Welcome Home | Sept 3rd

Friday Sept 3rd (Labor Day Weekend), a welcome home party for Todd is on the calendar. If you are in town, please save the date.

Coming Home | Friday

Todd is coming home tomorrow. Today we found him on his feet in the physical rehabilitation center and smiling. 33 lbs lighter, but smiling. Time to get that appetite back, TB.

Tuesday | Todd

Guess who is heading home soon? After about 40 days in the hospital, Todd's doctor's are considering letting him go home in 6-7 days.

There is still much recuperation in front of him since he has extremely limited us of his arms and hands. Doctors are considering the next steps for that part, but they feel he can return home safely and begin some of his more basic routines there with assistance and therapy from medical professionals at his house.

Naturally, those who are willing to pitch in to help Todd & Leah will be welcome also. I will check with them once they are homeward bound about how best fit friends into their evolving situation.

Visitors Welcome | Monday

Todd is happy to see visitors now that the big medical risks seem to be subsiding. I visited him on Saturday and he looked great, was smiling, and had improved since the last time I saw him.

His hospital room is small, so only two visitors at a time can fit. And he still gets a tired during the day, so he asked to keep it to two visits per day for now. If my math is right, he can see up to four people per day then --morning and afternoon would work.


Jennifer Brundage has generously offered to coordinate visits for everyone. She can be emailed at:

Jennifer Brundage
j+ last name minus the e at umd.edu

Just drop her a line when you'd like to come. Have a great week everyone.

from Perry

Hey, Todd

I've always thought of you as an amazing guy - you've proved that now. I know you will be well and strong and back out there again before too long. All the best from over here.

- Perry

from Karen

Hi Todd,

We miss you at work and feel so badly that you are undergoing such pain every day.
And although we don’t always understand why things happen as they do, we know that God is sovereign and faithful.
Cling to these truths, knowing that in His time all will be made right, according to His purposes. Our job is to keep the faith and pray – never ceasing.
And to listen to your doctors, nurses and physical therapists!!

Todd -you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I love the photo of you working at the computer. You are doing so well and thanks be to
God for this miracle of healing!

Hugs,
Karen

Doing Well | Wednesday

This week Todd walked unassisted down the hall, though his arms are still not giving him much real use yet. His physical therapist is cute, no wonder he's doing well.

We spent some time working on the computer, which entertained Todd and helped some projects at work. Then I made sure he drank a shake with about 90 grams of protein it.

Police | David T

Dear Chris et al,

I'm not certain if you are tracking the traffic on this site, but I want to assure you, Todd, and his family, that those of us who witnessed the incident are deeply grateful for the constant updates.

Today I contacted our MPD team to check on updates on an arrest. They are reaching out to the major accidents team to get an answer.

David Tumblin
ANC Commissioner
4C06
4c06@anc.dc.gov

Chicken Soup | Karen B

When I make the soup again (soon) I will write it down, right now it's only in my head but here is basically what I do:

It's just a soup I make for my family when they are sick. It is homemade chicken stock, I used left over roasted chicken that I made the other night (fresh from the Amish market), sea salt, pepper, lots of garlic and fresh ginger, Chinese parsley(cilantro), a tiny bit of soy sauce. Oh, and whatever noodles I have on hand. (Wagon wheels this time but usually just short noodles).

I guess the key is good ingredients. Also taste it to see if it's right.

Karen B

Friday Evening | Todd Update

Before anyone vilifies me for "making Todd work" he was insistent on having a few minutes on his computer.



Anyway, he was doing very well when I saw him today. Good job, Todd, doctors, nurses, Leah, Autumn, Jim, Caleb, Lucky, and the entire support community who are helping him along.

Todd gulped down about a pint of Karen Buckley's excellent chicken soup today. He said, "My God, that's good! I need the recipe!" Karen could you please provide it to the group of people following Todd? The cilantro flavor was what made it.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Thursday Update

Todd was in another surgery today to clean and repair the skin on his arm and legs. The doctors have accelerated the schedule of surgeries since his progress has been strong. The past surgeries have been successful, though the MRSA bacteria that is prevalent in hospitals may still be an issue.

The physical therapists and doctors are waiting for the rest of the skin grafting to take before we will see how the left arm comes along (at the moment, Todd cannot lift it). The consensus at the moment is that if the bicep muscle gets more time to repair, the nerves may gain more traction, but it is really too early to tell. Since he can wiggle all his left fingers, I am optimistic, (then again, I am always optimistic --and given the alternative, optimism rocks).

I will be hanging out with Todd from 4-9pm tomorrow. I will update everyone before the weekend. We will be aiming for progress and good news. Thanks to everyone for their support, it's working.

Tuesday | From Jenn B

Todd's surgery went well yesterday, although he was in a lot of pain afterwards. They did some skin grafting. It sounds like he was in less pain today (this is all relative--the slightest movements cause him inconceivable amounts of pain). The jury is still out about his left arm, so please keep praying for him and sending him positive energy! More surgery is scheduled for Friday.

Yesterday they said his MRSA infection was smaller than they thought, which is good, but today when they changed his bandages they found that some of his other wounds are infected as well, which is bad. So far I think this causes setbacks but can be overcome--as soon as they get him out of that MRSA-ridden hospital anyway!!! Based on my limited understanding I think he'll be in there another 2-3 weeks. Otherwise he seems about the same--helpless and heart-breaking. Leah is still spending about 8 hours a day by his side.

Also food is still welcome, especially meaty delicousness for Todd! Thanks a million to Pete and Kate for the mountain of grub! They were both totally psyched about it and hope they can thank you personally soon!

Jenn

Monday | from Jenn B

Please keep your prayers coming for Todd! Although he has made miraculous progress, he is still facing some major hurtles. He is fighting an MRSA infection in his largest wound, although word is that this is very common. He also still has several surgeries ahead.

A new concern also arose today: possible nerve damage in his left arm, which he has not been able to move since the accident. Leah is seriously worried about this. It may indicate a permanent injury. Leah is asking everyone to keep Todd in their prayers and send him positive energy to help heal his left arm.

The good news is that Todd is eating now, and in addition to bringing Leah food for herself and family we can bring food for Todd too! They are trying to get him eating lots of protein to heal fast. The only specifics I got were salad with cottage cheese or meat, although probably we won't need 10 of those! Sounds like the hospital food consists of canned vegetables and potatoes--not exactly designed to whet his appetite.

I'm sure any food you could contribute for Leah or Todd would be very much appreciated, and thanks to all of you who have helped so far. My impression is that it has been a big help for Leah to come home exhausted and know she can get a decent meal (and a glass of wine to unwind!). Please get in touch with me if you'd like to contribue and we can work out the timing.

Once Todd is able to fight off the infection Leah thinks he might be ready for visitors. Please continue to keep him in your prayers!

Jenn

Happy Friday

Todd and I spent the morning working a little bit with the computer (I did the typing since he still can't use his hands/arms), and working on his physical rehab exercises. The risk of pneumonia and infection lessen each day, and his strength is slowly returning. His mood is generally happy and light.

Today the Phys Rehab team had him walk down the hall of the hospital, which is the first walk he's taken since the accident on June 26th.

He's starting to talk about visitors, though Leah and his doctors still need to clear it. Thanks everyone for the support; Todd is waiting to convey a big thank you to everyone in person.

Todd Thank You | Friday

Todd is starting his physical therapy today. He had this to say to everyone last night.

He's coming along pretty well, but he has a lot of work to do. His lungs are better, and each day he's improving. Thanks everyone.

Monday Morning Status

I visited Todd today in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We talked for about an hour; the first thing he wanted everyone to know though was how lucky he is to have such great friends and community support.

Breathing is chore since pretty much all his ribs are broken, but the rehabilitation team had him on his feet yesterday and there will more rehab to come. The near term is mostly getting him to use his lungs so pneumonia does not present itself. If he makes progress in the next 48 hours, he will be moved out of the ICU and into private room.

His mental attitude is proactive and aware, and he's definitely up for what's ahead of him, though he's exhausted from the last 10 days of medical procedures and recovery. Again, he asked me to say a huge Thank You to everyone involved in helping to save his life and supporting him during his recovery. He was literally in tears with gratitude to be both alive and the recipient of so much compassion.

Thanks everyone, keep the warm wishes coming.

from Diane Rehm

With best wishes on a speedy and complete recovery!

Diane Rehm



http://thedianerehmshow.org

http://www.npr.org

From Louis

With your positive and upbeat outlook on life we know you will get through this and move on to continue to get most out of life. Chris has very kindly kept us in the loop as to what has happened and what is going on. It was complete shock when we heard the news and even more when I read the details of what happened. It has been such a relief as the news during the week became more positive and that you are pulling through. Keep moving forward our thoughts are with you.

I look forward to more fun and shared experiences in the future.

Louis

Hit and Run Passenger Found

The owner of the car that hit Todd happened to also be the front seat passenger in the incident. The police are working with him, though he is not cooperating yet.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0710/751933.html

ABC News Report

Today, ABC news 7's Jennifer Donelan and Caroline Lyders reported the story about Todd Beckett on the 5pm news. Thanks ABC!!

For a link to the story at WJLA, click here.