Tuesday, July 6th

Zack was able to come home for a quick house assessment. We will be starting the construction changes to the house soon. A BIG Thank You to the group who volunteered to help with that! Our biggest need is a vehicle. We were told, for sure, our truck won't work. Finding something to fit all 6 of us and a wheelchair is going to be difficult. Please pray for these specific things - thanks! The little movement Zack does have is getting stronger, but there is still no new movement. Thanks for your continued support, we need you.

Love,
Amber

July 2nd

(It's Adron's 40th Birthday!) A quick hello to everyone. Zack continues to do well with therapy. The movement he does have gets stronger daily. Please keep praying for new movement. He loves visiting with his friends so keep that coming! I read the cards to him in the evening - how thoughtful and generous of everyone. Thank you so very much! We are still waiting to hear about the TLC program, to hear if he gets in. We are starting to plan home construction... getting a ramp made, redoing the bathroom, widening doors, etc. Thank you to the people involved in that project! We are continuing to count our blessings in the midst of all this. God is providing us with what we need. Love and appreciation to ALL of you! Have a safe and fun 4th of July.
~Amber

Monday's Update

Zack has had a lot of fun with his friends visiting... it really lifts his spirits. Thanks! Please pray that he gets into the TLC Program (a 30 day live-in intense rehab program, spending 5-6 hours a day getting him ready to transition home). It's not covered by insurance, but a sweet lady at Casa Colina has applied for funding for Zack. She says Zack is special and deserves a chance. I will know in about 3 weeks if he has been accepted.
Love, Amber

Friday's Update

I'd just like to say again how grateful I am for all of you who are sending me and my family cards. I seem to read them at the exact time I need them. They are so encouraging, thank you, thank you! The last few days Zack has been quieter. We're now 3 weeks in and the dust is settling. Please keep the prayers coming. I know they are working and remember, I am thanking the Lord for every one of you!
Love,
Amber

Working hard in Physical Therapy (photos)

Staples out! (photo)

Zack got his staples out!

Thanks YLHS! (photos)

Thank you Yorba Linda High School for all your love and support! Zack's room looks great!!





Jason with Zack representing YLHS

Financial Donations

As you know, Zack broke his neck while body surfing. It was a catastrophic injury rendering him paralyzed from the chest down. Some of his medical needs are being covered by insurance. However, many of his needs, particularly ongoing outpatient rehabilitation, are not covered by insurance.

When he is released from Casa Colina Inpatient Rehab he will return home and enter an out-patient physical therapy program at Project Walk in Carlsbad, CA. Their method has been created from years of experience working solely with spinal cord injuries.

However, Project Walk is one of Zack's needs that is not covered by insurance. Rehabilitation at Project Walk costs $100 per hour. It is estimated that Zack's monthly cost for rehab will be $3,600. Because of this, Zack’s family has started a fundraising campaign through the Catastrophic Injury Program at NTAF. NTAF is a nonprofit organization, so all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

To contribute financially to Zack's rehabilitation needs, please click the link for "Zack's Campaign Fund (tax deductible)" under the "Financial Donations" heading in the right hand column of this blog and you will be taken to Zack’s personal webpage at NTAF. You can follow the directions at the bottom of the page and contribute either by check or by credit card.

Thank you for your generous support and prayers for Zack. They are greatly appreciated.

The Collie Family

Sunday, June 20th (Father's Day)

I'm not great with words but I want to send out again a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you who are continuing to lift my family up in prayer and all the support we are getting at this time. I know for sure we could not make it without you.

I want to continue to update you on Zack's progress. As I've shared, his attitude and spirits are strong, focused and positive. I also want to clearly state there has been NO NEW movement in Zack's body yet. Since the day of the accident Zack has had movement in his shoulders and forearms ONLY (no wrists, hands or fingers) or below. He still has "sensation" down to his toes so he knows if you are touching him and where, but it's described as a numb-like touch as if your foot has fallen asleep.

We are approaching the 3 week mark. I am asking for specific prayer for New Movement. I thank God in advance for what He is going to do, I know God can heal him.

Zack has a laptop now that is voice activated and has enjoyed that over the weekend. Adron (Zack's dad) has been there the last 2 nights and I got to come home for the 1st time and spend time with the other 3 siblings. That is also a prayer request that we will be able to use our time wisely as we juggle between the 2 places.

As you are praying for my family, know I am thanking God for all of you.
with love, Amber (Zack's mom)

Friday's Update

Zack's attitude continues to impress me. He seems to like his physical therapy and his humor makes everyone laugh! He has met a few new people, is getting to know the staff better and is learning a ton of new things. Also, just for the record, Zack has been passed on to 10th Grade!
~Amber

Comments

Some people have said they are posting comments but don't see them, so we wanted to clear that up. They are being posted! At the end of each post there is a link that says "comments" with a number in front of it (ie. 3 comments). If you click that link it will open up the comments made regarding that specific post and you can read what people have been saying.

Thank you for posting comments! The entire family has been reading them and they are very encouraging. Thank you all so much for your continuing love and support!

Gift Cards

Many people have been asking which gift cards would be most helpful for the Collie Family. They have received many cards for restaurants and are so thankful for those! Chevron gas cards or Stater Bros cards for groceries would help with some of their other needs. Anyone wishing to purchase gift cards can send them to the P.O. Box listed at the top of the blog.

Great Attitude

Zack's attitude has been amazing! He is very confident that God is with him, he is staying positive. He's had to endure some humbling circumstances but he does it with no complaints. I am SO proud of him!
~ Amber

From Amber and Zack

Thank you, everyone, for all the cards, gift cards, and Bible verses that you have sent... sorry I can't thank you all individually! I have been reading the cards in the evenings and they are so encouraging. All your love, support and prayers are definitely carrying us through this.
With Love,
Amber and Zack

From Adron

Zack has been amazing. He was conscious from the moment he broke his neck, floating face down in the ocean and being pulled out by the current, until being rescued and taken to the emergency room with no Mom or Dad to comfort him. He had a severely broken neck for two days before they repaired the bones in surgery. I have never seen him cry or heard him complain. I have cried plenty. He has never asked why this happened to him. Zack told me last night that he has no doubt that he will get better because GOD is with him. It will be because of Zack’s strength, GOD’S unfailing love and all the support from friends and family that I can walk through this. ZACK IS MY HERO.
Dad.

Photos of Zack

Click the link at the top of the page to see pictures of Zack!

Wonder Boy!

Doctor came in today and said, "How's the wonder boy?"
Amber: "What!? Why?"
Doctor: "With his injuries at C4 we expected him to be on a ventilator. The fact he is breathing on his own is amazing!"
Amber: "Well, we're praying hard!"
Doctor: "Good! Keep it up!!"

Tuesday's Update

Amber says, "Yesterday Zack had his first day of rehab. His routine includes occupational therapy in the morning (relearning life skills such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc.) and physical therapy in the afternoon. He likes the physical therapy. Zack also has a private room, which is great!"

Monday's Update

Amber says, "We're getting used to the new place. Zack started his new programs and routine this morning. In fact he's in a wheelchair doing physical therapy right now! I will post some new pictures soon."

Casa Colina Visiting Hours

Weekday visiting hours for Casa Colina are Monday through Friday 11am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Weekend visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday 11am-8pm. If these hours do not work for you, you can call and schedule something specific.

Again, the phone number is (909) 596-7733 ext.3728, Room 1134A

Robot Zack!

Zack has lost about 15 pounds over the last 12 days, so we're hoping as he settles into rehab he is able to regain some of that weight.

On a lighter note.... Zack's youngest brother Kaden (7 1/2 years old) asked, "If Zack has metal in his neck, does that make him a robot?" :)

Contacting Zack

If you want to call Zack at Casa Colina his number is (909) 596-7733 ext. 3728, Room 1134A

Saturday's Update

Zack and his mom, Amber, arrived at Casa Colina last night around 7:30pm. They got checked in and all set up for Monday's routine. Amber says they are both feeling a little down... it's a new place that is unfamiliar.

Amber also wanted to clarify that Zack does not have the ability to move his wrists on his own - but when he's wearing wrist splints he can move them a little because of the support.

Moving Forward

"Zack will be moving to Casa Colina Rehabilitation Hospital as early as this evening! We got the doctor we wanted assigned to Zack without even having to request him. And Zack will have a window bed! Thank You Lord! CHOC Hospital has been so good to us... we had good care and will miss the nursing staff."

~Amber

Come Visit!

If you would like to visit Zack before he moves to Casa Colina call the hospital to see when is a good time to stop by. He will most likely be transferred within the next several days! He can be reached at (714) 532-8571, Room 513.

Thursday's Update

Zack had a busy day today. He had 2 hours of physical therapy and several visitors. They've made splints for his wrists and he is moving his forearms up and down now. They even wheeled him outside for some fresh air!

Thanks to everyone - keep praying!
Amber (Zack's mom)

Auntie's Visit

I (Krista) got to see Zack today and he looks good! The swelling from surgery has gone down and he was sitting up. We were able to chat for a few minutes. He was looking forward to the In-N-Out being brought for lunch and the cake his sister Laila baked for him in her Easy Bake oven.

Casa Colina Photos!

www.casacolina.org

Zack's Condition

Several people have been asking how much, if any, movement Zack has. His parents wanted to clarify the extent of his paralysis. He is able to move his head and shoulders and he has some movement in his arms (forearms and wrists). As of right now he is not able to move his hands, fingers, torso, or legs. Again, there has been no prognosis at this time. It is simply "wait and see" for about the next 3 months. Please continue to pray for the hematoma on his spinal cord to diminish and for more movement to return. Thanks again for your concern, your support, and your prayers!

Wednesday's Update

Amber said thank you so much for your prayers for her today. The choice of which rehab facility is best for Zack was made crystal clear to her today. She says it couldn't have been more clear. Zack is excited and ready to go! For anyone interested in looking it up he will be going to Casa Colina in Pomona, CA. www.casacolina.org

Prayer Request of the Day

Amber is beginning to visit rehabilitation facilities today. Please pray for wisdom to know which program is right for Zack.

Tuesday's Update

Even though Zack literally didn't sleep a wink last night, he had a good day today! His second physical therapy appointment went well.

Thanks for your prayers... Zack was in good spirits today. He enjoyed visits from friends and getting phone calls.

For Zack's buddies...

Zack would like to hear from his friends! Give him a call at (714) 532-8571 room 513 and see when would be a good time to stop by.

Prayer Request of the Day

Please pray for:

* Zack's spirits to lift.

* Physical comfort - he is having a really hard time getting comfortable.

* Peace. There is a lot of fear of the unknown.

* Wisdom for his parents (Adron & Amber) as they make decisions about recovery facilities.

Moved to Private Room

Moved from ICU to a private room.

Started physical therapy today.

Pictures!

Zack before surgery

Zack right after surgery

Zack with one of his nurses (No burger for you!)

Words from Amber

"I know we are being prayed for - I can feel it. I have no words to express my appreciation."
Amber Collie (Zack's mom)

Progress!

Zack is now in stable condition! He has been moved out of ICU into a regular room.

Yo quiero "food"

Yesterday was a good day. Zack ate food for the first time... ordering food off the hospital menu, craving Taco Bell and In-N-Out, asking for gum.

But last night was a rough night. He was uncomfortable and couldn't sleep.

Zack needs prayer for rest and comfort.

Please pray against fear and for courage to fill him.

Facts About the Accident

At Newport Beach between 40th & 42nd St. on Memorial Day, Zack and three of his friends ran into the ocean and dove into the waves. His body instantly was paralyzed. He was face down in the water.

His buddy, Travis, saw him and thought that he was joking. Then Zack started floating back out to sea and Travis ran to him and turned him over. Zack was still conscious, had held his breath the whole time, and remembers everything.

Zack said, "I can't move." Travis pulled him to the shoreline and ran to get a lifeguard, who then called 911.

Paramedics took Zack to Hoag Hospital (Newport Beach) first and then on to CHOC.

These are the events that took place and we are forever grateful to all the people who helped to rescue and stabilize our son Zack. Thanks to all the support we have gotten through phone calls, visits and prayers. We could not walk through this without you. Thank you GOD for never leaving my side.

Adron Collie (Zack's Dad).

Doctor's Update

There has been no prognosis given by the doctors at this time.

The doctors' exact words are, "Zack has a 'severe' injury."

Breathing on his own and the hematoma (bruise) are still a major concern.

Saturday Morning Update

Amber just called to say Zack still has a lot of congestion in his chest. So our two main prayer requests for today would be that the congestion clears and the swelling with the hematoma is healed. Both the congestion and the hematoma are affecting his ability to breathe on his own, so it is critical that these things improve.

She also said two neurosurgeons have said they are encouraged by Zack's ability to know when they touch him.

Labored Breathing

Amber said the mucus in Zack's chest is back and he is having more trouble breathing.

Please continue to pray.

Hungry!

Zack is getting hungry. He told his nurse, "Hey I'll give you 10 bucks if you go to In-N-Out for me." She responded, "Well, I can give you jello!"

He ate it and said it tasted good, but can't wait until he can get a Number 2.

(Note: The "Lobster Burger" is not available; we checked)

Medical Update

Zack's mom, Amber, has asked me to pass on three main points.

* Prayer Request: The family has been told by doctors that the hematoma (bruise) in Zack's spinal cord is located on the inside of the spinal cord. The doctor would have preferred that it be on the outside of the spinal cord. This is of concern to him. Please pray that this hematoma is touched by God and the spinal cord is healed.

* For those who have been asking what Zack's diagnosis is... There is no prognosis at this time. It is simply "wait and see" for about the next 3 months.

* We wanted to clarify that when we say Zack has "feeling" in his arms and legs this is more of a nerve sensation akin to pins and needles.

Answer to Prayer

Just wanted to let everyone know that Zack's chest congestion has cleared up a lot!! Thanks so much for praying for that as it was a big concern. Please keep praying it will clear completely as that will make his breathing much easier.

First Words After Surgery

Zack's first words once they removed the ventilator were, "Give me some chapstick!"

Breathing is hard work but his blood oxygen levels are great. Thanks for those prayers! I know we've said this before, but please know the family is SO appreciative of all your love, prayers, and support. It means the world to us!!

Off the Ventilator!

Zack is off the ventilator. They are giving him supplimental oxygen and his oxygen blood levels are rising.

Please continue to pray his cold clears as that will help his breathing tremendously.

Good News

Good news, the doctors are going to help Zack slowly regain consciousness (post-operative) and begin breathing with-out the assistance of a ventilator.

This is good because it means he is strong enough to breath on his own and begin post-operative recovery.

They will be removing the breathing tube this afternoon around 2:00 PM.

For now, the family requested that visitors to the hospital be limited to immediate family only. Thank you for understanding and we will look forward to allowing more visitors soon.

Waking Up

Zac is waking up! The doctors are slowly turning down his sedation levels and he's coming around. He's not able to speak as he is still on a ventilator, but he is blinking eyes and communicating awareness to his mom.

Main prayers for today:
* That Zack would be able to get off the ventilator quickly and be able to breathe on his own again
* That he would have minimal pain
* That his lungs would continue to clear of the congestion from his cold.

At this time, we would also ask that all well wishes, comments, questions or concerns be posted to this site as the family is overwhelmed at this time. Thank you for your understanding and support!

More Surgery Details

Here are all the details from the surgeries.

The surgeons took a fragment from a donor shin and made a 3-sided vertebrae they inserted through the front of Zack's neck to replace his 4th vertebrae.

Then they went in through the back of his neck and screwed in a steel plate from his 3rd-5th vertebrae. Although this will restrict his front to back movement (chin to chest) he will still have side to side movement.

His spinal cord was not punctured so the surgeons didn't have to do anything there. Praise the Lord for that!!

The surgery was done on the St. Joseph's campus. Zack will stay there, sedated, until he is stable. Once Zack is stable he will be moved back to CHOC.

Please continue to pray:
* for complete healing
* for swelling to quickly go down
* that his throat will heal quickly (as the result of being on a ventilator during surgery he may have trouble with his vocal chords and swallowing for a little while.)

Thanks again for all your support! Adron and Amber are being swamped with calls and emails that they are unable to return at this time. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Posting comments here is a good way to connect with them.

Surgery Went Well!

I (Krista) just heard that Zack is out of surgery and both went very well! The doctors are going to keep him sedated through tomorrow to give his body a better chance to rest and recuperate. Thank you so much for your prayers!!

Surgery Update

Zack came through the first surgery very well! The surgeons are proceeding with the second one and hoping to be finished by 6pm tonight.

Zack's Gumby Suit Video (June 2009)

June 2009

Quick Picture Collage of Zack

Zack & Travis

Zack and Travis - buddies since preschool. We are praising God for Travis... he recognized Zack was in trouble and pulled him out of the water without disturbing his neck. What a miracle!

Prayer Request

Amber asked me (Krista) to post a request for prayer. Before the accident, Zack was struggling with a mild head cold. As a result he now has some chest congestion. They have tried several times to suction it out, but it hasn't cleared. Please pray that this congestion clears and the cold doesn't take hold.

Family Photo

For those who don't know Zack or who haven't seen him in a while here is a picture of all the cousins hanging out over Easter. Zack is the big guy on the end.

Surgery Update

Zack's surgery has been moved up to 12pm today. Adron is on his way to the hospital now in hopes of seeing Zack before he goes into pre-op. Amber has been there all night. Keep those prayers coming - they ARE making a difference!

Staying connected

Community Gathering

For those of you in the area, Adron & Amber are welcoming people to come to the main lobby of CHOC hospital during Zack's surgery (1-7pm) to hang out, pray, and be together. Adron will be going back and forth between this group and Zack's room - staying updated on his progress. You can park in the parking structure of CHOC and a shuttle will take you right to the front door of the lobby. The parking structure is free for the first 30 minutes and then $1 for each additional 30 minutes.

The Littles
Many people have been asking how Kaden & Laila are doing. They are doing really well! Kaden, with his soft heart, is so worried but it helped him a lot to be able to visit Zack yesterday. Laila, such a wonderful helper, is dusting the front room for me (Krista) as I type.

Ways to help

www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/627181/login/

Amber's friend, Monica, has set up this site as a way for people to sign up for meals, house help, etc. Click on the above link and enter your email address where it says "Interested in becoming a member of this community". Once Monica has approved you, you will be able to view the calendar and choose a way that you would like to help. Thanks so much!

Thanks for the support!

Here are the details as we have them right now.

Yesterday afternoon Zack was swimming at the beach with friends. After diving into shallow water he hit his head and broke his neck at C4. He does not have any head (brain) trauma. He does have a crushed vertebrae, however the spinal cord is intact. He has some sensation throughout his body, including his arms and legs. He is able to achieve slight movement with his shoulders and arms.

He is currently in ICU at CHOC Hospital receiving excellent care. He is scheduled for surgery tomorrow from about 1-7pm where the surgeons will do two back-to-back surgeries to replace the crushed vertebrae with a donor vertebrae and put in pins to stabilize his neck. The family is asking for no visitors at this point until he is out of surgery. Zack is very tired and sleeping a lot and they are also trying to minimize his exposure to any infections.

Please be praying for swelling of the spinal cord to go down, a successful surgery, and no complications with blood clots. We will be posting a link tomorrow for a website where anyone interested can sign up to help with meals, house cleaning, laundry, etc. Check back for that! We will continue to update this site as we have new information on Zack's condition.

Thank you so much for every one who has contacted us with prayers and offers of help. We are SO thankful for each and every one of you! Your love is holding us up!

Snoring a Little

Zack was sleeping (snoring a little even) when we (Uncle Zac & Auntie Krista) saw him tonight at 6.00PM.

He is breathing on his own and the ICU nurses are taking good care of him.

Amber and Adron are with him now.

Zack responded to stimulus during a neurological exam today.

Zack

Zack sustained a neck injury to his C-4 vertebra while swimming and is in the ICU at CHOC; Children's Hospital of Orange County.

His condition is critical and he is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday June 2nd, 2010.

Please check this Blog for updates as the family is inundated with calls and visitors are limited.