Marinucci No. 48 ... Aug. 9, 2004...from Lori

Our meeting with the doctors went well on Friday and they are very encouraged by Gerry’s progress. They anticipate he will continue to improve with therapy. We see evidence that more and more memory and understanding are coming back. The entire team is in agreement that he would benefit from the Transitional Living Center facility at Casa Colina. Gerry would continue with the core 3-types of therapy but therapy is integrated around daily living skills that would benefit his transition to home. Again this is a much more regimented cognitive program involving scheduling and self-care tasks. All of the information has been sent to the insurance company and they are expected to make a decision early next week; PLEASE PRAY! It is a much more expensive program, but exactly what he needs.

His speech is becoming more understandable as he is working on strengthening his tongue muscles to force air through his mouth when he speaks and eliminating the "nasal" tone of his voice. Yes, the tongue is a muscle and must be worked after many months of no usage while in the coma. Memory is steadily coming back as well as emotions and reasoning. He is beginning to understand how many are faithfully praying for him and tears come to his eyes. Physically he is walking well with a walker, good gait and posture, and climbing stairs. He can now walk with family members during our visits. It is hopeful that soon he will not require a walker at all.

I am informed that the rehabilitation insurance benefit is for 2 months and then he would come directly home. Subsequently the out-patient benefit is for 60 consecutive days of out-pat therapy; (including weekends) and not days of treatment. The number of actual treatment days would depend on how many sessions you could arrange in that 2 month time period. I would request prayer that the insurance company re-consider and allow 60 visits for out-patient; not consecutive days. God had been faithful to this point, and again I seek His holy will.

For those who are visiting, he has now been moved to Room 6A. I will let you know if the insurance company agrees to the transfer to TLC located to the back of the campus.

Finally, pray for my coordination of an out-patient appointment with the facial maxial surgeon to remove Gerry’s braces from his teeth (the result of having his jaw wired shut) and the transportation to and from Dr. Tanaka’s office at Loma Linda.

God Bless you all!
Love, Lori