Good Bye to 2012 & Welcome 2013

2012 was a great year for Olga and we are hoping that 2013 continues to be positive for her recovery.  Her health has been stable pretty much year round and several small steps towards her recovery were accomplished.  Her tracheostomy cannula was removed; she is now able to eat soups and purees through her month; her right side is much more active and at the same time sensitive.  She is also able to maintain focus for longer periods of time with her sight and starts showing signs of independence (wanting to do things herself).  Her interaction with others has continued to improve and her needs and desires are more clear every day. 

As you can read from previous posts, in 2012 she was able to participate in two running races.  One in May (Mother's Day 5K) run and the second one in September (Mexico's City International Marathon).  Back in November 2011, we decided that Olga would participate in a marathon to hopefully enhance her life and motivate her recovery.  We believe these two races did help not only her, but also others in her support team.  At the time, we also partnered up with The University of Alabama College of Engineering to design and build a robust racing stroller customized for Olga's future participation in upcoming races.  Again the purpose of her participation in running races is to enhance her quality of life and to get her out of her small home.  A team of senior mechanical engineering students at UA was put together in the spring of 2012 and after many months the concept became a reality.  The team is shown below and also their 3-min video that better describes the stroller and design.

Crimson Stroller Design -  (back row) Corbette Davis, Patrick Godsay, Wesley Low,
(front row) Jordan Mathews & Arturo Stenger

We thank everyone who has helped Olga in one way or another. We recognize that Olga requires all types of encouragement to aid in her recovery.  Again thank you to all of you who have shared your love for her.