Bring Apolonia Home and Continuing Rehabilitation
Many things have taken place since our last update. Apolonia has been transferred from an acute care facility to post-acute care and participating in her rehabilitation–she is receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The tracheotomy was removed which is a beautiful blessing because we were told she would need it for the rest of her life. She is performing different forms of communication with us such as responding to commands with a thumbs-up, okay symbol with her fingers or lifting her eyebrows. The small progress she has learned include slipping on a flip flop, lifting and moving her right arm, moving and lifting her right leg, assisting in dressing when prompted, identifying colors, waving hi and bye, identifying objects on flashcards, identify written words, winking her eye, blowing kisses, play playing finger games, and giving a high-five. These are many positive steps towards her road to recovery. However, the left side of her body is still weaker than her right, and is struggling to hold her head upright–she needs to gain more muscle strength to keep her head up and straight. Physical therapy places her on a standing table but she is not yet standing on her own. Her throat muscles are massaged to regain her swallowing and we practicing on mouth movements and waiting for her to communicate with words. Please continue to pray for her, her family, staff, and especially for God to continue to give her strength, health, and a full recovery.
For those who have recently discover Apolonia Car Accident:
On Saturday morning, March 23, 2019, Apolonia, was tragically injured in a rollover accident in Richfield Utah, traveling from California to Colorado. Apolonia sustained multiple fractures and other injuries which are healing however, the most heartbreaking injury is the impact she suffered to her head. This impact has caused swelling to her brain that will have a long-term effect, which has altered her life, and the life of her family. This injury my niece sustained requires continued medical and physical treatment that is a financial burden on the family.
She will be requiring rehabilitation that involves specialty care in areas of physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, lifetime medications, and specialty medical equipment. Even with insurance coverage, there will be significant long-term out-of-pocket costs to cover an injury of this level
Apolonia’s family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to everyone’s contribution to getting Apolonia home to Colorado by medical air ambulance. We are asking for continued support to help with Apolonia ongoing medical expenses and to meet the out-of-pocket rehabilitation costs required that will teach her and her family how to live with the effects of a brain injury.
Michelle, Apolonia aunt is assisting Apolonia’s parents, Johnny, and Teresa in collecting the donations to be given to Apolonia’s care. All the money has and will continue to be given towards the expenses inquired and to the parents for future out-of-pocket cost.
Once again, thank you for the great outpour of strength, prayers, love, and financial support you have provided to Apolonia’s care. We ask for your continued prayers and donations as we go through this life-altering journey.
MIDUTAHRADIO.COM NEWS REPORT - Reported March 26, 2019
http://midutahradio.com/news/local-news/two-teens-sent-to-hospital-after-crash-on-i-70-saturday/
Follow Up
MIDUTAHRADIO.COM NEWS REPORT - Reported April 9, 2019
http://midutahradio.com/news/local-news/mother-of-teen-injured-in-accident-on-i-70-speaks-up-about-seatbelt-use/
LeeRoy was sad and confused as to why he had to leave mama...Thank you for helping unite him with Apolonia.
Although Apolonia has not woken up from a coma, she is now breathing on her own! We are seeking out medical facilities to accept here in Denver. Thank you for your continuous prayers, support, and love!
We are saddened to announce LeeRoy, Apolonia’s dog passed away due to a diaphragmatic hernia caused by a blunt force trauma he sustained in the accident. The Vet said it may have been tiny at first and not able to detect but got bigger and was it too late by the time he showed symptoms.
LeeRoy was a very good and obedient dog. He was family to all of us–he will be greatly missed. Please pray when Apolonia awakens that LeeRoys passing does not traumatize her terribly; the two of them were always together…wherever Apolonia was, so was LeeRoy.
