July 18, 2014

Remember to visit our blog for updates on our family!

newdawnforus.blogspot.com

We continue to be so thankful for the support and love that's been shown to us. Your donations, prayers, kind words, and positive thoughts have helped us tremendously.

With Love,

The Sachs Family

June 19, 2014

Thanks to You ...

Thanks to all of the donations you've given us over the past several months, we were able to purchase a modified van.

We are beyond excited about what this means for our family!

If you would like to read more about the vehicle and Jeff's secret desire to be the owner of a mini van, head over to our blog...

newdawnforus.blogspot.com

We want you all to know how much your donations have meant to us. Please know that we are touched beyond words at your generosity.

With Love,

The Sachs Family

June 4, 2014

A New Blog and a Big Thank You

Hello Friends.

I've recently started a blog about our new life. I use it as a place to share personal stories and post pictures of our family. If you'd like to follow along, please visit:

newdawnforus.blogspot.com

I plan to update this website still, so don't worry!

I also want to send a thank you out to everyone who has donated to our cause. Jeff and I are amazed at your generosity and are so grateful for your help. When I view the list of donors, I am blown away by those of you who donate on a continual basis. Many of you are people we haven't even met. Please know that your actions mean so very much to us.

Now that Jeff is home, we are discovering the beginning of the financial challenges that come along with a spinal cord injury. Sometimes we find ourselves lost in thought wondering how we are ever going to afford it all. The stress is difficult to bear at times.

But your donations have helped to ease the pain, and have given us peace of mind knowing that one of our goals is within reach ... the purchase of a modified van! We hope to have a van within a month, and we could not do this without your help.

So again, thank you for your donations, your prayers, your thoughts, and your love.

-The Sachs Family

May 21, 2014

A Good Day - First Car Ride

Today was a milestone day. It was Jeff’s first time in a car since the accident (ambulance rides don’t count). He had his first in-person doctor appointment, so we rented a van through our caregiving company, and I accompanied him. We were both anxious about the ride and navigating a visit to the doctor in his chair. It turned out to be a great trip, and we had such a feeling of accomplishment when we got home.

I literally packed a small rolling suit case with items we “might need” – just in case. Jeff was making fun of me saying if I could have strapped his bed onto the top of the van, I would have. Ha ha. We were both wondering if Jeff would feel carsick from the movement of the van since he hasn’t been in a vehicle in almost 10 months. Luckily, he didn’t feel sick. He only said his neck was sore afterward from the motion in the car.

We drove down PCH on this beautiful SoCal afternoon. We drove right by where his injury occurred. We talked about how the last time we were here, we were in an ambulance on the way to a hospital, terrified out of our minds. We were quiet for a bit as we drove by the stretch of beach that changed our lives, but as we got further away from it, we turned our minds and conversation to the future.

The doctor visit went without a hitch, and we were soon back in the van enjoying the scenery on the way home. We were only gone two hours, but those two hours were huge steps for us. Jeff talked about how good it felt to get out – better than he thought it was going to. And how much he is looking forward to getting our own van so we can go places as a family – out to dinner, to the park, to visit friends.

I am so proud of Jeff – how he is handling this curve ball life has thrown him. I am proud of us as a couple and as a family for barreling through the toughest time in our lives. Today was a good day. It’s these types of days that help us get through the bad ones. Because we know a good one is bound to come around again soon

Much thanks and love to everyone who continues to support our family.

xo

Kristen

April 28, 2014

A Letter From a Friend.

Hello Friends,

Please read this beautifully written account from our dear friend Norieh about her recent visit to California which included a visit to our home. Norieh has been a Team Sachs leader since the day of Jeff’s accident. We are blessed to have her in our lives.

***************

This past month my family and I came to California for a visit. It had been almost 2 years since my last visit and one of the things I absolutely wanted to do was to see Jeff and Kristen. I had hoped the big guy would be up for even a quick visit, and I coordinated with Kristen. I was nervous and anxious to see Jeff. I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know how I would react. Jeff Sachs is bigger than life. He’s funny and he jokes around and he gives you a hard time. I didn’t know if he was still all of those things, I didn’t know if I would see him and turn in a puddle of tears.

Kristen opened the door and immediately gave me the biggest tightest hug. I really didn’t want to let her go. This 5 ft 4, 100 lb little thing, who as it turns out, is the strongest, toughest person I have ever known, just exuded with warmth. With all that she had been through this past year, she looked just as pretty as ever. She was just bright with fierceness and hope. You could see it. In fact their entire home felt that way. The one story house was bright and airy and you could feel the ocean breeze coming through from a couple of miles away. It was the perfect setting for someone to work on recovering from such an emotional and physical injury. The space, it seems, was almost tailor made for this family with their new lives and new challenges. Jeff ’s new chair had enough space to move around in the house and even the kitchen was open for him to be able to sit with the family for meals.

I walked up to Jeff who was sitting there with his Chargers blanket draped over his lap. I told him I kinda wanted to squeeze him to which he obliged and he got a big old hug from me. Quickly the little fairy princess Evie Sachs floated into the room. This little girl is magical, she walks around with this smile on her face that is contagious. She floated in, gave me a hug, twirled a little, walked up to her Daddy and touched his hand, gave him a smile and twirled right back to her room to play. It was so sweet to see the unspoken moment between Jeff and Evie. It was even more amazing to see the wisdom of this little girl who knew that all she needed to do was touch her father, smile and twirl and that without words they say their ‘I love you’s.’

Jeff, Kristen and I sat and caught up. I kept asking questions, they kept answering, we laughed, we shared some gossip. We talked about the future, about the plans for recovery, the little goals that are actually huge steps towards a more comfortable life for Jeff. Jeff, never missing an opportunity to bust my chops and poke fun. He’s as quick witted as ever. He hasn’t changed. He’s still him. He’s still sarcastic, bigger than life, he still makes jokes, he still smiles. He is still the Jeff we all know and love.

While we were all talking I noticed Jeff and Kristen. The way they spoke, the way they flowed together when telling a story.. The fluidity by which they interacted was something I had never seen before between two people.. It was like they were one person. The way he still makes her laugh, big, whole hearted belly laughs. The way she knew what he needed before he even said anything, and walked up to him to give him a drink. They looked at each other and I swear the thought came into my head that I have never known two people to be closer than Jeff and Kristen at that exact moment.

Jeff has said that since he has been home he feels mentally and physically stronger. Being home with his family has contributed tremendously to the way he feels. It hasn’t even been a year since Jeffs accident. There is still so much more to plan for. To prepare for. To hope for. Medically the outcome is yet unknown and Jeff and Kristen both live in an optimistic reality. They are preparing for anything and everything that may come their way. They are not done fighting.

Kristen is calm and determined, researching and focused on the next thing on their to do list for recovery. In addition she is a wife, a mother, and technically a nurse at this point since she can do anything a medical professional can do by now. Evie is doing what Evie does which is bring light and love into the room. With as young as she is she seems to understand clearly what is happening to her Daddy and has been adjusting to it with a grace beyond her years. When she dances for her family she tells her Daddy to clap by making Popping noises with his mouth.

There are physical goals to reach. Research to be done. Equipment to be obtained in order to allow Jeff to receive the best medical attention for his recovery (ie: Specialized Van for transporting to and from the doctors offices).

I cannot tell you how grateful I was to spend some time with this family. How inspired I was. How happy I was to see my old friend.

There is still much left to do.

And there is still much hope to have.

-n

bit.ly

“We Got This”

April 9, 2014

It's been too long since I've posted an update. I know many of you often check the website for updates, and I apologize for not posting any since Jeff's been home!

Our days are filled to the brim with things to do, calls to make, research to perform, etc. especially now that I am back at work. But through all of the chaos of the day, each night we are just grateful to have Jeff home. Happy that he and Evie can be together once again and develop new ways to play together. Happy that I can sleep next to my husband again at night (even if it is on an inflatable mattress next to his bed).

Overall, Jeff has been feeling well since he's been home. He received his custom power chair last week, and he loves it. It's very comfortable for him, and gives him a level of independence he didn't have with the manual chair. We were also excited this week for Jeff to receive Google Glass! He is part of the Google Glass Explorer program where he is one of the first people to test the product and provide feedback before it is available to the general public. We are hoping that it will further his independence.

A few weeks ago, we got Jeff back online. He uses a mouthstick and voice commands to control his phone, and he's been texting and browsing the Internet almost every day.

We have recently begun researching other voice controlled electronics, and are still searching for a way for Jeff to operate the TV using his voice. Time Warner, our cable provider, doesn't have voice controlled options, so I'm going to inquire with DirecTV soon. If anyone knows of products that might help, we would love to hear from you.

We've also just begun to research things like stem cell treatment/surgery and physical therapy gyms that focus on helping people living with SCI. Those things will likely fall into place a little further down the line. There are other things to accomplish first (like getting a modified van) that require our immediate attention and research.

I wish there were more hours in the day to get caught up on everything we need to know about this new life. One day at a time, though.

We continue to be thankful to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey. We love to hear from you, so keep the love coming!

xoxo

Kristen

March 18, 2014

Adjusting to home....

Jeff has been home for a little over a month now and is adjusting very well. He is feeling good, eating good, and sleeping better than he has since the accident. Evie loves having her daddy there and climbs in his bed with him taking along her books and toys. They are both beaming with joy being together under one roof again. Kristen is an absolutely incredible caregiver and has Jeff's care running very smoothly. It continues to be so inspiring seeing the strong bond and love they share and how they face each day with such grace and optimism.

Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue on this journey one day at a time. Thanks for all your continued support and encouragement.

Cathy

March 6, 2014

Calling all Team Sachs members...

Please check out the below CHARMS & WRISTBAND sale link and show your support! All money will go to HelpHOPELive to help assist with Jeff's medical expenses.

WE GOT THIS!

If you have questions, please contact me: Mindy@tagtimeusa.com (310-210-1748)

February 14, 2014

Jeff is home!

Yesterday was a huge day for the Sachs family as Jeff finally came home! It was a thrilling and exhausting day for Jeff and Kristen and Evie is SO excited to have her daddy home. More details to follow as they get settled.

Thank you for your continued love and prayers. It has helped them come so far!

Cathy

February 11, 2014

Tough week...

Last week was a rough one for Jeff as he battled pneumonia and food poisoning. Thankfully, the doctors took good care of him and he is now feeling much better and getting back to his therapy. The final details with his home health nursing visits appear to be resolved and we are cautiously optimistic that he could be home by the end of the week!

Please continue sending prayers and good thoughts his way!

Cathy

February 3, 2014

Great Visit...

I just spent 5 wonderful days with Jeff, Kristen and Evie. It was amazing to see how far Jeff had come since my visit two months ago. He is so much stronger, both physically and mentally. He looks and feels good, is joking with his caregivers and is anxious to come home. There are a few final details pending, but we are hopeful he will be home within the next week. Jeff has come so far in the 6 months since his accident and we are all so proud of him. Please continue to keep him, Kristen and Evie in your thoughts and prayers as they take this next step in their journey to be under one roof together and adjust to their new lives.

Thank you for your continued love and support. Your many kindnesses have made such a difference to our family.

Cathy Sachs

January 22, 2014

Still Delayed ...

Apparently hospital discharges take much longer than anticipated. Jeff's discharged is yet again delayed. We have begun receiving equipment at our new home, but we still haven't gotten everything yet. It is certainly better to make sure that we are completely prepared for Jeff to come home rather than rush things, but Jeff has a major case of cabin fever, and is going a little nuts having to be in the hospital this long. It's been almost 6 months, and he is very homesick.

We have been busy getting our new home ready for the big homecoming. My mom will be moving in with us in the coming weeks, and pretty soon, we will all be settled in. We can't wait for that day.

We simply cannot send enough thanks to all of the people who have helped us along this journey. The donations continue to come in, and we are consistently reminded of the good that is in this world. We are also thankful for the meals, kind words, good friends, and loving family that fill our lives.

A few days ago, I chatted with a friend I'd met at Rancho - a wife of a quadriplegic. Rosa's husband, Jose, has been a quadriplegic for 41 years. She has shared stories of success with me and Jeff, and has showed us that life is possible after a spinal cord injury. During our talk, she told me something that has resonated with me. She said, "This life is difficult, but not impossible." There's no denying that our life will be more challenging than it was before. But I truly believe that in many, many ways, it will be even more rewarding.

With love,

Kristen

January 8, 2014

Delay ...

There's been a delay in Jeff coming home because we don't have any supplies yet from insurance. Fingers crossed that we'll get everything we need soon so Jeff can come home.

December 28, 2013

Just a quick update ... We recently learned that Jeff will be coming home on January 6! We are so excited that he will finally be with us in the same house so that we can feel like a family again.

Today (December 27) marks five months since Jeff's injury. In many ways, the time has gone by so quickly, but in other ways, it's as if time has slowed down. When we look at the situation and life that we've had to live for the last five months, it's hard to describe accurately. The amount of change we are faced with is certainly overwhelming, and some days it seems like we are never going to be able to function in this new life. On the other hand, the change has also brought us closer, and has most definitely made us stronger.

We have much to accomplish in the days before Jeff comes home. But the whirlwind of preparations will pay off once we are all sleeping under the same roof again.

Much love and thanks to everyone who continues to support us.

-Kristen

December 8, 2013

We have a new YouTube video! Please watch, post to your Facebook page and share with everyone you know!

youtu.be

November 29, 2013

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving is certainly very different from any other we've had, yet we still have so much to be thankful for this year. Jeff's parents spent the day with him watching football, then Evie and I spent time with Daddy in the evening. Jeff ate my mom's chili for dinner (yes, we had chili for Thanksgiving this year!), then we all three had cake for dessert. Yum.

This year I am more thankful than ever for my family. I am thankful that I still have my husband, and through an unfathomable twist of fate, we have the opportunity to build a new life and continue to be the best parents we can to our precious daughter.

I am thankful for my daughter who has handled the changes in her young life with remarkable resilience. She has a big heart, a sweet disposition, and a silly side that keeps us smiling even through hard times.

I am also thankful for my extended family and friends who continually support us in so many ways. I am thankful to my coworkers who have generously donated their vacation time so that I can be by Jeff's side and work to get our life back on track. I am thankful to strangers who have helped in countless ways and who have reminded me that this world is indeed full of compassionate, caring people.

So despite the struggles we've been through these last several months, there is still so much to be thankful for.

-Kristen

November 26, 2013

Please sign up to take Kristen and family a meal! Thank you all for your generosity!!!

www.takethemameal.com

November 26, 2013

Please watch and share Jeff's YouTube video:

youtu.be

November 26, 2013

Welcome to our new website! We are very excited to partner with HelpHOPELive as we continue this journey one day at a time and try to share Jeff's story with as many people as possible. Please share this page with family and friends. Please sign the guestbook with messages for Jeff and Kristen. And please consider a contribution to his fundraising campaign. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.