The following entry was dictated by Scott:
Hello, everyone! I wanted to take a few minutes to personally thank everyone for your prayers and support as well as update you on my situation.
The well wishes I have received have been many and overwhelming. I am amazed by all the support that continues to come my way each day. I firmly believe that all the prayers are a strong part of the progress that I have made. Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
There have been many acts of kindness, too many to mention in one posting; however, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on some of them. The fundraisers have been unbelievably successful – I ‘d like to thank my sister, Lindsey, family and friends for their work in pulling together the Camp Cheerful fundraiser. Not only was it a success, but it also brought together many loved ones from near and far. I wish I could have been there but felt I was there in spirit.
I would like to thank all those involved with the Toldeo golf outing. Again, it was a tremendous success and the support it generated was certainly felt all the way back in Cleveland. This outing even brought friends from overseas.
I would like to thank my Best Man, Bryan, for his time and generosity in organizing a Delta Tau Delta fraternity tailgate at the Lehigh vs Yale football game. Once again, the outpouring of support continued to overwhelm me. In addition to all the well wishes I have received at these events, the monetary support has also been greatly appreciated and will go towards offsetting the medical expenses I have incurred.
Finally, I would like to thank my work colleagues, past and present, for all of their support. The Halex Taco lunch fundraiser was greatly appreciated. The well wishes from Trex and Calphalon have also been greatly appreciated. I would especially like to make mention of the monetary donations I have received from these companies.
All of the visits, phone calls, cards, balloons and e-mails have been very comforting. Some of the visits even come with massages (thank you Karen)
Please realize there are so many more acts of kindness not mentioned here, but certainly felt by me.
As for an update on my situation – I am happy to report that I am no longer requiring the use of a ventilator to breathe. I am breathing on my own through the pacer and have had my trachia capped. This is a big deal as it not only allows me to breathe normally, it also opens up more possibilities for long term care options. As a result of my quick success in getting off the vent I will be transferred back to Metro on 10-26-09. I expect to be there for a couple of weeks before being discharged in early November. At that time, I plan to go to a skilled nursing facility. And then….home.
I find myself trying to stay positive and laugh often. As you can imagine there are days that are tiring and emotionally draining. I am still learning to accept what has happened; however, my family has been a very stong force in helping me accept this.
Most of all I would like to thank my wife, Kristy. She truly is the love and light of my life. She has given me peace, comfort, hope and unwavering support throughout our entire relationship.
Without Kristy I don’t know if I would have made some of the progress that I have. I believe I am the luckiest man in the world for finding her. Thank you, Kristy – I LOVE YOU!
As for me, I continue to fight on with the hope and belief I will reach the progress I pray for. There is nothing more I would like than to one day be able to hug everyone and thank them for all they have done for me.
I ask all of you to continue to pray with me for that day to come.