{My sissy is blowing out the candles for me}

Tomorrow is Mackenzie's 8th birthday.  We held a party for her over the weekend at the local bowling alley.  It was a success even though Mackenzie had a really bad cold that day.  She really enjoyed spending the day with her friends and family.

In mid-October Mackenzie had the flu for about a week.  The seizure have significantly decreased since then.  This happened once before (back in March she was ill for a week and the seizures disappeared for a month and a half) and we are certain that the seizures will return this time as well.  In the meantime, she is completely off all anti-seizure medication and it has drastically changed her attitude.  She is happy most of the time, smiling and even laughing more frequently than with the medications.  In addition, she is more alert and aware of her surroundings.  In therapy, she is taking some amazing steps (the best we have ever seen) and she is learning to grasp objects with her hands. 

 We have been getting new equipment these past few months.  We got an exercise mat and bolster for home use as well as a new chair (The Up-Down Chair)  for her to use at home.  The up down chair allows us to sit her at floor level or at the kitchen bar level.  In addition, she was quickly outgrowing her wheelchair and developing spine curvature and hip displacement - so we got her a new wheelchair.

Back in July we ordered an accessible van for Mackenzie.  We had been using a child car seat and lifting her into the vehicle and then lifting the wheelchair into the back of th vehicle.  With her growth, the space was decreasing and the weight was increasing.  So we decided on a full size van with a lift.  We also had four-wheel drive installed because of the area in which we live.

{My daddy is helping me to bowl}

{My second grade classmates}

Mackenzie started 2nd grade as soon as we returned home from Ability Camp.  She really enjoys being around the other students and smiles often in class. 

We have begun to notice changes in her since the hyberbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT).  Her physical therapist reports a noticable decrease in the tone in her legs, meaning that her legs are more loose and able to function normally.  Her sit-to-stand routine has improved as well as her grip (holding of objects). 

Most noticable is Mackenzie's ability to walk.  She can now take nearly perfect steps while being supported around the upper torso.   In addition, Mackenzie has taken an active role in using her communication device.  Lately there has been a marked improvement with the use of her talker to participate in conversions around her.  However, this past week her use of the talker has decreased while she focuses more on gross motor skills, such as walking and grasping objects.

We are all very excited and extremely proud of her. 

The seizures have not changed in duration or frequency.  We are looking into our options for different medications and/or the Vagas Nerve Stimulator to get her seizures more under control.

{Me & My new friend, from Ability Camp, Lily Putney}

We arrived home safe from our journey to Picton Ontario.  I was a long and exhausting drive, but we had a nice visit with friends in Ohio.  Mackenzie and mommy made new friends at Ability Camp and got to reconnect with friends from previous camp stays.

{Sarnia Ontario}

Mackenzie did very well with the Hyberbaric Oxygen treatment again.  She is now up to 80 treatments.  I would like to reach 200 treatments. 

We have seen no significant changes since the treatments, but any change, resulting from the HBOT,  can take a few months to occur.  We are not expecting any miracles from this therapy, we only wish to give her every opportunity to heal.  Other the cost, there is no negative side effect from this treatment.

 {Mackenzie} 

One week remaining here at Ability Camp.   We are doing great and making new friends.  We are not looking forward to the drive back to Colorado, but we plan to visit some friends along the way.  Mackenzie will start the 2nd grade as soon as we get back home (she is missing the first week of school).   I know that Mackenzie is excited to get back to school and see all her friends again.

{The HBOT chamber}

{At Ability Camp}

We are doing well here at Ability Camp.  Mackenzie is happy and smiling all the time.  Yesterday we took a stroll to see the lake.  Lake Ontario is only about 1/2 mile from the camp.

{Lake Ontario}

We are doing two hyperbaric oxygen sessions per day.  We are also working on eating by mouth and toilet training.  So far we have had little progress with either. We are hoping to start a feeding therapy program when we return home. 

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments and guest book entries.  We miss you all.