Daily Archives: October 12, 2009


Not another case of the Mondays.

Other than Aunt Deb’s mishap, it was a great start of the week for the fam. First with a pleasant visit from Pastor Scott(from Greg & Gina’s church) and then the whole crew present. Greg, Gina, Diane, Deb, and I were all there as Aaron got ready for his  follow-up with the  neurosurgeon from Jefferson Hospital regarding his neck surgery. This was his second follow-up visit since the accident. One more follow-up appointment and we’re home free! So after a decent trip in the ambulance over to Jefferson Hospital (the rest of us had a great little stroll through LOVE park to get there), everything looked great!!  Aaron no longer has to wear that big thick blue and white Miami ATC neck collar thing! I was supposed to take a picture of him without it, but got too caught up in the moment of him looking good without it on. Sorry, we’ll get one up soon!

Shortly after he got back, he went off the vent for a few hours. A couple annoying mucous plugs later, they decided to put him back on. But after a weekend of quite a few mucous plugs, this was a good accomplishment for Aaron. He went through a really intense physical therapy session while he was off the vent, and his oxygen saturation levels remained really high, which is GOOD : )

OH, and we appreciate all your nice comments regarding the engagement! He is on speaker phone with Tory and I as I write this blog, so forgive me if it’s all over the place. Between a tired 4  yr old, Aaron talking over his trach, the PHILLIES winning(hope it stays that way), and my stomach screaming because it’s hungry, oh and the nurse, respiratory therapist in and out of his room…..I’m trying to write a blog that has lots of fun new information for you all! Tory is now counting to 20 and keeps skipping 15 and Aaron is trying to correct her. Quite fun. But yeah, the engagement was  crazy unexpected, but a pleasant surprise and an interesting story having it happen on Magee Rehab’s roof. Ha! Thanks again everyone!

Tuesday should be a good day for Aaron. He has the stim bike scheduled for both his arms and legs tomorrow, so we’ll be anxious for Diane’s blogs tomorrow night to let ya know how it goes!

Everyone keep Aaron in your prayers and he says hello (speaker phone)!!


This Saturday – Conewago Trail Fundraiser

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to remind you all of the upcoming walk this Saturday, October 17th at the Conewago Trail.

Days Events will include:

Registration – drop off your donations and pick up a brochure and business cards for Aaron’s Journey

Guest Book & Message Posters – Please sign our guest book and write a message to Aaron

Pictures – Get your picture taken to let Aaron know you were there… also please feel free to bring your cameras and take your own pictures throughout the day. Pictures will be compiled into a slide show for Aaron.

230 Café Tickets & Bracelets – AshleyReitz, a representative of the 230 Cafe and Aaron’s aunt, Denise Gingrich will be at the walk selling tickets to the next fundraiser at the 230 Café.  They will also be selling bracelets (donated by Aaron’s cousin Bill) with proceeds going to Aaron’s Journey

Prayer – Currently we are trying to enlist the help of some Pastors/Elders to assist with leading small groups in prayer. If you feel led to join in, please do!

Bottled Water – Our thank you for all of the prayers and support you have shown for Aaron. Please be sure to properly dispose of your empty bottles.

Bake Sale – Nate and Erin Gingrich (Aaron’s cousin and her husband) are also hosting a bake sale at the walk with proceeds going to Aaron’s Journey.

A few notes about:

Directions – Detailed directions are available at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/info/hikeforhealth/18conewagolvt.htm We will have red balloons marking the entrance so it is easier to spot from the road.

Parking – Parking is available at the trail head however we are expecting a large turnout so parking may be limited. We encourage you to carpool as much as you can for this event. If parking is not available at the trail head when you arrive, there is additional parking at the (out of business) gas station next door.

Rain Date – In the event that we need to cancel due to inclement weather, we will make an announcement on Aaron’s blog no later than 8:30 am on Saturday morning. Rain date is scheduled for the following day, Sunday, October 18th from 1:00-5:00 pm. If you are unable to make it on Sunday, we will have volunteers at the trail from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday RAIN or SHINE to collect donations.

If you are unable to walk – You can always be a sponsor. If you don’t have anyone to sponsor, you can still make a donation on this site via Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express by clicking on the link to your right OR you can send a check to Aaron’s Journey at PO Box 267, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Whether you are donating $1 or $100 please know that your donation counts. Aaron’s family is in the process of finding him the best outpatient rehabilitative care to ensure that Aaron has every opportunity to maximize his potential for recovery. With much thanks we endeavor to put your generous donations to the best use possible.

Thank you for supporting Aaron in his recovery. We hope to see you at the walk!