WE = OLGA + Support Team

It has been a while since we posted any progress on Olga.  Since last post in November, Olga continues to make positive progress in small increments.  Most recently, her interaction with everyone around her has been increasing in both accuracy of conversation (signs from her) and time.  She has her routine "training" physical therapy, learning how to eat, how to talk, etc and she is doing great.  We are hopeful that in the next month the tracheostomy is 100% removed.  For sure it has been quite journey and on Olga's behalf we thank all the people that have supported her on this journey.  This has been a life learning event for several of us and Olga and we take a day at a time.

So what is next or what is coming?

As mentioned back in November, we are planning to participate in the Mexico City Marathon on September 2.






As listed in the title of this blog WE = OLGA + Support Team (friends and family).  For this to happen we need to get medical clearance for her to participate (we have gotten a preliminary verbal clearance but it will depend on how Olga feels the day of); we also have to get clearance and permission from the Race Director as normally only first aid support is provided during the race.  We would have to organize all the logistics for the race and along the 26.2miles (42km).  Along the course, OLGA will be needing you to cheer her on to complete the race so mark your calendars and start getting ready.  Lastly, pray that God allows for this to happen. We have three main goals with this marathon.  One is to raise awareness of TBI.  Two is allow Olga to get out of her mundane routine of therapies and small rooms. And the third one will be a fund raiser to continue cover her daily medical, and basic needs. We will provide more information as it becomes available and closer to race day.

In support and preparation for this race, several of us have started to get ready (see the pictures below).  Until next post, God Bless and dont forget to start making your signs and mark your calendar Sept 2 2012.

Just Over a Year and PUSHING forward...

Looking back . . .

On the night of October 22, 2010, Olga was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with meningitis possibly lupus and the search for the cause began.  She suffered from short term memory loss and began to loose control of her body.

On November 2, Olga's brain suffered hydrocephaly coupled with an enhanced edema and vasculitis which in turn caused several strokes in multiple areas of her brain, but in particular her brain stem that bridges the brain to the rest of the body. A stint valve was installed and her fight to stay alive became most evident on that day.  She was in a comma.

During the next few weeks, Olga's condition was questionable and was far from stable. She was given 30% then 10% then 5% chance to live and finally in mid November 2010, her preliminary diagnosis was brain dead and doctors were preparing the family for the worst.  They were wrong.

Just over a year later now, Olga is doing quite well considering her condition and damage to her brain and brain stem.  She is now able to have some level of communication, her range of motion has improved in many areas, she is working on standing up among many other things.

Below are a couple of short videos showing Olga's progress.  She is currently working on eating through her mouth to hopefully remove both trach and gastrostomy tubes to enable her recovery to progress faster.

Playing Ball in September

Speech Therapy In October

Many of you probably have heard of Team Hoyt, but in case you have not click on this link to get more info TEAM HOYT. We were inspired by the love shared between Dick and Rick, but mostly we were motivated to continue our support for Olga and to raise awareness for individuals with TBI. We decided that Olga will be participating in a marathon (most likely the Mexico City Marathon) in 2012.  At this point we are in the planning stages and Olga has to get clearance to participate.  The dates are not yet set but the intent and motivation are there.  We look forward to your support and motivation during our training and in particular during the race.  More to come on this event. 

Until next post, God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving to those in the US.

PS we invite you to leave comments for Olga and to share this page with others.