St. Patty's Day Fundraiser Countdown

Come join us on St. Patty's Day at Old Orange Brewing Co. (in the city of Orange) and Help support Zack in raising funds to continue his physical therapy...Hope to see you there!

Zack Skiing in Colorado

Durango Colorado

I mentioned in last post Zack was rewarded a scholarship to a adaptive ski school. It was a incredible experience. I'll let the photos do the talking this time.
I will say though it was a very memorable trip, I felt blessed to be able to spend 6 days in beautiful Colorado, met wonderful people and had quality time with my 2 older boys.

Zack tried (2) different types of adaptive skiing one, he was roped to a instructor and Zack would steer slightly, but this was much "to slow" for Zack so he went with option 2 where the instructor held onto the back and well lets just say he was "flying" down that mountain! (check out video clip)

Oh and by the way I've been skiing for 20 years, Levi (zack's brother) got on a snowboard for the 1st time that week and was better than me by the 2nd day! (just like his older brother) "what's up with that" hahaha

St. Patty's Day Fundraiser

Hi everyone,
Coming up soon (St. Patty's Day) we will be having a fundraiser for Zack to continue to raise support for his physical therapy. Please come join us!

The Old and The New

I passed a bus stop the other day, as I drove by I realized it was the bus stop I'd dropped Zack off at (with friends) a few times to go to the beach on their own. I'm glad he was able to experience some independence. I'm happy he talked me into letting him fly to New Mexico on a plane for the 1st time (by himself @15 yrs old) to visit his good friend, who'd moved there.

Zack was the kid who learned to ride a 2 wheeler bike at 3 &1/2 years old, this included jumping off curbs! He saw his older neighbor & friend do it so of course he had to try. He said "mom take off my training wheels" I was just humoring him and told him it will take some practice. He said hurry take them off and off he went!

I sure miss somethings, I miss Zack's messy handwriting, the sound of him coming home, his strong hugs, him tickling his little siblings, watching him dirt bike ride, I miss him complaining he had to walk "all the way" home, I miss telling him to be careful, I miss him picking me up and embarrassing me, I miss him doing cannonballs into the pool and making sure I got splashed!

I'm still not use to words like paralyzed, quadriplegic, handicap or wheelchair assessable...I don't know I want to get used to those words.

Zack and I use to go skiing / snowboarding. 1st time he was 5 years old, I put him on skies and he starts down the hill he looks back at me and says "mom how do you go faster!?"

We have been awarded a scholarship to go to a adaptive ski school in Durango Colorado for 6 days! I'm excited and nervous, it will definitely be a new adventure. One thing I still get to see is Zack's beautiful Smile!

Thanks for listening.

Blessings, Amber

Christmas 2011

I hope you enjoy your holiday time with family and friends.
Remember to count your blessings!

With love, The Collie family

Video :: Zack Taking HIS FIRST STEPS!!!!!

This video was taken in October, 2011. It shows Zack Collie "walking" -- watch carefully as he takes steps with his right foot all by himself! 1st time on video.

Zack was paralyzed in a beach accident Memorial Day 2010 and was told he had a less than small chance to ever stand or walk again. Thanks for beating the odds Zack!

Video :: Zack Walking with Help

This video clip taken in August, 2011 is of Zack Collie "walking" with the help of 2 trainers. He is being held up by a trainer instead of using a "walker." As you can see it takes all his energy to walk in this short video. Zack broke his neck and was paralyzed instantly on May 31, 2010. Keep it up Zack!

Video :: Zack Standing All By Himself

This is a video clip of Zack Collie Standing all by himself July, 2011 after breaking his neck and instantly becoming paralyzed on May 31, 2010. Way to go Zack!

Homecoming 2011

Zack was voted Jr. Homecoming Prince at his high school (YLHS) for 2011. He wasn't sure what to think at 1st but it ended up being a fun experience.

They took group pictures one evening, had a few practice runs, 2 Rally's the day of the homecoming game (where they crowned the senior King). Then that night was the football game where Zack & court went out to the field at 1/2 time, and the senior Queen was crowned. The football team won! (undefeated I believe).

Fun week!

Getting out of wheelchair

Here is a set of pics showing how Zack gets lifted out of his wheel chair and stands on his own!

Fun stuff the last couple weeks..more great pics and updates coming soon and hopefully a video clip that you have to see!

Back to School

After being gone (2) summers and missing his whole Sophomore year Zack is "Back to School" as a Jr. this year.
He goes (3) days a week to YLHS and we continue to drive to Carlsbad for physical therapy (2) days. We still have a teacher come to the home to help him with school work. Zack's favorite part of school is 6th period wrestling where he helps keep score and gets to hangout with friends. He also talked his brother Levi into joining the team.
He says its definitely different being back in high school after injury, but he's adjusting.
A bus comes and picks him up he did not like that idea! but its a nice break for me (and my back) so he agreed to it.
As you look through the attached photos check out Zack's art work!! Remember this is traced by a boy who has VERY LITTLE movement in his fingers and just held a pencil again for the 1st time since a try in the hospital a year ago! Zack's never been into art much, but was selected as a elective he could try and I must say he sure impressed me!!
Thank you to those who have been praying specifically for finger movement. Zack would love to have more of that along with wrists and triceps...and more (of course)
Please keep praying!

P.S. Zack traced the drawings shown in the photos, but still amazing to me!

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)