A Next Big Step

Dear friends, family who care about Kate,,,,

Finally an updated post regarding Kates' status and next steps!  We apologize for our dereliction of duties.

First, a giant thank you on behalf of Katie and her entire family for the continued outpouring of love and support for her as she runs this extended marathon.   Kate just told me today that she has about a thousand thank you letters to write and that she should probably start.....   So many of you, over the past few months,  have done some "Katie Sitting" as she is unfortunately not able to be left alone. This is, of course, is a double dose of torture for Katie as she leans slightly toward independence.

More importantly the update!  After approximately three months back at home in Tacoma, living with her parents (a profound and deep joy for all parties involved), and multiple trips weekly back and forth to Seattle for a variety of therapy sessions..... the later stages of the journey are in sight!

On April 23rd, Katie makes her way back to Harborview.  The place where Katies' "Hero's on the Hill" work their magic every day.   On the 23rd, Katie's surgeons will put her skull back together.  The decision was made to not utilize the bone section that they took out of Katies' skull back on November 11th due to the risk of infection, but rather insert a synthetic section that is customized specifically for her noggin.   There is absolutely no downside in utilizing this approach and in some ways it will expedite Kate's recovery.

Kate's stay in the hospital will be just two days and then some recuperation time for her to heal up.  We are not sure of exactly when Katie will be able to lose the helmet, but it will certainly be a reason for a grand celebration.  Until then, we know that each of you will continue to wear your helmet in solidarity with her.... Yeah right!

Katie continues her remarkable recovery and by all accounts is where she needs to be or even a bit ahead of schedule.   She continues her work with the cognitive therapists in restoring her short-term memory which is critical as she begins to consider returning to her job.

Your prayers and encouraging warm thoughts are deeply felt and appreciated more than you will ever know.  Katie is about to wind around a turn that will mark an important next leg of her race.  Thank you for being a supporter and cheerleader along the route.....

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