Sunday Night, January 31st

Sean's physcial therapist, Jodi, is very excited about the progress that he has shown from day to day.  In one session near the end of the week, Sean pushed her hand away from his shoulder as she was massaging some tightness out of it.  This is a good sign that his motor skills and reactionary skills are improving.

Jodi went so far as to request that Frank and Kathy allow her to film Sean for future patients in physical therapy who are recovering from a similar injury.  She said that she feels he is the ideal patient for this type of treatment and is very enthusiastic about his recovery.

Sean is keeping his eyes open for large parts of the day.  He is not focusing well on anything but does blink at times when a hand is waved in front of him.

Sean has yet to say any words but has progressed fairly well in speech therapy.  Currently they are working on his ability to swallow again with the goal of allowing him to eat and drink eventually.

I may be wrong but I sense Sean's first words since the accident may come soon and I personally am pulling for....."GO COLTS".....but even "GO SAINTS" would be fine with me.

Keep praying and lets pull for a real good week!!!

More to come soon.....Steve

Wednesday Morning, January 27

The doctors at Kessler believe Sean is progressing.  The therapist said that a test showed more alertness as compared to a week ago.  All seemed encouraged and excited that he will become much more responsive soon.

Notes on visitation at Kessler:

1. Visiting Hours are 8am to 8:30pm

2. Sean does physical therapy from 10:30am to 12pm and 2:30pm to 4pm. Visitors can not see him at those times, so plan around those times.

Frank and Kathy may not be around when you are up at Kessler to see Sean.  So, they have asked that you please try to stick to the above times.  Also, try to watch how many folks are in the room at once and the duration of time you are in the room.  The docs don’t want too much activity in the room.  But, definitely keep coming!!!

SHOUT OUT OF THE DAY... to Frank and Kathy’s employers and co-workers.  During this tough period following the accident, these folks have gone above and beyond all expectations.  Thanks to all of you for your understanding, compassion and flexibility in allowing the Nemazies to take care of their family.  Frank and Kathy promise they will work in to their 70s to repay you all (just kidding).

More to come…

Steve

Photos from Friday Night's Event

We thought it was about time to liven up Sean's blog with a few photos!

Friday night was an exciting night for the Nemazie's and the Robbinsville Ravens. Tim played hard and contributed to the freshman team's win over Princeton:

Amidst a full house and a standing ovation, Kathy and Tim graciously accepted the generous donations to their travel costs. A Robbinsville art teacher gave a beautiful drawing of Sean to the family.

Kathy shows off a poster some of Sean's classmates put together for his room at Kessler.

Saturday Morning, January 23

Sean Update 1/23/10

A huge thank you from Frank and Kathy to RHS and the Robbinsville Community for last night's RHS basketball that served as a benefit for the Nemazie family. The outpouring of support was simply amazing. The Nemazies were given a check for over $4,000!!! $1,000 from the gate and the other $3,000+ from donations...that is incredible. And there is more still coming in. They were also given a portrait of Sean drawn by the RHS art teacher. Words cannot express their gratitude. They are deeply touched and are so happy and proud to be part of the community of Robbinsville.

The team fought hard but lost. A few of Sean's patented 3-pointers would have come in handy.

Shout Out of the Day to RHS Athletic Director Curtis Wyers who spoke so eloquently and accurately about Sean and the kind of person he is. Many of Sean's family was present at the game including grandparents, aunts and uncles. They were very thankful for your kind words.

Sean's condition has not changed. He is not yet conscious but seems to be opening his eyes more and more frequently. His body movement seems to be a little more frequent as well.

Sean finished his first full week of physical therapy to keep his body moving and blood flowing to all limbs. The doctors seem happy with his progress thus far. But, there is a long way to go.

As always, keep the thoughts and prayers coming strong for Sean, Frank, Kathy and Timmy.

More to come....   Steve

Wednesday Evening, January 20

This a live update from the 3rd floor lounge at Kessler.

Sean's condition remains the same although he continues to make small strides in his therapy sessions. He responds to commands to raise his fingers, blink and slightly open his eyes, and wave to only Nancy (we don't understand it either).

Sorry I missed a day. But, the updates to the blog may not be daily as the progress is going to be slow (steady but slow). Don't panic if you don't see something for a day or two. There are times when there is not a lot to report. But, rest assured that Sean is working hard and Frank and Kathy are with him every step of the way. This is a long road for the Nemazie family but their faith is strong and I know all of yours will remain strong as well until Sean is home and back to full health.

Don't forget the RHS basketball game this Friday night at 7pm. The proceeds from which will be graciously donated to the Nemazie family.

More to come soon....Steve

Monday Afternoon, January 18

Yesterday, during an exam by his doctor, Sean opened his eyes for 10 seconds!  Things seem to be going well in his first couple days at Kessler.  Let's hope for positive strides every day.

Sean is continuing his daily schedule of physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy every day.  Although he is still in minimal conscious state (MCS) and not yet awake, he does all therapy from a wheelchair and is fully dressed.  This is a standard of operation at Kessler and is part of thier aggressive therapy to bring thier patients back to their normal state.  On his first day out of hospital clothes, Sean sported an RHS Basketball shirt, thus marketing the following event....

This Friday (January 22nd), the Robbinsville High School Athletic Department is planning to donate all of the ticket proceeds from the Boys Basketball game to the Nemazie family. RHS plays Princeton High School and the start time is 7 pm at RHS gym.  As many of you are aware, Sean was a 2009 graduate of RHS who played soccer, basketball, and golf in the program. Obviosuly, we would like to get a large turn out for this game. Please feel free to pass the word!    

Frank and Kathy are so grateful for this gesture by RHS and the continued support of the community.  It has been overwhelming.  Go Ravens!

More to come....

Saturday Evening, 16 January

Nancy and I were able to join the Nemazies at Kessler today. As we walked in Sean's room, Nancy said "Hi Sean" and he raised his hand high and waved it to her. It was amazing and hopefully the beginning of great strides to recovery for Sean.

Sean has not opened his eyes yet and has been diagnosed as being in a minimal conscious state (MCS). MCS has a high rate for recovery, so that is very good news.

Notes on visitation at Kessler:
1. Visiting Hours are 8am to 8:30pm
2. Sean does physical therapy from 10:30am to 12pm and 2:30pm to 4pm. Visitors can not see him at those times, so plan around those times.
3. Sean has a roommate so please keep it quiet and calm in his room.
4. Kessler is all business....there folks with serious injuries all over the place doing physical therapy or just hanging out in all general.

Nemazie Shout Out of the Day - Staff at Helene Fuld Trauma Center
Frank and Kathy are so thankful and feel so blessed that one of the premier trauma centers on the East Coast is 10 miles from our community. The entire staff is extremely passionate about their work and extremely caring and protective of their patients...there is no better place Sean could have been. From the bottom of all our hearts....thank you.

More to come,
Steve

Friday Morning, January 15

Sean is being moved to Kessler Rehab Facility in West Orange, NJ this morning.  Please do not try to visit him in the hospital today.

Also, Frank and Kathy have asked if everyone can refrain from visiting Sean at Kessler for the time being.  They need to get him situated and get the lay of the land.  Once they get Sean set up and see what his daily schedule looks like, I will send out visiting information.

The Nemazies wanted everyone to know that they chose Kessler because they feel it is the best rehab facility around and gives Sean the best chance at a full recovery.  The fact that he is being discharged from the hospital and transported to the rehab facility at this juncture is a very positive move and brings him one step closer to home.  But, Frank and Kathy and Sean apologize in advance about the long ride to visit him.  He promises to make it worth the drive!

More info to come.

Thanks,

Steve

Thursday Afternoon, January 14

It was a heavy traffic day at the hospital today. It is amazing the amount of visitors arriving daily to see Sean and support the Nemazie's. They are so grateful and touched by all of your concern and efforts.

Sean looks great. The swelling has gone way done on his face and head. He looks as though he is in a light sleep. We are all hopeful that he will open up those big eyes soon, but as the hospital folk say “he’ll wake up when his body is ready”. It is coming soon.

He has shown good movement in all parts of his body and has been consistently responding to his doctor’s commands to raise fingers.

Today’s Nemazie Shout Out of the Day is long, long overdue. Honestly, Frank was waiting for the right moment and he just can’t wait anymore. Thank you to the Emergency Crew (EMTs, Firefighters, Police Officers, Paramedics) that were on site at the accident on Monday January 4^th. The doctors at Helene Fuld said that the team on the site of the accident did everything right.

Frank and Kathy (and all of us) are all so grateful for your professionalism, knowledge, and heroics in the face of such a horrible incident. Thank you for saving Sean’s life. Chuck Petty, a retired police officer and legendary baseball coach from Robbinsville was part of this incredible crew. If you get the chance to see Chuck, please let him know how thankful we are for him and the rest of the crew….you are the best.

Jody, Nancy, and Susie have over 50 families signed up to prepare meals for the Nemazie's….that is just awesome.

Wednesday Afternon, January 13

Sean had a good night of sleep last night. Today he raised two fingers on command - so he continues to show progress. This is obviously good news.

Just a short update today - tomorrow's update should be more complete. Let's all keep positive thoughts going Sean's way, it's working!

Tuesday Afternoon, January 12

This morning, Sean responded to a verbal command by slightly raising his thumb to give the “thumbs up” sign when prompted. This is a great sign.

Sean is not yet awake. But, I was able to speak to a technician today and he said that all is going well. He said “Everyday that goes by with nothing going wrong is a day closer to recovery”. He went on to say that, “Sean is a great candidate for rehab in this type of accident. He is young, he is strong like an ox (a skinny ox), and in time (whether that is a week or a year) he believes he will make it back”.

Sean is definitely getting better in small strides and appearing to slowly get accustomed to all his parts working again. It is a miracle in progress and sometimes miracles require patience and take time to completely play out. Keep the faith. This may take a while but he will get there.

Frank and Kathy are doing well. They are tired but are constantly energized by the many visits of friends and family. They are also really enjoying the daily feasts that are brought to them at the hospital and at their house. Please keep up the visits (and the food). They absolutely love seeing the outpouring of support and encourage you to put an entry in Sean’s Log Book when you are out there. But, Frank has reserved the right to limit the visits in to actually see Sean. Too many visitors in Sean’s room causes over stimulation which the docs say is not great.

TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) – NO VISITS BEFORE 4PM PER FRANK AND KATHY’S REQUEST!!!

Nemazie Daily Shout Out

Goes to the Robbinsville School System for their support and concern for not only Sean, but Timmy as well. Everyone from the Superintendent to the Administrative Staff to the Teaching Staff to the Ravens Basketball Coaches have been right in this fight with the Nemazies from the day of the accident. Their immediate and ongoing support for Timmy has alleviated so much concern for Frank and Kathy and enabled them to stay focused on Sean’s recovery.

Remember, if you are interested in contributing to the Nemazie meal program, contact Jody Flynn at tomjodyf@msn.com. Timmy has requested more cookies.

Steve

Monday Evening, January 11

Welcome to Sean Nemazie Update Blog!

There has been no change in Sean’s condition. But, there have been once again, some encouraging signs. Sean was subtly blinking with his eyelids….not quite opening his eyes but it sure looked like he was trying. He also picked his head up off the pillow today and held it up about 10 seconds. While it may not seem like much, it is a far cry from where he was a couple days ago. Frank and Kathy are very upbeat and I think everyone feels like all these little encouraging signs will result in breakthrough soon.

The swelling on Sean’s head has also gone down dramatically….another good sign.

The Nemazie Shout Out of the Day

Goes to Amanda Weigand! Amanda is the 11 year old daughter of Frank and Kathy’s neighbors, Rob and Gail Weigand. Amanda asked her entire religious group to pray for Sean. Way to go Amanda! That is very brave and compassionate act for such a young girl.

Please feel free to leave comments on the update. Or, leave a note or story for Sean. I think you can even post a picture you may have with Sean.

Keep praying….more to come tomorrow.

Steve

Saturday Evening, January 9th

Not alot of change in Sean’s condition today. He had a restless night and is still unconscious.

He is very active in his bed…moving his arms and legs. This seems like a good sign that he is ready to break out of there. So, hopefully all our prayers will be answered soon.

On that note, we now have 85 different email addresses on this list. The support is just overwhelming. Please let me know if there is anybody else that you know that may want to be included.

Frank has so many people he would like to thank so we have decided to set aside a section of this daily report for the:

Nemazie Shout Out of the Day

Today, that Shout Out goes to Sean’s friends from Robbinsville. Kathy and Frank enjoy their visits so much and they are so grateful for their support. They wish them all safe journeys and successful semesters if they are returning to college. Sometimes young men get a bad rap but these guys are all sincere, grounded, caring kids who have shown so much compassion for their friend and his family in a very emotional time. Way to go guys…you have made a big difference.

As always please keep praying for Sean, Frank, Kathy and Timmy.

We will be beginning to set up a meal schedule for the Nemazies. Anybody interested in preparing a meal to be delivered to the Nemazie house, please email Jody Flynn at tomjodyf@aol.com. Jody, Nancy and Susie will be organizing the meals and their deliveries.

College guys: Beer and Spaghetti-Os does not qualify as a meal so you may want to keep your names out of this.

More tomorrow…..

Steve