Medical Missions Foundation

Boi at The Beirne Cement Pond

With Boi leaving in a few days he has pulled out all the stops to see and do all the things he possibly can.  He has recently learned how to swim (more like float on a tube), and splashing has no rule in his mind!  With a squirt gun in hand and his new blow up he's ready to get anyone who gets in his way, or the dog who just happened who walk by.  Boi has become more interested in sports while here including baseball and basketball.  Whether its going to watch a baseball game or shooting baskets in the driveway.  And we can't forget the bike and battery charged car that he has become a master at.  With all this stuff happening you would think it would tire him down, but not even close!  Going to sleep at 11 and waking up at 7 is now starting to be his regular routine. He has even started to play the wii.  Which of course, he loves!  Knowing he only has 2-3 days before he leaves, he is enjoying every moment, every second becoming a moment and in this way recovering the lost childhood spent in the hospital with his tumor.  Boi has in these 3 months spent here an entire childhood that a normal child should have.  Looking back to all this time spent together we all got to love Boi for his "owo", all his "no's" and can't forget "ha's".  For all the people who have looked over the well being of this wonderful soul we owe our gratitude and thank you for his happiness.  A smile is worth more than a thousand promises.  Thank you for our own smiles!

Katie Beirne and Emily Matei      

Free as a Bird: A Well-Deserved Siesta

Today everyone is one their own!!! There are a few tours arranged that people have signed up for which include climbing a volcano, tour of a Macadamia and coffee plant, and a couple other guided tours.

Some of us are going to lie by the pool if the rain stays away. It has been on the cool side all week so we are praying for sunshine. Everyone has worked extremely hard this week from surgeries, to clinics to the Casa de Fe house, and deserves a little siesta before our long travel day on Sunday back home. We all miss our families and friends and look forward to seeing you late Sunday evening. In all, friendships have been made and another successful mission trip has been logged.

Free As A Bird: A Well-Deserved Siesta for All

Today everyone is one their own!!! There are a few tours arranged that people have signed up for which include climbing a volcano, tour of a Macadamia and coffee plant, and a couple other guided tours.

Some of us are going to lie by the pool if the rain stays away. It has been on the cool side all week so we are praying for sunshine. Everyone has worked extremely hard this week from surgeries, to clinics to the Casa de Fe house, and deserves a little siesta before our long travel day on Sunday back home. We all miss our families and friends and look forward to seeing you late Sunday evening. In all, friendships have been made and another successful mission trip has been logged.

What fireworks ordinance?

Well, Boi will be missing the 4th of July so we thought we would "blow some stuff up" here.  The boys have already done their shopping, so tonight we introduced Boi to the world of fireworks.

He loved the cars that ran down the patio and really loved the "fountain" fireworks.  While we were in violation of all ordinances, we did refrain from the big stuff.  I don't have time to burn the house down.  But I mean really, what are they going to do?  Haul and 8 year old kid from Africa that has just had a giant tumor removed from his face downtown?  All worth the many giggles and smile on his face!

Abigail 

All Good Things Come To An End

There are many beautiful things about Antigua that we have not had time to share with you. The scenery is breath taking. The history and the buildings almost talk to you. Then there is the food - you would never imagine how divine the food is. Each night we look forward to trying a new restaurant and are amazed by the atmosphere. You can then walk two blocks and find women making hand-made tortillas that are out this world. But the best part is the coffee. We learned that Starbucks buys their coffee beans from Guatemala. The best part of our waking up has been Guatemalan coffee in our cup!!

TGIF! Tonight we are having a farewell reception for the entire mission team. Thanks so much to Keith & Stephanie Sales for doing such a terrific job in coordinating a successful mission. We were able to touch the lives of so many children and their families during this week. I know that everyone who has been involved has found this to be a very rewarding experience and, one they will never forget.

Shield Center - Helping Troubled Teens - A New Clinic for Medical Missions

Our clinic team headed off today to the Shield Center located about six miles outside of Antigua. The center is filled with children and teens who have been pulled off the streets with the goal of turning their lives around. Most have been exposed to drug and organ trafficking, gangs and prostitution. The center has strict rules and guidelines, which is fine because many of the children do not want to return home and are eager to help and learn.

The Shield Family funded the center. With a price tag of approximately $420,000, it took approximately four months to transform this old dumpsite into a home for these children in need. The word was put out that our medical team was arriving to assist the village and soon mothers, children, fathers, and a few elderly residents, showed up to receive the much needed treatment after a long winter.  This was the first time a MMF team has visited here.

As we were swamped in the clinic, Jane Torline did a tremendous job coordinating art projects for the children. Hats off to Jane and everyone who helped out today!

Joanne Lacy, our pharmacist, has been absolutely amazing.  She has been responsible for putting together all of the medicine for this mission.  She sets up a pharmacy at each clinic, and man, does she know her STUFF!!  Everyone on the clinic team is so impressed with Joanne and her ability to multi-task.  She takes pride with every prescription she fills and every patient she sees.  Without people like Joanne, this trip would not be possible.

Today was a milestone for this trip with 129 patients being seen by our three wonderful doctors.  With the help of the doctors, pharmacist, interpreters, med students, arts and crafts directors and runners, we had a very successful day at the clinic!

From the Obras to Casa de Fe

Many of the children seen in our clinic return year after year. We met one such young man named Luis who is here for his third surgery with Dr. Doug Girod to reconstruct his ear. He is such wonderful child and has stolen everyone's heart!  Today he stayed busy making paper bonnets with his mother - they even made a special bonnet for Susan Girod, the art team director. Crafts are a huge hit at the Obras as it helps the families pass the time while their loved ones are in surgery. 

Our orthopedic team has been very busy as well this week. Today we observed Dr. Kevin Latz who was performing a surgery on a 7 year-old patient by the name of Angel Manuel Leiva Guzman.  He had a condition called spastic hemoplegia.  The surgery performed today released the tendons in his legs and will help him straighten his foot.  Dr. Latz was assisted by Lindsay Howlett, RN; Daren Wilson, med student; Victor Quintero, CRNA; and  Marvin and Nicco from the Obras.

Casa De Fe is more than a home away from home for these families; it is a place that provides hope and comfort.  Case De Fe is like a Ronald McDonald House.  The House Director, Marta, is an amazing lady who takes her job seriously and loves every single family and child who stays at the Case De Fe. 

We saw many of the families that we met on Sunday again today as they continued to recuperate from surgery. For the second year in a row, the Hamilton's  have coordinated everything at Case De Fe from cooking meals, to cleaning, clean and laundry. Additionally they spend spend hours leading special activities for the children.  One popular activity is blowing bubbles from the rooftop patio - boy can they blow those bubbles!  There is so much to take in here and memories that will last a lifetime.

THe Miracles of Med Students and Buddies

Today was another exciting day helping the families in the village of San Antonio. By 8:30 am the streets were lined up with many families as we quickly set-up our clinic and put staff in place to assess the patients and their children’s needs. We definitely challenged our medical students today as they saw more adults in clinic with specialized needs.

Travis Langer, Colleen Loo, Annabel Mancillas and Derick Gross were instrumental in today’s success. There is one story that stands out. An elderly couple arrived today who were in desperate need of medical attention. If they had been in the United States, the wife would have been in intensive care. Her husband was a farmer who had worked the fields for over 30 years. We took them to hospital for treatment and hope that they will soon be able to return home to San Antonio.

Meanwhile back at the Obras, our surgeons carried on the great work that they arrived here to do. The children received some special gifts after surgery called Shadow Buddies. These special buddies help provide comfort to children going through different medical challenges. Our volunteers were busy entertaining children and their families as they awaited treatment at the clinic.

The Polaroid pictures provided instant entertainment and were a huge hit. As you can see, another great day!

On the Road to San Antonio

Today, both our teams headed off to work, one to the hospital and one to the clinic in a small town called San Antonio. We accompanied the team of doctors led by Dr. Stephen Lauer, clinic director. We helped unload the medicines and supplies and soon local families lined the streets to be treated.

We were very impressed by the portable pharmacy coordinated by our birthday girl and pharmacist, Joann Lacy. Our hats are off to all the med students and Dr. Leslie who made this first day such a success.

One thing we have noticed in these two days is how patient and grateful these families are for the services that they receive from Medical Missions. Again, they travel great distances and spend hours in line waiting to be seen yet, always have a smile.

Today in clinic, we assessed 90 patients with most of them being women and children ranging from the age of three months to 90 years of age -- keeping generations healthy for years to come.

Team #2 Arrives In Guatemala

Saturday, June 21,2008
The Team Arrives

The second team - and the larger of the two on this mission- arrived today, excited and ready to go to work. Medical Director, Dr. Keith Sale and his wife Stephanie, our mission coordinator, will lead the team. We will be providing expertise in the areas of otolaryngology surgery and clinic; orthopedic surgery and clinic; pediatric and medical clinic; audiology services; and art team support. Patty Sherman and Marty Postlethwait will provide Blogging and photography.

Sunday, June 22, 2008
Lots of Smiles and the Miracle of Hearing

Today we started out very early at 7:00am with hundreds of families waiting at the Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro Hospital and Orphanage in Antigua, Guatemala. It was amazing!

There were hundreds of families waiting to be seen by our doctors and specialists. Our art team was put into action quickly today keeping children occupied while they waited to be seen. Susan Girod and her family were in charge of crafts – which included making beautiful bracelets. After lunch, bingo was a huge hit and even the adults joined in for a few games. Another great art project today was the coloring books and puzzles. The Hamilton’s were wonderful and the children - both young and old - truly enjoyed their time piecing the puzzles together and mixing up the pieces. Right Brenda?

Many of the children here have never had their picture taken. So, Patty Sherman, Jane Torline and Patrick Quinn spent the afternoon taking pictures and, thanks to a printer provided by the Hamiltons, giving prints to the children and their families. You talk about smiles. It was priceless!

Many of the families here have traveled great distances to be seen by our medical team. One such family, which we spent a great deal of time with, traveled all night to get to the clinic. The mom had seven children - her youngest boy came to be fitted for a hearing aid. We witnessed a true miracle when, for the first time in his life, he was able to hear. Can you image how happy he was? We were thrilled to help this family and start this little boy on a new journey in life. This is what it’s all about and the true meaning of a mission.

Boi's Weekend

Boi has had a fun weekend, he has been in such a great mood!  And his eating, like nothing I have ever seen before.  The usual favorites, which he now requests in English and can warm in the microwave if needed on his own.  Cheeseburgers, pizza, chicken wings... 

He has had take out many times from The Peanut but made his first visit to this lovely eating establishment on Main street a few days ago.  A cheeseburger and 1/2 a dozen wings, no problem. 

He continues to "earn his keep" around here by helping with many chores, his favorite, going to the car wash.  My car has never been so clean!  He has been outside playing, sidewalk chalk, bike riding, hitting golf balls and last night for the first time, we caught fireflies!  He wanted to squish them at first but figured out it was more fun to put them in a bug box and watch them light up.  Weekends are great for sports on TV.  He also makes these requests in English, basketball, baseball, golf and his current favorite, car racing.  While the good times continue to roll at the Hayo compound, his Tammy comes home tonight and he will be very excited to see her!   

Random Thoughts and Shots

There is a lot to see in Antigua and the surrounding area.  Beautiful people, beautiful culture and customs  and beautiful countryside.  On our last day here there were several tours available to our group including climbing to the top of a volcano and touring the surrounding villages.  Perhaps at a later time we can post some of the great pictures taken of the lava flow atop the volcano photographed by members of that group.  Since I chose the less strenuous village tours, I will share with you some of those pictures as well as others from the week.  After everyone worked so hard this week it was great that there was an opportunity to enjoy the area and one another.

The Team; Part II

Today was the last day of surgery and a day of goodbyes at the hospital as we prepared for the next MMF team to come next week.  After lunch, the hospital staff gave everyone a certificate of appreciation for their efforts and some gifts were exchanged. When the planning for this mission began months ago, it started with names of potential participants on a piece of paper.  By the end of the week, the group worked together, shared the excitement of visiting a new country together and formed new working relationships and  friendships. From translating to running reports, it took a team effort to effectively serve the people as over 100 surgeries were performed. Tomorrow will be a relaxing day of shopping and sight seeing and will provide an opportunity to further explore Antigua outside of the hospitals walls.

Last trip to KU Med

Today Boi and I headed north on State Line Road as I have done a billion times before.  However, this time it was for Boi's last visit at KU Med.  He was not excited at all about going but soon realized that I was telling him the truth.  Dr. Girod just wanted to take a look and some pictures.  Doug is very happy with the way Boi is healing and it is even possible that Boi will not need any surgery when the Medical Missions Foundation team goes to Mali in January.  Boi has been asking nightly for ear drops and for me to look at his ear with his personal otoscope.  I have been out of drops for a while but I do accommodate the exam request.  Little does he know, I have no clue as to what I am looking at!  Doug did want to take a look at Boi's ear through the microscope but I made a promise to Boi.  Nothing scary.  So, I was in the chair first with Boi on my lap watching carefully, Doug looked through the microscope and removed a SMALL piece of wax from my ear.  With Boi still on my lap, Doug did the same to Boi and removed a HUGE piece of wax from his ear.  Boi does have an ear infection and is back on drops and amoxicillin but we still have the green light.  As Doug said a long time ago, Boi will be "bullet proof" when we send him home.  And that he is.  Tammy, Boi and I leave for Mali July 2nd.

Abby 

The Team

Nine gall bladder surgeries in one day for Dr. Tammy Neblock-Beirne today. That would be equivalent

t o a weekly total for a surgeon in the United States.  If you know Tammy, you know she took it all in  stride, no big deal.  The same is true for Dr. Stan Augustin during this general surgery mission in Antigua.   Dr. Neblock and Dr. Augustin have started their days early, as they have performed thyroidectomies, hernias and gall bladder surgeries.  The supporting cast of players on this mission is equally astounding.  Pre-op, recovery, scrub nurses, and technicians are all important ingredients to a successful mission. It truly takes a team of players to make this happen and everyone has risen to the occasion.   

     

A Day in Their Shoes

Today’s blog is written by Carl Hagen and Abby Bernard who accompanied their parents, Doug Hagen, M.D. and Lisa Bernard, M.D. to Guatemala.

As we look into the operating room anesthesiologists appear to be spectators, but as we have learned in just a few short days of surgery they are just as important as the surgeons. Without the anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, a surgery wouldn’t be possible. Josie Bell, CRNA and Judy Peck, CRNA are also part of the anesthesia team on our mission. Unlike surgeons and other medical team members that are only involved in one part of the surgery, anesthesiologists are needed throughout the procedure from putting the patient to sleep before surgery, monitoring their vitals during surgery, and finally, making recovery run as smooth as possible.

We are both thankful for this opportunity to not only see the importance of our parent’s occupations, but also the chance to travel and experience a different culture and all of its traditions. As part of the art team, our assignment has been to entertain families as they await surgery and clinical visits.  We sometimes think of pictures as a nuisance when people ask us to pose, we don’t even have a place to store all of our photographs. But to the people of Guatemala it is a once in a lifetime chance to have a family photo or even just a chance to see what they look like to others. Everyday we return to find new smiling faces and as soon as we print off the first picture we are bombarded with demands for more, but we are always happy to fulfill their requests and hope we don’t run out of supplies first.

Coming on this trip has opened our eyes to a new way of life, which we wouldn’t know existed if we hadn’t been given this opportunity by our parents. We think that our parents will benefit from bringing us on the trip as well when they notice our appreciative attitude towards things that previously were taken for granted. Seeing how little the Guatemalan people have, but how content they still are with their lifestyle, has broadened our perspective on what is a necessity. This has given us a new perspective that will be beneficial for years to come. Furthermore, we are both anxious to go on more trips so that we can continue to serve others. We always hear people talk about how much better off we are and how appreciative we should be, but it never really means anything until you experience it for yourself and see what these people suffer through everyday.

Road Trip

Yesterday, Boi and I made a road trip north to the Young Compound in Chillicothe. 

We were there to visit my brother Bill, his wife Inger and my niece and nephews, Johnson, Margo, Gunnar and Emmett. 

The Young Compound is a giant kid wonderland as every toy ever made,they have! 

The kids welcomed Boi as if he were family and Boi had as much fun as I have seen him have since he has been here. 

Every riding toy from the garage was out and in use, bubble makers, and they even had a water fight with the hose, balloons, guns and filled the little baby pool!

They  played with many of the inside toys after dark, chased the dogs and were even allowed to jump on Inger and Bill's bed! 

The only fighting among the kids was who gets to sleep with Boi!  The bedtime began with Emmett, Boi and me in one bed but Emmett wondered off sometime so it was just Boi and me again.  Not in a hospital bed this time, in a large very "comfy" bed after a day of great fun! 

Oh yeah, and Young family, welcome to the village!  Abby

Dany

Seven month old “Dany” was born with a cleft lip and lives at the Obras nursery as part of their nutrition  program for malnourished infants.  The staff here has helped him gain weight and successfully readied him for surgery.  When I first saw Dany on Sunday during our tour, his brown eyes immediately drew me in.  I was able to witness part of the intricate surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Joe Cannova and the rest of his medical team including Judy Peck, Katie Parrish, and Vonnie Kane.  Also a Medical Missions Foundation Board member, this is Dr. Cannova’s third medical mission.  His surgery schedule this week is overflowing with cases ranging from cleft lips, burns, a nose reconstruction and even some hernia operations. He is enjoying the mission and finds giving back to others a humbling experience. 

Dr. Cannova believes that he takes away more from these mission trips than he gives and finds the people incredibly appreciative.  He also  enjoys working with medical students like Nick Wirtz, a first time mission participant.  Nick will start medical school this fall and is running the scheduling board this week.  In the recovery area, Dany was treated like a prince by nurses, Pat Allender, Sue Riddle, Jodi Bales, Yvonne Engelken and Anita Fournier.  He will stay at the nursery here until he is once again healthy enough to return home.  As part of the nutrition program, Dany will receive follow up care through home visits and his parents will receive advice on healthy eating habits to ensure his long term success.

It was a long, challeging day for all with complex surgeries and two short power outages.  But as you might guess, everyone rose to the occassion and tomorrow looks like an action packed day too.

A Day of Winners

Everyone was a star today.  Everyone was special.  Everyone was a winner.  The patients that were treated, the participants in the Special Olympics, the doctors, the nurses and all of the MMF volunteers were victorious.  The Special Olympics were part of the planned activities today for the residents at Obras Sociales  Hermano Pedro Orphanage commemorating their 27^th Anniversary. Beneath a beautiful Antigua blue sky, the Olympics were filled with spirited competition, emotion, and determination.

After screening over 100 patients yesterday for surgical procedures this week, the MMF medical teams got started early today, performed multiple successful surgeries and even added more surgeries to their workload for the remainder of the week.  From an 80 year old priest to a young child, the patients benefited significantly from the efforts of the doctors and nurses that came to Antigua to serve the less fortunate. 

 

There were similarities between the two vastly different experiences that I had the privilege to observe today.  The participants of the Special Olympics received gold medals; the MMF volunteers received personal rewards of immeasurable value.  Everyone worked hard.  Everyone was determined to succeed.  Everyone was a winner.

Back to 100%

As you all know, we had great news after Boi's surgery on Wednesday.  As Jane said, "nothing short of a miracle" and that it truly is!  He did have to spend the night at KU Wednesday night. This was the first time that after surgery he was awake right away and his dad was not there.  It was pretty clear to me early on that he was not going to want to be alone.  With a visit from Tammy and Brooke I was able to make a trip home and make arrangements to "farm out" the boys as Mike was out of town. So, it was me and Boi in that comfy hospital bed all night, well almost all night....Boi woke up at 12:45am hungry and there was not a morsel of food in the unit. So, I drove home, made mac and cheese and some tator tots and of course Boi was not hungry when I returned! Promptly at 6:30am the ENT residents arrived led by my old friend Dougie, now know as Dr. Doug Cowen and we were given the "green light" to go home.  They did require a suction machine to come home with us, and thank you to Doug for coming to the Hayo Compound later that night.  I could not have done it myself, Boi hates it and is such a fighter.

 

Today we went to KU to get the trach out.  Boi is so smart.  He made sure that I gave him something to eat before we left, a sure sign, no surgery.  He made a sigh of relief when we passed the elevators that go to surgery and PICU and continued on to the ENT clinic.  He was not happy about being there but with some encouragement pulled out the trach himself.  The stitches will come out tonight when he is asleep.  He wanted to stop in the the cafeteria for lunch and then walked out with a huge smile and a strut of pride!

He misses his Tammy, as she too is out of town. I have tried to explain, all I can say is, she is on an airplane, with my arm out, like I am a plane.  Boi has had a great day, I think he must know...All Is Good!!  He has been riding his bike, playing with the boys, brushing his teeth and "whooshing"as directed and as I write this, his is microwaving his 5th piece of pizza!

I have been told we can start making travel arrangements to take him home.  What a mix of emotions.  I am so excited for him.  He is healthy, looks great and he is alive.  He soon will be with his mom, dad, brothers and sister and everyone else in his "Mali Village".  But selfishly, it is also a heartbreaker to me, I will be sad to see him go.  Little does he know, he has brought more to my life, and I am sure many others, than he can possibly imagine.

It looks like Tammy and I will be taking Boi home 4th of July weekend.  What a great way to spend this holiday, dancing in the village with grandpa....

Long Lines and Great Volunteers

We began today with an overview and tour of Obras Sociales Herman Pedro Hospital. In addition to the hospital, it’s an exceptional place that provides a home for the elderly, orphaned, mentally challenged and chronically ill.  I was touched by all aspects of the tour, but particularly the malnourished infants smiling at us through the bars of their cribs. After our tour, Dr. Doug Hagen, Medical Missions Foundation Medical Director, presented our fearless mission leaders, Tammy Neblock-Beirne, M.D. and Stephene Moore, RN with personalized MMF lab coats.  A small token of thanks for the many hours spent planning and  coordinating this mission.

Following our orientation we walked up the stairs to find hundreds of people waiting in line for a chance at a spot on the upcoming week’s surgery schedule.  There were gall bladders, hernias, burns, and the list goes on and on.  Our volunteer nurses and doctors worked tirelessly to screen as many patients as possible.  Our translators, Diane and  Maria were invaluable as we tried to communicate with and reassure those waiting. 

And speaking of reassurance, the art team led by Abby Bernard and Carl Hagen was the hit of the day.  They took pictures of the kids and their families and provided them with art supplies to decorate frames.  They passed out toys, blew bubbles and provided not only a distraction but comic relief to help pass the time.  Art has always been an integral part of our missions and now I understand why.  Tomorrow the medical teams continue their mission of changing lives.

Beautiful Antigua

The Medical Missions Foundation group arrived in beautiful Antigua, Guatemala in time to enjoy the scenery, good food and great company.  The group ranges in age from 15 to 60 something and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. For many of us, this is our first mission and first visit to Guatemala.  Several are veterans of multiple missions and mission participant Vonnie Kane, R.N. has served on 12 missions.  We are anxious for tomorrow when we will begin screening patients in the clinic at 7 am.

Photographs and blog by Jane Savidge

Guatemala Mission Trip Begins!

The Guatemala Medical Missions Team will be boarding their plane early Saturday morning (June 14th).  The team is excited about all that is in front of them and look forward to helping those in great need of medical care.  Be sure to checkthe MMF blog daily as they will be sharing information and pictures for everyone to enjoy back home.    

Nothing Short of a Miracle

When Boi went into surgery yesterday morning they were expecting a long day and no good remaining tissue.  After a short surgery the news is outstanding.  They removed a small amount of tissue that had died, but enough healing had taken place to allow him to eat normally.  They are keeping an eye on a small hole in the roof of his mouth but expect it to continue to heal.  It might be necessary to make some minor revisions prior to his departure or they can possibly wait until the Medical Missions team returns to Mali in January 2009.  Boi will be out of the hospital today and back in the Hayo compound.  In the best case scenario, Boi should be able to return home in 2-3 weeks.

Gardening and the Plan...

Boi is back to 100%.  He is his feisty self and eating like crazy.  He is wandering from his love of eggs, now tater tots, cheeseburgers and chicken wings!  He is riding his bike, playing video games and has been very busy with the kids at the Hayo and Beirne compounds.  He has mastered washing the car at the car wash with Mike, has convinced everyone and anyone to take him to the park and has even met some more fellow "Malians" at Katie's soccer game.  Today he lent a helpful hand to Edward at the Kansas City Academy's garden.

Boi will be returning to surgery this Wednesday for revision of his flap to the roof of his mouth.  This has been technically challenging  to his surgeons because of his tendency to clot which is very unusual.  It will likely be another long procedure with either a free flap or a pedicle flap.  We hope and pray it will be successful and have the utmost faith in our surgical team.  "Eat your Wheaties guys".

Corona's and Car Racing

Friday night, Mike, Michael, Boi and I ventured deep into Wyandotte County with our first stop at the Corona Grill for beer and chips and a visit with our friend Darren Mark.  Boi and I wandered around the Legends and managed to find some very cool dinosaurs!  Our next and last stop was Lakeside Speedway.  Boi really enjoyed watching the NASCAR race on TV last weekend so I thought, why not?  Well, Boi's eyes were the size of saucers and his smile was even bigger!  He loved watching the cars battle and the mud fly!  It's funny, as we were walking in, a man stopped and made Boi a balloon motorcycle.  As we were walking out, the lady in the concession stand gave him a car. Without exchanging any words, even strangers know, Boi is a very special little boy...

Improvement to the Mind and Body

Boi continues to improve, is eating well and hopefully putting some weight back on.  Through Kaleena from the KU PICU, he has a new XO computer from the One Laptop per Child, Give One Get One program.  My understanding is these computers run on Linux which allows for the ongoing development of free, downloadable applications. The computers and the program were developed to target children in impoverished countries.  He is playing with it, not sure how, I could not even figure out how to open the computer itself!  Yesterday and today, Boi and I both had "maintenance" as I like to call it.  Boi has a new very handsome haircut.  Thank you Jerry!  He went with me to get a manicure, don't anyone panic, I did not subject him to one!  But at his request Carolyn painted one of his nails red!!

A Relaxing Weekend

Boi was released from KU Med on Friday.  While he is still "dragging" a little, he is doing well.  We had a fun weekend with visitors and a BBQ at Tammy's.  Boi loves being with all the kids.  This is a nice distraction, as I know he misses Zina.  Boi enjoyed another American pastime, he loved watching NASCAR with me on Sunday. Many giggles and oo's and ah's.  We hope to know soon what is next for Boi medically, hopefully we will get some "off" time just to keep having fun!

Abigail