Dear Friends and Family,

June 27, 2015

Days are flying by... My time is completely consumed with research, walking around in circles and crying. We were just told by RIC that Cameron’s anticipated date of discharge will be in 4 weeks. We were completely shocked as we had hoped he would be there longer, I feel like we just got him settled there and are now being faced with what the next step will be, we haven’t even been able to take a deep breath yet. On the other hand this is a good thing because it means that he is making progress for the best and that Insurance and the hospital doesn't see a need for him to be in an “In Patient” facility for medical reasons. Our next step now is figuring out where he will be going for his “Out Patient” rehabilitation which will be even more intense (4-6 hours a day of continued therapy while living on his own either with Family in SD or in Chicago). This is a very confusing and daunting process... there are many, many, many complexities and layers to this decision process. We are weighing in all factors and analyzing everything that is being presented to us. We are asking for any and all advise from anyone that has had experience with this or knows of someone that perhaps has had experience with this. We need all the help we can get! Thank you so much for your time and your support... this is going to take a village for sure!

June 24, 2015

6/23/2015

Hey guys, post from CZ on his progress over the last week. More updates on a regular basis (including pics and videos) to come!.....

Each day I go to bed and wake up excited to see how my body is going to surprise myself that day. It's an odd but intriguing feeling to mentally tell your body to do something and not know what the end result is going to be. Something so simple and innate, like walking backwards or bending over to pick up something you dropped, is much more “complex” than walking in a straight line.

For example this last week, my trainer challenged me to take a step up three staircases then down three staircases. All my energy was focused on pushing off one leg, catching my balance with a cane and the railing, and willing my other leg to hit the stair the right way, so I don’t topple over. Many times, I don’t even know where my foot will land - I have to hope, react, and quickly learn what movements are correct or incorrect.

After the stairs, the therapists set a goal of walking 150 feet with a walker and minimal assistance. This past weekend, I walked 298 feet with the walker in six minutes, without any help.

While I'm proud of the 298 feet, it’s tough because I can visualize myself doing this over the past 25 years and when it doesn’t come to me naturally, it’s frustrating because I’ve never had to break it down to this detail. With spinal cord injuries, it’s a feat when someone can walk and talk or chew gum at the same time. I’m still trying to learn how to walk and re-enforce it as a habit, so I can begin to focus on another muscle group or task.

I’ve also spent a lot of the week learning how to sit up and down in the wheelchair. In the video, I ask my therapist if I can stand up on my own without pushing off of the wheelchair. At the start, she was reluctant to let me try it for the first time. After a few tries and working with her on my form, I stood up on my own power on the fourth attempt. Yesterday, I was able to do that 5 times in 25 seconds - all on my own. Just like trying to stand on a surfboard as a beginner, it takes me 3-4 seconds to get my bearings before I am able to do anything or take a step.

It’s not only legs that are difficult, but many basic activities are taking a long time conquer (for now). For example, I can pull off the cap of deodorant but twisting the dial takes a couple of tries and a decent amount of strength. Another unexpected struggle was the act of opening the plastic wrapper of a protein bar. It felt like putting together a complicated Ikea desk - taking way too much time and way too many motions. It took me 30 minutes to finally tear it open. It was a complete mental struggle — frustration set in and I needed to take breaks to stop, re-asses and try new techniques to open a standard plastic wrapper. But at the end of the day it's satisfying and you aim to open the wrapper in 25 minutes tomorrow

I can’t say it enough how much your consistent love and support means to me on my road to a full recovery. You all are inspiring me to push myself harder every day — through your messages and your in-person visits. Can't wait to see you all soon.

Much love,

Cameron

June 23, 2015

To get updates on Cameron's story, please visit his CaringBridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/fightforcameron

June 15, 2015

06/14/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Now that he is back in Chicago, see below for a full update from Cameron with his thoughts on the accident, his rehab status from R.I.C. and his goals for recovery. We also added a video of the progress he is making! Thank you again for your continued love and support!

-----------------------------

Family and friends,

It's difficult to put into words the status of my health at R.I.C., without beginning this post from the top of the mountain. I know many of you have heard or read this story before but please bear with me. Not only is it therapeutic for me to tell and relive this experience, but I feel like I can paint a clearer picture of my recovery, by starting from that fateful rock.

The second I fell from the rock and to the snow bank, I knew something was terribly wrong. I felt paralyzed from the neck down - zero movement in my arms or legs. My head was submerged in the snow, my body straight up in the air, like a light post in cement. I tried to shimmy my way out of it but I had no success. I then began to scream for help but with every breath I was swallowing snow. Not only did I barely get a word out but every time I opened my mouth I was quickly drowning and losing energy. For a moment I stopped to listen but heard laughter from my friends. Their initial reaction made complete sense - all five of us live an active lifestyle. I’ve gone skydiving, wakeboarding, and ATV’ing just the day before with this crew. Just an hour earlier the boys were barrel rolling down the mountain in the snow. In no way did I expect them to think I was paralyzed and losing my breath in the snow. The definition of a fluke accident. At this point things began to get darker. I was losing energy to fight - I slowly began to accept death as a reality. My options to escape on my own seemed so limited. For a second I closed my eyes - to prepare myself for death. This moment was short-lived. Almost immediately I snapped out of this mindset. I reminded myself: “I’m 25-years-old, there’s way too much in life to experience/learn/accomplish/love. My life isn’t ending in a f***ing 3-foot pile of snow.” For those who know me - I’ve never been very religious. I like to think a human-being is mighty and willpower is strong but I knew I needed help from a higher power to get out of this nightmare. I asked for guidance and clarity to think through an exit strategy. With my body drained, I decided against wasting more energy with movement and empty screams. Instead, I held my breath and played dead, in hope that my friends would see something is wrong. My friends answered my prayers. Ellis lifted me out of the snow from my ankles - I never thought I'd see light again. In a state of agony but hope, I let my friends know that I couldn't move my limbs and we needed to get down the mountain for help.

The next 8 to 12 hours, my journey down the 12,000-foot mountain and into surgery was a physical and mental challenge I can't fully explain yet. What I do know is that everything was executed to near perfection to keep my fractured vertebrae from worsening. My friends huddled together to gameplan. They looked awestruck for a split-second but immediately manned up and went into a fight or flight mode. At this point, temperatures dipped below 30° and it began to snow. Without hesitation, Drew and Ben sprinted down the mountain without a phone, to find professional help and guide them up the mountain to save me. Ellis, Sean, and Spencer stayed by my side to ensure my safety. Instinctively, Ellis laid down in the snow and carefully rested my head/neck on his chest. My pain was numbing and I was in a state of shock. I like to call Ellis and Spencer “Mr. Patagonia” because they looked the part on the hike and brought survival tools, which were crucial. Sean and Spencer pulled out a mini air mattress and heated tin foil blankets. They proceeded to set up a safer and warmer station, underneath a small tree nearby, to shield me from incoming snow. The boys on the mountain managed to find cell service and called our close friend Josh, a neurosurgery resident at the University of Washington. Not only did Josh help the guys keep my neck intact, he suggested we situate the air mattress at an elevated angle. Sean, Spencer, and Ellis carefully picked me up from the snow and moved me under the tree for safely. Amazing work keeping my neck intact. One minor tweak during this transition, and, according to my doctor, my neck/spine could've been much worse. They proceeded to strip down their layers (jackets, socks etc.) to keep me warm. Sean and Ellis curled up next to me for added body heat and to calm down my reoccurring panic attacks. “Am I paralyzed for life?!”, “Is a rescue team coming?!”, “Will I die on this mountain?!” Questions and obscenities I screamed at my friends. To make matters worse I continued to stare at my arms and legs, begging them to move and saw no response. But with every panic attack, my friends held strong and confidently reassured me. I was encouraged by their steady and brave response.

By nightfall, four hours after the accident, the ten man rescue team found us. At the same time, my friends were taking turns rubbing my arms and legs in an effort to keep my blood circulating. Incredibly, I watched my left foot twitch - a huge confidence booster in the moment. This victory didn't last long - our rescue team informed me a helicopter couldn't land on the mountain given the snow and elevation. Huge loss - this was safest and quickest route to the hospital. Instead, a team of 10 packaged me up in a coffin-like body bag that was somewhat insulated. A 4-6 hour trek down the mountain, carrying me every step of the way, was my only safe option. As we descended down the mountain, the rescue team offered me pain medication but I refused - I felt the need to stay conscious in case anything happened to my neck. There was a small patch on the bag, above my eyes and mouth, so I could see and breathe. It was dark - I could barely make out the trees. I tried to avoid retracing my steps because I remembered the terrain on the trail was unforgiving. A combination of mud/rocks/snow - there were times we would take a step and drop waist deep into snow. But to accommodate this, the rescue team changed from hiking boots to snow boots constantly. There was a legitimate fear that they would drop me or the bag slip and fall off the side off the side of mountain. Multiple times I felt the bag tipping and all I could visualize was a lonely plummet down to the bottom. With that said, the rescue team remained confident and professional from start to finish. Every couple thousand feet they would stop and reassess the trail ahead. Listening to them map out each route and execute like a football team, built my confidence with every step.

The stop-and-go hike down was a psychological rollercoaster - strapped down in a bag and alone with my thoughts. “How painful would it be, if I was dropped down the side of the mountain?”, “What if we get lost or my body gave out before the hospital?”, “Even if I make it to surgery, what is there to live for if I'm paralyzed?” I spent the majority of my time fighting this last question. As best I could, I tried to force my mind to think of times/places/people/experiences that I wanted to see and re-live again. I vividly remember picturing myself on an open field, playing baseball with my little sister Laila again. The thought of spending just one more minute with Laila and many of my supporters today, gave me motivation to persevere. You were helping me on this journey, before you even knew it.

Even though surgery was imminent, there was a sense of triumph and relief when we made it down the mountain and I saw my friends and an ambulance awaiting. I'll skip through the nitty-gritty details of the hazy 12 hour surgery. I came closer to consciousness a day or two later in ICU with the following diagnosis: incomplete spinal cord injury – compressed C6 fracture and swollen C5 + C7 vertebrae. From here, I think it would be easiest to convey the progress of my recovery:

On the mountain my torso felt weightless, as if it was detached from my body. In the ICU, I was bed-ridden and motionless for over a week. The first time I sat up at the edge of the bed, two weeks ago, I nearly vomited and needed multiple therapists to hold me up so I wouldn't topple over. This week at R.I.C., I engaged my core muscles and sat up at the edge of the bed with my hands out in front of me for two minutes on my own.

On the mountain my arms were useless and immobile. In the ICU, I started to build back my range of motion and I remember lifting my arms out to hug my mom for the first time. On the neurology floor in Colorado, I used my arm strength to help shift my body weight, hopping from a seated position from my bed to my wheelchair. This week at R.I.C., I felt strong yet fatigued after an hour group workout with 2 lb hand weights.

On the mountain I screamed at my legs and they wouldn’t move. After the surgery, my doctors told me I might be able to walk in 6 to 12 months at the earliest. In the ICU, I could lift my left leg 6 inches off the bed; my right leg was lagging. My therapists and I tried to stand once while I was in Colorado but I felt my knees almost buckle and collapse. This week at R.I.C., I miraculously walked 63 feet in 6 minutes (see video)! I needed a walker, a couple of breaks in my wheelchair and the help of multiple therapists. My quads are much stronger than my hamstrings/glutes/calves at this time, so I am heavily walking on my toes while leaning forward. I am working on correcting my stride so I don’t drag my feet.

On the mountain my fingers felt frozen and movement was nonexistent. In the ICU, my thumb and index fingers began to twitch. On the neurology floor in Colorado I started to grip cups with handles and could write my signature legibly with a pen. This week at R.I.C., it took multiple tries but I untied my shoes and found the strength in my thumb and index fingers to pick up a plastic fork and take a bite of food without the use of assistive tools. My middle, ring & pinky fingers on each hand are progressing but need more reps.

My expert doctors and therapists at R.I.C. will spend the first couple weeks evaluating my capabilities and setting benchmarks for my stay here. I'll have a better sense of timing and realistic goals soon but… unfortunately this is not like healing from a broken leg - my recovery and nervous system is unique and extremely unpredictable. My recovery will involve a rigorous course of acute therapy at R.I.C. in Chicago, in addition to out patient therapy over the coming months/years. It will be a long road ahead; however, with the continued love and support of family and friends, we know it will not be a road traveled alone.

When asked what my goals are for rehab, my answer is pretty consistent. I'm beyond confident I'm going to get my basics back. By basics, I mean walking, sitting upright without assistance and functional daily activities (i.e. eating, getting ready in the morning, typing/texting, operating technology and everyday utilities). In spinal cord injuries, this isn’t a given, but since day one post-surgery I’ve refused to think otherwise. My basics are nonnegotiable. What I'm going to have to work my ass off for, for months or even years, will be fine tuning my active lifestyle. It's a matter of how badly I want it. For instance, I continue to reiterate to my friends, that we're going to hike the same mountain and stand together on the rock soon. I'm going to work tirelessly to enjoy physical activities I loved before the injury, like basketball, swimming, exercise, or simply playing baseball with my sister. Youth is on my side - I'm going to continue to pursue new adventures and hobbies that I wanted to learn before this injury, like mountain biking or rock climbing. I've seen encouraging progress in a couple weeks, but I know I’m not going to jump out of bed and do jumping jacks tomorrow. This will take patience, repetition, and acknowledgment of failure as progression as I retrain my nerves and muscles from scratch.

There is no ceiling to my recovery. I plan on still doing things I never thought about doing before I broke my neck. But unfortunately, there are so many layers, red flags, and unexpected hurdles - it's impossible to feel fully prepared. Even with insurance, I’ve been warned that I will face many uninsured injury-related expenses down the line, such as: co-pays and deductibles, additional therapy, monthly medical supplies, part-time caregiver expenses, assistive technology for my limbs, home modifications and potential modified transportation, just to name a few. The CDC estimates that an individual living with a spinal cord injury will have between $500,000 and $3 million dollars in lifetime out-of-pocket expenses. While this is an aggressive estimation, it is something my family and I need to be cognizant of nonetheless. With that said, every day I am motivated by your powerful words of love and encouragement via texts/emails, Facebook messages/posts, handwritten cards/sentimental care packages and calls/FaceTime. The support within the support — people who reach out to check in on my family and close friends, people who have shared stories or contacts of others with spinal cord injuries, people who I’ve never even met but have sent their best wishes because they’re close to people I know — is a beautiful thing to watch.

I’m comfortable, scared and excited about this journey. I'm comfortable because I moved past the “Why me? What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently?” phase. Dwelling in this mindset adds zero value to my life. I'm scared of what is unexpected. With spinal cord injuries, there are number of frustrations, complications, and uninsured out-of-pocket costs that we will inevitably run into on my road to a desired recovery; however, I'm excited to take on this challenge. For starters, there's a world where I could've died on that mountain. I nearly drowned in the snow. Or I could have passed out before I was pulled from the snow; there's no way I could've communicated the status of my neck with my friends or a rescue team. I feel very blessed to see light again (when I was lifted out of the snow) and I am so grateful to be moving my limbs again with the help of my friends, a rescue team, and a number of doctors. In a way, the trip from the rock to the hospital was the most difficult task at hand. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but a couple years from now when I look back on this experience, I know I'm going to be a stronger man, both mentally and physically, thanks to this injury. If I own this perspective, my battle will pay dividends in the long run. Thank you all again for your undying love and continued support as I embark on this journey. —

June 15, 2015

06/09/2015

by Kim Casinelli

At 7:00 AM "AMR" (Ambulance medical transfer team) and the Grand Junction Fire Department showed up at St. Mary's ready to take us onto our next phase of this journey. We were very sleep deprived yet very anxious to get on our way... The team of professionals that escorted us EVERY STEP of the way were so superior in every way that I really truly can not express how much gratitude we felt towards their professionalism and integrity. The safety we felt being in their care was of utmost importance at this stage of the process and we really couldn't have asked for a smoother and more peaceful transition! So blessed....

The flight was very powerful for us on many levels... a flood of emotions for all of us - from being elated about finally leaving the hospital to being scared of what lies ahead (fear of the unknown). Leaving the "security" of the hospital and going to a strange environment definitely brings on a whole new element of feelings. We are full of a lot of mixed emotions right now. We are all doing our best to absorb everything... it is just a TON to take in all at once!

Another beautiful thing today was the entourage of friends (AKA: family) that came pouring in as soon as we arrived to RIC in Chicago! What a relief it was to have such a huge outpour of support waiting here for us (for Cameron)! Such a HUGE blessing... I don't even know how to thank all of these incredible people (you all know who you are)!

Tomorrow will be our first day in our new facility... there will be a lot going on! 3 hours of therapy and more for Cameron which is great! We are looking forward to seeing what is in store for him. We are still trying to figure out housing situation for Kevin and I here, hoping to have all of these loose ends figured out soon... so much to absorb and process - one breath at a time!

A much more detailed update about Cameron's health, our status and information regarding tax-deductable donations will be posted within the next day or two. Thank you all for your continued support while we work through trying to figure this all out, it has been so valuable for us to feel your prayers and love holding us up during this trying time.... we love you all!

June 15, 2015

06/08/2015

by Kim Casinelli

UPDATE FROM CAMERON'S FACEBOOK PAGE WHICH IS MANAGED BY HIS FRIENDS:

Hi everyone,

Brief update.

Cameron has been accepted into the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). It's been the top rehab center in the nation for 20+ years so it's exciting that he will be receiving spinal treatment there.

The goal is to get him to RIC by Tues/Wed at the latest. We are still working through bed availability and the exact days/time of his departure from Colorado is uncertain. Air medical transport is still a big question mark. He isn't medically cleared to fly commercial/private as he needs to be lying down and have at least a 2-person medical crew accompanying him.

Hopefully we have bed confirmation soon so we can finalize transport and he can begin to get the best-in-class spinal rehab treatment he needs.

Thank you again for your continued love and support. More to come from Zick on a full health update later this week - hopefully once situated in RIC!

Much love,

Zick and Co.

June 15, 2015

06/08/2015

by Kim Casinelli

UPDATE FROM CAMERON'S FACEBOOK PAGE WHICH IS MANAGED BY HIS FRIENDS:

Hi everyone,

Brief update.

Cameron has been accepted into the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC). It's been the top rehab center in the nation for 20+ years so it's exciting that he will be receiving spinal treatment there.

The goal is to get him to RIC by Tues/Wed at the latest. We are still working through bed availability and the exact days/time of his departure from Colorado is uncertain. Air medical transport is still a big question mark. He isn't medically cleared to fly commercial/private as he needs to be lying down and have at least a 2-person medical crew accompanying him.

Hopefully we have bed confirmation soon so we can finalize transport and he can begin to get the best-in-class spinal rehab treatment he needs.

Thank you again for your continued love and support. More to come from Zick on a full health update later this week - hopefully once situated in RIC!

Much love,

Zick and Co.

June 15, 2015

06/07/2015

by Kim Casinelli

When the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray

~ Rumi

Someone just told me that this kind of injury is catastrophic to the injured and then ripples out in waves...

Please pray we get Cameron to his Acute In-Patient Rehab tomorrow... please

June 15, 2015

06/05/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Still working out the logistics of getting Cameron to rehab (ASAP). Unfortunately, today was another day of torture while we waited as patiently as possible for answers that still didn't come. We are hopeful that one way or another Monday will be our relocation to rehab via Med-flight but we are not positive yet. We have a wonderful team of people outside of the hospital that are working hard to make this happen but I still can't help feeling stagnant and frustrated, as the complexity of this disaster unfolds I can't help but feel like we are just moving through quick sand.

Cameron is remaining positive and motivated. However, sadly nothing can happen over the weekend now...

June 15, 2015

06/04/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Time is of the essence we are told... the sooner we can get to rehab center the better for Cameron's optimum recovery. The waiting game is now being played and we are awaiting answers from all the entities (Rehab Center, Insurance, Hospital staff). Feeling anxious to get him settled in his in-patient rehab center as soon as possible! My dad (Cameron's Grandfather) just left today, I am on my own until Cameron's friends from Chicago arrive tomorrow. We are looking forward to having them here, it will be so great for Cameron's spirit for sure! More detailed update regarding everything to come soon!

June 15, 2015

06/04/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Time is of the essence we are told... the sooner we can get to rehab center the better for Cameron's optimum recovery. The waiting game is now being played and we are awaiting answers from all the entities (Rehab Center, Insurance, Hospital staff). Feeling anxious to get him settled in his in-patient rehab center as soon as possible! My dad (Cameron's Grandfather) just left today, I am on my own until Cameron's friends from Chicago arrive tomorrow. We are looking forward to having them here, it will be so great for Cameron's spirit for sure! More detailed update regarding everything to come soon.

June 15, 2015

06/03/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Today has been a GIANT spider web of complications regarding Cameron's transfer out of State to Rehab (Case workers, PT's, Doctors, Rehab facilities) all of these entities coming at us left and right but not making any sense at all and basically not communicating within each other either. After going around and around and around in circles for over 8 hours with all of these "conductors" we are still in the insanity of this horrible vortex. The magnitude of all the different levels of this process is tremendous and feels so HUGE. This feeling is so endless and out of control I can't imagine it ever being "over".

More detailed update to follow.

June 15, 2015

06/02/2015

by Kim Casinelli

After 10 days Cameron was moved out of ICU yesterday and is finally now on the Neurology floor of the hospital! First night in a new room brought on new up's and down's but we are doing our best to work through all the chaos. With the assistance of some very incredible equipment he is hoisted into a swing and put into a wheelchair where he is able to sit for as long as he wants right now which is nice for him to be able to have the freedom to be out of the bed. Now that we are no longer in ICU we are able to wheel him outside (with Nurse's permission) so we spent about 2 hours in the "hospital" meditation garden today where we were rejuvenated and restored tremendously. PT is stepping up a little bit more and Cameron is working incredibly hard and up for the challenge it is interesting watching them work with him on proprioception and balance which is so familiar to me as that is what I do for a living. Cameron has a new nickname here at the hospital... all the nurses refer to him as "Mr. Quad" or "Quadzilla" as his thighs are super strong (thank goodness) and he made such an impression on the ICU nurses that he has already had many visits from them after their shift just to pop in to say hi. His feet are moving a tiny bit more which is showing signs of hope (we will take whatever slivers of hope we can get)! And with the help from his friends we are now working on figuring out the logistics regarding rehab. The nights are understandably still the hardest part of the day, it is very scary being in such a strange place, in the dark and awakened by your thoughts or nightmares and not being able to move... I can't even put into words how hard this is for a mother to witness, I sleep in his room on a chair right now because I can't even imagine leaving his bedside during these hours. We are all still in awe how upbeat and strong Cameron is being through this catastrophe. He is truly a remarkable human being.

June 15, 2015

05/31/2015

by Kim Casinelli

One last post for today...

I do want to say that although these are the darkest days of this long journey ahead of us, Cameron still manages to make all the nurses smile and laugh... I am told he is their favorite patient in the ICU! He is such a beautiful being in every way! I am so blessed to have the privilege of being his mother.

June 15, 2015

05/31/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Keeping it brief due to exhaustion...

We are told that there is the possibility that Cameron may be leaving the ICU tomorrow as long as his blood pressure can stay stable. He will be moved to the Neurology floor here at the hospital for hopefully only 1-2 weeks depending on how his progress goes.

Today with the assistance of PT, OT and some very serious equipment Cameron was able to sit in a wheelchair for a few hours which was absolutely remarkable. We actually were able to wheel him outside to get his first breath of fresh air in over week which was SO exhilerating for him. He continues to amaze me as he is doing everything in his power NOT to let this knock him down, it is incredible to witness! The magnitude of this catastrophe is just mind boggling and for him to already have his spirit not completely broken is just incredible! I told him he was my "Miracle Child" today... always overcoming obstacles throughout life with the most upbeat attitude, he is truly astonishing in every way!

This is going to be a very long, hard road and I am proud to be taking this journey next to his side...

Praying for a peaceful nights rest for him...

June 15, 2015

05/31/2015

by Kim Casinelli

This is a link to the Ouray County news article written this week about the Blue Ridge Rescue Team and their absolute HEROIC efforts who helped not only get Cameron down the mountain to safety but also save his life. We have the most incredible respect and gratitude to ALL of those involved in this life changing event. No words could ever be enough to show how much we appreciate everything they have done!

While Drew and Ben raced down the mountain to team up with Newt Crenshaw and the rescue group - Ellis, Spae and Sean (with professional guidance from Josh over the phone) strategically cared for Cameron while under the tree pictured in the article. Sheltering Cameron from snow and helping to keep him warm, while waiting for hours.

We are forever grateful to the Blue Ridge Rescue team and ALL of the amazing efforts made by Cameron’s best friends, Drew, Ellis, Sean, Spencer, Ben, Josh and Newt through this entire process! Our hearts will always be filled with so much gratitude to you all!

With much love - Cameron, Kim, Kevin and family

http://www.ouraynews.com/articles/2015/05/28/ouray-county-injured-hiker-rescued-blue-lakes-trail

June 15, 2015

05/30/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Finally after what feels like an eternity I am able to sit down to write an update for the 1st time today. Our days are jam packed with so many nurses, doctors, PT's, OT's, Rehab people, Social workers, Psychiatrists, the list is endless... There are no words to describe the immense intensity of the many many layers to this devastation it is incomprehensible unless you are witnessing it 24/7.

Although Cameron had another long night of discomfort which kept him awake all night (pain, hot flashes, cold sweats, nightmares etc...) he started the day with the most AMAZING attitude (which doesn't surprise me at all) he was determined to conquer the day with all of his might and all of his soul! And that he did! I think this was the 1st day that he gained a bit of independence which was a HUGE for him! He had a positive PT/OT session that was super inspiring for him and for us! Cameron is unable to use his hands which is extremely frustrating for him (most of you know that Cameron is usually plugged in 24/7 one way or another) so this is very devastating to him. The OT rigged him up with a hand brace that has a slit cut into it so that we could stick a pencil into so that he could use the pencil to type on a computer keyboard which they set up on his lap... although it is frustrating for him to hit the right keys he is (in his own words) "CRUSHING IT"! I felt a sliver of hope which was so relieving...

Over the last couple of days we have had a TREMENDOUS overflow of messages, emails, phone calls and flowers that we are just in awe. We even had several visitors come to see us that were friends of a friend of a friend (talk about 6 degrees of separation) but apparently the whole town of Ridgewood, CO knows about Cameron's story... it made the front page of their newspaper. We had a few people even to come in to say prayers with us which was so uplifting for Cameron and for us. It is truly amazing how powerful the human spirit and we are celebrating every little whim right now!

Tomorrow Cameron's OT plans to get him to sit in a chair for the 1st time for hopefully 30-60 min. This is a big deal because he is not only healing from a cervical spine injury, his entire body is in shock and injured as well so the use of his torso is also effected. Cameron's STRONG tenacity and STRONG will is definitely going to perservere.

One step at a time... one breath at a time...

June 15, 2015

05/30/2015

by Kim Casinelli

It seems like just yesterday I was dropping him off at college... these are the years that you want to give your children the wings to fly and find themselves. I never thought we would be starting all over again...

If only I could fix his broken wings...

June 15, 2015

05/29/2015

by Kim Casinelli

The days are long but the nights are SO much longer... Cameron isn't able to get more then 15 - 60 minutes of sleep at one time, pain, phantom sensations (itching, hot flashes, cold chills), nightmares, nurses coming in and out etc... Last night was the worst night so far! Cameron is FIGHTING SO HARD to stay upbeat but nights like this definitely knock him down! The morning started rough, we turned PT away due to mental and physical exhaustion! Cameron doesn't feel he can tackle anything when he is so depleted... As the day has progressed Cameron managed to get a little bit of clarity and strength back thank goodness!!! I called my 5 year old daughter last night (Cameron's sister) to say good night to her (she is in Bend, OR with her Dad), I was telling her that I am holding and caring for Cameron while he is sick just like I hold her and care for her when she is sick and asked her if she was okay... she said in a very soft voice "ya... i am just worried" and when I asked her what she was worried about her response was "i am worried about you catching cameron's cold" broke my heart into pieces how precious my children are! I shared the story with Cameron and he gave me the biggest smile I have seen in such a long time.

After having such an awful night's sleep he had a great PT appointment which we were SO excited about! With the tremendous help of the PT's he was able to sit at the edge of the bed for 11 minutes today which was SO exciting for him and for us!

There are going to be good days and some not so good days but we are all working hard at preparing ourselves for this roller coaster ride.

Cameron would really like to let everyone know that he is just now starting to be able to read the messages that are flooding in and he wants to respond to each and everyone of you... (via me typing them for him) he even wanted me to say that he apologizes for the delay. That's my boy... he always warms my heart.

Praying for a peaceful night for him...

June 15, 2015

05/28/2015

by Kim Casinelli

I am truly speechless and in awe of how fast Cameron's situation spread like wildfire on social media... it is incredible what the power of love and kindness can do to a human being's spirit and I know that all of the positive energy and prayers that is being put out in the Universe right now is going to just radiate into Cameron's heart. Thank you all for giving Cameron the hope and will to be strong... he is feeling all of your love and it is truly going to make all the difference in the world to his recovery process. We are so blessed to have such an enormous army backing us up right now. Thank you to each and everyone...thank you...

Cameron's nurse just spent a long time holding me and consoling me and the words she said shot right through my heart that I want to share... Life's hardest battles are usually fought by the strongest warriors.

This day has been long and we are all exhausted... cameron was very determined today to get things done which was a good thing but completely wiped him out. Doctor said it is as if he is running a constant marathon race 24 hours a day right now so the littlest exertion is HUGE for him. His body is not functioning like ours does which is so hard for me to comprehend.

Hoping for a miracle...

June 15, 2015

05/28/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Every day is a new day... this path is SO unpredictable and SO unsteady. Yesterday was a very hard day for Cameron (and for us). He was in a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort so they had him heavily dosed with pain killers and other drugs so he was in and out of consciousness all day long from 6am - 9pm. Regardless of how exhausted he is he still has to push through PT, Occupational therapy, doctor visits, pulmonary visits, lung exercises etc... he is such a trouper! My hero for sure! They ran an MRI yesterday to make sure that there were no complications in the surgical site. The doctor says that there is swelling in his Cervical Spinal cord but that is to be expected (he was just hoping to not see that by this point). Everything else he said is pretty lost in my head right now but from what I can gather from our conversation there were no complications from surgery and it is just a waiting game now.

Cameron woke up last night around 9:30 feeling pretty groggy but way more alert then he was all day which was such a relief.

We are on a road that is so unfamiliar to all of us, we are finding that the only thing that is really keeping his spirits alive is talking or FaceTimeing with all of his friends/family. He has such a tight brotherhood with his best friends in Chicago, they have been such a HUGE part not only of saving his life but during his recovery it is just so amazing and beautiful to be able to witness this. We love them all.

We are hoping today will bring us something to be able to grasp onto... a sliver of hope or a sign of some kind that he is progressing and not just staying stagnant or regressing... ANYTHING!

The few brief moments I get to step out of the ICU are usually spent either going to the bathroom, closing my eyes for a few or talking on the phone to someone... this is going to be a very long hard road and I am told that the road might even get harder along the way after we leave the hospital because the hospital staff is such an important part of our process right now, in just a few weeks that support system will be going away. I can not imagine it ever being any harder then it is now but I am prepared to take this journey with Cameron side by side for however long it needs to be!

Kevin will need to be going back to San Diego this Sunday or Monday and so we are asking for help... to see if anyone can come here to help during the week Monday - Friday for the next 2-3 weeks, the job is NOT easy, it is very very exhausting. Cameron needs help with everything and has already experienced anxiety and panic attacks when the couple of times Kevin and I both just happened to be out of the room at the same time... it was awful and there is only so much that the nurses can realistically do right now. The little things like setting up the computer so he can FaceTime (hugely important for his mental state right now), itching his cheek, sipping a drink of water, pushing his pain button etc... I don't think I can do it alone. We know that this is asking SO much but we don't know what else to do. It could even be multiple people splitting the weeks so that it isn't a lengthy stay for anyone.

This is all i have the strength to write about at this time... I will try to update later today.

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Cameron had PT and Occupational therapy this morning... I am not going to lie it SUCKS! At first I thought it would be the highlight of the day but it is turning out to be one of the HARDEST parts of our day! It is SO painful for Cameron and he is trying SO hard! I want to stand by and watch his accomplishments but at the same time I can't take witnessing what he is going through. I was hoping the days would be getting easier but they seem to be getting harder. My brain can't process why this is, I can't imagine what is going on in Cameron's brain. My only outlet right now is writing these journal notes and going outside in the meditation garden at the hospital and screaming at the top of my lungs! Thank goodness no one else is ever out there!

On a good note... with the support of PT and OT Cameron sat at edge of bed again for 6 minutes today! The PT's goal was 10 min but Cam's blood pressure can't take it yet. We were all so proud he got to 6 minutes! It also appears that his left leg is much stronger then his right but i guess that is to be expected??

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

I am SO sorry everyone! I am totally spinning out of control and getting very confused about the whole website issue!

I am now being told that I should KEEP the “CARING BRIDGE” page as a place for updates and support from all of you because that is one place where you can write Cameron messages and he can read them when he is ready which will be a HUGE part of his recovery process! So PLEASE continue to write Cameron messages on CARING BRIDGE as well and I will add a link from YOUCARE to CARING BRIDGE to make things a little bit easier (as soon as i figure out how to do that)! I will post the future updates on both pages just in case.

I am so sorry!

kim

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Just had a visit with the surgeon... very hard to hear some of his words. They are running an MRI this morning as he wants to check to make sure that nothing has been missed. He is concerned with Cameron's legs and feet, apparently by this time he was hoping for more change and said this isn't something he'd like to see at this point. He said Cameron has a spinal cord injury and "THEN SOME" were his exact words! I have no idea what that means and just wish we can wake up from this nightmare already... PLEASE PRAY

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

Day #3 - The simple things in life...

Yesterday was one of the longest hardest days so far for us... the day started early and it felt like we were weighted down with more and more weights every 5 minutes. Sleeping has been the most difficult thing for all 3 of us to do, Cameron needs 24 hour care right now so Kevin and I are trying to take turns as much as possible but it is so hard because we both want to be here every minute as well!

We found out a few things yesterday... Cameron will probably be in ICU for at least a week and then be moved to the Neurology department where he will be spending at least 2-3 weeks more. When they feel like he is ready he will then move on to an assisted living facility which could be anywhere from 6 months to a year give or take depending on rehab. They will not let him leave the hospital for assisted living or get transferred anywhere until he is medically stable which he is not yet.

Cameron received a visit yesterday from one of the "Search and Rescue" team members that was involved in Cameron's rescue. His name is Bill and he is the nicest man I could have hugged him for days! He told us all about the conditions of the rescue which I wasn't aware of... apparently the weather was horrific which is what made the rescue so intense and so long. He reiterated the powerful effort from the guys (cameron's friends) and how HEROIC they were the ENTIRE time! I told Cameron I think I hear a book in the works... he is a writer afterall!

I plan to be here the entire time but Kevin will need to go back and forth at some point. We are hoping to have a substitute to help me when Kevin is gone... Cameron is unable to do the "simple things in life" (i.e. push his pain killer button, itch his head, sip some water, blow his nose even wipe his nose) this is why one of us is standing by his side every minute. Last night was long because for some reason his head is tremendously itching him so one of us had to constantly help relieve the agony for him.

Today is another day... not sure what to think anymore. My days are spent massaging Cameron's feet, legs, hands, arms and head. No words can describe the pain of holding your child's hand and feeling it dead in your hand.

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

DAY #2

What is normal? This seems to be a recurring question Cameron, Kevin and I continue to ask the doctors and nurses every minute... No one knows what is normal, no one knows the answers... only time will tell but we seem to be stuck in this vicious circle. It feels as though every minute we are given more weights to carry...

Cameron had a rough night of sleep, lots of pain and distractions (people constantly poking him, machines beeping etc). Kevin and I are both staying with Cameron all day long but then we take shifts throughout the night. Cameron is unable to move his hands or his fingers so when he is in pain he can not push the nurse's alert button so one of us has to be on alert at all times. It is amazing how much we take for granted... the little things like scratching our nose, pulling up the blanket when you are cold, taking a sip of water, these are just a few of the things that Cameron is unable to do right now.

This morning was very hectic, Cameron is still in the ICU so he is hooked up to everything so every minute there seems to be a different type of specialist coming in to check something, change something, move something etc...

So far today we have seen the ICU doctor, the occupational doctor, the physical therapist and the case worker and it is only 10:30.

With the help of 2 very strong PT's they were able to roll Cameron over and support him to be able to sit on the edge of the bed for 4 minutes! This was a HUGE accomplishment for Cameron, it was extremely excrutiatingly painful for him but he did it and already wants to know what the goal is for tomorrow!

The occupational therapist has given him some very cool tools to help with daily things so that he can start gaining some independence. One of these things are prism glasses so that he can see things that are on his lap such as his dinner plate for instance. She also attached a glove to his hand that has a spoon attached to it so that with guidance and help he can try to bring the spoon to his mouth himself. His biceps and shoulders are VERY strong so his upper arms are moving better then anything else right now... he needs some help moving them but they are definitely showing strength. Apparently the distal portions such as fingers, toes, wrists, ankles are the most effected so those will be the slowest to gain strength and again only time will tell how much recovery he will gain in those areas. We are told he will NEVER gain 100% function of his body from the neck down but we are confident that he will live a life of 100% independence someday. This will just be a very long road...

I will update more later today, writing is helping me process everything so I may just journal here periodically throughout the day(s).

Also, apparently I believe that the GOFUNDME Site will not be accessible until I post it on Facebook, this is just the way GOFUNDME operates. So until Cameron gives us the permission to publish it probably won't be running? Not positive about this yet....

Thank you all for sending your thoughts and prayers we really feel all the love and it is SO helpful to feel the strength from everyone. This morning was a very difficult morning for Kevin and I... the initial shock is starting to wear off and reality is starting to set in and it is a very heavy reality right now.

So thank you again... xo

June 15, 2015

05/27/2015

by Kim Casinelli

DAY #1 - after Surgery (Moving Mountains)

Today has been a very long hard day for Cameron. He had many people poking him, moving him, examining him, talking to him etc... etc... etc...

The first visit was with his Surgeon this morning, it went as good as can be expected. Cameron is determined to get facts and statistics about everything so what we are wrapping our heads around right now is that Cameron will probably be in the ICU for 3-5 days or so (depending on recovery) he will then be moved to the Neurological floor where he (and between Kevin & I) will spend probably about 2 weeks rehabbing as much as possible. During this time we will be discussing with the professionals the best course of action for him. We are told he will need to live in an assisted living home for probably 6 months to a year depending on his recovery could be less or could be more only time will tell. We are not sure at this point where that will be but most likely Oregon or California.

He also had a visit from the Physical Therapist which was extremely hard and painful both for Cameron and for Kevin and I to watch. This is the first time we really were introduced to the fact that he is having a hard time functioning from the shoulders down. He is being classified as an "Incomplete Quadriplegic" this was not easy to hear for any of us and we are aware that there are many different labels and layers to this right now and that this is our reality momentarily but hopeful that this is NOT going to be our reality permanently.

On a good note though... during PT visit he did things that the PT was very impressed with and felt very optimistic because of his strength and determination.

We then had a visit from the Rehab Doctor and he was very thorough and answered many of Cameron's questions about percentages and timelines. (I always knew he was a statistic kind of a kid because he would just sit and read the almanac for hours on end in elementary school)!

The day has been long and slow, Kevin and I are running on little to no sleep. We are trying to focus and stay positive but very difficult to say the least.

Cameron's spirit was tremendously broken this morning when he woke up to the reality that his tribe of "best friends" had to leave Colorado to return to their lives in Chicago. It was very clear and obvious how crushed this left him. What a strong beautiful bond these guys have and we are SO eternally grateful for them for saving Cameron's life! Their daily FaceTime chats are HUGE!

Tomorrow will be another day and we will just continue to persevere however we humanly can.

Thank you all for your beautiful messages and support, we apologize if we are not able to respond to each and everyone of you.

PS: Tim and Laila could also really use some support, Laila has never been away from me before like this and Tim is trying to juggle it all by himself (not an easy task).

Thank you again, I will try to update as much as possible. If there is anyone I need to add to this list please let me know as I probably don't have everyone's email address.

June 11, 2015

http://www.ouraynews.com/articles/2015/05/28/ouray-county-injured-hiker-rescued-blue-lakes-trail