Kate Update - Thursday 3:00 pm 12/21/17

Friends of Kate,

It looks like this leg of Katie's journey is coming to a close.  Tomorrow at some point Katie will be going home and leaving the UW Medical Center after 23days, which was preceded by 19 days at Harborview Hospital for a total of 42 days.

The picture above is with Katie in room #814 on the 8th-floor Rehab Unit.   The rehabilitation staff team that served Kate is certainly a remarkable group.  They patiently augment the process of turning one's deficits back into assets.    Katie saw countless staff throughout her two separate stays on the 8th floor, and each one of them demonstrated professionalism, but more importantly,  patience, compassion, and grace to name a few of the attributes we witnessed.  Words can't express the gratitude we have all felt, but a humble and heartfelt thank-you will have to suffice.

You also may have noticed that Katie is "rockin" a new helmet which was just approved and endorsed by her medical team.   The helmet was one of a number sent up by a Portland Oregon company called  "Nutcase".   When hearing of Katie's growing legion of "Helmet Heads" who were sending photos of themselves wearing their favorite helmets as an act of solidarity with Katie, they wanted to join in.   We love companies that think big and act small.  Please, if you need a helmet, go buy a Nutcase helmet and protect your noggin! 

These past 40+ days have brought a deep sense of anxiety, fear, sorrow, as well as joy, relief, and gratitude and all in a profound measure.   As we emerge from this season, there have been two specific creatures in the animal kingdom that have become illustrative for us as a family.

The first is the elephant.   Katie's Aunt Pam offered up the illustration of how elephants circle up and surround the young and vulnerable members of the herd.  While in the circle they start kicking up dust for the purpose of obscuring the vulnerable from potential predators.   Katie and her entire family have certainly experienced what it means to be surrounded by the herd of protective elephants. 

The second beast that has been helpful is the llama.   If you look closely at the photo above, you will see a quilt that is covered with llamas.   It was made by a woman from Portland Oregon,  who is a lifelong family friend.  As you may know, llamas are a very odd, but cute looking beast of burden.  They are known around the world for helping carry very heavy loads.   Again, Katie and each one of us in her family has witnessed in a profound way,  how each of you has carried a portion of the load. 
Once again, words are insufficient to express how grateful the Hunter family is to each of you that have been "stirring up the dust" and helped "carry the load" for these past 42 long days.   We are grateful and simply offer you a humble thank you. 

It is fitting that today is the winter solstice.   Starting tomorrow, the days begin to be extended and stay brighter longer.  Kate's going home tomorrow represents the beginning of a brighter and brighter future filled with hope.   Thank you for all your love and support for Katie.