Back in Session

It's been pretty busy around here, with therapeutic riding classes starting back up.  William is very excited to be riding again and to get to see many of his friends regularly again.  He has been doing very, very well.  We've had a few coughs and runny noses, but have managed to keep William clear thus far...Praise the Lord!  He goes back to see his Pulmonologist on Tuesday for another check up.  Is it wishful thinking to hope he's finally completely clear?  We'll see.
Riding is a highlight for William.  Here he is with his buddy, Smith, and his trusty steed, Oreo...

 

I'm sorry I haven't posted about William's big surprise yet.  I haven't heard back from his doctor.  Hopefully this week... :)

YouCaring Update

Dear Friends and Family,

Once again, it's time to send out an update!  We're excited to announce that we're almost half way to reaching our second goal of $28,000. What a blessing!! Thank you for your continued love and support for William.  Without you, the success of this fundraiser would not be possible.

This week, we have some fun pictures and a story to share with you that we thought you would enjoy. Mrs. Ocker shared the following pictures and story with me (Savannah) the other day.

William recently got a new wheelchair and he loves the independence that it has given him. Though he used to call Mrs. Ocker to come get him out of bed in the morning (even though his walker was next to his bed), now he gets out of bed by himself and tries to sneak up on Mrs. Ocker in the living room. :) He loves being able to surprise his mother! He is also very excited because he can now fill his own drink cup and carry it back to the table or counter (as you can see in the new picture in the gallery).

William was also able to ride for the first time since his illness!! It took 15 weeks before he was strong enough to get back on. It's good to have him getting stronger again - praise the LORD!! (You can see pictures of this in the updated gallery as well).

 

One of the biggest ways you can help is by helping us spread the word. If you haven't done so already, please share William's story with your family and friends. The fundraiser page makes it really easy to share by email or social media with the buttons in the sidebar.  Thank you to those who have already done so!

Once again, please feel free to email us with any comments or questions!  

Blessings,

Savannah, Benjamin, and Julia

givetowilliam@gmail.com

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

Roger

What a wonderful day!  We spent the day in the City, for William's mapping with his audiologist and Sherrod's HbA1c with her endocrinologist.  Every 3 months.  It's just part of it, right?  William's thresholds have hardly changed, which is pretty amazing considering all he's been through!  He always has such a great time with Dr. Sara, but today was especially fun!







Today, William got his

!






Very exciting!  The Roger is a system that allows a person to speak directly into William's processor.  This will be EXTREMELY useful to him!  I think because he can't see, he has been having some trouble deciphering when someone is speaking to him.  He often does not answer questions when someone speaks to him, but will answer immediately when I repeat the question.  I began to wonder if he was being rude, but upon further investigation we really don't believe that is the case.  He seems to have a hard time telling when someone is actually speaking to him or when it's just noise he is supposed to be tuning out.  He also seems to have a hard time deciphering different accents or behaviors in speaking.  The Roger will help tremendously with this.  We are beyond excited!!!

By the way, no, that's not his news.  We haven't heard back yet!

I feel so overwhelmed with all the Lord has been doing for William and for our family.  It brings to mind the Scripture from Isaiah, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:19
I feel like I am watching Him make a way for us in ways I never would have thought possible.  His ways are truly higher than our ways!

Good News!

We heard from William's Pulmonologist.  He believes the spot in the lung to be recent scar tissue.  Hopefully, that will resolve itself over time.  The longer William is able to go without illness, the higher that chance is.  So, we continue on with treatments, but the threat of hospitalization/surgery/bronchioscopy is off the table at this time!  Yay!

I do have some other VERY exciting news to announce, but I am waiting for one more notice from William's primary care physician.  Until then... :)