St. Patty's Day fundraiser pics

The weather on St. Patty's Day was not what we had hoped for, but we ended up with a good crowd anyway.

Thank you to all who came out to support Zack in spite of the (pouring at times) rain, it meant a lot to us. It was a fun day and we learned a lot, this was our 1st fundraiser we planned (the others have been put on by friends)
Fundraising is part of this injury because of Zack's on going physical therapy that is not covered by insurance.
We did Great considering the weather..Thank you!!!

A Special Thanks to: Jen Holloway, Heidi, Cassie, Karin, Jamie, Steve Demko (T-shirts) Dan (On time signs, flyer)
Table helpers that day: Cherie, Hannah, Michelle, Cathy (mom) Maria, Angela, Kara, Chrissy
Raffle helpers: Tracy, Katie, Maggie, Josie. Guys: Levi, Rodney, Randy, Jeff & Tony

Lime Truck..Great Food!
and of course the guys at Old Orange Brewing Co.

As you can see it takes many people to make these fundraisers possible we greatly appreciate your service & support to Zack's cause.

Enjoy the photos!!

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!