Friday July 17th

Hi folks!
Been a while since I have updated you on Molly I know. The urgency to do something of a breakthrough nature and the need to complete details are conflicting and draining.

Thanks to all who continue to help in so many ways!

The garage sale that Alicia (college girl in our neighborhood) came up with is taking on its own life. One neighbor is storing "out of the neighborhood" items in her garage and it is almost full!! Others in our great neighborhood are having bake sales, cooking on the grill to sell food and others are selling water.
Our family is so thankful for the love and caring they have shown us on Molly's behalf. The money will be used wisely on her behalf.

There has been an Irrevocable Trust set up for Molly. Anyone wishing to donate may make the check out to Molly Doyal Santiago Irrevocable Trust.
Also, if you know of any corporation, foundation, or individuals that wish to participate in any way, they would be able to make the donation at a Regions Bank in that account name. The trust is held at "arms length" from the Doyal family by a Trustee and is only allowed to assist in Molly's medical needs.

There are other fund raisers that are taking place:
-In Albany, Ga, my brother's church is having a cookout where the pastor cooks donated prime cuts of meat and the plates are bought by church members. They are are also having a special offering for Molly.
-In the Tampa area, there is a fundraiser going on the 31st of July for Molly's benefit. I will be elaborating on this in a separate e-mail.

Let me tell you what the official assessment (as of this week) on Molly's condition:

Feeding: needs maximum assistance
Grooming: total care
Hygene: total care
Dress: total care
Bed mobility: max assist
Rotation (finding different position in bed): max assist
Transfer (one place to another): max assist
Locomotion in wheelchair: w/assistance

Sounds discouraging doesn't it?

Now let me tell you the GOOD NEWS!

This week Molly was able to put her hand on her nose!!! She proudly proclaimed that she was now able to scratch her nose. Can the top of her head be far away?
She was able (with the assistance of special devices) to get one spoon full of food to her mouth!!! Can total self feeding be far away?
Wow!!! Great progress!!!

Both movements were with her right arm. She is not seeing movement this week in her hand or fingers but we are looking forward to next week. Her left arm continues to improve; needs more bilateral strength.
Pain management is improving and hopefully soon she will be able to decrease the assortment of medicines she takes.

Good news is best, right?

Discharge date from Tampa General Hospital is scheduled for July 30th. Our family would desire that she be under the care of attending physicians and skilled nursing another four weeks or so but the hospital states that it is no longer able to keep her.

Molly will be going to outpatient physical therapy 3 times a week for the next month, then...
We are still looking for an acute inpatient care program. Our option now is to learn as much as we possible can on primary care skills, prepare house for her with wheelchair and other space needs, transportation methods/lift/chair skills, etc...

Those of you close by, please come to the Samy Dr charity sale on Saturday morning starting at 8pm.

More later