July 18, 2021

One of the local newspapers, Purdue Exponent, covered our story. Check it out here: www.purdueexponent.org

July 11, 2021

Thank you all again so much for all your support in my dads recovery journey. Paul, Linas’s oldest son, is writing this update.

My family and I were recently able to visit my dad (we live in Pacific Northwest). The changes I could see in my dad between my previous visit and this one, both physically and mentally, were extremely positive. My dad’s overall energy during the day has increased, resulting in him being able to keep up and entertain his grandkids (they enjoyed seeing him drive himself around in his powerchair as well as sitting on his lap during said rides). He is eating with everyone else at the dinner table, no more liquid diet through the feeding tube. When I went to physical therapy with my dad, I couldn’t believe the amount of movement I was seeing. During one of the sessions, my dad was hooked up to a machine that measures the amount of torque he can apply doing a certain motion. I was able to see torque readings from both of his arms when he was both pushing and pulling, as well as internally and externally rotating his arm. During another session, I saw my dad raise his hips by a few inches on his own, and even lift up slightly from a seated position. He even does this move where he is sitting in his chair and doing what looks like dribbling a soccer ball. The movements aren’t necessarily big, but they are there, they are intentional, and they are very hopeful. My dad is also back at his research, which he enjoys so much. He is able to participate in meeting with his colleagues and truly help advance the projects that he is working on. He is really quite efficient with using his computer with just his eyes and voice, taking advantage of the accessibility technology that is out there.

There’s no doubt that we’re still at the early stages of the recovery journey, and while it may be long and have its ups and downs, it’s with your continued help and support that help push my dad through it all. Thank you again for all you do for us and God Bless.

December 18, 2020

Thank you so much to each and every one of your for all of the support you have given us so far; whether it has been financial or through some kind words, or a letter. We appreciate each and every one of you and are simply astounded at this outpouring of love. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined there were such kind and giving people out there who would be willing to support me like this. The purpose of this update is to share some of the major good news we’ve had, of which your contributions have been a great part of. We have firmly settled into our home routine now, taking on each day at its beginning and doing our best to roll with the punches. There have been quite a few setbacks and issues throughout these past months, but we’ve managed to deal with them as they rose up, in no small part thanks to all of you. Life has been far from drudgery and sadness however; there have been numerous boons and blessings given to us. Insurance recently approved the purchase of my own custom power chair! This is a big step forward in my mobility and capabilities. We are extremely excited as we move forward with the next steps in our negotiations with insurance. I have also recently been cleared to eat (somewhat) solid foods. For now, everything has to be mushed into a blender before I can have it, but it is an absolute joy to be able to taste real food again. Progress has been slow and tough, but it still has been progress. For that, I am always grateful. Over these past few months our family has faced many challenges together. Through all of your immense and unyielding support, as well as through the amazing efforts of my own family, we’ve been able to overcome everything that has been thrown at us. As such, I must thank you all again. I would not be here the way I am today if it was not for all of you. You are all, quite literally, life changing. Thank you again.