Monday, October 8, 2007

Marilyn Update From Sunday 10/7


Hello all -


Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. Here is an update on Marilyn. Her condition remains stable. Today she was able to keep her right eye open and tracking us as we talked to her. She even smiles a couple of times. She still remains unconcious though and has yet to approach anything that one would consider "awake". Today the doctor told us that for the most part, her injuries will heal. The most significant injury is that of the brainstem which has caused her left eye to dilate and not respond and her left side to not be very active. She will need a lot of rehab and this is the most questionable area - we can only hope that it comes back. Further injuries were found - two skull fractures and another minor fracture on her C7. Important that the C2 and C7 fracutres are non-displaced - no spinal injury. This is also the first time that we were given any type of time frame as to what we are facing - 6 months to 1 year for recovery. So - we're going to be here in Denver for a while - my best guess is a month or two, just really hard to say until she wakes up. But we will come home. We will come home. For those of you that are coming up this way - Marilyn and I can't wait to see you. Thank you we love you,

Gareth and Marilyn

9 comments:

Phil Schmitt said...

Hello all,
I had the opportunity to go up and see Marilyn and Gareth Sat the 6th and Sun the 7th. It was really great to see the progress that Marilyn made just in the short time I was there. Marilyn went to from almost unresponsive to opening her right eye and tracking people around the room as well sneaking in a few smiles here and there.. She was also responsive to a few simple questions answered by intentional eye movement. This all added up to letting me know that Marilyn was really in the room with us by the time of my departure, witch was incredibly encouraging along with the doctor visit that happened mid day on sunday. (updated by G's Sunday email originally and now posted here) Thanks Gareth for doing such a great job of getting Marilyn out of the country enabling her to have a good shot @ a full recovery. You were/are incredible!

We love you guys!

Phil & Shanti

Stephen Barnes said...

Hello Gareth and Marilyn,
We all wish you the very best for the upcoming months!! Having spent time, in fact even recommending you go to Vilcabamba, I empathize with the efforts it took to get Marilyn safely back to the US and to pulled it off so quickly and relatively seamlessly is truly amazing!!! Kudos to you Gareth and family!!!!! The stories will be amazing and I look forward to being able to sit around with Marilyn and listen to them. Heal quickly and keep smiling!
Stephen B.

Jonathan Till said...

Dear Gareth and Marilyn,

This is just a quick note to say that I'm sending you good thoughts and best wishes up and over the mountains to trickle, then cascade, in great rivers, RIVERS, of love and respect. Get some PFDs ready!

Con afecto,

Jonathan

Tracy said...

Marilyn and Gareth!
It is so good to hear of the positive progress Marilyn is making. Such great news! You both are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm sending lots of love, light and reiki your way. Please let us know if there is anything you need here, plants watered, mail box checked whatever you need, just say the word!!! BIG hugs!!! Tracy

Unknown said...

Marilyn and Gareth,

We are thinking about you both A LOT and we send our best wishes and love to you both. We hope Marilyn has a rapid and complete recovery and we know her grace and good cheer will help guide her through this most difficult time. Hang in there and stay positive and know that you have many many people thinking about you both and sending you their healing love and prayers.

Of course please let us know if there’s ANYTHING we can do!

Peace & LOVE,

John & Katya

Kelly Finlay said...

Hello Gareth and Marilyn,
I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and I am sending lots of love and hope your way for a fast and full recovery. It's so great to hear positive news on Marilyn's condition. Thanks to Bill and Alex for setting up the blog so we can stay posted on her progress. Hang in there!
Kelly

Jen said...

Hi,

I am one of Mar's best friends from high school. After high school we would touch base with each other once in awhile. She stood up to my wedding 11yrs ago. Her Mom called me today with the news of her accident. I am relieved to hear she is doing so much better. She still has a long recovery, but she is one tough gal. I am so happy that she is in a loving relationship and has so many friends. I will keep checking this blog for updates and hope to be able to speak or email her when she is able and willing to do so. I send my love and support to Marilyn, Gareth, and Mar's family & friends.

Love,
Jen

Chris and Dakota said...

We are thinking of you and sending positive energy your way. Great news that there has been so much progress. We know you will be home soon. You are amazing people. Your strength and this community's strength will get you through the tough road ahead. Best wishes!

Chris and Dakota

angie napolitano said...

Marilyn & Gareth,

My thoughts are with you everyday.
We touched many people Friday at our local sale. With the flyers Stephen put together posting information about the 2 fundraising events scheduled for November 2 and November 17 you have many people's support and prayers.

Hang in there!

Angie