Thursday Evening, May 31

Hi Guys

Got to the hospital abound 7:30 this evening and can stay for 3 days. It's around 9:45 and Allie is getting real sleepy so I will take this opportunity to share today's exciting news.

First let me thank everyone for their gifts and card and a special thanks tonight to the Peters family. They were here when I showed up and have been evtremely supportive during this journey. Lynn is the owner/editor/chief cook and bottle wash of the world famous Mountain Voice newspaper. How she found the time to get down her I don;t know and she made these awsome T-shirts (in her spare time) for Nancy and I that say World's Best Mom and World's Best Dad. Cool huh. I am not singleing anyone out just sharing with you. IWe love each and everyone of you so much.

Allie's new room is great! Her bed overlooks an indoor atrium and there is a palm tree right out her window. During the day sunlight bathes her room and it is almost like being outdoors. We have hung all of your cards and pictures all over the walls and it is a very cherry happy place. There are flowers and crystals and pictures and music and most of all - love. You guys have turned Allie's room into a very special place. You can actually feel the presence of each and every prayer floating around in the covering her with your love.

Thay capped her trach tube today for about 2.5 hours. That means she ws TOTALLY breathing on her own! I can not begin to tell you how huge that is. She got a little panicked a few times as you have to re-learn how to breath through your nose and how to swallow. It's kind of terrifying to see her panic but you talk her through it and she did great.

A good friend bought Allie a cotton nightie and bathrobe and when I was showing it to her I placed the robe in her hand so she could feel how soft it was. Allie held it and dabbed the side of her mouth with it, she then wiped her lips. This was cool as she did it so gently, definitely with thought and very ladylike. Well I thought maybe her lips were dry so I put on some blueberry chapstick Nancy had purchased for her (good to get the smelling working). I then put the chapstick in Allies hand and asked her to put it own her own lips. To my suprise, intstead of putting it on her lips, she help it like a pen and began writing letters on my hand with it. Again, very purposeful so I gave her a pen and aheld a piece of paper in from of it and she started to doodle. Now I don;t mean is a spastic way, I mean she held the pen like a pen and scribbled and made a capital "G". She ten proceeded to scribble up and down my arm. I feel like getting it tatooed on so I can always remember the moment.

Anyhow, the new nurses are great and are very optimistic about Allie's recovery. I feel like I am on a rocket ship headed for cloud nine. This is waht the Japanes would call KAIZEN or constant and never ending improvement. Allie is giving 100% and so is everyone else.

Thanks guys, we love you all.

Allie's Dad

Thursday Afternoon, May 31

Hi everyone:

Spoke to Nancy earlier and things are going well. She said that she had a rough night with Allie being in her new room. We are used to her having a private nurse and someone there round the clock and it is not that way being "on the floor." I was also very uneasy because what happens if something goes wrong? Allie is not able to make a sounf or move much less call for help. It still freaks me out but I have been assurred that all is good. Wierd but I felt so comfortable where she was. We truly loved the nurses in the ICU unit and with to thank all of them for everything they have done. God bless you all - we'll bring Allie back when she is well.

Here's some cool stuff:

Yesterday, the Brevard HS chorus called Nancy's cell phone and sang a song to Allie which she recognized. Thanks guys

Nancy says the new room is nice and bright has flowers, a tv and dvd player and two chairs, one that turns into a cot.

One nurse said she is really not in a coma anymore???

The neurologist said they are going to cap the trach tube during the day. Yahoo, this way if Allie wants to speak she will be able to and if you know our girl, she will want to talk.

It just keeps getting better and better. Nancy says the new nurses are realy nice. I just want to rush right down there - got another couple of hours but boy am I excited to see them both. A few hours seems like forever!

They will be doing an ultrasound of Allie's legs today to make sure there are no bloodclots and if everything goes well, Nancy the physical therapist will be back tomorrow.

Well that's all the news for right now.

God Bless Ya All
Allie's Dad

Last Night's Post in Under Wed Mornings

Wednesday Morning, May 30th

GREAT NEWS!!! The doctors think Allie has progressed to the point that they will be moving her out of the ICU today and into a private room. This is HUGE and we are so happy - my heart is pounding.

This led us to a dilemma - we would have to find new housing. Oh no. But now for more GREAT NEWS - the Ronald McDonald house said we could stay there until Allie was totally done with her care. You have no idea what this means to us.

I'm with patients now and have to rush off but couldn't wait to share the news.

We love all of you and thank God and all of the angels who are protecting us.

Allie's Dad

Saturday Eve Revision, June 9th

I forgot to mention one of the most exciting and beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Right after Allie woke up our good friends Jeff and Kelly showed up with two of their children Noel and Sam (Samantha) to visit. Allie babysits Sam and has acted with her in the past (Sam is 8 and just a beautiful little light). When Allie saw Sam her whole face lit up and she held out her had, When Sam put her little hand in Allies, Allie just pulled her in close to her and put her other arm around her little body and just pulled her in and held her close. You could just feel how much those two love each other. This was alot of movement for Allie and alot of expression, emotion, physical and spiritual. It's so awesome when Allie has love breakthroughs. I wish we all had them like that. I know I will have more of them, that's why I hug som any people - it is a great way to show people how much you love and care for them.

Now hug your family goodnight and try to get ten hugs tomorrow. Here's a big hug for you guys.

Allie's Dad

Monday Morning, June 4th

SHE SMILED. As I walked in the door last night the phone rang immediately, it was Nancy and she was excited. It seems that while I was driving home, God was creating more miracles. Nancy and our nephew Mile Va were in the room with Allie. They we standing on either side of the bed and Nancy was asking Allie to perform commands, well it appears that Allie wanted nothing to do with it and after a while reached out, grabbed her teddy bear and held it in front of Nancy's face, in effect saying "be quiet." (typical Allie, so no I know shes on her way to full recovery). Our nephew found this hialreous and began laughing, we I guess that ALlie tought it was funny also and cracked a big smile. AMAZING!!

Nancy left the room for a few minutes and Mike being the kind, loving and FUNNY guy he is, kept working the audience and the results were astounding. More smile and more smiles.

We're doing it folks. We are praying and loving our Allie back. Thanks to everyone. We love you and wanted to get the good news to you.

Thanks for the utube idea re: the montage. I'll see what I can do.

Love, thanks and best wishes,

Allie Dad

Wednesday, Evening, May 30th

What a day, what a day. I drove home last night to attend to our own patients this morning. Dr. Nancy and I have cut our hours back to two days a week so that we can be by Allie's side every moment she is in the hospital and during her recovery. Fortunately we have set it us so I can be there as much as possible. During the times I am here, I am constantly updated on Allie's progress and I am able to update our friends in Brevard in person. I believe we all need that. I recieved over 100 hugs today from patients, some I cried with, some I laughed, all I shared a tender moment with.

GREAT NEWS: I spoke with the principle of Allie's High School today and Allie will be graduating - I will walk for her and accept the diploma on her behalf. It's ironic but because of this injury Allie is giving me a gift I never had and that is to walk across the stage and recieve a High School Diploma. I recieved a GED and went into the military at 17. Thank you Allie, I am honored to accept on your behalf.

Can you believe how quickly Allie is progressing? I know I am missing some information for tonights message but I will most certainly get it to you first thing in the morning. I was mentioning to someone today how big this blog has become and told them about how many people appreciated it. It's amazing. I was having dinner in a Sushi house this evening with my best friend Joey D.. The waitress overheard us talking about Allie and asked if she was the Allie from the blog. When I mentioned that she was she told us that she and her roommate had been following her progress everyday and then thanked me for writing it. I do not believe she knew either myself or Allie but was truly interested in her progress and well being and so it is with people from aroung the world. To date we have recieed e-mails and best wishes from so many people who love Allie, yet do not know her and from countries such as Russia, S. Africa, Saudi Arabia, India and Czechoslovakia. WOW!!!! Let's get prayers from every country!!!! You guys are too cool.

I know I thank you every day and I will for the rest of my life - THANK YOU!!!

Allie is doing sooooo well. Everytime I think about it I get an incredible adreneline rush. Today, as you know, she was being moved out of the ICU and she also came off ALL breathing machines, was taken off of the heart monitor and responded to commands such as open your mouth and raise you hand. I never imagined such a trivial thing could make me jump with joy but this is HUGE. YES Allie, you go girl, you are the strongest person I have ever know. I know that everything is in God's hands and that he is healing you but man, you are amazing!! Your will to live and floursih are noticed everyday and everyday we are amazed at by your strength. You have made me more alive throughout this ordeal. Everyday I rise early and pray for you. I am so excited and filled with anticipation to see what you will do to amaze us during the day and I am not alone, the whole world is watching. Allie, you family is now in the millions and in the future, wherever you travel, whenever you meet people you will only have to say "I am Allie" and they will know who you are, love you and treat you like family. Holy cow, I'm gonna cry. One day at a time baby. I'll see you tomorrow.

Good night everyone, Nancy and I love you all.

Allie's Dad

Wednesday Morning, May 30th

How does one even begin to thank all of the caring and loving people who have blessed us? Some say being a part of this blog is thanks, some say no thanks is necessary, I say I will never be able to but from thew bottom of my heart, Nancy's and Matts - THANK YOU!

I am writing from home this morning as I will work today and tomorrow. I still have patients who need me and I need them. I am grateful for the hundreds of patients family members, some call them patients who grace us every week and who honor us by letting us be their doctors. You are more of a blessing to us.

Little Allie had a very busy day yesterday. For those of you thank know Allie and those who have come to know her, you know Allie doesn't like to miss a thing and so she has stayed awaked for about 24 hours - eyes wide open and moving around.

My mind is still a little bit foggy and sometimes I forget what I have already written so excuse me if I repeat myself - but somethings are worth repeating. My heart still jumps when I think about the progress Allie is making, still alot of swelling nut man I just know she is getting ready to wake up, you can feel it in the air. She wiggles in the bed alot and has begun moving her left side (YES!!!). She threw the pillows off of her bed last night and was scratching her head and face. I'll bet it itches where the hair is growing back and there are stitches.

Nancy and I have been blessed with the stregnth to misnister to many families in the ICU and have put up balloons and helped other families create blogs. Allie has been a vehicle to many.

Gotta run. Be back later with more news.

Allie's Dad

Tuesday Afternoon, May 29th

Hi Everyone,

I'm back. Well, here we are day 15 and we have never been more hopeful or confident of Allie's recovery than we are today. As strange as it may sound, spending 15 days in the ICU is quite a learning and loving experience. Tragedy strips away the outerlayer and shows the humanity underneath. Through suffering we come together and grow.

Allie is having quite a good day. She continues to heal herself and make herself stronger. What a little fighter. She was up ALOT last night so as soon as mommy and daddy stepped in the room this morning she went right to sleep. How comforting it is to have mommy and daddy there.

When she woke up, she was once again quite active. She is really moving her head well and looking around. We don't know what she is seeing but we believe it is angels or spiritual guides. Last night, on a lark, I just turned on the tv thinking she might like something different. The Ms. Universe pagent was on (something Allie would have watched) and she turned her head to the tv and appeared to be watching is. Don't know if she was but I believe innately she knew what it was and she fixed on it. Either way, I believe what I believe and I believe she was watching.

Today I placed a mini keyboard in her hand and pressed her fingers on the keys to produce sound. She they made a few keystrokes dah, dah, dah - dah, dah, dah then she had enough and shut daddy out. Things are going well. Allie is discovering that her body parts work and she is beginning to make them move.

Great news - since Allie did so well on the oxygen only, they have reduced the size of her trach tube - another good sign and another step towards her breathing all on her own. I forgot to mention, she is still in a coma - amazing how the body works one way to heal and another way to survive. God is amazing!

Kent and Diane visited for a few today along with Madeline and Julie. I'll be back later. Love to all of you.

Allie's Dad

Tuesday morning, May 29, 2007

Good Morning,
This is Nancy. I would like to express my deepest love, appreciation and gratitude to all of our family, friends, practice members and people all over the globe who have been praying for all of us during this time. Please feel free to post messages on Allie's blogspot as this is so exciting for us during our day to read and will be read by Allie down the road. We have a computer we use down the hall from Allie's room and it has been our connection to all of you. I have not been back home since the accident 15 days ago. We have so many calls and love every one of them, it is difficult to call back as we spend 14 hrs. each day in her room (no cell service). The messages of love and prayers are so powerful and I am so grateful for everyone being so understanding knowing all of our energy is towards our girl at this time.
We talk with her, play music, sleep with her, do puzzles while she sleeps, touch her, tell her how amazing her body is healing and how proud we are of her strength. She is an amazing soul.
As far as my husband goes, well I could start crying very easily. I have never felt closer to him and am amazed at his strength, love and tenderness. He is my rock and I am truly blessed to be celebrating 20 yrs. of marriage with him this upcoming August.
Matt, our 15 yr. old, is another amazing soul. He is patient, loving and cares so deeply for his sister. He has been so adabtable as he has been staying at his best friend, Lee's house. Thank you to Jeff and Kelly for all your love and support during this time.
Sabrina, you are my angel, my sister, my friend. Thank you for being another one of my rocks.
Now as far as Allie goes: she was "up" most of the night. She is moving her head, her eyes are wide open, she scratches herself, she yawns and as you read, last night was the first she began following commands. Her doctor was in this morning extremely pleased with her progress and feels she will be moved to another room (out of ICU) within the week. One day at a time. Each day we rejoice in her steps forward, however big or smalll they are.
I am filled with so much gratitude. This experience has been the hardest thing I have ever endured, however, it has been incredible. We have made so many friends in this ICU, some have lost their children, some are close to losing them, and some are improving. You can't help but love them, pray with them, hug them. We have made many new friends in the last 2 weeks.
Again, I call one person from each of our families each day with the understanding they will contact everyone else so all are informed. We love all of you very much and are so grateful that you are in our lives.
I love the movie "It's a wonderful life", that's kinda what this is like.
With love and gratitude,
Nancy
PS Please keep the posts coming, it helps us more than you can ever know. God Bless.

Monday Night, May 28th

My heart is jumping out of my chest right now! Today has been a breakthrough day for Allie. Small steps but huge ones no the less. Thank you God and thank you all of our friends, you have blessed and carried us. You have hit this blog over 1000 times in the last few days, that's alot of support for Nancy and I and alot of love for Allie.

Now for some GREAT news:

First - Allie is totally off of the ventilator since 12:00 noon and has been breathing unassisted since that time. She is getting oxygen but she has definitely gone to the next level.

Second - Allie made more purposefil movements with her right arm. This is funny. I put the plastic tube she scratched her head with yesterday back in her hand, she oved it aroung feeling it's shape, she then carefully took the round part and put it in her ear as if it were a q-tip. She was telling us something - there was dried blood in her ear that itched and needed to be cleaned out. Now that's cognitive thinking. Remember, she has not woken up yet. The brain is clearly working.

Allie is also moving her head, scratching areas where the taped bandages are and is moving her hips.

Now for the coolest part of all. We noticed Allie was getting bored with the ball and the bracelet she had been playing with so at dinner time we went to the Family Dollar and bought alot of baby toys that would stimulate her including a little keyboard.

When we got back from dinner the nurse (angel) told us that she had been moving around like crazy and indeed she had. Her eyes were wide open, she was yawning and man I though she was ready to wake up - she didn't but she did the next best thing - she followed a command we had been asking her to do for 14 days now - she raised one finger when asked to do so and then she did it again - this was NO mistake. I nearly fainted and I am weak in the knees right now.

We let out a scream of happiness and the nurses came running - she didn't do it for them but there were 3 witnesses that saw it. It was no mistake! Nancy then placed a ball in her hand. The ball has a string on it. When you pull the string, the ball vibrates. Nancy would hold the ball, put Allie's finger through the string and ask Allie to pull it - she did it 4 times. Thank you God, you are truly powerful and sustain us.

Allie will be back to 100%. We know it, we feel it and we have never felt otherwise. We continue to provide her with positive affirmations, energy healing, touch therapy and alot of love but truly we could not do it without you. Please forward this blog to everyone on your mailing list. Now is the time to boost up the prayers, prayer lists, wished and comments.

Please keep your thoughts and wishes coming, they're working.

We love you!!!!!!

Allie's Dad

Monday Midday, May 28th

Hi Everyone

Sorry I'm so late witht he update but basically there was nothing to report. Kind of an emotional morning. I have been upbeat and postitive since the crying stopped, however, when we changed her bandana this morning, I was reminded of the extent of the swelling and the injury she suffered and this made me cry. When her head is covered and her eyes are open it kind of like everything is OK - you can be led into a false expectation. Every now and then the reality of the road ahead hits and you cry for a moment and pray for a moment and place the right foot in front of the left and move on - and it's OK. When our faith is tested and we pass, a new door opens up and that's exactly what happened this morning.

Behing here 14 hours a day can get frustrating, you think nothing is happening. You want so bad for Allie to wake up and say "I'm hungry, can we go home now." You hurt so bad that you just want to say come on Allie pleae wake up, please lift a finger, we need you and then you remember, it's not about you, it's about Allie and in her time she will respond - and then it's OK and you put one foot in front of the other and you move on.

A few moments ago the respiratory therapist came in with a new machine - she said they were taking Allie off of the ventilator and was putting her on an oxygen something or other (I'll find out what is is called later) but she said this was the next step up the ladder. Things continue to progress daily and we continue to rejoice. One foot in front of the other.

I just need for you all to know how strong and how wonderful Allie's mother Nancy is. She is an amazing mother, parent, doctor, spirit and best friend. I could not do this without her nor could any of us. She is the love of my life. I bless every moment I am with her.

Thanks for all of your love and prayers. Be back later tonight. We love you.

Allie's Dad

Sunday Night, May 27th

All is quiet today as Allie slept all day. Her little body has been working so hard that it needed the day off, but she did a few cool things even in her sleep.

The nurse told us that as soon as Nancy and I left for lunch, Allie started to move around and she was lifting the top of the hamper and letting it drop, she said then she reached over and grapped ahold of the plastic suction stick they use to clear the saliva in her mouth and she pulled it out of it's holder and began scratching her head with it. Thaks cool!!! May not sound like much but we are estatic as that certainly is appropriate movement, a good sign. Allie is still breathing on her own and has not had much in the way of pain meds.

Our niece Kelly is in from Richmond and we are so happy to see her. What a great person and I thank her for driving Matt the hour and a half home tonight and then coming back. I would have gladly done it but I appreciate the help.

We just got back from dinner and the nurses said it was going to be spa night tonight. They looked up the colors for PACE University NYC (where Allie is scheduled to go to college) and they are going to give her a pedicure using those colors and are going to shave her legs and primp her up - ladies night out; are they angels or what?

Whatever the reason, we know this is for a purpose as Allie is bringing healing to so many by her being here. We know she will return to 100% and are grateful for everyone she has touched and for all those that have touched her. This experience is making everyone better.

God bless you all - be back tomorrow.

Allie's Dad

Sunday, May27 - Midmorning

Hi All,

We continue to be amazed at Allie's stregnth and her personal faith. As we continue to fill her little ears with powerful and positive messages, she internalizes them and puts them to work. "Allie, you are the miracle girl, Healing does not have to take a long time, your brain is so powerful it is healing you, everypart of your body is working at 100%, you are continually repairing yourself and every aspect of your brain is creating new synapses and new function, you are amazing, you inspire us....."

We read her the posts and the e-mails and the cards and I just bought her a few new cd's a K-Mart, Country Faith (great stuff) and Ray Charles Duets (Great Minds Together. This girl loooooves music. We are only playing faith music and music that sooths the soul.

She is still sleeping this morning, but oh so comfortably. We will wake her up soon, can't sleep all day and my heart beats rapidly as I await to she what miricles are in store for us today. Our faith has never been stronger.

Allie's friends visited last night as well as our friends Kent and Ondine. Thanks guys. We love and appreciate everything. Last night was the senior prom and although Allie went only in spirit, her friends Rachael and Chris showed up in her prom gown and brought Allie's with her. Chris did not wear a gown (thank goodness). It was a true show of love and support. Allie ahs been to two proms at school and now one here. We are grateful for each of them.

When I get back to the office I will try to figure out how to post some pictures for all of you that do not know Allie. She's awsome and as a musical theatre major, she has many looks - you'll get a kick out of them.

To all of our friends around the world, God Bless you and pass the word about this blog. I'll be back later.

Allie's Dad

Sunday Morning, May 27th

We are expecting great things for Allie today. I will be able to see her soon and will keep you posted to her overnight successes.

Thanks for all of your encouragement, you have been so kind.

Allie's Dad

Saturday Evening, May 26th

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our friends who have e-mailed, called, visited, sent gifts, cards and posted on the blog. Words can not express how much this means to us and how comforting your words are during this time.

To the one person who has decided to leave disturbing posts, please stop. I have deleted your posts and will continue to do so. Please be aware that this blog was created for Allie and to keep EVERYONE informed of her progress. Nuf said, you know who you are and so do I. I have created another blog site and will switch the next time a negative post is put up. That will cause an inconvenience for everone as they will have to get a password from me before they can log on.

To the other 710 posts, thank you.

Now to Allie - She is awesome!!! It is amazing how much you can love someone. I can not recall the last time I have spent so many hours just staring at her or when I have been able to talk to her so much and she has had no choice but to listen.

Great news, although she still sleeps, Allie has been breathing unassisted since 9:00 last night and she has hardly had any pain meds. She continues to keep her eyes open and today she was staring at the vital signs monitor (I believe) so I explained to her what all of the numbers were and I asked her if she understood, she moved her leg - we agreed that would be her sign for yes. I then showed her the pulse rate numbers and asked her to lower them, they went down 10 beats (???) Who knows? I believe. She is yawning and stretching some. Every little thing is a major victory to Nancy and I.

The respiratory therapist said she is doing great with her breathing, has no fluid in her lungs and is doing great. Yesterday the nuerologist said she was moving agian in the right direction.

Little bit of bad news, Allie moved around so much she reopened the cuts on her legs and had to have one restiched and the other rebandaged. No damage.

Where do we go from here? Who knows, one day at a time. Once she can fully control her breathing and is awake and alert, she will move downstairs to a private room and then to a rehab.

If we have not thanked you personally for everything you have done for us, please know that we appreciate everything and yes we love the stuffed animal.

Have a wonderful night everyone. If this site is not here the next time you check in, please e-mail me at drcagen@citcom.net for your password. Let's remember, this is all about Allie.

God Bless and Good Night

Allie's Dad

Saturday Morning, May 26th

11:20 am - Well, Allie had an uneventful night. She had a bath and looked good when we showed up this morning just befor 9. Everyday brings with it new hopes and new prayers for brakthroughs. We looked at her head this morning and to us, while there is still a large amount of swelling on the right side of the head, it appears to have gone down some. We rejoice in the little movements. Allie began moving her eyes to the right today; it had previously been only to the left and when she yawns our hearts jump. Allof the tubes are gone, the swelling in her face is gone and when he eyes are open and she yawns - it's Allie on a Sunday morning. Inside I cry and thank God.

She has a wonderful nurse today and the respiratory therapists are great. Just a few moments ago, I was giving Aliie physical therapy and her breathing tube popped off. Scared the hoopie out of me, but I juast plugged it back in and called the nurse who said that's what they would have done. Scary!

I did last rites last night for a patient whose family I befriended during our stay. We disconencted him from the machines this morning and he went home. No matter how tough it is, Allie is with us and progressing.

We have discovered a few things about being in the hospital ICU unit for a long period of time and that is that this is where humanity lives. The people are wide open and caring, no walls, no pretenses.

Thank you all for your love and care, in the past two days this site has been hit 650 times. We love you all.

Allie's Dad

Friday Night, May 25th

10:15 PM - Well we come to the close of another good day. Althought Allie is still sleeping, we had a good day. She had her eyes open for a good amount of time today and even though she is not responding to commands yet, we feel certain it is only a matter of days (weeks?) until she wakes up and begins the road to recovery. Our faith has never been stronger.

Wish I could write more but I'm really tired. Tomorrow is another day of hopes, prayers and breakthrough.

Our family cannot thank you enough for your love and prayers. Allie is accepting visitors and cards can be sent to Allie Cagen, Greenville Memorial Hospital, 701 Grove Rd. Greenville, SC. 29605-5601 Neuro ICU Bed 4006A

Have a great night and keep blogging.

Allie's Dad

Friday Morning, May 25th

Good Morning Everyone

Thank you so much for visitning this page and keeping Allie's prayers and wishes going.

Well, Nancy and I walked into Allie's roo this morning at aroung 9:00am to find her with her eyes wide open. She is not awake yet but just seeing her with her eyes open made our hearts jump. It's sort of like the train coming into the station; you can see the lights off in the distance and know that at anytime it will arive carrying the ones you love - and we all love Allie. We all thank God for the little movements and actions she makes which keep out spirits high.

Allie is once again recieving nutrition through her new tube which they call a "peg" and she seems to be accepting it well - she has lost quite a bit of weight in the last 11 days. We have told her she would get all new clothes and I think she smiled.

Allie yawned for the first time a few minutes ago which again build our stregnth a little bit stronger. Wow, thak God for the little things, huh.

Please leave your posts as your kind words are read to Allie daily and they sure do help.

God, we thank you for your stregnth to remain strong and faithful as we are your trusted servants. Thank you for protecting our sweet Allie and for holding her in your hand.

Be back later today.

Allie's Dad

Thursday Night, May 24th

Well another long day comes to an end. Allie is resting well. She had the feeding tube removed from her nose and had one inserted through her belly and into her stomach. It took about twenty minutes and all went well. She was tired today from yesterday's surgery (trach tube) and today's surgery (feeding tube). she is a true fighter.

We ahve been getting tons of e-mails and alot of people viewing this blog. Please pass the blog address to everyone you know. We need to keep the prayers going - we are not done yet. Marla Cilley, the FLYLADY invited me onto her radio show today to tell everyone about Allie's progress. We are so appreciative of her and her team. Thanks for all you do. Loving and caring, loving and caring.

Kent stopped by tonight for his last visit for a while. he is one of Allie's guardian angles as he was the first person on the scene along with Pastor Beth. He is moving to Utah and stopped by on his way out of town. We will miss him and he will always be a part of our lives.

We would also loke to thank Pastors Lowery Drennen, Tommy Owen Marion Starnes for all of their love, support and constant prayer. We can feel each and every kind word and prayer all of you (pastors, friends and supporters) have made for Allie. It works.

I'll be back with more news tomorrow.

Allie's Dad

Thursday May 24th

Got back from the hospital late last night. Allie looked good and was resting welll. She looks like Allie again - beautiful. A bunch of her friends showed up along with a very special teacher and some great parents. We appreciate all of you. The new MRI came back yesterday and there was really no change. That's OK. Someone asked me if I we were bothered by that and the answer is no. There are so many good aspects - let's conunt out blessings sometimes nothing happening is good. Here are some things that have not happened; no infections no pneumonia no siezures no setbacks. These are all so positive. Allie is moving here right side quite well. Her Aunt Roni gave her an elastic bracelet that she pops on and off her fingers and flips it around. I also gave her a stress ball (yellow with a smiley face on it) that she likes to squeeze and hold. Today is a new day which the lord has given us let us rejoice and be glad in it. Be back later - thanks for your love and blessings Allie' Dad

Wednesday, May 23rd

Allie is resting today. Her little body is recovering from the inside out. Thank all of you for your prayers and wishes. We are truly blessed to have each and everyone of you in our lives. I am working today and Nancy is by Allie's side. She said that Allie opened her eyes today for about 5 minutes but that she was basically still at rest with her eyes open. Rest is good. Please understand that I use words such as at rest and trauma instead of the ugly medical words . I have heard people say that Allie was in a drug induced coma. That is not true, this coma is her bodies was of protecting her and allowing her to heal. Bless you all. I will have more news tomorrow. Allie's Dad

Allie's Progress

Hi Everyone: This is Allie's dad. My name is Steve and I have created this blog to keep everyone informed on Allie's progress while she is in the hospital and during her recovery process. This blog is for information, healing, well wishes and prayers. We appreciate only kind and positive words. First Day, Monday May 14th What happened. We don't know. From what we have been told, Allie was driving down 276 near hwy 8 when she ran off the road and hit a tree. No one knows the cause and we probably never will - that's OK. For those of you that do not know, 276 is an extremely narrow and windy road in the mountains of NC. Immediately she was surrounded by angels sent to protect her. The first person sent immediately was a woman pastor (thank God) and her angel Kent (thank you guys) immediately after her was a respiratory therapist (Marty and his aunt Diane) who jumped right in and began treating Allie. She was in bad shape. It took about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get her out of the car. She was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital where she underwent surgery to reduce the swelling in the brain. She suffered a massive brain trauma with severe swelling. The surgery was necessary for survival. We were devestated but as people of faith, we remained strong. The surgeon met with us at 3:00 am and informed us of the progress. She saw her and hugged her. We gave her permission to go home if that was what she needed to do. No one was mad at her and she could transition if she needed to. We know she was on the fence with her decision and woluld be for a few days. She was alive. Tuesday, May 15th What a long night. No sleep just prayers. We layed on the floor afraid to close our eyes for fear of someone waking us up with bad news. Nancy's brothers flew in from New York and New Mexico; my family came from Florida and Pennsylvania. We are numb. The neurosurgeon told us today that she had youth on her side. We prayed all day. Wednesday - Today, Tuesday May Something 8 days after the accident, it has all been a big blur, prayer and cry fest. We are hopefully optimistic and cautiously reserved. There have been over 3,000,000 prayer requests in over 30 countries. Sorry I have skipped so many days but I am just learning how to do this and I am finally feeling able. Now for some good news. Medically Allie is stable. She is still in a coma but the neurosurgeon says she is heading in the right direction. We don't know what that means but we like the sounds of it. While Allie does not respond to commands yet such as raising a finger or squeezing your hand, we know that she can hear us she is just unable to respond. She has no broken bone, no spinal cord damage and not even a scratch on her face, she has all of her teeth. Due to the massive amout of brain swelling she suffered, thay performed surgery as soon as they brought her here to relieve the swelling. they do this by removing a piece of skull which they then freeze. The doctor said it would be a few months before they put it back in. What a scar but her hair will cover it. This morning she was brought back into surgery to remove the ventilator tubes abd replace them with a trach tube which is inserted in the throat. She is definitely more comfortable. Our good friend Marla bought Allie a CD player and we play music for here all of the time. 2 days ago she began tapping her foot to the beat. She has not done that today. Due to being so tired from the surgery. She also had another cat scan today to check how the swelling is going. Upon palpation (touch) the doctor felt it is going down. Allie has what they call appropriate action in her right side. That means she tries to pull the tubes out of her throat. She also cracks her knockles and at times snaps her fingers. This thrills us. Please keep checking back. will try to post every day. Thanks to the millions of people who are praying for Allie and sending love and energy. She is in Greenville Memorial Hospital is you would like to send a card or visit. God Bless you all.