Be Perfect SCI Fundraiser 2011

Here are some photos from a Huge spinal cord injury (SCI) event we went to Sat nite (over 1,000 people). Zack went upfront and "stood" he said he wished he'd done better but since the event was outside he was cold and stiff.

Zack wheeled up front with his brother Levi who held up a red shaped Stop sign that read "Have you ever dove into a wave? I did"
Then with help from 2 trainers he was lifted out of his wheelchair and "stood" at that time Levi flipped the sign that read
"And I never gave up or lost Hope." He got a huge applause, very powerful, moving and bittersweet to me as a lot of things with Zack are to me.
I was just proud of him that he even did it!

love, amber (proud mom)

Zack Goes to Knotts

We ended our summer with a trip to Knotts Berry Farm. Zack went once earlier in the year but was not able to go on any rides, so this time he was ready!

The 1st ride he wanted to go on was some Crazy upside down, legs dangling roller coaster that I looked at and said "No way" but he insisted. Since I did get the "thumbs up" from his Dr. (that he can go on rides) I gave in, but it still feels scary to me. As we approached the area a guy working there asked us a few ?'s obviously concerned about Zack going on the ride. Zack says "I'm fine." The guy clearly was not completely comfortable with that answer but hesitantly let us through and thanks to Zack's friend (Jason) before the guy could change his mind we were already putting him on the ride! There he went on a roller coaster that I wouldn't go on and I'm a healthy "able-bodied" person! He was all smiles when he arrived back on the platform again and I think he would have tried to go again BUT he said part way through his leg kicked out and was extended for the 1st half of the ride he said he was afraid that the other leg was going to do the same thing, in that case he could of slid down in his seat! NOT TO WORRY he was seat belted in and I made sure there was a support bar in between his legs. I think this actually added to the fun for Zack!

The other crazy ride was the one in the photos below there strapped in to a "swing" and then they go who knows how high up and swing around and around. I'm sure they could see our house from up there it was so high! Zack said it was cold and windy by the time they got to the top! So, if you're afraid of heights don't go on that one!

It was a fun evening and I hope to go again. I just wish Zack was ok with just watching when it comes to some of these rides! Ya right!!!

~Amber

Zack Visits Casa Colina

When Zack was 1st injured we met other parents and "boys" who were injured before Zack, they helped walk us through the hardest time. One of the boys was Brian Goodwin he was the one who at 17 years old ran into the ocean at Newport Beach, 42nd St. (same as Zack) and was also instantly paralyzed. He has now been injured 4 years. Brian had come to visit Zack at Casa Colina and Ill never forget Brian wheeling himself into Zack's room with the biggest smile on his face. I have to say in that moment I didn't know to smile or cry, the reality of Brian then 3 years post injury sitting in a wheelchair was very hard for me. But I instantly liked his positive attitude and the fact he'd come to visit my son. Since that day Brian has become like a older brother to Zack.

In one picture below it shows Zack, Claire and Brian. Claire was both Brian and Zack's occupational therapist at Casa it was a bittersweet (for me anyway) reunion between the 3 of them.

So in my head I always knew one day we would try and give back and visit anyone who also had a unfortunate accident like Zack. But I was not pre-pared to meet Kody!
.Kody is 16 years old
.Both boys are Jr.s in High school
.On Memorial weekend of 2011 (Zack Memorial day 2010)
.Kody ran into the ocean and broke his neck by hitting a sandbar and was instantly paralyzed
.He broke his neck at C-4 (same as Zack)
.He has a 14 year old brother (same as Zack)
.He ended up at Casa Colina
.Same hospital room
.Same Dr.
.Same case worker
.Same OT (Claire)
.Same PT (physical therapists team)

It was a very strange feeling walking into Kody/Zack's hospital room decorated with posters and pics like Zack had done.
Kody has now been released from Casa and is home. He will be going to Project Walk if all goes as planned.
I hope to be of service to Kody's family as I truly feel the heartache they are going through. The boys "timeline" is identical. I look fw to seeing Kody progress this next year as he continues his own recovery process.

amber

Zack Standing over 1 minute

This is Zack standing over 1 minute, keep in mind he cannot get up out of his wheelchair but with the help of his trainer he is helped into the standing position then his trainer slowly lets go. Zack's legs and core are continuing to get stronger.

On another subject Zack turns 17 on (August 13th) I remember his 16th birthday, we had just come home from the hospital a week or so earlier, hard to believe a year has past. I'm not sure what were doing yet but I'm sure well come up with something!

Here are some fun candid shots of Zack with his siblings.
The ones taken at therapy is Levi trying one of the workout machines Zack wanted him to try, Zack says it feels weird!

A rare "family photo" of ALL 6 of us.
Some cute pics of the 4 kids, that I only got because it was my B-day that day!

Hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing summer...amber

Location:Family Fun

Zack visits the "Happiest place on earth"

Yes, Zack went to Disneyland! Thanks to some kind friends who walked us in...Thank you Mickey (not the mouse) and Susan!

It was a fun day. Zack did NOT want "his mom" going to Disneyland with him but I insisted and at the end of the day I think he was glad being that I acted as "tour guide/human seatbelt" for him all day.
If your wondering if he went on rides?? YES he DID! and of course wanted to go on anything fast! I was a little apprehensive, considering the circumstances BUT with much careful thought we were able to go on Indiana Jones (definitely the most difficult) Thunder mountain (glad I was there to hold his legs that wanted to keep going to the side) Space mountain (the ride I thought would be the hardest, turned out to be one of the best) Soaring in California Adventure (Zack's fav maybe b/c I didn't have to hold onto him at all on this one) and last but not least Tower of Terror! which I must say I hated! But Zack loved.
That one was interesting they loaded everyone 1st then it was our turn to lift Zack onto the ride, I could hear a pin drop everyone was so quiet as I embarrassingly dictated where each teen should sit, so we could hold onto Zack.
It's interesting getting all the looks from strangers, I get the "oh how sad" look, the awkward stares (probably wondering what happened to him) the quick glances and then they look away real fast.
The odd thing is Zack looks like "a boy just sitting in a wheelchair" we even joke with him and say "Ok stop faking Zack, get up!"
Zack and I both noticed how many wheelchairs were at Disney, Zack was quick to point out how most of them didn't seem to "really need" the chairs! They'd get to the ride and stand up and get on and he'd be like SEE!! I had to remind him they are injured just not as bad.
At the end of the day Levi (Zack's lil bro) and Dylan (good friend visiting) went on California Scream I said "No" on this one but I haven't heard the end of it yet. Zack keeps saying we need to go back so he can go on that one! Well see...

Have a Safe 4th of July!