Birthday Thanks

Hello everyone, thank you so much for your love, prayers, and birthday wishes.  For Michael's 23rd birthday today we received numerous cards, facebook posts, and presents; all of which we described to Michael.

The past few days have been very long and very busy.  We had a transition in our ICU doctor which was very difficult to navigate, as his strategy was extremely different from our protocol last week, relying on standard protocol(which carries a low success rate) and discounting any potential emerging treatments (including nutritional steps).  After conferences and negotiations with many different hospital staff members, we were finally able to re-incorporate our our IV protein source today, which we feel is necessary for his success.  We know we couldn't have a big party for Mike, but returning protein to his treatment is the only present we wanted to give him.

Mike's tracheotomy has proven very helpful, as we have been able to transition back and forth to the ventilator as needed.  As of Wednesday evening, he has been breathing on his own (with the addition of some oxygen enriched air to the airway) since 6am.

Mike still has many challenges to overcome, but with the re-addition of his protein and his breathing progress, we feel this is a birthday to celebrate.

We can't thank you enough, dear friends and family.  Bless you.