UPDATES
February 2005 Update
Marla is off to a good start in 2005! She continues to adapt to life in Glenwood Springs, and has made several new friends, including Leigh Phipps, at whose home Marla hand-made some artistic drink coasters as Christmas presents. Marla remains active in the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and has developed new friendships through the organization, as well.
Recently a number of other members and friends of the Glenwood Springs High School Class of 1991 came together in a spirit of generosity and caring to contribute toward Marla’s taking yet another step in her recovery. Many of her high school classmates donated towards getting an adaptive-recumbent bicycle that will allow her to enjoy a new measure of independence and mobility. The bicycle will be especially fit and adapted to Marla’s needs, with controls on the left side. Marla will travel to Denver to be fitted within the next few months, so that the bike may be constructed in time for her to use this spring and summer. She and her family are already looking forward to fun and exciting bicycle outings together! We are continually amazed at the generosity and caring of Marla’s wonderful community of friends and classmates. We express our heartfelt thanks to you.
Marla’s right arm continues to heal from her December surgery to repair and stabilize the break in the forearm. She has had a couple of scares recently, with a fall on ice on the driveway of Mary and Leo’s home in Glenwood Springs, in which she bashed her injured arm on the way to the ground. Fortunately, the fall does not appear to have caused any injury to the tender artificial elbow. Needless to say, Marla and Mary and Leo are taking extra precautions when walking in wintry weather!
Marla’s eye physician finally, with some coaxing on a recent visit, agreed to release the stitches holding the corner of her right eye partially closed. The damage to her cranial nerves has resulted in her not being able to close her right eye satisfactorily when she blinks or sleeps, causing it to be prone to drying out. The stitches helped address this problem, but Marla has been eager to have them removed. Finally, her physician, who has treated her eye very conservatively, agreed that she has made sufficient progress in recovering function to have them removed. This should take place in early February.
Marla’s neurologist, Dr. Yarnell, during her recent visit, was thrilled at her progress. He believes that she is ready to explore employment! Possibly volunteering at first, but an important step in re-learning many of the skills needed in the workplace. This would be a tremendous development in regaining confidence and independence.
In mid-January, Marla, Mary, and Leo spent a week in Denver staying at the Race Street home of Bob and Annie Brooks, where they also had stayed for several months immediately after Marla was released from her inpatient stay at Craig. Marla had fun visiting with friends at Glacier Peak Elementary, saw the Egypt exhibit and IMAX at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and other exciting activities.
Thank you for checking in on Marla’s progress. Marla’s smile really lights up when she receives a message of encouragement, so feel free to visit the messages section to drop a note. Our sincere thanks for the ongoing wonderful encouragement.