March 19, 2018
Two weeks to go until Jon comes home. I think we are all ready at this point. Shepherd has been wonderful for him and we intend to come back in the future. For now we will seek rehab in Pittsburgh, likely at the UPMC spinal cord center. We are also setting up a Home therapy gym of sorts.
Thanks to so many generous donors we are able to obtain high end equipment that is vital for him to continue to make progress. For instance the standing frame allows him to stand for an hour a day which helps with blood pressure and bone density as well as to help send signals to the spinal cord from the feet (see photo album: pictured with Jon is his outpatient therapist also named Jonathan!).
The FES bike (see photo album) is an amazing machine. It pedals for him and electrodes are places on each muscle. As it pedals it fires each muscle in sequence provide exercise. It also measures when the muscle pushes on its own. On Friday Jon had good measurement of leg push so we hope this will continue to stimulate improvement. Christopher Reeves started to regain movement in his arms after using the version for the upper body.
These, among other equipment will cost in excess of $20,000. His shower wheelchair alone costs $2200 and is not covered by insurance.
He has also exhausted his therapy benefits for the year so additional therapy will be out of pocket.
February 15, 2018
From 2/14/2018
Graduation from Inpatient Day!!
Jon is now officially an outpatient at Shepherd. We moved all of his stuff over to the apartment and are in the midst of trying to get it organized. Tomorrow he goes through orientation and evaluation for this next phase. His inpatient team (pictured here) were fantastic.
As part of his celebration he received multiple “awards” including:
* the “Helmet Head Award” - for whacking his head on multiple objects as he flopped about doing PT.
* the “Jonathan Time Award” - for running on his own time schedule
* the “No Mercy Award” - for not giving an inch in playing Blokus during OT
* a couple awards related to his story telling and knowledge of all genres of music
* and my favorite the “Big Brother Award”. He was one of the older patients on his floor. Many others are just teenagers and he was lauded for taking the time to get to know and help all of them. Brian his PT said they all looked up to Jon.
Every day there is a little improvement but it’s such a long process. Please pray for his next stage of rehab.
His new address is:
Jonathan Wherry
WFRC #310
c/o Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
February 7, 2018
“The past year of my life has been eventful to say the least. I had two major accidents, I had the chance to love and be loved, I made new friends, and I lost loved ones. What's made this past year special though, is just realizing how extraordinarily blessed I am.
Despite losing use of my legs, I am ALIVE. The outpouring of love from family, friends, and strangers alike for me and my family has been extraordinary. To all of those who prayed, visited, sent cards, sent gifts, or donated, I can't thank you enough.
Thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes. While 23 was certainly an eventful year, I don't wish any less for 24, just maybe a little safer.” - Jon
February 6, 2018
At Ohio Northern University (Jon's alma mater) , the cross country and track team formed The Elite Men’s Club, sort of an ironic counter to fraternities. All runners and alumni are members and grads who still run often race under the EMC colors. Every year EMC does a new T-shirt. This year’s was in honor of Jon. The plaid on the front is a nod to his penchant for flannel shirts LOL! Jon was known as the “pull-up guy” (he used to crank them out like crazy) thus the figure on the one sleeve. The hammerhead shark on the other sleeve references his habit of “hammering” some workouts (when he probably should have been laying off). Lastly, a “grinder” is a hill, and no, none are too big for him to climb.
Jon continues to inspire others from his past and current work efforts and his positive attitude.
February 6, 2018
We’re excited that Jon has been accepted into the outpatient Day Program at Shepherd starting Feb 14. as he will continue to receive full day rehab. How long is unknown but at least to mid-March.
He is progressing well but has much to work on yet: He has movement in fingers on his left hand (can quack is hand like a duck) but no grip and really not much motion on his right hand. Jon's using an adaptive bow that allows him to shoot without using fingers. Amazing how they figure out workarounds! We hold out hope that fingers will return to some extent as it’s still quite early in recovery.
His torso is still week but getting stronger. His injury level impairs muscles beneath his chest. For instance, he needs to lean forward periodically as a weight shift to avoid sores. But he can’t just pull himself back up without pushing with arms. Those back and ab muscles aren’t all working yet and those that are need strengthened. He’s still very wobbly without some support.
Arms are getting stronger too but left tricep especially is still very weak. Again, getting better and working hard.
Today Jon worked on getting in and out bed and into and out of a car. And he only whacked his head on the dashboard once! LOL! We’ll be able to take him around town! Up to now he has needed to use a hoist to move and as he gets stronger he can now do it with assistance.
In outpatient his goal is to get strong enough to transfer to bed, from chair to shower chair, into vehicles without help. Rehab will continue working on arm and core muscles. They have had him in a standing frame several times but he’s only been able to get to about 70% incline before becoming dizzy. Blood pressure is a major issue for spinal cord patients so it may take a while for him to adjust to being fully upright then maybe can work more with his legs. Core really needs to come first.
When he goes outpatient he will receive a new therapy team. Today his current team said they will miss him. Dr Elmer’s told us he’s one of her favorite patients she’s had. He works so hard and still has a positive attitude! Why doesn't this surprise about Jon.
January 24, 2018
Did I hurt anyone?
That is the first thing Jonathan said when he was removed from the ventilator 3 days after suffering a life-changing spinal cord injury following a devastating car accident. Even though Jonathan's life changed instantly, his first thought was about someone else. Jon has a heart for service. He's an Eagle Scout and was treasurer for the Ohio Northern University Habitat for Humanity chapter, a mission trip volunteer, and hopes one day to be a mentor to others in his situation.
However, Jon's road to recovery is extensive. He has limited use of his hands and no use of his legs, and has spent the last months at the Shepherd Center, one of the premier spinal cord rehabilitation centers in the country. As you can imagine, his ongoing rehab and continued care is very expensive including most likely further intensive therapy, an adaptive vehicle, medical exercises devices, and other uninsured expenses.
This is why we need your help. Jon has given so much of himself as a young adult and now looks to others to help him recover.
Jon graduated from Neshannock High School and ONU. He was working at a temp accounting firm and finishing his Masters in Accounting at the University of Pittsburgh when his accident occurred. As a former collegiate cross country and track athlete, he has the drive and fitness to attack his rehabilitation head on. In spite of his injury, he is committed to returning to a productive life, including finishing his degree and getting back to work.
Please consider how you can help a remarkable young adult. Thank you for any help that you can offer.
Sincerely,
Michael Wherry (Jon's Uncle)
