The highest priority for Holly's rehab at the moment is for her to relearn to swallow. She needs to be able to feed herself. She is not yet speaking, although she does have some surviving capacities. Rehab may take up to a year. The pelvis fractures will slow down her rehab process, and will impede her ability to talk. The doctors are very encouraged by her quick progress. The neuro reports are improving each time. The fact that she woke within 3 days, after such a serious accident, and is sitting in a wheelchair with motor skills intact is a miracle in itself. Rehab for Holly could officially begin in the next three weeks.
I met with a newly formed committee to help direct a fund-raising effort for Holly's extensive medical costs, and for future beneficiaries. I will let you know more about this as it unfolds.
The silver lining in the accident is a coming together of many different faiths through the common bond of Christ and are uniting in this effort to help Holly and her family during this time of extensive rehab. Although it is not official, we are trying to come up with a name for this foundation. The initial figure mentioned to raise is $100,000.00. Our idea is that this is more than a fund; it is a foundation which will function to serve future needs as well.
Be thinking about what you may want to contribute to help with this fund. If you are not a member of Northbrook Church and are receiving this e-mail, you may contribute to this effort by sending any donation directly to Northbrook Church at 421 US Highway 45 West, Three Way, Tennessee 38343. Please put Holly Gushee's name in the memo line.
The formation of this committee and the dynamics for raising this money are extremely fluid as we are a brand new group. If you want to be involved please e-mail me at the church. You may also call us at the church directly.
Jeanie, Holly's mom, was very pleased to receive the well-wishes, thoughts and prayers some of you have left here and at Holly's Xanga/MySpace (see posts below) that I printed out and had Katie present to her. In the post below I also linked to the hospital page that allows you to send a free card to Holly. (Unfortunately, it appears that only those living in the US can use that function, but leave a comment or send me an email and I'll be sure to pass it along.)
The Gushee family is in great need of prayer and encouragement, so please continue to lift them up to the Lord, the Giver of Life, the Healer and the Comforter.
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