Update from BA

MT and I went by to see Krusher this afternoon (Tuesday) and stayed for about an hour. He is doing SO well! His speech is really coming along; we could definitely understand what he was saying and he was giving us full, complete sentences. He is still working on developing his vocal cords, but when it comes to actually forming and communicating words, he's improved a lot in the last few months.

Also, he is WALKING in therapy! With the help of a big, Krusher-sized walker. He says he's doing physical therapy three times a week and they're focusing mainly on his speech and walking. And with the speech at least, it shows.

He also just LOOKS great. He's filled out a bit in his face and we could tell he's really regained some of his upper body strength. He was sitting in a recliner watching TV when we came over. With his Falcons pillow by his side. :-)

We updated him on everyone at the station and he sends his love. And, of course, he was cracking jokes and just in really good spirits. It was really encouraging to see him; he's come a long way in the past few months.

Krusher update from LG

Hey guys!

Just wanted to give you a good update on our pal Krusher. I know we've all been sooo busy lately (myself included!) so I figure there's a lot more folks than just me who hadn't been updated on his progress.

I went and visited him yesterday and just could not believe my eyes! He has gained 50 pounds and is looking sooo much more like his old self! (He's happy to tell you it's all from eating good ole' food he was missing!) He's also been working on focusing his eye sight so that's a big visible improvement you can tell, as well, at first glance. He is no longer bound to his hospital bed (funny story, his dad took him to [his hometown] for Father's Day and Krusher slept in a regular bed there and REFUSED to ever go back to hospital bed!) So he's officially back in his man cave room at his house where he belongs ;) He can walk up to a mile in therapy now..he goes 3-4 days a week. His speech is awesome for the most part. And his goal is to get out of the wheelchair almost completely in the next year. He can also ride in the front seat of his Big Blue van without being strapped into the wheelchair in the back. This is because his nurse (Shawn) says his torso strength just keeps improving through therapy giving him greater strength to hold himself up.

He told me he is "sooo happy!" It's obvious he continues to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Update from ES

I saw Keith on Thursday @ [rehab center]. He was just finishing up a therapy session & was showing off for me, and I was IMPRESSED! We visited for a little while & he was really doing well. We both laughed a lot. When I left he gave me a big hug & I told him that I loved him & He said, "I love you" back. It really melted my heart. So sweet. I blew him 2 kisses & he 'caught' both of them. Then he gave me 'peace out' , just like Keith. It was the best visit!

Update from TS

I saw Krusher again this Saturday as I do every Saturday and he spoke to me saying Hi. He is doing ok, he was a little sick but doing great other wise.

Update from DB

Two weeks ago while I was in [town] I stopped by to visit Krusher. He has been through a lot but he still managed to give me that *MILLION DOLLAR SMILE*. I continue to pray for God's favor and mercy. I know that God is able. May God's healing power continue to touch Krusher and keep him cradled in the palm of his hands.

Update from TS

I saw Krusher last Saturday, he is doing well. He was laughing and grabbed my hand and would not let go...for the entire 45 minutes I was there.

Update from NF

I went to visit Krusher this afternoon at [rehab facility]. His dad said that it was his first time back in a little over a week because of a blood clot that developed in one (or both) of his legs. He was at [local hospital] during this time getting treatment for the blood clot.

His spirits were high and he would not stop smiling. He was able to mutter a few understandable words to me and a few that I did not understand. He got a big laugh out of me wearing my Strom Thurmond sweater.

According to his dad, he is working on upper-body rehabilitation so that once he starts to rehab his legs, he can support himself.

He was laughing and chuckling during my 25 minute visit - which was a great sign.