Year Two

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 30:17)

On June 18, 2004, after 90 days of being hospitalized, Evan returns home. Follow his miracle below!

March 21, 2006 - Two Years After Evan's Stroke

Monday April 3, 2006 - 9:00PM
This month has been a busy one! It started out with Evan attending the Red Cross Heroes Awards Breakfast. He was asked to come as a "previous" award winner...you know, like they do at the Oscars! (haha) He was happy to attend, and listen to even more stories of heroism, and community leadership. It was a lovely event, just as it was last year. They even called Evan up to the podium to have him draw names for their door prizes. It was a fun morning spent. That night, it got us thinking about the progress that he's made, and we decided it was time to get a feel for what Evan has been going through, plus March 21 marked the 2nd year anniversary of his stroke. We all ate dinner "one handed.” It was more difficult than we thought it would be. We had chicken strips and fries, something we could hold with one hand. It was funny how many times you would automatically reach with your left hand to pick up your drink while you were holding your chicken strip in the other. However, this was not allowed. You had to set down whatever was in your right hand, and use only that hand to pick up your drink. (It's amazing how you do things without even thinking about it.) It also reminded us about the level of frustration that Evan must have throughout his day...something we all take for granted. Evan’s Nana (Luetta Fox) decided she would only use one arm for the entire day. She went through the whole day without using her left arm, it was very challenging. Anyway, Evan had a few days of illness this month. He had a 104 degree fever and vomiting that kept him out of school for a couple of days. Something was going around his school, and there were quite a few students out at the same time. It was also that same week that Evan had his follow up appointments up at Rainbow with his 3 doctors. We received excellent news regarding his most recent MRI, which showed very little residual AVM. This means that the vessel that bled is almost gone, which is the news we wanted to hear. However, I would have liked to hear that it was completely gone, but I'll take the other news too. All of the specialists were pleased with his progress, stating that the MRI result was actually better than they had expected only 18 months. In fact they said, “this is where we would have put him ideally!” Let's just put it this way, if they're pleased, we're pleased! The doctors had several recommendations for the next couple of months: a multitude of lab work to check his hormonal status (due to the fact that the bleed was in the hormone center of his brain), a consult with a pediatric neurologist to re-evaluate and manage medicines, and finally an evaluation by a pediatric neuropsychologist to evaluate his transition into school next year. We hope to get most of these things done in the upcoming months. I'm sure Evan can't wait to be poked, prodded, and evaluated! Also this month, Jeff and I attended a Traumatic Brain Injury conference in Columbus. It was designed for educators to alert them to the medical background of TBI and how to handle these students in the classroom. I gathered up several extra packets to share with each school (intermediate, middle, and high school) so that each building would have access to these recommendations. My friend who teaches at the high school went with us, and she can share directly with her staff. It will be helpful for them if this type of student was to enter their school in the future, not only just for use with Evan now. As far as school work is going, Evan once again made the merit roll, missing the honor roll by a tenth of a percent or so. He has a 3.5 GPA, and you need a 3.6 for honor roll. He was disappointed, but Jeff and I assured him that he was doing remarkable! Evan agreed in the end, but he does like to push himself. He likes to see his name up there on the list hanging in the school lobby. I told him to be proud of what he is doing. He also completed a tremendously difficult project in Art this month. It was an acrylic painting project on canvas of a penguin. It was a very frustrating project for him to do one handed, but his great art teacher Mrs. VanMeter was so patient and helpful to him. She was amazed at his ability and perseverance to complete the project. We were all very proud of him! We are all looking forward to Spring and the warmer temperatures. We also hope you all have a wonderful Easter holiday, as this very important season of hope approaches! It has been 2 years since Evan's stroke, and his survival is a constant reminder that we all have an important path to follow, even if it isn't the one we thought we'd be on. Happy Spring!

Friday May 12, 2006 - 2:00PM
The month of April has flown by, and as of this writing, we are already almost 2 weeks into May! With the weather turning warm, Evan is spending more time outside playing basketball and riding his bike. He's already preparing for golf, awaiting the camp in Columbus in July. Spring Break was spent at my sister's house in Pennsylvania. I took the kids on the 8 hour journey by myself, as Jeff had to stay and work. We had wonderful, warm weather visiting Philadelphia. We did the whole " Liberty Bell...Independence Hall " thing, which the kids loved. It was educational, but still fun. (The kids thought it was "cool" to have to go through a security check point and get "searched.") We also visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which Evan absolutely loved. They had many paintings by his favorite artist: Vincent Van Gogh. They also had a display of " Knights in Armor " from Medieval times. They were so huge and intimidating to stand next to. It was hard to imagine in those times how they had to walk/ride horses etc. with all that weight. Probably the best thing the kids liked about the museum was " running" up the giant stairs that led to the entrance of the museum. If you've ever seen the movie "ROCKY", it was the same steps Sylvester Stallone ran up in the movie (when he was training.) Evan was so thrilled to make it up the steps by himself. He held on to the wall on the side, and "ran" to the top. When he got to the top, he raised his right arm and jumped around in triumph.. just like " Rocky" did in the movie. It was so inspiring to me, and to Evan himself. He was so proud that he made the journey. He was tired, and rode in his wheelchair during the trip in the museum. Of course, my arms were tired because I had to carry his wheelchair up those stairs, so we were both exhausted. It wasn't until we were inside the museum that someone pointed out the " Handicapped" entrance that was in the back of the museum. Anyway, the trip was great and spending Easter with my sister and her sweet family was a refreshing start to Spring. When we arrived home, Jeff surprised me with a mini "home makeover" by painting our bedroom, and getting new carpet installed in our family room and bedroom. Here I thought he was going to have a relaxing, quiet week after work. Not so! He worked till the wee hours of the morning to try to get it done in time. How blessed we are to have such a great husband and Dad in our lives! After spring break, Evan got sick with Strep throat. He had complained of a sore throat, and I said to him before school "not to worry". I ended up going to school a few hours later to give him a Tylenol for a headache, and he said again, "I have a sore throat." I said to him, "It's not like you have strep Evan...go back to class." We both laughed, but little did I know that when he got home from school, he have a 103 degree fever, and still had the sore throat. Well, an hour later, he was in the Peds office with a positive throat culture. Evan turned to me at the office and said, " Boy Mom, I bet you're feeling pretty stupid right now, huh?" I just smiled at him with no reply. ( I did feel pretty bad though.) The next morning, he woke up with a 105.4 degree temp. I was concerned but promptly gave him Tylenol and Motrin both, which brought it down to 103. He slept until 3:00 in the afternoon, and felt somewhat better the next day. He had the whole weekend to re cooperate, and did well. I guess I'm not sure how I'd handle another sore throat from him next time. (haha) This month also brought a tragedy to another young man who is from Perkins, Tyson Gentry. He suffered a neck injury playing football at Ohio State. This event certainly brought back painful memories to our family, as we know how much heartbreak and suffering Tyson and his family are going through. We ask that you add him to your prayer list, and pray for a full recovery. As we've said in the past, we know first hand how the power of prayer works. Please keep Tyson in your thoughts and prayers. We are so looking forward to summer, and the end of the school year!

Friday June 2, 2006 - 12:00PM
The month of May was quite an eventful one, especially since we now have an official teenager living among us! School has kept Evan quite busy, with all of his major classes having "end of the year" projects due. They took hard work to complete, but he did a terrific job keeping everything straight. We will all be glad when this school year is over so we can have some time to relax. Constant studying because of short term memory deficit gets old real quick! ( I feel like I've completed the 7th grade all over again...but it was for a great cause!) We hope his memory will improve over the summer so that 8th grade isn't so intense ALL the time. This month our family attended a fundraiser for our Perkins Pirate friend Tyson Gentry, who suffered a neck injury at OSU. It was wonderful to see all the support, just as we received 2 years ago. It brought back such overwhelming feelings, seeing teachers and friends gathering to show support of yet another family in need. We really live in a very generous community. We ask that you please continue to pray for Tyson's full recovery. On a happier note, Evan celebrated his 13th birthday in style as he invited his friends to a Limo ride up to Dave & Busters in Cleveland. ( After Evan's stroke, Tom's Cruz limo service gave a gift card to Evan, to be used whenever he wanted. Evan decided to save the card for a special occasion, and this was it!) They all enjoyed the stretch Excursion limo ride, complete with rap music and fun. Once at Dave & Busters, the boys were off to try their luck at the arcade games. Everyone collected great prizes, and then had burgers and fries. It was quite a treat. The ride home was a bit rowdy, with some of the prizes getting thrown around in the limo, but everyone settled down nicely after awhile. We wouldn't have expected anything less from six 13 year old boys! Evan was just so happy to get to spend the time with the old gang. They are all such fantastic boys, and they are supportive of Evan and what he's been through. We hope Evan never loses sight of good friends and family. They are the key to a successful recovery, and life in general. Happy Summer to you all!

Friday July 9, 2006 - 1:00PM
Sorry this entry is a bit on the late side. Time keeps getting past me and before I realize it, the month is over. June 8th was the last day of school, and it was quite an exciting one! Evan is so thrilled to be off for the summer...no more studies, and no more therapy... for a few months anyway. (He will be re-evaluated in August for PT/OT again, and start them up before school starts so he can get back into his routine.) As for this month, Evan has been swimming, riding his bike, golfing at the driving range, and participated in an "Al's Clinics" pre scramble clinic. He really enjoyed it. He also participated in the Perkins basketball clinic. Coach McVeigh and his crew was very supportive of Evan, and did their best to keep him as involved as they could. They worked with him on shooting and dribbling, and Evan was so happy just to be there. Jeff and I were pleased to have great people working with Evan's needs, and without hesitation. PHS has a great sports staff, that's for sure. This month also marked Evan's anniversary of coming home from the hospital. We celebrated by giving him a small gift bag with a silly DVD movie, and a "Weekly World News" tabloid magazine that he loves. We then went out to dinner to celebrate his continued recovery! He has had an amazing attitude so far this summer in regards to his home therapy. He hasn't complained, and has had the "Nike" attitude: "Just Do It!" We have been working on strengthening his legs by walking around the block without his brace, but with an electrical stimulation unit attached to his left calf muscle. It takes about 10-12 minutes to complete the circle, which is just under a half mile distance. He has also been playing "catch" with Velcro mitts (given to him by his sweet therapist April) in an attempt to get his left arm to respond to an object thrown at him. He has been hit many times, but it's only a tennis ball, and it's not being thrown too fast. We're only concerned if it hits his head. We tell him, "Catch the ball or suffer the consequences." (haha) On the medical front this month, Evan had his neuropsych eval up at Rainbow. We had to make 2 trips up there in the same week in order to complete it: 5 hrs one session..2 1/2 hrs the next session. I still haven't gotten any results as of yet. This will be helpful in determining school needs next year. He also had his yearly Peds check up ,and we saw that he had grown 4 inches since last June. I thought he was getting closer to me when I talked to him! (haha) Everything checked out A-OK with that. We continue to pray for health and happiness for him and our family. We hope you all are enjoying this wonderful, warm (and sometimes rainy) summer!

Friday August 11, 2006 - 2:30PM
The month of July saw Evan pretty busy with various doctor's appointments. Due to where his stroke was located, the doctor wanted to check different hormone levels etc.. to make sure he was progressing appropriately during puberty. He had lab work, and a bone age X-ray, all which were within normal limits. We then ventured up to Cleveland for our appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist, who was consulted by Evan's surgeon, to determine the use, or disuse, of Dilantin (anti seizure med) and his other meds. She ordered an EEG to measure brain impulses. While up at Rainbow for the test, one of the nurses who took care of him in the PICU 2 yrs. ago saw him, and was totally shocked by how much older and taller he was. She was so happy to see him , and said she'd "spread the word" to the other gals. Anyway, the test was normal (other than those abnormalities from the stroke), and Evan was weaned from the Dilantin. Now he only has a small handful of pills in the morning, and one pill in the evening. Evan also visited the dentist to get 2 baby teeth pulled. That all went fine with a bit of "laughing gas" and Novocain! As far as "fun in the sun" activities this month, we were very busy. Evan has had many trips to the driving range, and actually hit a "hole-in-one." He promptly reminded me of the bet we made in 2003 when he first started playing, that if he hit it in on one try, he'd get $100.00. Well, he was right! Who would have thought when we made the bet that he would have done it one handed? Other ventures included a day at Kalahari with just Mom (while Dad and Jen went to Mohican State park.) We had a blast, and even though it was a lot of walking, we split up the day to do the water park in the morning, and then went back in the evening to spend time in the arcade. We also took a horse and buggy ride out there too which was nice. Later in the month we took a family trip to Columbus. It happened to be the weekend of "extreme heat," as we went to the Zoo for the day in 103 degree temps, and visited COSI the next day. Both were very enjoyable. COSI was fun as Evan and Jenna both got to ride the bicycle that is suspended in air. Evan did get stuck at one point during the ride (his foot and brace got wedged in the tire) and he had to have help getting re-started with the pedaling, but he was able to do it with his right leg only, and was so thrilled to have accomplished the ride. We ended the month attending the 2nd annual Cleveland Clinic Rehab hospital picnic. It was so great to see all of our wonderful therapists, nurses, and other staff from 2 years ago. They were all impressed with Evan's progress. They also couldn't believe how tall he had gotten in just one year...not to mention his slight mustache that's in progress! (haha) It was great to see everyone, and we are so grateful to them for being the ones who started the whole ball rolling in his recovery! Evan continues to do his own therapy at home this summer, but will soon have a "partner" of sorts in the future. As many of you already know, his " Nana" (my mom) was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and has already under gone a mastectomy. She will start more strenuous post-op arm exercises soon...some of which are the same as Evan does. He told her he would " work out" with her, and show her how to do them. He also said that they could " both be survivors together." What a sweet kid! We wish health and happiness to all of you during the rest of this beautiful, warm summer!

Sunday September 03, 2006 - 10:00AM
The month of August flew by so quickly, we barely had time to realize it! Evan first got to celebrate at the annual Sandusky Stroke Club picnic, which was held indoors due to the extreme heat that day. He volunteered to say the blessing before dinner, and was even allowed to play a musical piece on the piano (after the guest musical group was finished singing their songs.) It thrilled him to be able to play the piano in front of everyone, because he's been practicing all summer and has only had his family to impress! Evan also got to enjoy going to the Erie County Fair's Demolition Derby with his dad. It has been an annual event for just the two of them for many years. Although I'm not exactly sure where they sat, the dirt and mud on Evan's wheelchair had to be "hosed off" the next day, so I would imagine they were quite close! Evan restarted his physical and occupational therapies again at the end of this month. He actually handled going back to therapy quite well with no complaints. The only thing he said was that he couldn't believe that " 2 1/2 months had gone by so fast." He got to meet up with all the therapists and employees at the therapy center, and was in his glory once again to come to the comedic rescue! He told many of them jokes he had acquired over the summer break, and had them laughing once again. He happened to have a Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirt on that day, and many of the therapists teased him that he wouldn't be allowed to receive therapy while wearing "that shirt." Evan promptly responded, "Well I might not wear this shirt, but I'll always have this brace on my leg," which is adorned with a huge Steelers logo. It was quite a funny scene. The end of this month has also brought our community much sadness as Evan's school teachers were forced to strike, leaving Jeff and I in an emotional decision to not send our children to school. There has been much concern over safety and many others issues, and with Evan's special needs, we have to choose what would be the best environment for him. So far he has missed 5 days of school, and we hope by next week we will have good news to report on the school front. Evan and Jenna both are ready to get back to school, and we hope it is sooner than later. We hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer, and we continue to wish health and happiness to you all!

Thursday October 05, 2006 - 6:45PM
We saw in September that summer was coming to an end, and the school year was beginning (after a 9-10 day strike.) The kids were anxious to get back into the swing of things. Evan was ready to start classes, and see all his friends again. This year he is being dropped off at the door, and we have agreed that I no longer need to take him to his locker and make sure he has everything ready. He wanted to be responsible for it himself. This was a huge move for Evan, as he tends to get distracted easily, and perhaps might not get to class on time. (haha) But, so far I've heard no complaints of him showing up late, or not getting to the right classroom, so I'm assuming that everything is going as it should. Back to the issue of summer, he spent most of the summer playing golf and playing the piano. He has picked up many new songs, and is anxious to learn to read music again. He had taken piano lessons before his stroke, but has forgotten the way to read music. He has already contacted his former piano teacher Mrs. Dinovo, who is recovering from recent surgery, to see if she will teach him again. She said she would see how she was feeling, and get back to him. (We ask that everyone keep her in your prayers as she has been ill, and recovering, for almost a year.) Evan's golf technique this summer has been improving. He actually hit a hole in one at the driving range (again) at the end of this month. I think the hole was 60 yards away. He was so thrilled to have done it for a second time this summer. Next summer we want to play more par-3 courses, and get Evan's endurance up for the walk on the course. Medically, this month was limited to his 6mo check up with his neurosurgeon. She was glad to see Evan has improved in many areas. She wants him to get involved in groups, and practice self control, (i.e. so he learns to not be the center of attention.) This is difficult for Evan's brain to control, but she says he need to get a hold of these controls now so his brain can start adapting, and functioning in future adult, life situations. As far as therapy goes, he has been practicing making a fist with his left hand. This has been a huge milestone for him. He has had tone (tightness) in his hand, and has been re-fitted for a new night time splint to keep the hand muscles loose. This has proven successful for his hand, and we are proud to see improvement, no matter how big or small. We hope you all are enjoying the beginning of a beautiful fall season!

Thursday November 02, 2006 - 11:30PM
Another month has raced past us again! Evan's class went to EHOVE, the local vocational center, to look around for future prospects in education during high school. He enjoyed it, thinking he could get what he needed to be a guidance counselor out at that facility. We told him he needed to go to college for that, not EHOVE. Anyway, he realizes now that they don't offer master's degrees in education there, so he still wants to go to OSU. This month also brought the annual "Grandparent's Day" venture at Briar. Evan asked Nana & Papa to go, but with my mom's chemo going on, only Papa could attend this year. Everything went well, except Evan wanted Papa to get up and talk all the time...you know..like Evan does! It was hard for Evan to realize that not everyone is comfortable talking in front of people all the time like he does! (haha) We also took an afternoon and went out to the Harvest Happenings at Osborne park. Evan and Jenna got to meet Mona Rutger from the "Back to the Wild" organization. She recently won "Hero of the Year" from the TV station Animal Planet. The kids got their pictures taken with her, and a couple of the Bald Eagles she brought with her to the event. Medically, Evan has had no appointments this month, with his next visit being up to Cleveland in November. Therapy has been going great, with Evan making great strides in balance and coordination. His therapist April is thrilled to be seeing progress, even just since August. We are fortunate to have her and Joe working so hard every week with Evan. They are a great group of therapists. Speaking of balance and strengthening, Evan was able to participate in "Trick or Treat" this year without the use of his wheelchair! He made it all the way around our development walking the entire way. He was so proud of himself that he didn't have to stop, or have me get his chair. We were so glad for him, as he had set this as a goal for himself a few months ago. Now, if we can only convince him not to eat all the candy! (haha) We hope you all are enjoying the beautiful Fall weather, and have a blessed Thanksgiving in a few short weeks!

Friday December 8, 2006 - 10:00PM
The month of November has gone faster than October did! Evan had only one doctor's appointment up in Cleveland with his pediatric neurologist. All is well on that front, and she is glad to see Evan improving and doing well off his Dilantin ( an anti seizure medication.) The month was special for Evan as he was asked to be the 7th and 8th grade basketball team manager. He is so thrilled to be part of the team. He is very excited about getting to "shoot hoops" with the boys, and work hard to do whatever the coach needs him to do. We are very proud of him, and have also warned that this is a big commitment. School work and therapy also have to play into time after school, so keeping organized is going to be a big factor for him. Evan doesn't mind...he said he'll do the best he can. Plus, he can't wait to start wearing a shirt and tie to school on the night they have home games! School continues to go well for Evan. He made the merit roll, getting A's & B's on his grade card. We couldn't be happier with his performance. Evan is having such a better year than last year's nightmare of 7th grade and all the social issues that hassled him. He has been removed from the classes with the boys who were mean to him, and Evan himself is working on being more appropriate, to the best of his ability that his brain will allow. This will take time, but any time there is even a little bit of improvement or maturity, we're all pleased. Thanksgiving was celebrated at my sister's house with all of our family present. It was a beautiful day spent giving praise to all of our blessings this past year..not to mention the turkey my mom prepared! We hope you all are preparing for, and are enjoying, the upcoming holiday season!

Monday January 8, 2007 - 9:30AM
The month of December was a busy one, with the holidays and Christmas break upon us. Evan had his first basketball game as the "team manager" , and was so excited just to be there watching his friends play. Before the game, he even got a note from one of the high school players "wishing him good luck" this season. He was so happy to feel important. Evan's "duties" as manager have yet to be defined, but he doesn't care...he just really likes getting to wear a shirt and tie! (haha) Since his games will be twice a week, we will have to monitor homework very close so he doesn't get behind. So far, he is doing great, and still in therapy two days a week after school too. His class took a trip to COSI in Toledo in the middle of the month, and had quite a fun time. Before we knew it, Christmas break was here. Evan got presents mostly involving video games, DVD's ,and music CD's. He also got a Cedar Point pass for the summer, and is looking forward to being able to go over there and ride "easy" rides...still no roller coasters as of yet according to his neuro surgeon. Medically, Evan has been doing great. We are using trial and error with some medicines that we want to wean Evan off of (under physician advisement of course.) It would be great to only have him on two meds instead of the "handful" he used to take twice a day! He would be so happy about that too. We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and are starting off 2007 on a happy, healthy note. Blessings to you all!

Friday February 9, 2007 - 6:00PM
The month of January came and went with everything quiet on the home front. The second quarter of school came to a close, with Evan doing fabulous in all of his classes. He got all A's and B's on his report card, which we were thrilled with of course. In therapy, Evan is working extra hard on areas of balance, and with improving motion of his left arm. He has been working with Joe his therapist on bending that left arm from the elbow towards and away from himself. It's so great to see something happening when we haven't really seen much "visible" improvement with the arm in a while. To actually see Evan concentrate on moving the elbow and making it happen is such a great milestone for him. They say that movement after a stroke starts at the shoulder and progresses downward, so we'd love to see that progression eventually work its way right down to the hand. He is compensating well with the use of only one hand, but it would really be spectacular to get use out his left hand again in the future! We continue to ask for prayers whenever you have time to keep this miracle going strong!

Friday May 11, 2007 - 1:00PM
The past couple of months have flown by quickly as "Spring" has arrived and covered us with a cold, white blanket of snow! Evan has been doing well, with therapy sessions being decreased to one day per week. He is expected to end outpatient therapy by the end of the school year, making it almost 3 consecutive years of non stop therapy. We are so grateful to all of those who have been a part of Evan's recovery process. It has been a long road, with more to come, only now the sessions will be held exclusively at home. Jeff and I, along with Evan's therapists, are working on a "home" plan for when he is done at the outpatient facility. His "rehab" will never be over as long as he continues to improve. We have to believe that he can always get better, and by continuing exercises and getting Evan stronger, he may gain the use his left arm again in the future. We are researching different leg braces (to build calf strength) and an arm exercise machine (to improve wrist,and bicep/tricep ability) in the left arm. We are excited to get a "new routine" established to promote confidence in Evan's ability to use that left arm. He is excited to build leg strength so that he can run again. Right now, he can only "gallop" so to speak, and he wants to be able to run with steady balance. (What kid doesn't want to run around outside?) School is going fantastic as Evan continues to do well, getting all B's on his grade card. We have signed up for next year's classes for High School and he is excited to be getting one year closer to college! In March we reached another milestone, Evan's 3 year anniversary of his stroke. Jeff and I decided to let the day pass without much discussion, afterall it is not a day we care to celebrate. We plan the celebration for June 18, this is the day that Evan was finally able to come home from the hospital and each year we do something special. He has made such miraculous strides over this period that Jeff and I feel it is time to only update his website every few months. We appreciate everyone's love and well wishes over the years, and we hope that you continue to pray for Evan's recovery, as well as all of those children who suffer from disabilities. Please remember how much your prayers and support have meant to our entire family! Remember, you can still reach us by clicking on the email link on Evan's site. God Bless!

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