Jeff Blackwell. The man with the big voice on TV & Radio and an even bigger heart needs a little help.  Jeff is currently in ICU at OLOL in Baton Rouge. It has been a rocky road since May 21. UPDATE 1- Sodium levels, color, temperature, kidneys, output all good. Starting a nutrition plan. CT shows Hernia no longer a major concern. All positive.
UPDATE 2 - Jeff is still in ICU. Levels improving, his heart is strong, some very minor facial reactions to voices, these are small and positive signs of awareness. A good weekend for The Blackwell Family!
UPDATE 3 -  Jeff has been referred to as a "Turtle" in his recovery, slow and sure. Removed from continuous sedation, he has responded to Diane's voice, his eyes are opened, aware of surroundings. Breathing tube and IV still in the mix for a bit longer. Much better each day . . .
UPDATE 4 - Jeff "Leatherback" Blackwell , the fastest of the turtle species is having a change today. No longer intubated and smiling! That is great news, already trying to talk but knows he is to rest his pipes. Wanted to give everyone this good, progressive news. Keep dem prayers coming! 
UPDATE 5 - The "Leatherback" continues to race at his own pace! Jeff has been moved to a PCU (Progressive Care Unit) at OLOL in Baton Rouge. No visitors at this time but continue the prayers and positive thoughts. He has been sleeping a lot over the last few days, not as active as last week but all indicators are positive. 
UPDATE 6 - One step forward, two steps back. Jeff has been placed into MICU and re-intubated. Currently at 40% O2 and lightly sedated all due to breathing issues. He is easily aroused and responds to Dianne's voice. They are treating Staph Pneumonia with antibiotics. He is coughing a bit which is a good sign. Suzanne and PJ were able to speak to Jeff yesterday for Father's Day and he was aware of them during that conversation.
UPDATE 7 - Our "Leatherback" is improving, after a bit of back and forth. Dianne and the doctors have put a plan into motion. Jeff had a Tracheotomy and feeding tube procedure. This will help in resolving congestion issues and will keep him healthy. He has been moved out of ICU at OLOL into a PCU room. Again, great small steps! He has not been sedated  for a few days and is able to comprehend what Dianne is telling him. Great news. He is trying to mouth words to her and that is challenging for both of them. Jeff is under observation for a few days and will be moved to a rehab facility later this week! That is the P-L-A-N! Do what you can and please continue to keep
UPDATE 8 - HE MOVED! Jeff has a new home at SAGE Rehab here in Baton Rouge. No visitors at this time. Jeff has started rehab for speech, occupational and physical activity. He is writing notes to Diane, anxious to get home, work on his computer, get in a wheelchair. Small steps there Big Man! He is more comfortable, although frustrated about wanting to to do more than suggested at this time. He has FaceTimed, been writing notes, whispering words, moving forward. Our "Leatherback " is improving!!
UPDATE 9 - WELL, WELL, WELL, JB is better and better each week and day! I FaceTimed with Jeff yesterday and all I wanted to do was laugh and cry at the same time. His voice is louder than a whisper, however strong! Sitting up at 30 degrees or more. He knows he has to build up his strength. PT is slowly coming around at Sage. The hope is that they will start to concentrate on getting Jeff up and out of bed, into a wheel chair/walker. But as we said all along, baby steps. I apologize for not updating earlier, I wanted to wait until things settled down at Sage after the 4th Weekend.    
UPDATE 10 - WHOA!!!!! You will not believe who called me this afternoon . . . JEFF BLACKWELL!!!!! Yep, called me from his hospital room! A smile in his strong voice, OK, not quite our VOG but who cares!! Jeff was moved back to OLOL. Thank you - you know who you are! Jeff was sitting up in a chair today, fully aware of all that was going on around him. He will move into the OLOL Rehab ward at The Lake at the end of the week. He will start concentrated PT, 3-6 hours a day! Tonight he had his first SOLID food since end of May, although at this time, I am not sure what it was . . . who cares - right!?!?! It was joyous, uplifting, wonderful to actually talk to him . . . I told Jeff, we outta right a book. WOW. So THAT, my friends, is the Big News of the Week. One step back, one GIANT LEAP FORWARD!   
UPDATE 11 - More positive steps! PT is improving JB by leaps and bounds! No, not literally, only now our Leatherback Turtle is taking control of strengthening his arms and legs after being on his back for so many weeks! Not long for the Rehab Hospital at OLOL. There is light at the end of this tunnel! Check out his new haircut on FaceBook or better yet, enjoy the concert the Most Blessed Sacrament Choir produced Sunday evening 8-2. It was great! All is well, all is well, ALL IS WELL! So many prayers from so many people. Keep the Blackwell Family in your thoughts and prayers as they move forward.
Thank you all so much.