back to hawaii...

I am writing this email to thank you for all the support that you have gave me and my family during my illnessi I know we haven’t update the blog with the latest progress here it is: I had my last rehab day last friday
all the therapists were very happy with my progress. So was I. I am not 100 % yet still need some work a bit more on my hand and my typing. Only time will tell. However I am very very happy to go back to Hawaii and go back to my normal life.

Once again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support.

ALOHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you,

New daily routine for Miguel

Sorry guys for not posting any news during last days.
Miguel is now under daily physiotherapy routines, very exhaustive ones, includes: lots of exercises for his physical condition, many occupational practices, community interaction, hydrotherapy, speech and neuro-linguistic training, among others.
He is very enthusiastic about this new routine, all the therapists and doctors are very happy and optimists about the progress he is gaining every single day. Left hand and arm are still in a need of a hard work...... He is being a sample to all others at the Rehab Center, we are so proud of him.
Thanks to Vitor and Cristiane who paid him a visit during the last weekend, their visit was indeed, very appreciated by Miguel and left him very happy, as well as the arrival of Aunt Raquel from Bolivia.
More news in about 3 or 4 days.

New rehab program for Miguel

Yesterday was the evaluation day for Miguel's new rehabilitation program at Sharp Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital. Being an intensive program, the professionals for his physical, occupational, speech and psycological therapies, set the goals for each one of them.

Today was his first day of this program. He said it was quite exhausted sessions but, nevertheless, Miguel seems to be very motivated to reach all the goals established for him.
As mentioned before the left hand and arm are the ones that needs double attention and work in order to get the movements back.

Our optimism keeps increasing every day watching his improvements and goodwill for recovering from his part. Miguel is a real warrior!!!

Fundraising for Miguel

Dear everyone,

For those who have asked about helping Miguel with his treatment, we have set up an online account in which you can contribute as little or as much as you can. This account accepts donations using credit cards. We are trying to give Miguel the best treatment that we can, any contribution towards this effort is highly appreciated.

Thank you to those that have already contributed through Cris’ blog.
Michele (Miguels' sister)

Outpatient heading to Day Treatment Program

With his excellent improvement, Miguel was discharged yesterday from the inpatient rehabilitation program. He was very happy for this break, until next Monday when he starts the Day Treatment Program. It is an intensive rehabilitation program from 9am to 3pm, still focusing on the different types of therapies. He is now with a bit more balance, and able to walk slowly with a cane. Much improvement is still needed on his left arm. But everyone is thrilled with the progress so far. And he is happy to be with us in the hotel in a much more relaxing environment. He is in a good mood, cracking jokes, and making us laugh.

Thank you to Marita (cousin) and Kiko (friend from Hawaii) who left yesterday, and for the gift sent by Tia Rhina/Peter (we all enjoyed the chocolates). Yesterday, with more time, Miguel was overjoyed when reading again all the messages coming from the friends and family. Yumi (friend from Hawaii) arrived yesterday, and Henrique (Miguel’s dad is arriving today). Thank you everybody for all the support. You can’t imagine how important this is to us.

A low-key weekend

Hi everyone, apologies for the delay in updating the blog.  This weekend was pretty quiet at the Rehab Center -- Migui had full therapy sessions on Saturday and a whole day to rest on Sunday.  He is now able to walk with minimal assistance, and he's even able to walk with a regular cane!  This afternoon he was able to walk across the room with very little assistance (and no cane).  

We have been able to take Migui out to the gardens at the Rehab Center, which he enjoys very much, but today we only stayed out for a few minutes since it was a bit chilly.  We spent most of the afternoon watching the Australian Open -- good stuff!

The highlight of the day was a cheeseburger, fries, and coke from California's famous In n' Out Burger (thank you to Kiko for bringing it).  Now that Migui is on a regular diet, he is able to eat anything, and he really enjoyed his first burger today.  Also, thank you to Felipe and Kiko for bringing a wonderful sushi plate yesterday for all of us to enjoy!

This week, we are looking forward to intensifying the physical therapy -- improvements are still coming on a daily basis.  Stay tuned for more!

Visitors! (x4)

Another busy day for Migui in rehab! This morning he was able to brush his teeth on his own, standing upright at the sink.  He also continued to practice walking with the cane, this time much further and with less assistance from the physical therapist.  Migui is continuing to eat very well, and his diet was just 'upgraded' so now he can eat anything he wants!

The day was particularly special because Migui had 4 visitors: Kiko (who came from Hawai'i), Felipe (who came from Orlando), Marcelo, and Alex.  He really enjoyed hanging out with his friends, chatting and joking around.  Everyone was crowded in Migui's small room, but they had a great time.

Thank you to Jake and U'i for the wonderful fruit basket! Migui (and all of us) really enjoyed snacking on the fresh fruit all day.  Thanks also to everyone following the blog - we will continue to post updates as often as possible.

 

Settling in at the Rehab center... and a shower!

Every day Miguel is growing stronger - today was no exception.  He started the day with speech therapy and then had a challenging (but rewarding) physical therapy session in the afternoon.  He has been successfully taking a few steps along the parallel bars, and even managed to walk down the hallway with a cane (and some assistance).  Following physical therapy, Migui was finally able to take his first real shower! What a nice treat.  He was very excited, and said he felt "like new" afterwards.

In the coming days, the physical and occupational therapists will begin working on Migui's left arm and hand.  He is now able to move the arm and hand slightly, though they still feel very weak.  He is looking forward to intensifying his therapies and feels motivated by the steady improvements he's had so far.

Thanks to Tia Emi for the wonderful cheesecake! Migui has been enjoying each bite!  Many thanks also to all who are continuing to follow his progress - your words and encouragement are of huge help.

Miguel at Rehab Hospital

This morning Miguel was transferred to:

SHARP MEMORIAL REHABILITATION CENTER
2999 Health Center Drive,
San Diego, CA. 92123

Room: 151-1 Tel : (858) 939-4736

Once he was transported to the ambulance, I could noticed that he was already very optimistic to know that at this center his physiotherapy will be intensive and many hours will be dedicated to:
Physical, Occupational, Speech therapies among others.

Today he had a great treat: Aunt Emi sent him an original Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, he taste it with pleasure. He said: "Gracias Tia Emi!!! esta muy rico" !!!

I will keep posting the news from this new environment with more news on his improvements.

Another week-end with Miguel

One more week-end with Miguel at the Hospital. This one, however, was full of hope and happiness due to the sudden movement of the left hand and arm, although slightly, is was considerably increased than the previous days. I can see the effort that Miguel is placing in trying to do the exercises on the bed, he was also very pleased to the see the improvements.
Every day I'm very proud of him, I know God is sending us all the blessings to have him positively facing this situation. When I arrive this morning at the Hospital, he was sitting in a chair (with assistance) but was a nice surprise to see him out of the bed, even just for a few moment.
Thanks again to everyone for the caring words and to my sister Rosario who stayed with me for a week, she returned to Maryland this morning, her company and energy was indeed very important for me and Miguel.