Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Update on Kristen Adlhoch

Extra! Extra!
Kristen Adlhoch Tackles Therapy with Characteristic Strength and Smiles!
Hospital Food … Interesting!


Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO – I spent yesterday evening and today with Kristen, attending all of her physical and occupational therapy sessions, and “extra curricular” classes. Today was a busy day!

It started with Kris missing Fitness Class due to a miscommunication among the morning nurses – they didn’t get Kristen in her wheelchair and give her her morning medicine until a half hour after class started. We missed some sort of wheelchair soccer game that sounded fun – and they would have let me play!

Physical therapy (PT) was next. Kristen learned how to transfer herself from the wheelchair to a raised mat without the slide board. Then she spent half an hour getting stretched by the therapist and her father. (Kristen’s father, not the therapist’s.) During the stretching there was a lot of discussion about what we need to do to Kristen-proof our house. Those of you who have seen our two-storey-shower-only-on-the-second-floor house can imagine it will not be easy. Maybe Angel will get that new house she is always looking for? After stretching, the therapist strapped some electrodes to Kristen’s thighs to see if her muscles would respond to electrical impulses. They did, and it was amusing to watch the muscles wiggle and jump. This is a good sign, and means they will enroll Kris in a bicycling class starting next week. Apparently they will stimulate her muscles with electricity while she rides the bike – sounds more like torture than therapy to me.

Recreational therapy (T-Rec) was next. These folks purport to be the most fun people in the hospital. Last weekend we tie-dyed shirts with them. Yesterday they held a casino night. A couple times a week they bring dogs in for animal therapy. Saturday they will take Kristen and several other patients to the mall. Today’s meeting was just informational.

Somewhere in there we did a load of wash and ate lunch. Kris ordered the catfish, and received a large white plate with a slab of breaded catfish on it. No frills or side of parsley here.

After lunch we went to occupational therapy (OT). So far, there is not a lot of difference between PT and OT. During today’s hour Kristen learned to place various pillows and pads under her body and turn herself from side to side while laying on a large mat – a task now done by the nursing staff. Eventually she will be given a larger bed and will be expected to take care of her own comfort needs.

Between OT and Wheelchair Hyjinx one of the staff readjusted Kristen’s wheelchair. Apparently the axel was too far back and she could not do a proper wheelie. And yes, wheelies are VERY IMPORTANT here. You can’t graduate without knowing how to do them. Imagine pedaling a unicycle with your hands – kind of the same thing. Kristen was expected to travel twice the length of the gym in wheelie mode – not allowing the training wheels to touch ground. (See a short video of her doing this on her Facebook page. While you’re there, say “hi” to her – she appreciates that.) Another patient who has been at this a little longer was expected to maneuver a swerving course of tightly packed traffic cones in wheelie mode. Then we went outside to have a wheelchair race. This was really about racing against yourself and beating your previous time. However, Kristen – who had never done the course before – came within 12 seconds of beating the other two, more experienced patients. The course included a long downhill slope with many twists and turns (some 90 degrees) and then – you guessed it – a torturous return to the top. After the race, we went back inside and they were expected to descend a small flight of stairs – backwards, and in a controlled fashion (otherwise it would be fairly easy). They had help this time, but will learn to do it on their own. (Again, see a short video on Kristen’s Facebook page.)

We ran into Kristen’s doctor twice in the hallway today. We chatted with him for some time; he even drew a curious stick-figure-like schematic of Kristen’s spine to make some interesting points. Last night in the shower and again in bed Kristen’s legs experienced spasms. This is the first internal movement she has had in them in 2 weeks. The doctor explained that this is expected and may be a good sign or may be just a meaningless reflex (in either case, it is not a bad sign). I won’t go into the details – you’d need to see the stick figure spine drawing to understand them. He also told us that he will schedule another MRI for Kristen next week. He is anxious to see if there are any differences since the previous one done in Honolulu.

Dinner was interesting. Kristen had chicken strips with sweet and sour sauce that she said tasted like Mexican food. I had a stuffed bell pepper, which looked like something Calvin would not have eaten.

As I write, Kristen is studying for one of her finals. (All of her friends at Benedictine better be doing the same! You hear that Mariah? Margaret? Taryn?) Other than that, her spirits are high.

We are all looking forward to a white Christmas since we can’t travel to Phoenix. We will miss all of our family and friends there but will be thinking of them throughout the holiday. If we are really lucky, the doctor will let Kristen come home for a day at a time later this month so we don’t have to sing carols and open presents in the hospital, and we can schedule an “open house” for all her Colorado friends to stop by and see her.

Joe, Angel, Kristen & Lauren

Friday, December 3, 2010

St John the Evangelist Catholic School Chronicle

St John the Evangelist Catholic School Chronicle
December 3, 2010


Advent Blessings!



Ms. Wood's Kindergarten finds out the true meaning of candy canes.
Look at a CANDY CANE, what do you see?
Stripes that are RED like the BLOOD shed for me!
WHITE for my Savior, Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for JESUS, My Lord that's for sure!
Turn it around And a staff you will see ---
Jesus, my SHEPHERD, Is coming for me!



Kristen Adlhoch graduated from Saint John the Evangelist school 4 years ago. She is now a freshman at Benedictine College. While surfing on vacation in Hawaii with her family, she somehow injured her back. Toward the end of her lesson, she mentioned that her leg felt funny but continued for one more time in. When they were walking out to the car, she said that her legs both felt like they were somewhat numb, as though they were asleep. A few steps later, her legs gave out from under her. She did not fall hard or hurt herself then but she wasn't able to get up. Her parents took her to the hospital and they diagnosed her as having surfer's myelopathy. It is named this because it seems to only affect a person who is new to surfing. She was flown by medivac to Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu because it is the only place in Hawaii that serves this condition. It is a very rare condition and although well documented they do not really understand what really causes it or how to treat it. It is probably somehow related to how she was standing on the surfboard which may have cut off her blood supply. Her doctor said that Kristen is only the 19th patient with this condition in the 12-13 years since it has been named.

Thursday she flew from Hawaii to Craig hospital in Denver. Her status remains the same.
She believes in the power of prayer, and could use as many people as possible praying for her, so please pass this on to all that might pray for her. If you would like to help her family out by donating scrip for King Sooper (Gas & Groceries), Chipotle located right by the hospital or any other donation we will be getting things together here in the office. Please feel free to donate whatever you would like. We hope to get a fund started for her family at Home State Bank, and will keep you posted in case you prefer to donate there.

MUSIC EVENTS!
Saturday, December 4 from 12:30-1:30
Saint John’s Band will be performing at Barnes & Noble. Please have band students their at 12:15. Please wear your uniform shirt with any pair of pants.

Sunday, December 5, @1:30pm – 2nd and 3rd Grade Students performing at Barnes & Noble Book Fair
We will be singing a few songs at the St. John's Barnes and Noble event. This is a great chance to show the community how awesome you are and also to get a pre-concert run-through of some of your songs for the December 9 concert. Please be at the Crossroads Barns and Noble by 1:15 and expect to stay about 45 minutes. I am told that there is a story time right after our time slot, so we should have a good audience.
Please wear your uniform shirt with any pair of pants.

Thursday, December 9, 2010 @ 6:30pm – K through 5 and Chosen MS Students: CHRISTMAS Concert
Please have students at their places in the Church by 6:15 (There will be directions posted). Dress is ‘Sunday Best’ and I ask that all students’ coats/hats/gloves be left with their parents. The concert will last approximately one and a half hours and include band and strings.


Saturday, December 11, 2010 @ 2:30pm and/or 5:00pm – 2010 Sculpture in the Dark Parade of Lights
Get the word out about how incredible it is here at St. Johns is everybody’s responsibility and what better way to highlight that we are a Community that puts Christ first during Christmas than by singing CHRISTMAS songs in a parade. Please make the time to come help decorate the Float and practice some music in front of the Gym Foyer at 2:30 (Bring all your extra Christmas Decorations – and your voice) The parade will be in Downtown Loveland from 5pm - 6pm (http://www.engagingloveland.org/news/135-sculpture-in-the-dark-snow-sculptures-and-more)We are in need of a few items for our float that I’m hoping can be donated/loaned:
***A Generator to plug lights into Christmas Lights-Other Christmas Decorations.
Please e-mail Mr. Bradberry if you and/or your family plan on attending, or if you have some Christmas items to donate/loan. Jason.bradberry@saintjohns.net


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 30- February 5, 2011
It is that time of year again to start thinking about Catholic Schools Week. The CSW committee is looking for volunteers to help make this week a success. CSW will take place January 30th-Feb. 4th. Please contact Briana Lasher at brianalasher@comcast.net if you are interested in helping plan this fun filled week celebrating the reason we all send our children to St. Johns!

If you would like to order shirts or other merchandise to support Catholic Schools week please go to our website to see the order form.

YEARBOOK
Please order your yearbook now. You can order online at: http://shop.jostens.com/yrbk_catalog.asp?cid=209518&pfid=2010082004592468089 We will not be ordering extra and we would hate to have disappointed students.


SCRIP
Would you like to save money on your tuition bill? YOU CAN! Utilizing the SCRIP program is your answer! It doesn’t matter if you pay monthly or yearly: You will save! Call the school office with questions and start “Scrip-ping” today. Walgreens scrip will be here next week!! Don’t forget we have great restraint scrip too. Youalso have time to place your special order for Christmas.

PTO NEWS:

Christmas Ornament
Thank you for your support of the Christmas Ornament this year. Sales have been fabulous and we are down to 3-4 left. They will be filled first come first serve and we will not be reordering this year.
Thanks again for the fantastic support!

Papa Murphy's nights for December
December 8th and December 22nd, visit either of Papa Murphy's two locations in Loveland, and they will donate 25% of your order to St. Johns PTO. Don't forget to tell them you are from St. Johns when you are checking out. Papa Murphy's Papa Murphy's 1131 Eagle Drive 986 E. Eisenhower Blvd.Loveland, CO 80537 Loveland, CO 80537 Thanks to all who have been participating! We appreciate the support!

Barnes & Noble Book Fair
This weekend, December 4 & 5, is our annual book fair at Barnes & Noble. Please come out to the Loveland Centerra Barnes & Noble and help support our school! Be sure to buy your scrip today or at Mass so you get to benefit yourself and the school! We are still in need of volunteers to work at the Information Table and Gift Wrapping Station. We especially need volunteers during the following shifts:Saturday, Dec. 4Information Table: 3-5 p.m., 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m.Gift Wrap: 1-3 p.m., 3-5 p.m., 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 5Information Table: 9-11 a.m., 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m.Gift Wrap: 1-3 p.m., 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m.If you can volunteer to help during any of these times, we would greatly appreciate it! Just log on to the Saint John's website, and click on "Barnes & Noble Book Fair" under Volunteer Opportunities.We hope to see you this weekend at the Book Fair. Don't forget to bring your vouchers and get your Christmas shopping done, too!
St. John’s CHRISTmas GIFT SHOP

Here’s what you need to know!
When: December 6th and 7th
Where: The Hallway of the New Gym
Who: All St. John’s students will have a chance to shop for gifts for their family! This is a great opportunity for the kids to be involved in the season of giving.
How: Here’s how it works:

1. Talk with your children about who to buy for and how much money they will have to send. Gift items range from $.25-$6.00

2. Fill out the envelope by putting a checkmark next to the people for whom your children will be shopping for along with their name so we know who to address the gift to. Every item will be gift wrapped and labeled.

3. Write the total dollar amount you are sending in on the envelope. If there is money left over it will be sent back home with your child in the envelope or you can write donation on the envelope and we’ll put what is left in the PTO fund. Remember to send your money with your child on Dec. 6th or 7thth. Teachers can arrange to collect envelopes early (especially for the Monday shoppers). They will be shopping during class – see attached schedule. Cash is preferable, however, if a check is sent please make it out to St. John’s PTO.

4. We will have Shopper Helpers to assist the children (especially the younger ones). The children will only be allowed to shop for those people on the list that have been selected. The Shopper Helpers will make sure that everyone who is on the list gets a gift.

5. If we have items left the shop will be open after school on the 7th and students may shop for whomever they like. Preschoolers are welcome to come then as well or anytime with a parent.

6. We need VOLUNTEERS to be gift wrappers and shopper helpers. You can sign up in the front office or call/email Bethany. This is a really fun time to interact with the St. John’s children, earn volunteer hours, and get to know some other parents.

7. GOING GREEN! If you have any reusable gift bags from stores or boutiques we welcome them. Just keep in mind if you receive a gift in a Helzburg bag don’t get your hopes upJ They can be dropped off in the front office.

If you have any questions please contact: Bethany Anderson 217-6724 bethanyjadeanderson@msn.com Blessings and Merry Christmas!











Santa Claus is Coming to…
Saint John’s
Knights of Columbus Hall
Join Santa for Breakfast on Saturday, December 11th

Santa will be making a special appearance to have breakfast with the St. John’s families and their friends! There will be three breakfast sittings, so that everyone will be able to have time with Santa. The all-you-can eat pancake breakfast is $5.00 per person (under two free) and includes a free photo with Santa (one per family).
50% of proceeds benefit the preschool program.
Also, be sure to check out the Cookie Exchange.
Breakfast with Santa – December 11

Family Name: _______________________

Number of Tickets: _______________________

Amount Enclosed: $__________ ($5.00 each; under 2 yrs, free)

Email: ______________________ (you will receive an email confirmation)
Please return reservation and money by December 8, 2010
Breakfast Sitting: ____ 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
____ 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
____ 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.





O God, bless our family and all its members and friends;bind us together by your love.
Give us kindness and patience to support each other;and wisdom in all we do.
Let the gift of your peace come into our hearts and remain with us.
May we rejoice in your blessings.

V Pray for Kristen Adlhoch and her family as they persevere through this accident
V May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
V Pray that the family may be respected by all in its identity, and that its irreplaceable contribution to all of society be recognized.
V Pray for that the Church may offer new generations, through the believable proclamation of the Gospel, ever-new reasons of life and hope.
V That Christians may contribute to alleviating the material and spiritual suffering of AIDS patients, especially in the poorest countries.
V That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that their dignity may always be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation
V That the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect, may grow in harmony and peace.
V Especially give thanks to God for the gift of a parish school and ask his help as we continue to grow and prosper
V May Our Lord grant us all the graces we need and desire

















Saint John the Evangelist School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color or national or ethnic origin