Let’s Help Brent Vandell and Family
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Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 31, 2017):
Well today was my discharge day, I left about 1:30. It was a little bittersweet to be leaving behind the people that helped me come so far. As I was walking, with my cane to say goodbye to my therapist, I began to think about the fact that I was brought up to the floor in a bed barely able to move my left side and now I am walking around saying goodbye to everyone. I have come a long way and I can say that the outpouring from so many people was truly inspirational. I want to thank everyone for all of your well wishes and kind words.
Tomorrow I begin the next part of my journey with in home care, before I move onto outpatient care. I still have a long way to go but I will continue to work hard so I can get back and hopefully continue to make a difference with my students at James River HS. My PE Department came to see me in the Hospital on my birthday and continue to show me incredible support. They brought cards of well wishes from the faculty and students. All day long I received FB messages of happy birthday and positive inspirational words making it a great Birthday, even if it was spent in the hospital. My daughters have been positive and supportive through the process. I was worried about how this would affect them and they have handled it quite well. Our PSA soccer parents (with some help from long ago FC RICHMOND parents even) have been an incredible group for me and especially my wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell. People have come from all over to see me in the hospital, No VA, and Baltimore. SPE brothers I have not seen in years came to see me. As the people left after their visits and after reading all of the FB posts and messages, the cards, the text messages I would reflect on how lucky I was to have friends and to have led the life I have had, even though I was laying a hospital bed. Your support through all of this has made it easy for me to continue to stay positive and work hard. I want to thank everyone because you all made a difference in my life. My family and I thank you for your support.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 24, 2017):
Well it is now a week until my discharge day 5/31, I will have spent the entire month of May at Johnston Willis Hospital. I cannot say enough good things about my nurses during my stay. My Dr. and both my Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist have both been AWESOME. They have continued to challenge me each day. They pushed me and due to their encouragement I have passed where they originally thought I would be upon discharge. I am by no means recovered, but I am well on my way. It seems that if I continue to improve I should be able to go to the beach in August. I will be somewhat limited compared to what I normally do but if I can just get there that will be incredible. The cards, hospital visits by friends and current and former students/athletes, messages, text messages, emails, phone calls not to mention the incredibly humbling GoFundMe page and Texas Roadhouse fundraisers. All of these have made it easy to remain positive throughout the process. Next Wednesday my new challenge starts, out patient care. So many people have done incredibly nice things for my family the JRHS Baseball team came out and took care of yard maintenance, PSA parents with the meals for Jen and the girls. There is no way I could ever thank everyone or even let you all know what you all have meant to me. I have had an incredibly blessed life to have been lucky enough to have interacted with so many amazing people. My incredible wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell has continued to work, taken care of the household still found time to take care of me in the hospital. I wish I could somehow let everyone know much you have and will continue to mean to me. I just do not know of better words but I just want to say THANK YOU for ALL of your support.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 16, 2017):
Today I walked about 40 feet without any assistance. Did it look smooth, no, but I did it. I have foot drop and my gait looks really funky but I am still excited. My physical therapist continues to push me. I am trying to do everything she asks, I am getting there. The progress will take time but I will be back.
Big news, my discharge date is May 31st.
I had an uplifting visit from Patrick Held, it was great to hear from someone that unfortunately really understands what is going on. His recovery is an inspiration to me.
I want to continue to thank everyone for their support of myself, my wonderful wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell and family. Jen has been my rock through this bump in the road.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 12, 2017):
“I would like to say that everyone’s support is really helping me in recovery. I have days or PT sessions that I have great deal of difficulty and it can get frustrating. I get back to my room and see all of the cards, and I read all of the supportive, encouraging comments on Facebook I am uplifted. Both in my classroom and the athletic courts/fields I always encouraged my kids to do their best, that was all I wanted. I tried to see the positive in each of my students and athletes and accentuate that. I learned a phrase in College at Longwood from a professor, Dr. Bobbit, she said "I will not accept I can't, I will accept I am having difficulty". I can not believe how much support I am getting and I can not begin to express how much it helps me push through the difficult times. I will continue to, as I have asked so many, to give their best. I need to remember it is a process and will take time. I did walk 300 feet on treadmill in a harness. Thanks again for everyone's support.”
NBC Piece: http://www.nbc12.com/story/35377942/chesterfield-powhatan-students-help-teacher-who-suffered-stroke
CBS Piece: http://wtvr.com/2017/05/09/brent-vandell-go-fund-me/
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 9, 2017):
“I am so happy to have chosen my career path. I have come contact with so many amazing students, athletes and coworkers during my tenure at Monacan HS, and last 19 at James River HS as well as coaching at Powhatan HS and Powhatan youth sports. No better reward for teachers than former students letting them know that teachers make a difference. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support I have been given.”
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 9, 2017):
"Today in PT I walked up and down 4 steps, yes I did have my therapist brace my L leg so it would not buckle. I am making some progress and it is amazing what little things make me excited. I have had many very supportive visitors and cards from co-workers and players. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for all of the support I have received."
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 5, 2017):
"Today is Friday May 5th (there is no Cinco de Mayo neighborhood Chili cook off this year, bummer). I just thought it was time for an update, since it has been a week since my stroke. I am only 2 days in to Rehab and yesterday I walked 4x (with a great deal of assistance on my L leg) 20 feet before lunch and 3x I walked 30+ feet so I am EXCITED beyond belief. Many times a day I read the FB comments on my phone and I can not begin to say how appreciative I am for all of the touching comments. I am here in the hospital I realize how lucky I am to have all of the friends reaching out with words of encouragement. From the Georgian Way Crew, to The Chapel Square Elementary Alumni, my Annandale HS friends, my Longwood friends, The SPE Brotherhood, my VCU classmates, my coworkers, students and athletes at Monacan HS, my coworkers, students and athletes at James River HS, and coworkers throughout CCPS. Then there are family friends some of them names of my parents friends that I have not seen in years are reaching out. The support I have received is beyond overwhelming. There is no way that I can begin to say what each comment and words of encouragement mean to me. All I can say is that I often get choked up because they mean so much to me. The visits from coworkers friends and students ALWAYS brighten my day, there is not much to do for long stretches, so those are great. One of the most touching is when students share what I meant to them. I just tried to do as my parents taught me and treat everyone with respect and do your best. As a teacher sometimes you never really know if you really get through. I taught the curriculum and often tried to discuss life skills with both students and athletes and it seems that some of my students actually paid attention.
I have rambled on long enough, but I just wanted to somehow convey how much everyone's support continues to mean to me. Everyone’s support will make my road to recovery that much easier.
I have the BEST wife and mother I could ever hope for."
Brent Vandell Facebook Post (May 3, 2017):
“Friday morning at 1:30, I had a stroke. Thankfully I was quickly taken to Johnston Willis and given the clot buster drug. It has partially paralyzed the left side of my body. I began rehab today and I hope to regain my mobility. This has been an eye-opening experience for my family. I am so thankful for the incredible support from my James River and Powhatan High School Families (esp PE/Math). Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers as I continue on my path to recovery with Jennifer Carroll Vandell.”
Brent Vandell is a beloved man that has impacted so many people. As he goes through therapy and works to regain his mobility let’s rally and work together to help him and his family during such a difficult time.
With incurred medical expenses and other costs, even the smallest of donations can add up and go a long ways. Every little bit surely is appreciated.
All of the funds raised will be given to Brent and his family."
Well today was my discharge day, I left about 1:30. It was a little bittersweet to be leaving behind the people that helped me come so far. As I was walking, with my cane to say goodbye to my therapist, I began to think about the fact that I was brought up to the floor in a bed barely able to move my left side and now I am walking around saying goodbye to everyone. I have come a long way and I can say that the outpouring from so many people was truly inspirational. I want to thank everyone for all of your well wishes and kind words.
Tomorrow I begin the next part of my journey with in home care, before I move onto outpatient care. I still have a long way to go but I will continue to work hard so I can get back and hopefully continue to make a difference with my students at James River HS. My PE Department came to see me in the Hospital on my birthday and continue to show me incredible support. They brought cards of well wishes from the faculty and students. All day long I received FB messages of happy birthday and positive inspirational words making it a great Birthday, even if it was spent in the hospital. My daughters have been positive and supportive through the process. I was worried about how this would affect them and they have handled it quite well. Our PSA soccer parents (with some help from long ago FC RICHMOND parents even) have been an incredible group for me and especially my wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell. People have come from all over to see me in the hospital, No VA, and Baltimore. SPE brothers I have not seen in years came to see me. As the people left after their visits and after reading all of the FB posts and messages, the cards, the text messages I would reflect on how lucky I was to have friends and to have led the life I have had, even though I was laying a hospital bed. Your support through all of this has made it easy for me to continue to stay positive and work hard. I want to thank everyone because you all made a difference in my life. My family and I thank you for your support.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 24, 2017):
Well it is now a week until my discharge day 5/31, I will have spent the entire month of May at Johnston Willis Hospital. I cannot say enough good things about my nurses during my stay. My Dr. and both my Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist have both been AWESOME. They have continued to challenge me each day. They pushed me and due to their encouragement I have passed where they originally thought I would be upon discharge. I am by no means recovered, but I am well on my way. It seems that if I continue to improve I should be able to go to the beach in August. I will be somewhat limited compared to what I normally do but if I can just get there that will be incredible. The cards, hospital visits by friends and current and former students/athletes, messages, text messages, emails, phone calls not to mention the incredibly humbling GoFundMe page and Texas Roadhouse fundraisers. All of these have made it easy to remain positive throughout the process. Next Wednesday my new challenge starts, out patient care. So many people have done incredibly nice things for my family the JRHS Baseball team came out and took care of yard maintenance, PSA parents with the meals for Jen and the girls. There is no way I could ever thank everyone or even let you all know what you all have meant to me. I have had an incredibly blessed life to have been lucky enough to have interacted with so many amazing people. My incredible wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell has continued to work, taken care of the household still found time to take care of me in the hospital. I wish I could somehow let everyone know much you have and will continue to mean to me. I just do not know of better words but I just want to say THANK YOU for ALL of your support.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 16, 2017):
Today I walked about 40 feet without any assistance. Did it look smooth, no, but I did it. I have foot drop and my gait looks really funky but I am still excited. My physical therapist continues to push me. I am trying to do everything she asks, I am getting there. The progress will take time but I will be back.
Big news, my discharge date is May 31st.
I had an uplifting visit from Patrick Held, it was great to hear from someone that unfortunately really understands what is going on. His recovery is an inspiration to me.
I want to continue to thank everyone for their support of myself, my wonderful wife Jennifer Carroll Vandell and family. Jen has been my rock through this bump in the road.
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 12, 2017):
“I would like to say that everyone’s support is really helping me in recovery. I have days or PT sessions that I have great deal of difficulty and it can get frustrating. I get back to my room and see all of the cards, and I read all of the supportive, encouraging comments on Facebook I am uplifted. Both in my classroom and the athletic courts/fields I always encouraged my kids to do their best, that was all I wanted. I tried to see the positive in each of my students and athletes and accentuate that. I learned a phrase in College at Longwood from a professor, Dr. Bobbit, she said "I will not accept I can't, I will accept I am having difficulty". I can not believe how much support I am getting and I can not begin to express how much it helps me push through the difficult times. I will continue to, as I have asked so many, to give their best. I need to remember it is a process and will take time. I did walk 300 feet on treadmill in a harness. Thanks again for everyone's support.”
NBC Piece: http://www.nbc12.com/story/35377942/chesterfield-powhatan-students-help-teacher-who-suffered-stroke
CBS Piece: http://wtvr.com/2017/05/09/brent-vandell-go-fund-me/
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 9, 2017):
“I am so happy to have chosen my career path. I have come contact with so many amazing students, athletes and coworkers during my tenure at Monacan HS, and last 19 at James River HS as well as coaching at Powhatan HS and Powhatan youth sports. No better reward for teachers than former students letting them know that teachers make a difference. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support I have been given.”
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 9, 2017):
"Today in PT I walked up and down 4 steps, yes I did have my therapist brace my L leg so it would not buckle. I am making some progress and it is amazing what little things make me excited. I have had many very supportive visitors and cards from co-workers and players. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for all of the support I have received."
Brent Vandell Facebook Post/Update (May 5, 2017):
"Today is Friday May 5th (there is no Cinco de Mayo neighborhood Chili cook off this year, bummer). I just thought it was time for an update, since it has been a week since my stroke. I am only 2 days in to Rehab and yesterday I walked 4x (with a great deal of assistance on my L leg) 20 feet before lunch and 3x I walked 30+ feet so I am EXCITED beyond belief. Many times a day I read the FB comments on my phone and I can not begin to say how appreciative I am for all of the touching comments. I am here in the hospital I realize how lucky I am to have all of the friends reaching out with words of encouragement. From the Georgian Way Crew, to The Chapel Square Elementary Alumni, my Annandale HS friends, my Longwood friends, The SPE Brotherhood, my VCU classmates, my coworkers, students and athletes at Monacan HS, my coworkers, students and athletes at James River HS, and coworkers throughout CCPS. Then there are family friends some of them names of my parents friends that I have not seen in years are reaching out. The support I have received is beyond overwhelming. There is no way that I can begin to say what each comment and words of encouragement mean to me. All I can say is that I often get choked up because they mean so much to me. The visits from coworkers friends and students ALWAYS brighten my day, there is not much to do for long stretches, so those are great. One of the most touching is when students share what I meant to them. I just tried to do as my parents taught me and treat everyone with respect and do your best. As a teacher sometimes you never really know if you really get through. I taught the curriculum and often tried to discuss life skills with both students and athletes and it seems that some of my students actually paid attention.
I have rambled on long enough, but I just wanted to somehow convey how much everyone's support continues to mean to me. Everyone’s support will make my road to recovery that much easier.
I have the BEST wife and mother I could ever hope for."
Brent Vandell Facebook Post (May 3, 2017):
“Friday morning at 1:30, I had a stroke. Thankfully I was quickly taken to Johnston Willis and given the clot buster drug. It has partially paralyzed the left side of my body. I began rehab today and I hope to regain my mobility. This has been an eye-opening experience for my family. I am so thankful for the incredible support from my James River and Powhatan High School Families (esp PE/Math). Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers as I continue on my path to recovery with Jennifer Carroll Vandell.”
Brent Vandell is a beloved man that has impacted so many people. As he goes through therapy and works to regain his mobility let’s rally and work together to help him and his family during such a difficult time.
With incurred medical expenses and other costs, even the smallest of donations can add up and go a long ways. Every little bit surely is appreciated.
All of the funds raised will be given to Brent and his family."
Organizer and beneficiary
Grant Gardner
Organizer
Midlothian, VA
Brent Vandell
Beneficiary