EVAN'S MILESTONES
"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."
~ Roger Crawford
EVAN SPEAKS AND EATS REAL FOOD FOR THE FIRST TIME!
May 22, 2020
After nearly a month from the day of the accident, Evan received a speaking valve and was able to speak for the first time. This was the first time that his parents and loved ones heard his voice. This was very moving for everyone. Evan told his dad he just wanted to "keep talking" and they stayed up way too late into the wee hours of Friday morning talking.
One of the biggest milestones since the accident, Evan passed his swallow test. He had his first sips of cold water and got to enjoy his first two normal meals in a month. He had Torchy's tacos delivered to him for dinner.
BREATHING
AND WRIST MOVEMENT
May 27, 2020
Evan has been in rehabilitation at TIRR in Houston for over a week now, and has already reached a couple of big milestones.
Evan has started his ventilator weaning and exceeded clinical goals twice with over 30 minutes of independent breathing, for a total of one hour off the ventilator on his very first day of vent weaning.
Also, Evan did a test to check the connection from brain to wrist. The electro simulation showed that the connection is good, and the muscle to nerve connection is working. It is the machine moving Evan's wrist in the video, but this is a major milestone, and sets Evan up for future success in rehab and independence. Also, his triceps and leg extensors are still connected!
EVAN GOES TO THE GYM!
FES BIKE
May 29, 2020
This day at TIRR, Evan got special permission to go to the gym. This was his first time there, and he drove himself in his power chair, which he’s been practicing with daily. In the gym, he used a Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike. FES bikes transmit computer generated, low level electrical pulses through electrodes attached to the muscle groups of the legs to coordinate contractions and a pedaling motion.
As you can imagine, it was exciting for Evan to be able to get out of the room, go to the gym, and move his muscles. He pedaled for 20 minutes, which of course exceeded the goal they had set for his first time, AND he did this while disconnected from the ventilator during one of his weaning times.
OFF THE VENT
AND MOVING UPPER BODY
June 24, 2020
It's been two months since Evan's accident and he is officially off of the ventilator! His trach has been removed, and that incision will close on its own. He’s breathing completely independently again!
Also, he got the ok from his surgeon in Austin to remove the neck collar.
His therapists confirmed that he has use of BOTH triceps, so he will continue to work on strengthening those muscles.
Finally, his ortho cleared his left shoulder (this shoulder had the AC separation) to do weight bearing work.
He continues to impress his therapists with his progress and work ethic. In this video, you see him working on using his whole upper body to roll himself, and reaching out to move a ball after the roll.
Evan struggled, and it was hard for him, but he did it!
NOV 24, 2020
On 11/24/2020, the Statesman publishes an article about Evan.
Click the link above to read the full story!