Sean Update 12/13/10
Sean and the entire Nemazie family would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays!
We would like to thank Don Demkovitz and the Board of Robbinsville Basketball Association for their continued efforts at fundraising on Sean’s behalf. Last weekend, RBA set up tables at each of its venues to collect donations for Sean. As always, the Robbinsville community came through. Don delivered over $2,000 to the Nemazie family! Thanks again to RBA and to all who donated. It is truly heartwarming to witness the tireless support that has been given to Sean and the Nemazie's. Whether it has been in the form of donations, deeds, or just well wishing, it has provided Frank and Kathy the tools to help Sean as best they can.
Sean has had a good month. He has fully recovered from surgery he underwent in late October. Time has shown that the surgery was a success and doctors have seen a noted improvement in Sean’s mobility and his ability to speak. Sean is able to play video games as a therapy for hand eye coordination. This is a skill he would not been able to do just a month ago. I am still fairly certain he couldn’t beat me in Mario Baseball but who can. He has also spent more time walking…still with help…but getting better all the time.
This past weekend, Sean had a visit from his buddies from University of Delaware. They are a great group of young men with great outlook on life. It is easy to see why Sean connected with them. He thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Come back soon guys.
This has been a very difficult year to say the least. Thanks to all of you for being there for Sean, Frank, Kathy, and Timmy. When we all look back on where Sean was almost a year ago to where he is now, it is truly amazing. Sean is an inspiration and we are so grateful to have him in our lives. Enjoy the holidays!
More to come in 2011…..Steve
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday, November 16
Lets catch up on the last month with Sean….
The highlight was certainly a trip to see the Giants – Lions game on 10/17. The troupe of Frank, Kathy, Sean, Timmy, Nancy and Ryan (one of two Lions fans in Robbinsville….shout out to Ryan Mayer holding down the other Lion Backer seat) arrived in the Meadowlands parking lot at about 10:30am. Frank did an awesome job of tailgating--complete with burgers, dogs, sausages and of course--beer (which Kathy and Nancy dove right in to despite that it was pre-noon). Sean had great seats in the end zone to watch the Giants (barely) beat the Lions and it seemed as though Sean enjoyed the whole experience. Sean’s speech therapist said Sean told her that his weekend was awesome!
The Nemazie gang also took a ride down to UD the following weekend to meet up with a few of his friends for lunch at a pizzeria and then went to their dorm to see a lot of other friends from his Freshman year. They were all so excited to see him and he hung out in their dorm room for a couple of hours (sans parents of course). They also met up with Mike Lorenzo, Katie Noonan and Jenna Lesniak from RHS who also go to UD.
Sean had surgery on 10/28 to put a shunt in and it was successful but it did take him a week or two to recover from the headaches and nausea. He's back on his feet now and in a full schedule of therapy but has had a bit of a setback with his speech. His speech therapist now gives him homework which usually consists of logic problems that he has to handwrite the answers to. He has also made some progress with transfers on his own--standing up by himself to go from the wheelchair to the bed or chair. He's also got a good handle on dressing himself now and has even been able to tie his shoes. He also has a leg brace for the right leg to help with the foot drop when walking.
That is all for now. Sean wishes everybody a Happy Thanksgiving!
More to come….Steve
The highlight was certainly a trip to see the Giants – Lions game on 10/17. The troupe of Frank, Kathy, Sean, Timmy, Nancy and Ryan (one of two Lions fans in Robbinsville….shout out to Ryan Mayer holding down the other Lion Backer seat) arrived in the Meadowlands parking lot at about 10:30am. Frank did an awesome job of tailgating--complete with burgers, dogs, sausages and of course--beer (which Kathy and Nancy dove right in to despite that it was pre-noon). Sean had great seats in the end zone to watch the Giants (barely) beat the Lions and it seemed as though Sean enjoyed the whole experience. Sean’s speech therapist said Sean told her that his weekend was awesome!
The Nemazie gang also took a ride down to UD the following weekend to meet up with a few of his friends for lunch at a pizzeria and then went to their dorm to see a lot of other friends from his Freshman year. They were all so excited to see him and he hung out in their dorm room for a couple of hours (sans parents of course). They also met up with Mike Lorenzo, Katie Noonan and Jenna Lesniak from RHS who also go to UD.
Sean had surgery on 10/28 to put a shunt in and it was successful but it did take him a week or two to recover from the headaches and nausea. He's back on his feet now and in a full schedule of therapy but has had a bit of a setback with his speech. His speech therapist now gives him homework which usually consists of logic problems that he has to handwrite the answers to. He has also made some progress with transfers on his own--standing up by himself to go from the wheelchair to the bed or chair. He's also got a good handle on dressing himself now and has even been able to tie his shoes. He also has a leg brace for the right leg to help with the foot drop when walking.
That is all for now. Sean wishes everybody a Happy Thanksgiving!
More to come….Steve
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday 18 October
Sean Update 10/18/10
If you haven’t been able to catch up with Sean recently, you should make a point to swing on by JFK or check with Frank and Kathy on when he may be home. He looks great! I had the pleasure of spending the day/night with Sean on Saturday at the Nemazie household. The bad news is that I felt obliged to watch the Yankees with him. The good news is that the Rangers scored more runs than the mighty Yanks, thus winning the game. And then further proof of God’s existence…..the Phillies game was not aired due to a cable dispute. So, for one night, I was able to just think about my Mets and imagine that they may someday again play in October.
Sean’s speech has improved incredibly. He speaks softly and it takes effort to produce the words still, but a major breakthrough in what Frank and Kathy have called “a great month”. He is able to vocalize his thoughts and you can just tell what a relief it is to him. He seemed to be smiling the whole day.
In addition to his speech, Sean’s mobility and strength have made some real positive strides. With some help getting up and Kathy under his arm to stabilize him, Sean walked from the family to the living room. Later that night, with Frank’s assistance, Sean made his way down stairs to the game room (his first time making that journey since the accident). After hanging with Tim and attempting to play some Xbox, Frank helped Sean back up the stairs. He even made his way to the back door to say good night a small crew that was hanging in the back yard.
Here’s to a great month and many more to come.
Steve
If you haven’t been able to catch up with Sean recently, you should make a point to swing on by JFK or check with Frank and Kathy on when he may be home. He looks great! I had the pleasure of spending the day/night with Sean on Saturday at the Nemazie household. The bad news is that I felt obliged to watch the Yankees with him. The good news is that the Rangers scored more runs than the mighty Yanks, thus winning the game. And then further proof of God’s existence…..the Phillies game was not aired due to a cable dispute. So, for one night, I was able to just think about my Mets and imagine that they may someday again play in October.
Sean’s speech has improved incredibly. He speaks softly and it takes effort to produce the words still, but a major breakthrough in what Frank and Kathy have called “a great month”. He is able to vocalize his thoughts and you can just tell what a relief it is to him. He seemed to be smiling the whole day.
In addition to his speech, Sean’s mobility and strength have made some real positive strides. With some help getting up and Kathy under his arm to stabilize him, Sean walked from the family to the living room. Later that night, with Frank’s assistance, Sean made his way down stairs to the game room (his first time making that journey since the accident). After hanging with Tim and attempting to play some Xbox, Frank helped Sean back up the stairs. He even made his way to the back door to say good night a small crew that was hanging in the back yard.
Here’s to a great month and many more to come.
Steve
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 29, 2010
The improvement in Sean’s mobility took a couple strange turns over the past couple weeks. A few weeks ago he was walking very well (with assistance from the JFK staff) and then he had a bad week where progress seemed to stop. But, this past week, Sean came through and seems to be back on track. He was walking around the Nemazie house with assistance. So, progress is slow and sometimes requires lots of patience, but it is coming.
As far as his vision goes, he had an eye doctor appt last night and there was a marked improvement in getting that left eye to come in so the glasses seem to be helping him. He still sees double but things are improving slowly.
He got a new phone (with a keyboard) a week ago and is texting on his own now. I've noticed that he seems to be using his laptop more--checking Facebook and his fantasy football league. So, text Sean or hit him up on Facebook…he is awaiting contact.
Sean came home for his first overnight visit on Saturday 9/18. He did really well sleeping in his own bed for the first time since January (it was the first time he's actually been upstairs in the Nemazie house). He told Kathy that he was so glad to be home. They are hoping to do as many of those as they can especially around the holidays.
He also had a visit on Sunday 9/19 from three friends from UD. He really looked forward to their visit and they sat outside on the patio talking about school, eating pizza, and then watched some football. I used to think all they had down there at UD was memories of Joe Flacco. I’m really starting to like you folks.
Sean's visit to Yankee stadium was quite a hit up at JFK. Kathy put the pictures of him with Jeter, A-rod, Mariano, and Pettitte up on his door and it was the topic of conversation for a good week. People were asking to take some of the pictures. One of the aides took the one with Sean, Tim and Jeter and told Kathy she put it in a frame and has it on top of her TV! The staff at JFK was very appreciative that they did this for Sean and want to send a letter to the Yankees organization to thank them.
More to come…..Steve
As far as his vision goes, he had an eye doctor appt last night and there was a marked improvement in getting that left eye to come in so the glasses seem to be helping him. He still sees double but things are improving slowly.
He got a new phone (with a keyboard) a week ago and is texting on his own now. I've noticed that he seems to be using his laptop more--checking Facebook and his fantasy football league. So, text Sean or hit him up on Facebook…he is awaiting contact.
Sean came home for his first overnight visit on Saturday 9/18. He did really well sleeping in his own bed for the first time since January (it was the first time he's actually been upstairs in the Nemazie house). He told Kathy that he was so glad to be home. They are hoping to do as many of those as they can especially around the holidays.
He also had a visit on Sunday 9/19 from three friends from UD. He really looked forward to their visit and they sat outside on the patio talking about school, eating pizza, and then watched some football. I used to think all they had down there at UD was memories of Joe Flacco. I’m really starting to like you folks.
Sean's visit to Yankee stadium was quite a hit up at JFK. Kathy put the pictures of him with Jeter, A-rod, Mariano, and Pettitte up on his door and it was the topic of conversation for a good week. People were asking to take some of the pictures. One of the aides took the one with Sean, Tim and Jeter and told Kathy she put it in a frame and has it on top of her TV! The staff at JFK was very appreciative that they did this for Sean and want to send a letter to the Yankees organization to thank them.
More to come…..Steve
Friday, September 10, 2010
10 September 2010
Here is a really good picture of Sean just after we told him he was going to be on the field to watch batting practice.
He seems excited.
He seems excited.
Sean Update 9/10/2010
As promised, a pretty cool Sean update! This past Saturday the entire Nemazie family went to the Yankees game……wait, let me start from the beginning….
About 2 years ago my wife Nancy served a man wearing a large World Series ring at the restaurant (Amarones) she works at. Never being one to hold her tongue, Nancy asked where the man got his ring. As it turns out, the man is Lonn Trost, the Chief Operating Officer for the New York Yankees. Nancy went on to tell Lonn that I was a life long Mets fan, so he doesn’t really speak to me. But, since then Nancy has seen and spoken to Lonn many times.
After Sean’s accident, Nancy asked the bartender, Tom, at Amarones to speak to Lonn (everyone loves bartenders) and see if he could get Sean an autograph or something. Time passed and no word came from Lonn. But, then about two weeks ago Nancy found out that Frank had acquired tickets to the Yanks game for this past Saturday. Low and behold, Lonn showed up for dinner at the restaurant. Tom reminded Lonn of Sean’s story while he enjoyed a pre-dinner cocktail.
A few days before the game, Lonn called Frank and invited the entire Nemazie family to be a guest of the Yankees on the field before their game against the Blue Jays. Not knowing how much they would see or how close they would be to the players, Frank and Kathy decided not to tell Sean too much on game day for fear that it may not be too big a deal and didn’t want to get his hopes up. But things worked out better than they could have imagined…..Sean was able meet and shake hands with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Petite, Mariano Rivera, and others. They were able to remain on the field for batting practice (which proved to be slightly better hitting than at the C’mon Sean Home Run Derby). The weather was perfect and I think the Yanks went on to win the game as well.
All in all, a great day for Sean…. And for at least a day, even I was a Yankee fan.
If you visit Amarones, be sure to tip Tom well….besides being a great guy, he makes a stiff drink.
More to come….Steve
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sean Update 9/2/10
Ok folks, I got the message…..too much time between blogs! It was summer and I got lazy…..back at work and back to the blog now. I will try to update every few weeks.
Keep an eye out for a special blog next week hopefully with pictures. That’s all I can say….been sworn to secrecy.
Sean has had a good summer. He has settled in to his new digs at Hartwyck in Edison and has become comfortable with getting around the halls in his wheelchair and working with the staff. Sean comes home almost every weekend these days. If you want to see him, please let Kathy or Frank know ahead of time. And bring food….the cupboards are getting bare. Last time I was there, Frank gave me an Old Milwaukee and a can of Spaghetti-Os. No offense to our young friends out there but I did my time at college and now have higher demanding taste buds.
The Nemazies have been taking Sean to the movies and dinner frequently as well. Most recently Sean went to see Inception and followed that up with renting Shutter Island with Timmy at his house. Despite taking in the two most confusing movies in recent history, Sean stayed focused and was able to follow all the plot twists. Eating wise, his motor skills are always improving….long gone are the days of having to help him eat….he does fine by himself now.
Sean recently was fitted for a pair of special glasses to help his vision by trying to get both his eyes moving in sync. They seem to be working well but it is another long path for Sean.
While vision and his cognitive skills continue to improve, his ability to talk and walk continue to be a battle. He is able to mouth words and sometimes get words out but it takes a big effort. Still, it is getting better and if we look back just a few months ago when there were not even attempts to talk, the progress is huge. Sean continues his physical therapy and there are subtle improvements in moving his legs but for now he is getting used to maneuvering his wheelchair.
As I said, check back next week for what should be something pretty sweet for Old Seanie!
Steve
Ok folks, I got the message…..too much time between blogs! It was summer and I got lazy…..back at work and back to the blog now. I will try to update every few weeks.
Keep an eye out for a special blog next week hopefully with pictures. That’s all I can say….been sworn to secrecy.
Sean has had a good summer. He has settled in to his new digs at Hartwyck in Edison and has become comfortable with getting around the halls in his wheelchair and working with the staff. Sean comes home almost every weekend these days. If you want to see him, please let Kathy or Frank know ahead of time. And bring food….the cupboards are getting bare. Last time I was there, Frank gave me an Old Milwaukee and a can of Spaghetti-Os. No offense to our young friends out there but I did my time at college and now have higher demanding taste buds.
The Nemazies have been taking Sean to the movies and dinner frequently as well. Most recently Sean went to see Inception and followed that up with renting Shutter Island with Timmy at his house. Despite taking in the two most confusing movies in recent history, Sean stayed focused and was able to follow all the plot twists. Eating wise, his motor skills are always improving….long gone are the days of having to help him eat….he does fine by himself now.
Sean recently was fitted for a pair of special glasses to help his vision by trying to get both his eyes moving in sync. They seem to be working well but it is another long path for Sean.
While vision and his cognitive skills continue to improve, his ability to talk and walk continue to be a battle. He is able to mouth words and sometimes get words out but it takes a big effort. Still, it is getting better and if we look back just a few months ago when there were not even attempts to talk, the progress is huge. Sean continues his physical therapy and there are subtle improvements in moving his legs but for now he is getting used to maneuvering his wheelchair.
As I said, check back next week for what should be something pretty sweet for Old Seanie!
Steve
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sean Update 8/3/10
Sorry for the lack of updates! It is summer what can I say…
For those of you who were not able to make it, the “C’mon Sean Home Run Derby” was amazing. I believe at last count the event raised about $7K. Kudos to Courtney and Brittany DeAngelis for organizing everything and making it memorable. A lot more folks provided support including the rest of the DeAngelis family, the Lorenzo family, all the old geezers who helped set up and took the mound one last time to pitch in the home run contest, and Pasquale and Claudine DeChiara, owners of the Bijou Salon who were among the first to offer their time and donations. There were many others who helped out as well. To these people and all who donated in one way or another…..THANK YOU!
In the HR contest, young Tyler Kostin won the 8-12 year old division to begin the festivities. In the 13-17 year old division A division (on Field 1), big Nate Smith took home the trophy and looked good doing it. In the 13-17 B division (on Field 2), Ryan Krebs defeated Harrison Flyge in stirring playoff. The 18-21 year old division saw Shae Fahey make a brief return to the diamond to defeat a star studded cast and claim the prize. And in the grand finale, in a performance for the ages…or aged as it would be…yours truly ignited the crowd (which at this point was my daughters and some kid from down the block) and won the adult division.
But, of course, the star of the show was our own Sean, who spent a good part of the day hanging out, greeting folks and woofing down Lorenzo pulled pork sandwiches.
In addition to the Home Run Derby, there was another fundraiser held at Via Roma restaurant the following week when they donated a percentage of their revenue from one night’s sales to the Nemazie family. Many thanks to Via Roma as well!
Sean is doing well. He is still working hard and slowly making strides each day. He has begun speaking (a little bit). He is able to mouth most words and sometimes is audible. He continues his daily physical therapy at Hartwyck and works on his mobility. Sean has also been active and he gets out to dinner and movies with Kathy and Frank every now and again.
Thanks again for everyone’s support.
More to come…..Steve
Sorry for the lack of updates! It is summer what can I say…
For those of you who were not able to make it, the “C’mon Sean Home Run Derby” was amazing. I believe at last count the event raised about $7K. Kudos to Courtney and Brittany DeAngelis for organizing everything and making it memorable. A lot more folks provided support including the rest of the DeAngelis family, the Lorenzo family, all the old geezers who helped set up and took the mound one last time to pitch in the home run contest, and Pasquale and Claudine DeChiara, owners of the Bijou Salon who were among the first to offer their time and donations. There were many others who helped out as well. To these people and all who donated in one way or another…..THANK YOU!
In the HR contest, young Tyler Kostin won the 8-12 year old division to begin the festivities. In the 13-17 year old division A division (on Field 1), big Nate Smith took home the trophy and looked good doing it. In the 13-17 B division (on Field 2), Ryan Krebs defeated Harrison Flyge in stirring playoff. The 18-21 year old division saw Shae Fahey make a brief return to the diamond to defeat a star studded cast and claim the prize. And in the grand finale, in a performance for the ages…or aged as it would be…yours truly ignited the crowd (which at this point was my daughters and some kid from down the block) and won the adult division.
But, of course, the star of the show was our own Sean, who spent a good part of the day hanging out, greeting folks and woofing down Lorenzo pulled pork sandwiches.
In addition to the Home Run Derby, there was another fundraiser held at Via Roma restaurant the following week when they donated a percentage of their revenue from one night’s sales to the Nemazie family. Many thanks to Via Roma as well!
Sean is doing well. He is still working hard and slowly making strides each day. He has begun speaking (a little bit). He is able to mouth most words and sometimes is audible. He continues his daily physical therapy at Hartwyck and works on his mobility. Sean has also been active and he gets out to dinner and movies with Kathy and Frank every now and again.
Thanks again for everyone’s support.
More to come…..Steve
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