Dear Friends,

After fourteen weeks being confined in my bed due to a pressure sore on my buttock, the wound has finally healed and I am now able to get back in my chair and continue on my road to recovery. Finally, for the first time since moving to St. Peters I am able to get out of my bed and enjoy my new home. I am looking forward to exploring St. Louis and catching a Cardinal game or two with my friend Rev. Millie Slack.

Vocal Chord Surgery Scheduled

One of the many issues that go along with my injury included the partial collapse of my left vocal chord. Fortunately, while living in the Nashville area, I was introduced to one of the finest voice centers in the country located at the Vanderbilt University Hospital and to the renowned otolaryngologist, Dr. Catherine Garrett. She injected a temporary filler to raise my left vocal chord last October. The filler has served its purpose and now I am scheduled for surgery on my vocal chord on August 15 which will be a permanent solution. From comments by two speech pathologists and Dr. Garrett, this procedure is very successful.

Therapy Resuming

My confinement to bed limited my physical and occupational therapy and I have mostly received only range of motion therapy. My spinal chord doctor has given me the green light to be an in-patient for two to three weeks at Jefferson Barracks Hospital here in St. Louis where I will receive intensive therapy to build up my strength. Although I will be receiving full therapy, it is my right arm that they will be concentrating on. It has shown the most response in the past and will enable me to be a bit more independent. Specifically, I will be able to again drive my power chair and hopefully, one day, be able to feed myself.

In Closing …

Finally, as you know this is a catastrophic injury which has been a major life changing event for me and for Linda. I try to keep my spirits high and I couldn’t do it without the loving care of my wife. I am pleased to see that Linda has the support of her son and family here in the St. Louis area.

Thank you for your continued care and support. I am truly grateful for the love you each have conveyed to Linda and me. You have truly given me more than I ever thought I had given you.

Love,

Alex

P.S. I would like to say that it wouldn’t really be me if I didn’t mention the DVD sale. The DVD and CD package for just $20. Stock up now for holiday gifts! Hurry, this is only available during August and September.