The new photo says it all. Great news this week-Rob is now able to kick out his left leg on command. Previously, he was only able to move his left toes and was able to perform adduction with the left leg (pulling the leg in). He also regained the ability to bend his left leg while laying in bed. This is HUGE as it is exactly how the right leg started. Speaking of the right leg..... yesterday Rob did not need any assistance from the trainer in taking steps with the right leg on the treadmill. He was able to walk (w/left leg assistance and upper body support) for 12 minutes -a new record. We are very excited about his progress, given the fact we have only been here a few weeks. Nonetheless, Rob is having a very difficult time with pain and he is suffering from insomnia. This week he also titrated off the Percocet and is fighting some withdraw symptoms. We are meeting with a physiatrist next Friday to discuss pain management and to get an order for an ankle brace for Rob’s left foot (which seems to have dropped from lack of movement). We are also seeing a nutritionist next Wednesday because Rob’s appetite is nil and we need to figure out a way to get him to eat. As for me, the back pain continues-I started acupuncture this week and a new stretching program which hopefully will do the trick after about 4 weeks-if not...off to the pain specialist for me. In other family news, our cat Trinity went to the vet AGAIN this week (third time since August 13th) for a UTI. We are worried about him but thankfully he is in good hands. SO....,.good news and bad news as always. Today, we are treating ourselves to pedicures and manicures....at least we’ll have pretty hands and feet for the next round

We would like to announce Rob’s participation in the 2006 Steps to Recovery. This event is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center. The event is being held November 10, 2006 from 3-6pm @ Project Walk: 2738 Loker Avenue, Carlsbad CA. Steps to Recovery is an excellent opportunity to cheer on clients who are fighting their way back from spinal cord injury and to raise money for those who would not otherwise be able to attend Project Walk. Some clients will be walking with assistance, some will be walking independently and some will be taking their very first steps. The common theme though is that all were told by medical professionals they would never walk again. We are not sure to what capacity Rob will be participating but certainly he has the goal of walking with a walker or crutches. We wanted to share the details with you all just in case you might want to cheer Rob on at the event or if you wanted to make an in-kind donation to the event (food or silent auction items). All proceeds will go towards the Project Walk General Scholarship fund (which is available to eligible clients who do not have the financial resources to participate in the program). Thankfully, we are fortunate enough to have friends and family who fundraised enough money to allow Rob to receive treatment for 6 months but not everyone is as blessed. If you are interesting in making a food or auction donation, contact me via email mandyheller@yahoo.com and I can provide the details and tax-deductible donation letter. Hope to see some of you there!!!!