A few Reminders from Support the Wall:   

Event Ending:
We just wanted to remind everyone that the Slipada Jewlery Sale ends July 15.  Please click here to view catalog/ordering information.  Thank you to everyone who has already placed an order.

New Event in Virginia: 
John Wayne Hero is playing a benefit show on Saturday July 28 at 9:00pm at Balls Bluff Tavern:  2 Loudoun St SW D, Leesburg, VA.  All proceeds will be donated to Support the Wall.  Tickets:  $5 (21 + only)

Special thanks to Rob’s brother in law, Braden for organizing the event and to John Wayne Hero:  www.myspace.com/johnwaynehero

Braden Heller-bass
Binh Ngo-vocal/guitar
Drew Francis-drums
So Uehara-guitar 

Run for Robbie Updates:
-Support the Wall Benefit Dinner tickets are on sale NOW.  Tickets will not be available at the door.  Please click here for event information/registration.  If you are planning to attend the dinner as a fundraiser please send in your dinner registration form or notify us via email:  mandyheller@yahoo.com so we can set aside your ticket.  The dinner is limited to the first 130 registrants/fundraisers. 

-We are working on a hotel block and will be posting details/directions as soon as they are available.  

-We realized it might be easier for donations to be turned in prior to the event.  Please mail them to Eileen Hare 14658 Nina Court, Waterford, VA 20197.  You may also turn in your donation at the dinner check in table (if you choose this option, please have the total amount of donations written on the envelope). 

-Training Video coming soon!!!!

 Thank you!!!! 

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I think this has been the longest we have ever gone without posting an update.  Shame on us!!!!!  Rob has actually been working on an updated version of the website.  It essentially looks the same but is much easier to update/edit.  It has definitely been a very time consuming process for him.  All the typing has paid off though because Rob has recently regained some hand function.  About 2 weeks ago, he started to be able to point his right index finger and give a ‘thumbs up’ with his right thumb.  He also recently started to be able to open and close his left hand.  We are so thankful he still getting return this late in his recovery.  Rob continues to train with arm crutches though he has noticed that he hasn’t been able to walk as far lately.  His trainers explained that he has been relying on the tightness and spams in his hip flexors to take steps (if you’ve ever noticed Rob arching his back when he takes steps, he is actually forcing the left hip to fire).  Recently, the hip flexors have started to loosen up so he is no longer able to use the tightness to his benefit.  The hope though is that he will now start to learn how to walk without overcompensating with other muscle groups.  Essentially, the idea is that he will learn how to walk ‘the right way”.  It is kinda scary to realize that he is actually losing a little function but I think in the long wrong it will all work out.  So that’s the updates as far as Rob’s recovery goes.  As for what we’ve been doing since the last post.  We ‘ve actually had a very busy few weeks.  We traveled to Long Island June 21st to attend our friend Diane’s wedding.  It was Rob’s first trip to LI since being injured and it was great to see his old neighborhood.  Then, as soon as we returned to CA Mandy’s family arrived for a visit.  We actually went to Seaworld and had a BLAST.  That brings us to the 4th of July which was pretty low key for us since we were so tired from all the traveling/visitors.  It was also a little sad for us ..I think because there are so many traditional July 4th activities we couldn’t do together.  We did end the day nicely though because much to our delight we were able to watch fireworks from our own backyard and little Marley didn’t even flinch.  So today we ended our 3 week marathon of visitors by spending the afternoon at Dana Point beach with Betsy-a friend from MWC and her boyfriend John (who helped Rob surf in April). Rob actually walked on the sand from the car (a first!).  He took about 6-7 steps and it was pretty tricky but when he arrived at the wheelchair all the surfers cheered.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  So off to bed for us now as we have a BBQ to attend tomorrow (after Rob works out at PW and Mandy works).  I think that about brings everyone up to speed.  We hope everyone is well.