Peace...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. JOHN 14 :27

Gym Sister Power!

     Jacoby enjoyed a visit from several of her gym-mates and coaches today. 

They shared lunch over pizza and had some good laughs.   

Jacoby has expressed a lot of interest in coaching down at Roach Gymnastics 

and the visit only reinforced that desire.

     The transition from the hospital to home life has been a bit exhausting to be 

honest with you, so continued prayers for the transition are much appreciated!
     Jacoby received some more encouraging letters and care packages from 

several people, gyms, colleges (Auburn and Oklahoma), 

and a really cool letter and picture from SEAL Team 5 in Afghanistan!      

     Continued thanks for all the words of support.
     God continues to stretch and strengthen us all through this trial. 

We have met so many wonderful people and continue to trust in 

His purpose behind all of this... 

Merry Christmas!

It was a close call, but Jacoby did get released from Children's on Christmas Eve!  Blood test results indicating high calcium levels in her blood that most likely would have slid her release date did not come in until we were already home.  We are keeping a close eye on her and will check her blood again in a couple days. 
     Thanks to Konner Ackerman and his family for a great care package full of Olympic and U. of Michigan memorabilia!
To be honest, our first full day at home was a ton of work.  The home remodel has been a life-saver.  I don't know how we would have done it without!  Thanks again to all those involved.
     Today, we celebrated the birth of our Savior with family and friends with gifts, prayer, meals, and games.  Jacoby was definitely ready to get home with the family again.  We can easily tell the difference in her spirits and emotion!

Home Sweet Home...

     We took Jacoby on one long bumpy cab ride to the reveal of our remodeled home!  What an amazing experience.  We were all a bit overrun with emotion seeing our little dead-end street lined with people we know and love and others we had yet to meet that had put so much time and effort into our home over that last ten days.  God has used so many people to bless and encourage us throughout this whole ordeal.  Thank you to all that had a part.  We absolutely love the work you have done on our home!  

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Pretty-amazing-Community-comes-together-for-paralyzed-gymnast-184635981.html?tab=video&c=y"

Almost here...

Our discharge date is almost here!   We seem to be on track to be released from Children's on Monday (we are now understanding that this is a very short time for someone with her level of injury).  We want to send a special thanks to all the SCI community that has reached out in support of Jacoby.  We will be reaching out to you all in the next couple of weeks as we brainstorm her next steps in recovery.  Thank you again for your notes of encouragement and offers of support.

The Homestretch...

     We continue to make progress toward learning and checking everything off "the list" that is needed to get discharged on Monday!  Hopefully, it all works out.  Jacoby had her first good nights sleep since being here.  We were all pretty excited to actually feel rested in the morning!  It would be really nice if that continues!

Getting a little arm workout...

 
Billy Burke stopped by today!

 T

Please no visitors until we are released from the hospital.  We are trying to make sure we have "checked off" everything needed for us to get released on Dec. 24. and need to be able to focus solely on Jacoby and her care.  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

     

Close Call!

     Realized today that Jacoby's situation and the overwhelming support of family, friends, and community might just be a one-of-a-kind situation.  We started off the day with the news of potentially having to push off our hospital release date.  After some discussion with Docs, Therapists, and Nurses, we talked through some issues and a lot of people learned a lot of things... to say the least!  Anyway, details aside, we are still working toward a Christmas Eve release date from the hospital!  Please pray for a great weekend and for Jacoby to continue to make excellent progress.

Behind on a few of Brad's hats made by the "hat elf"...

 

Please no visitors until we are released from the hospital.  We are trying to make sure we have "checked off" everything needed for us to get released on Dec. 24. and need to be able to focus solely on Jacoby and her care.  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Makin' progress again...

     Now that Jacoby seems to be feeling a little better, she is progressing once again.  She was able to spend a decent amount of time in her chair doing arm exercises with her headrest removed.  This requires her to work on her center balance using her head, arms, and a few back muscles.  She did quite well!

"For I am confident of this very thing - that He who began a good work in me, will bring it to completion in Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

The fever is gone and a couple amazing gifts!

     Jacoby's fever broke today and she was extremely tired but was able to participate in therapy again.  Our biggest success was a transfer in and out of our suburban.  We had to tilt forward for her pressure release which made her a bit sick for the next couple of hours, but she finally recovered.  She has regained nearly complete range of motion in both shoulders when we stretch her.
     Thank you so much to Kyla Ross for giving Jacoby her Olympic warm up jacket signed by the Fierce Five!  Pretty amazing!
     Also, Kerri Strug brought tears to our eyes by giving Jacoby her autographed vault slippers at the auction last night... Words can't even express how touching that was. 

The Auction!!!

Where to start...?
     So, today was the benefit auction for Jacoby and a huge thank you must go out to all involved in pulling off this amazing event!  The plan was for Jacoby to attend the first half of the auction, but that unfortunately did not happen.  We prayed that God would be very specific with respect to it being a good idea for her to attend or not, and we received a clear answer.  The fever from last night returned just before we would have to leave for the event.  We knew at that moment the prayer was answered and she would not be attending.
     After a discussion with Jacoby, we decided to leave her in the capable hands of her grandmother and attend the last couple hours of the auction.  Wow!  The only way to describe it.  What an outpouring of support from family, friends, coworkers, the community, local radio personalities, politicians, and the greater sporting community in the form of Olympic athletes from across the US.  A special thank you to all the Olympic heroes for supporting and for the MC, Brock Huard, and the Auctioneer, John Curley.
     The event  raised a whopping $180,000!

Little ill at the moment...

Jacoby battled a fever today and it is still hitting her pretty hard.  Hopefully she can kick it soon... She was able to see some family and friends during the day as the fever tends to be worse at night, so please pray she fights this one off quickly.

Thanks Lani and WPFC!

     Thank you to our occupational therapist, Lani, for all her work with with Jacoby over the last few weeks.  This was our goodbye picture as she has finished her internship here at Children's.  Congratulations to her on becoming an official OT!  Best wishes to her as she moves on to the next stage in her career.

     Jacoby was pretty sore today.  Probably due to the long week of therapy, so it was nice she just got to chill most of the day.   Her siblings participated in a soccer fundraiser last night down at Washington Premier Football Club (WPFC).  They had a blast!  Thank you so much to WPFC and all the volunteers that helped make it happen and for all those that attended in support of Jacoby.  We are blessed to be part of such an amazing soccer club!

    

Praying for the families and residents of Newtown, Conn.

hats, hats, hats...

     Jacoby had a pretty average day, full of the usual ups and downs.  A few smiles, a few tears, a few laughs, a few grimaces.  We are settling in a little better with the routine of her care which is leaving more time for us to work on her stretching and rehab, which is EXACTLY what we want to be doing!  Today, she seemed to better tolerate sitting straight up and actually leaning forward.  Her body was regulating the blood pressure far better than we have seen in the past, so we'll consider that her most successful improvement for today.
     "Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them... Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.  When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." -Helen Keller

Thanks, Sarah from Utah, for the awesome Beanie Babies' collection and words of encouragement!

Also, thanks to the super cool night nurse that keeps making hats for "Brad the Hamster"!

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

The great hair...ball...

     Jacoby continues to push herself in therapy and catches on pretty quickly.  Well... most gymnasts probably would, since it's pretty much what they do!  She was able to use the arm bicycle today.  This will help strengthen her arms and give them better flexibility at the same time.  She tried to stand upright in the "stander" as well.  Didn't quite make it all the way upright before her blood pressure went wacky, but after she sat back down in her chair and reclined her color came back quickly and she started feeling better.  Previously, it would have taken 2 to 3 hours to recover.  So, her body is definitely learning how to better regulate the blood pressure.
     Thank you to Aly Raisman for sending a nice Pandora bracelet as a get well token and to Nastia for sending some memorabilia as well!
     Today's biggest thank you has to go out to the ladies at the U-Village Gene Juarez store for getting the giant dreadlockish nightmare out of the back of Jacoby's hair!  We talked her recreational therapist into letting this trip be her outing for the week and it turned out great!

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

A little more progress...

     Jacoby made some pretty good progress today!  She practiced balancing on a mat again this morning, we had a nice little lunch down at the Starbucks on the first floor, learned how to use a slide board, she was able to control a computer cursor using an over-sized trackball mouse, had her first school session, and reached a goal of staying up in her chair for six hours.  We also noticed during OT today that she has regained pretty good supination in her right arm.  Not bad for one day!
     Thanks to Sandy at ECGA for bringing in another huge stack of cards and for all those who sent them.  What an encouragement! 
     Also, thanks to Leroy Hill and Brandon Mebane for stopping in to give some encouragement as well.  Go Hawks!
     We have to throw this one in... thanks to Esthi Zemp for sending some Swiss chocolate from... Luzern, Switzerland!
     And we can't say enough about the work crew that is going gangbusters on our home remodel.  How awesome and amazing are they?   Thank you so much to all that are involved! 
http://q13fox.com/2012/12/11/community-works-together-to-remodel-home-for-paralyzed-gymnast/#axzz2Ent3uGGE
     We are amazed at God's provision and timing in all things as we continue to trust Him as we walk through this trial day by day.

Jacoby's twin brother brought in his "fake baby" that he has to take care of for the day for school!

Draggin'...

     Yesterday took its toll on Jacoby.  She had such a fun time with visitors, but man was she tired and sore today!  She spent most of the morning getting adjustments made to her wheelchair and pretty much shocked everybody with her driving speed... well, she is a teenager after all!  Had some success working on feeding herself in the afternoon but still needs to gain a little more shoulder strength for it to happen smoothly.  
     We just want to thank everyone once again for all the letters of encouragement and service to our family.  Nothing gets Jacoby out of the dumps like reading some Bible verses, cards, and letters.  So, thank you all so much.

Psalm 16:8  I keep my eyes always on the LORD.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.       

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Day full of friends...

Jacoby had a wonderful day of visiting with family and friends from church, school, and gym.  This definitely raised her spirits.  We saw a noticeable gain of strength and endurance in her arms as she was constantly motioning with them during her time of visiting!

Elise, thanks for stopping by and giving some encouragement to Jacoby!
 Elise Ray, 2000 Bronze Medal Olympian & UW Assistant Gymnastics Coach

 Good to see some old friends!

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Psalm 61:1-4

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.  From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.  I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of you wings.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Let's Drive!

     Wow, what a day!  Jacoby spent the morning hours practicing driving in her new power wheelchair with therapists brainstorming and making adjustments for better fit.  She took it outside for the first time on the grass and up and down the hill in front of the hospital.  She's really getting the hang of it!
     And not diverging from the days theme, we received the HUGE blessing of a wheelchair accessible Toyota Sienna from Look Larson Toyota of Tacoma, Vantage Mobility International, and Mobility Services of Sumner!  What an amazing gift.  A huge thank you to those three businesses for their support.
     Jacoby's siblings spent the last couple of days participating in a couple awesome fundraisers put on by Jacoby's school, Ballou Junior High.  A big thanks to all the teachers, staff, and students for another great showing of support.  We are so blessed to have such a loving community around us. 
     Please continue to pray for Jacoby's continued strength and healing.  

Please visitors only on Sunday this weekend as we are in need of some quality family time with Jacoby and her siblings, thanks!

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

 

The Shower Chair!

     Long story short... Jacoby and showers do not get along right now!  Much of our time was spent removing strands of her hair from two LARGE, poorly placed, pieces of Velcro on both sides of her shower chair's head rest!  Who invented this thing anyway?!?  Of course, we didn't even notice this until we tried to lean her forward to wash her back and realized her head was Velcro'd to the chair.  OUCH!  For those of you who know Jacoby, you can only imagine the commands coming out of her mouth at that moment!
     In order to salvage some part of the day, Jacoby set her first goal.  Many of you might think that she would choose the use of her hands, etc., but you would be mistaken.  
     Goal #1... to scratch her own nose!

Please visitors only on Sunday this weekend as we are in need of some quality family time with Jacoby and her siblings, thanks!

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

     

First Official Outing...

     Jacoby got an electric wheelchair today and was able to cruise around our hospital floor.  There were a few "iffy" moments, but we all survived!  It was nice to see her gain some independence.  
     We were able to head out of the hospital for Jacoby's recreational therapy tonight.  We tried to visit some neighborhood with Christmas lights, but were too early, and none of the houses were lit up.  So... we stopped and had dinner at the Ram Restaurant!  It was quite the learning experience.  We were all pretty excited to get out of the hospital setting.  

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Boy, the difference a day makes...

     The nice thing about difficult days like yesterday is that they always seem to be followed by good days like today!  Jacoby had a great day of therapy and continues to gain strength.  It seems like the spinal shock has finally worn off and she is getting many more muscle spasms which are pretty painful.  The docs are trying to find a good balance with medications to help but also allow her to remain alert and able to focus on rehab.  We'll see how it goes... please lift that up in prayer.
     She had a nice surprise visit from the Seahawks QB, Russell Wilson and his wife!  Such a wonderfully nice couple.  Thank you for taking the time to visit Jacoby and other kiddos at Children's today.  Very cool.
     Jacoby continues to amaze us and we are blessed by her willingness to work hard and  try to maintain a positive outlook.
http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/paralyzed-gymnast-speaks-from-her-hospital-bed/vjTT6/

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Makin' a run for it!

     This was one of those days where you look out the window and see life going on and you just want to make a run for it!  Today was a rough day.  Jacoby was a bit frustrated with how difficult and tedious everything has become.  What used to be the simplest of tasks takes a hundred times longer than it used to, and for someone like Jacoby (well, probably anybody) it is quite dis-heartening.  Thus continues the wild emotional roller coaster.  We continue to trust the Lord's plan for her through this.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  -Jeremiah 29:11    

     On a side note, a big thank you to the 40+ people that helped move our entire house today.  Man, what a project!  Thank you to "The Old Cannery" for use of their Truck, Lowe's for an entire moving crew and truck, Pierce County Fire and Rescue for many volunteers, and family, friends, and "friends of friends".  What a work crew we had today! 

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

A little progress goes a long way...

     It may seem trivial to some, but we have been pretty excited the last day and a half as Jacoby has shown a little firing of the left triceps, some sensation of touch in her right thumb and pointer finger and can now do the pageant wave with both hands, although better with her left than right!  Please keep the prayers coming!
     Thanks to Jordyn Wieber for sending a nice little care package with an encouraging note for Jacoby!  Many, many, many thanks to our family, friends, neighbors, church, Roach Gymnastics, WPFC, many staff and students in the Puyallup School District, the entire gymnastics community, and all of our community and friends throughout the Greater Puget Sound.  Special thanks to Gymnastics Unlimited and many vendors for their generosity and fundraising in conjunction with hosting the fall state meet.
     Also, a huge thank you to the "house crew" that has volunteered so much time and energy into making our home ADA accessible for Jacoby.  We are hoping to accelerate her discharge date a bit and have Jacoby home by Christmas... so I guess that's our Christmas wish this year!

Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

 

Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  Therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

                                                       www.goteamjacoby.com

Celebrate The Little Things...

     We are learning to celebrate the little things in life again.  Jacoby was out of bed and her wheelchair for the first time today!  Working on trying to balance sitting up on a mat (with some assistance of course).  It was so refreshing to see her back on a mat!  She ended up in bed for the next two hours because she got so sick from it, but she is definitely getting stronger each day!   We would like to thank Torin Koos for an encouraging letter he sent Jacoby from Austria that reminded us about the mental aspects of recovery.  We have spent so much time learning how to take care of the physical this week, a return to the mental aspect of healing today seemed to keep Jacoby in good spirits because she was more engaged throughout the entire day in her healing process.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4 16-18


   Thanks also to awesomely supportive co-workers stopping by with gifts, stories, and prayer for Jacoby.  We really appreciate everything you all have done for her.

 Jacoby's little cousin after a visit a couple days ago!


Please no visitors until Saturday afternoon and Sunday.  We have learned that therapy during the week takes up the whole day and is exhausting!  Thank you for understanding.

For more information about Jacoby:

www.goteamjacoby.com

2Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen a

2Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are