Christmas 2013

Have a wonderful Holiday.
Merry Christmas!
Love, The Collie Family

Off to College

Zack graduated in June (watch grad video if missed it)
We had a fun summer, that flew by. Zack started CSUF on August 26th and it's been non-stop since! Unfortunately the caregiver we hired to work for Zack, was not able to last minute, so that left "mom" going to college but it turned out great actually because so much happened those 1st few weeks of college. I was glad I was there. We ended up dropping a class that made his schedule much less stressful, we learned where everything was, found all the good eating places, visited disabled student services and academic advisement, looked into tech support services, went to career fair and Zack met a few people.

Now that he's been there about 6-weeks he's much more comfortable and getting used to his schedule (school & physical therapy) and homework.

We have found (2) fellow students (a Jr/Sr) to help Zack on T/TH so off he goes on those mornings "mom free" it's wonderful for both of us! Ha!

Sedona (Zack's service dog) is getting her education too and goes 4 days a week with Zack...she's doing her job well students and teachers seem to like her.

Please keep us in prayer there's always lots of things to juggle and new hurtles to overcome but I'm pleased to say the 1st few weeks of college life has been good to Zack.

Thanks for the continued interest in Zacks (change of life story).

Love, Amber

Zack "walks" to get diploma

Another one of those times when no words are necessary, I'll let the video speak for itself....
Zack decided last minute to do this and his classmates had no idea, he was nervous and it was hard to see but powerful in the end and we were all very happy he pushed himself, after all you only "walk" to get your high school diploma once, right!

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