poland and run into Suzie's sister today and she told me that the family was contacted by NYU and Suzie is going everyday though intense rehabilitation. The reason is that she belongs to a small percentage
of brain damaged patients who qualify for their program. Mostly because Suzie is so young and has surpassed the doctor's original prognosis. She said that Suzie is doing really well. They are trying to activate her brain. She mentioned stemsel research.
It all sounds very promising . Cindy said that Suzie will be in this therapy through november and probably it will be difficult to catch her until then. I am just forwarding what Cindy told me. Hope you al had a great summer.
Love
Danusia

More Photos of the Birthday Queen and Friends!

More photos of the talented Ms. Moon and her friends (human and canine) at her birthday bash.

What a perfect day!

Adrian

NYTimes Article

There's an article in today's NYTimes that talks about brain injury. The article is about a specific man and his specific brain injury, but the science of brain pathways and recovery is, it seems, somewhat universal. The biggest key to recovery is activity, mental and social activity. Here's the web page for those interested:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/health/research/09brain.html?hp#