November 2003 Update

Marla’s right eye is continuing to heal and improve from her October 3rd corrective surgery at Presbyterian-St. Luke’s to help compensate for the loss of eye muscle control that resulted from the cranial nerve damage experienced in the accident. For the first few weeks following the surgery, Marla had little control over her right eye, and it wandered, causing dizziness and disorientation. As she has healed and her motor control has returned, her eye alignment has improved. She still experiences some double- vision, but her dizziness and disorientation are gone. Her eye is slowly adjusting and returning to a more natural position, and hopefully her double-vision will be eliminated. This process may take several more months. However, Marla’s physicians seem encouraged by her progress.

Marla’s speech continues to improve incrementally. She surprises Mary and Leo from time to time by combining new words into a sentence! This is always exciting because her speech still primarily flows 2-3 words at a time.

Marla has enjoyed the autumn so far, with a visit to the Ocean Journey aquarium in early October. And pumpkin carving, of course, with friends Missy and Steffie on Halloween. On November 13th, Marla and Leo dropped in at Malley Drive Elementary School, the School at which Marla first taught, for a surprise visit. She really enjoyed hugs and laughs with her many good friends and fellow teachers there, and basked in their warm welcome.

Marla, Mary, and Leo are returning to Glenwood Springs for Thanksgiving, and plan to stay at Leo and Mary’s home there through the holidays until the New Year.

Thanks for checking in on Marla’s progress! We encourage you to stop in the Messages section to say hi, and also to visit the Photo Gallery for recent pictures! We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone’s support–we have so much to be thankful for in this holiday season. Warmest wishes to all for a season filled with love, joy, and wonder, and the company of family and friends.

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