Zack's Going to College

Zack will be going to CSUF in the fall.

Get in...Check!

Now Zack needs housing, caregiver, and scholarships... Please keep these things in prayer, this could be a Huge Leap in Zack's independence!

Pics from 2nd Annual Fundraiser

Time is getting away from me...Here are some photos from Zack's 2nd annual St. Patty's Day fundraiser @ Old Orange Brewing Co.

It was a Great day, fun people, yummy food, lots of winners.... a Big "Thank you" to everyone who helped out and to All who came and show'd there support, Thanks for making the day successful!

2nd Annual St. Patty's Day Fundraiser this Sunday!

Please join us on St. Patty's Day for 2nd Annual Fundraiser @ Old Orange Brewing Co. Proceeds will go towards Zack's college and continued physical therapy.

Thank you (as always) for your continued support.

Zack and family will be there Sunday... See you then!

Meet Sedona

We finished our 2-week training at Canine Companions for Independence, in Oceanside and all I can say is what a Amazing program!

The staff, instructors, the volunteers, definitely know what they are doing and after 30-years I guess they should, it was a life changing experience. We met wonderful people and you can't help but bond in a situation like this, all 9 recipients were matched with incredibly smart, wanting to serve, lovable, loyal dogs.

Each of us were matched perfectly. Well worth the year long wait.

We were able to meet the puppy raisers and anyone who does this has a special place in my heart, what a gift they are giving!

Thank you CCI you guys Rock!
CCI is funded by donations so if you want to give to a place that really makes a difference check them out... the facility is beautiful and there truly blessing and changing the lives of people who have daily struggles, and putting smiles on many people's faces!

Love, Amber

Save the Date (March 17th 2013)

Sunday, March 17th St.Patty's Day Fundraiser for Zack Collie @ Old Orange Brewing co.
Rain or Shine!

Come out and support/meet Zack
Read flyer for more details and pass the word on...

Simple Fun

Here are a couple pictures of Zack and his little brother playing around with Zack's "new toy" he bought himself a (very fast) remote control car... but the best part is Zack can control it using his "unfunctioning hands" its great to see him have fun with his siblings. A mom's blessing...

Happy 2013 New Year, New Therapy

We've started off the New Year pretty good, other than one by one of us catching and or fighting off the winter colds that everyone seems to have these days. CraZy Busy with ALL the things on the "To Do" list that I know will never end So I'm trying hard to find Balance in all that I do...As mentioned in my last post... Zack has started going to a new physical therapy unit in Santa Ana. It is a 15-minute drive opposed to a 1-hr and 20-minute drive...we ARE still going to Project Walk (in Carlsbad) once a week and will continue as long as possible, but the drive and $ has forced us to look local and I'm pleased to say we found a great fit for Zack. I have known about the Goodwill Fitness Center for a while now and finally toured and signed up. Zack works one on one with a personal trainer for a hour and then with a physical therapist, uses the standing frame each time he goes too. It's a great combination with PW and we are happy about it.

We are still in the waiting period for college applications and busy applying for scholarships programs. We are still scheduled to train for a service dog in Feb, Zack is SOO excited!
More updates soon..amber

Merry Christmas 2012

I have been meaning to send this for weeks now..hope everyone is ready for Christmas!

I have a few fun updates:
Our family went on our 1st cruise (to Mexico) in November, with another family who was able to get us an incredible deal. It was our 1st Big vacation (really ever) but definitely since Zack was injured. The boat was fun for all ages. I'll send more pictures of that when I can.

Zack turned 18 (in August) Senior @ YLHS.

He got "the call" from Canine Companions the service dog facility in Oceanside, Zack's been on there wait list since January. Zack and I will go live there in Feb for 12 days of training and return home with a K-9 companion!

We are still in the waiting part of the college plans should know more at the end of Jan/Feb?
We have cut down to once a week driving to Carlsbad for physical therapy, after 2&1/2 years (starting @ 4 days a week down to 3, down to 2) the drive and $ has forced us to find a local place. I have known about a place called Goodwill fitness Center and we finally visited and I think its going to be a good fit! (more on that later too).

Levi turned 16 a sophomore in HS and will be taking his drivers license test 1st part of January, He worked with Adron over the summer and he's saving for a car. Still is my "right hand man"

Kaden (the boy with the biggest heart) is in 4th grade, 9 years old and Loves Legos! He loves to learn new stuff and tell me all about it.

Laila is our "girly princess" 2nd grade, 8 yrs. old she Loves to do anything Christmassy and has helped me shop,wrap, bake and decorate. She's always up for doing something..Adron and her love to go get frozen yogurt and rent movies.

Adron and I had our 20 year anniversary in August, hard to believe that many years has past!

Looking fw to the New Year and all the changes it will bring with it, Enjoy your Holiday with family and friends.

May the Lord send his Blessings to you this year and may we all learn to truly seek him.

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013!

Love, The Collie family

Back to the Beach

Last Sunday night our family went "back to the beach" I've been there with the other kids but this was Zack's 1st time back since his injury. He was fine, he's so mentally strong. Some stuff sometimes is actually harder on "mom" we enjoyed a great family nite with friends..and stayed for a bonfire. It was therapeutic, for me anyway.
Amber