TB99 0 #26 April 24, 2003 I'm going to see him again today after he gets out of surgery. I'll post when I get home how everything went. Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sarge 0 #27 April 24, 2003 Thanks bro, anything else I can do; I would be glad to help Ray. .-- I'm done with the personally meaningful and philosophical sigs!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raefordite 0 #28 April 24, 2003 Thanks for the update. Prayers and good thoughts go to both jumpers and their families. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #29 April 24, 2003 I went to the Hospital today to visit, but Chris was in surgery. Funny as soon as I asked where he was teh lady said I knew you were going to ask for him. She said that there ha been a lot of people to see him. So I walked to 10 different places I was sent to, so I could find out anything new. I ran out of time before school so I will try again later. Thank's for the Update Chuck, and Tamarin. Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #30 April 25, 2003 Okay ... I just got home from being there the last 9 hours. Here's the current scoop: The surgery went very well. They put some screws and rods and such and straightened his neck back out. He is wearing a "halo" to keep everything straight. At the moment, he looks very swollen everywhere, but that will come down. He was unable to speak because of tubes being shoved down his throat, but he was awake and responding to us when we spoke to him. He has function and feeling in both arms and hands! The doctors are not saying anything about his lower body yet ... that's a good sign, because yesterday they said he was paralyzed, and now today they aren't saying anything at all. We're praying for the best! Tomorrow they're taking the tubes out of his mouth and letting him rest and recover ... I'll be there tomorrow of course and will update if I find anything new out. Nancy is still doing VERY well ... she has a lot of friends around for her and Chris and it helps a lot. Thanks to all for their support. Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #31 April 25, 2003 One other thing ... his name is spelled Chris Colwell. I clarified that with Nancy today! I figure it's only right to spell his name correctly! (Ray, you horribly butchered my name in your last post, but I'll forgive you). Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kolla 0 #32 April 25, 2003 Hey there! Just wanted to say thanks for all the info - it really makes a difference to get the updates from you. I'm glad the surgery went well - now we just have hope for the best in recovery! Please pass my love on to Nancy and Chris when you see them! Hugs, KollaBlue Skies Magazine Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #33 April 25, 2003 Hey Kolla, I'll give them your love today ... I'm sure they'll be very happy to hear Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyminxx 0 #34 April 25, 2003 TB: Thanks for all your posts. Its great to get updates on how Chris and Nancy are doing. There are so many people rooting for em. My botfriend (Todd)and I met them at the Easter Boogie at CSS recently and they are both really cool, genuine peeps. Sending heaps of good vibes for a speedy recovery for Chris and lots of support for Nancy. Portia You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.-Richard Bach Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #35 April 25, 2003 I just printed out this thread, along with some emails and PMs I got and am on my way now to the hospital to give to Nancy. Thanks everyone for the support! Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #36 April 25, 2003 Here is a picture of Chris and Nancy for those who need to put a face to the name! Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #37 April 26, 2003 Okay everyone ... I have 2 good things here. I'll save the best for last! First, the most recent update on Chris. I was there today with him for about 4 hours or so and I can't tell you how much he has improved!! He is doing so well! Right now the tube is still in his lungs, helping him breath, but very soon, he will be breathing fully on his own! Because of where the injury occured, he is unable to use his diaphram to breath like we do and needs to re-learn a new way of breathing. He has been doing an incredible job of it. They took the machine down to only 2 breaths a minute of help, the rest is all him ... they said soon they're going to turn it off and see how well he does on his own. If all goes well, he'll be off that thing and able to talk to us again! Earlier today, it was very frustrating for the both of us trying to communicate, but I'm happy to report that we worked out a very good way to speak to each other and it has made everything much better. He has a lot of movement in his arms, but is unable to move his hands and fingers ... the doctor said that very soon he will have full use of his hands again. The improvments have been so great, we all have no doubts in our minds that he will fully recover .. it'll be a long road, but he can do it! Nancy is still doing an awesome job and Chris is still being surrounded by a lot of friends who love him. Now, the second part of the good stuff ... Right here with me is Nancy, and she wants to type a message to everyone ... Quote Hi everybody. I want to thank everyone for all the love and support you have given us. I am so overwhelmed with everything, and I don't know how to thank you all for everything! There's so much I want to say to you ... First of all, I love you all. Chris and I are two very strong people and there is no doubt in my mind that he is going to someday walk again. We just recently started a company making freefly suits. I fully plan on continuing to make people very happy by giving them a suit filled with so much of our love. It will take a little longer to fill our current orders, but trust we will have them to everyone. This is just another storm on the road we will make it through. I am sorry I haven't answered all of your emails personally, but please keep sending them. I have printed every one of them and am making a scrapbook to give to Chris to show him all of the love and support he is getting. I hope you will all accept this general thank you reply to all of the overwhelming emails. I am taking things day by day and will come back to post again soon. Thank you all again for everything you have done for us. Again, I love you all and so does Chris. ~Nancy xxx Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #38 April 26, 2003 Oh my goodness, how wonderful to see a picture of their smiling faces and to read the note from Nancy, it brought a tear to my eye. Thanks so much for keeping us posted! They have so many prayers coming to them and such positive spirits, I have no doubt that Chris will keep making a strong recovery. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #39 April 26, 2003 Oh my God, I'm so excited!!! Just got home from Chris again ... they took the tube out of his lungs just 30 minutes ago!!! He's so strong ... he's doing so well! He's breathing on his own now! He can't talk yet, but communication is much better being able to read his lips without the tube in the way. Also, his comfort level just went up SOO much! We spent the night working out his arms (that's what he was asking us to do) ... they're getting stronger and stronger. He's doing so well, we're all so excited and happy!! He is still very responsive. I'm going to be back at the hospital tomorrow again ... and as usual, will post updatesWhat a wonderful way to end the evening! Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #40 April 26, 2003 Email sent, please keep us informed. What a great couple! xoxoxox --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #41 May 2, 2003 Okay ... Sorry everyone for such a long delay between updates!! I started a new full time job and have been battling a head cold. I didn't want to go into the ICU at the hospital with a cold and get all the weaker bodies sick! Chris is doing well, as expected. They took the tube out, but buildup in his lungs made them put it back in again (through the nose this time instead of through the mouth). He is breathing really well and they expect to take it out again within a couple of days. Because the tube is in his mouth, it is MUCH easier to read his lips and communication is a breeze. He still can't vocalize because the tube, however. His arms are really really strong, but he can't move his fingers yet. The halo is obviously still on and will be on for months. Mentally, it's been hard for him, he just wants to go home already! He is in good spirits most of the time, sometimes he's just in a little bit of pain and feels uncomfortable. edited to add: I forgot to mention the fact that they're finally putting food in his stomach (through a tube directly into his stomach, not ingested through the mouth) and he is handling it very very well! It looks good so far, every step is getting better! The good news is he's a veteran (USMC), so they're planning on using the VA to pay for most, if not all the outragous bills. Besides the VA, there's social security, and Florida money ... all will help. Nancy is still keeping herself busy with a lot of things! She's been going to the shop to work on suits some, but it's kind've slow because there is so much other stuff she has to take care of. Once the tube is out and he stabalizes completely, they're planning on moving him out of the ICU and into a normal room. Usually 1-2 days after the tube is removed is typical. After a while (don't know how long, could be weeks or months ... clueless here) he's going to be moved to Atlanta for rehab. The two of them are still doing very well and holding strong. It has been hard mentally and physcially for everyone (especially them two, obviously). They are very happy and really appreciate all the emails! I've been printing the PMs and emails I personally got as well. Thanks everyone for everything! Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #42 May 2, 2003 Just sent an email hoping for a speedy & well recovery! ~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Faber 0 #43 May 2, 2003 Just got a relpy on my mail to Nancy and Chris. They are werry happy for all thouse nice mails they get.keep em comming. In the mail does it sound like they both are werry strong persons. My best whishes to you two. Stay safe Stefan Faber Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #44 May 3, 2003 QuoteThey are very happy and really appreciate all the emails! I've been printing the PMs and emails I personally got as well. Thanks everyone for everything! Having been in the hospital myself as a patient (not skydiving related, but horse injury), I have to say this is one of the most important links to have. Friends....contact from the outside. Sometimes you are floundering and wondering what the heck life dealt you. Support means all the world... TB...just sent an e-mail to Nancy and Chris. You can explain a bit more from my PM to you, if you'd like. Blues, ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ypelchat 0 #45 May 9, 2003 Hello to all; It's been a while since we got an update on Chris's condition. I sent an e-mail to Nancy, but got no reply. Maybe her hotmail mailbox is full, and can't accept messages anymore. I dunno. Regards. Yves Pelchat yves@freefly.ca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raefordite 0 #46 May 9, 2003 Thanks for the update. Hope all continues to go well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TB99 0 #47 May 9, 2003 Hey there ... It's harder for me to get to the hospital lately, I've been working 2 jobs 7 days a week 60-70 hours a week ... I've only heard of one new update and it's a good one! He has the tube removed and is breathing on his own. He was moved into his own room as well. I have no word on anything other than those. I'll update when I get anything more! I wanted to add something, I do have a paypal account set up to accept donations ... We are holding a ticket raffle and accepting donations to their cause (Nancy and Chris are just in need to stay on their feet right now). The raffle is $10/ticket and all the prizes are worth a way more than $10. There are so many prizes that at the time being, everyone who's bought a ticket will win. The prizes were all donated and all procedes 100% go directly to Nancy and Chris. If anyone is interested in helping them out, please PLEASE contact me via email or PM. If you just want to send them money, my paypal account is setup for the email address in my profile. Questions, comments, concerns, donations, anything, do not hesitate to ask!!! Trailer 11/12 was the best. Thanks for the memories ... you guys rocked! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
softlandings 0 #49 May 9, 2003 Prayers! God's Speed! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #50 May 9, 2003 Just wanted to thank all that had sent Email's, and wishes. We as a community have stood together and let Chris know how much we care. This is one thing I have to say saddens me. Someone took money from the Jar for donation's in the skydive Deland restaurant. An estimated $100 This person is the lowest form of ???? in the world, I hope to god we find out who you are so I can personally teach you a lesson on ethic's. I dont think that whoever did this is a dz.com member, or even someone smart enough to type, or read. But this is low, and karma is final, you will get what you deserve, and I hope I am at the end of the what you deserve! Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
