Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Update January 2, 2007

Happy New Year!

There have been recent signs in the increase of Taylor's mobility, including significant shoulder movement and siting forward a bit in her chair. She has been siting up in her chair a lot and enjoys taking tours around the hospital and outside. She looked very fashionable the other day as she went outside wearing Tammy's sunglasses. In the past couple days Taylor has also been taking some breaths on her own.

A friend of Tammy's, Vanessa Voyles, put Tammy in touch with Christopher Reeve's doctor, Dr. John McDonald (Thanks Vanessa!!). Dr. McDonald is a specialist in the field of spinal cord injuries with a focus on pediatric paralysis. After hearing Taylor's story and her recovery thus far, Dr. McDonald is optimistic for Taylor's further recovery. Dr. McDonald runs the spinal cord rehabilitation and research program at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD. The family is trying to have Taylor transferred to Baltimore in order to receive "activity-based restoration" (ABR) therapy. This type of therapy is designed to help patients with long-term spinal cord injuries recover sensation, movement and independence.

As the family works to get Taylor transferred to Baltimore, Taylor will remain at the UC Davis Med Center. Her transfer to Shriner's and the surgery to install the phrenic pacer have been put on hold. We will keep you informed as plans are finalized.

We hope that everyone had a fun New Years Eve and wish you all a great 2007. Taylor spent the New Year watching fireworks through her window. What a great surprise! Taylor also enjoyed visiting with her friends Olivia and Avery this past weekend.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI Guys!!! I am so happy you were able to get in touch w/the people at Kennedy. CRF is so awesome!!! Those are the best possible hands one could be in. Taylor, you and your Mom are in my prayers each and every night!!! Your new info. brought tears to my eyes as I can see that there will be a good outcome here!! :)

Much love, Venessa Voyles

Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone, It seems that all the prayers hard work are paying off. Bless everyone envolved with Taylor in her recovery. We will continue to think of you and smile back as we see your beautiful face. Much love to you and your family. Hi Tammy!!!

Love Gigi

Anonymous said...

It takes one amazing little girl to capture the hearts of people on the other side of the nation! You are so special and we know that Baltimore will bring even more hope to you and your family.
We love you,
Tera, Aubrie, Christy and Jared

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor.. What a treat it was to visit you last week!! It was so awesome to see you smile and I was happy to get to see your Mommy, Grandma, Nana and Matt too!! You are lucky to have so many special "grown ups" who love you so much and help the Doctors and Nurses take good care of you!! (I am wondering when your Mommy will start getting a paycheck...she is so smart!!) Have you sweet talked them into taking you on a walk to the gift store to spend all that money in your "Horsie Purse"?? Well, please remember that we love you and will continue blowing you hugs n' kisses!! Be good for Mom and keep working hard, Taylor. It sounds like it is paying off!! P.S. "Miss Kerri" and I will be waiting for our invitation to "The Taylor Parker Day" at the Fire Station!! We can't wait!!!!
XOXOXO-"Miss Stacy"

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor, I know that there are people all over the world pulling for you! We'll continue to hold powerful good thoughts for your recovery. I'll bet there are some angels watching over you, too. Sending you big hugs! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor-
That is amazing news! What a great friend you have in Venessa. Good luck with getting ready for Baltimore. I will continue the prayers and look forward to reading about your progress.
Happy New Year!!!
Much love,
Courtney, David & Emma Adams

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor and family,
I am really excited to hear this great news. I have been reading up on Activity-based rehab and it seems to make great improvements in many people with spinal cord injuries. A few years ago people were just giving up after injuries like this, but no more. I think you are definitely on the right track and look forward to reading about your recovery!

Anonymous said...

Oh Taylor, I am so proud of you honey! You have worked so hard to overcome this and it's paying off for you. I just can't tell you how good I feel inside knowing you are making such great progress!! It sounds like you have a long trip ahead of you! It sure will be worth it Taylor. They work miracles every day for people just like you. I have so much faith and hope for you to have a full recovery and get back to your cute little self Taylor! Good luck sweetheart. Continue to be brave and always remember you are very much loved and always thought of by so many people. It's amazing how many hearts you have warmed. You are a true inspiration to us all.

Lots of love to you Taylor,
Kim Gardner (Travis's Mom)

P.S. Tell your Mommy I said hello!

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor,
My mom was reading to me all the wonderful progress you are making. I am so happy for you. Guess what Taylor? My dog's name is Chico too.

love,
xavier

The Robertsons-Rod, Sheri, Sophie, Scott, Ross said...

Hi Taylor!
Happy New Year. We are so glad that you got to see fireworks out your window on New Year's Eve! We are also excited to hear that you get to go on a long trip and meet some doctors that will help you get better and better. Thanks for letting us visit with you last week. You are such a smart, brave, amazing young lady. Say hi to that funny looking llama above your bed! With Love, Rod and Sheri Robertson

Anonymous said...

Happy 2007 Taylor!! So glad you had some fun watching fireworks and hanging out with friends over the New Year! Wishing you all the very best and sending you good thoughts and prayers for your recovery. (Marilyn sent me over!)

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Taylor,
My cousin Venessa keeps me in the loop on your progress. What a great way to start the new year... Keep your faith, and stay strong... You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending love and prayers from Detroit Rock City... August T - Nessa's Cousin.

Anonymous said...

In our visit and with all the positive news all I can say is, "Yes Lord!" Taylor, I am as is many people praying for you, we are optimistic in your progress. You just keep proving those doctors wrong!

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor-
Just wanted to let you know that I was in the Baltimore hospital as a patient earlier this year and they are absolutely awesome! They have the nicest nurses and doctors so you will be in really good hands! We're all praying for you!
Love Michelle, Gabe & Garrett Tafoya

Anonymous said...

That is great news! I know this is something your family has been hoping for. It looks like all our hopes and prayers are being answered!! Tommy and I want to come to your Easter Bunny/Santa Claus Christmas this spring. Hope to see you on our next trip down to Woodland.
Love and Kisses from Klamath!!

Kathleen said...

yay! oh yay!
marilyn said there was good news so i clicked here to read it. my heart is so full of happiness for you and your family.

also, i live in baltimore! so if you have any questions or need anything, let me know.
(vwsamiam@aol.com)

fondly - kathleen

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor and Family,
Yesterday was my first day back to work since Christmas break and the first thing I did was look up your site to see how you were doing. I was so glad to hear all the good news. When I went home after work, my grandaughter Cassidy ran up to me and asked if I new how you were doing. I don't have a computer at home so it was the first time in a while that I was able to see how you were. I thought it was so cute of her to ask about you. You have touched many hearts. Good luck in all every new day brings you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take care and God Bless,
Marcia from Chico

Anonymous said...

Dearest Taylor,
Do you know that you have a great name? I think it's very pretty.
We are into the new year and it sounds like really good things are going to happen for you. I can't hardly believe that this famous doctor is going to take over with your care. I said a while back that this is the time of year for a miracle, and it looks like everybody's prayers for you are paying off. I wish the best of everything for you Taylor.
Work hard for your recovery and don't ever give up!
Bless you sweet little girl.
Always,
Judy B. (Travis's grandma)

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor,
Glad to hear that you had fun over the holidays. It's even better to hear that you're doing so well. Keep up the good work and before you know it, it'll be time to celebrate Christmas back home.

Tammy and family, please let us know if we can be of any help in your efforts to get Taylor to Baltimore. We're so excited for all of you!!!

Love the Van Brocklin's

Tricia said...

So much good news- Wow!

boho girl said...

Taylor love ~
So good to read this. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. We are all so proud of you. You are an inspiration to so many!!

I bet you'll write a book someday and change the world.

Love to you,
Boho

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and praying for your quick recovery daily. Happy New Year!!

Hamer Family

Anonymous said...

wonderful news!!! happy, happy new year Taylor (and family)!!! we're still thinking and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Taylor! Grandma Nadine has been
keeping us updated on all the wonderfull progress you have made. You have been in our thoughts and prayers. I'm so happy to hear that the people from Baltimore are going to be helping you get better!
Tell your MOM we said Hello and we can't wait to see the both of you so we can give you a great big hug!
Love, Billie, Omar, Ali, and Austin

Tricia said...

Taylor ,

So good to see you and your mom today! I was so glad to catch you before you moved! Gracie and Wills were a bit upset at me when I told them I had been by to see you! Grace hung her head in my lap and made me promise to bring her next time.

You see so many grown ups- I'm sure you can't quite remember who I am, but I remember you from preschool and so do Grace and Wills. I will be sure to pop in on a different day for another visit- perhaps with a smoothie for you and a coffee for Mom!

Hope "your new room" is fabulous and that the folks at Shriners are friendly! Do you get to see some trees from your window?

Tricia