Johanna (Cataholic) & Sister Jessica continue to Request Prayers for young Samantha

**shais_mom** · 03-22-2006, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Cataholic

Isn't Sam just absolutely the most precious child, ever?

This is getting to be an exciting time for her, and her parents.

2nd only to Jonah!

**Cinder & Smoke** · 04-07-2006, 02:32 PM

Friday, April 07, 2006 at 03:10 PM EDT

Well, we spent most of this past week in Lexington,
and Sam now has her legs at home.

It was a little scary for her, and she still doesn't love having her legs on, but that's perfectly normal. For the next couple of weeks, she'll practice standing and walking--with a walker--for a couple hours a day, and we'll gradually add time until she's on her legs for most of the day.

The prosthetist and therapists were great, and she actually enjoyed most of her time at Shriner's, as they have a wonderful playroom and really good hotdogs! They decided to go w/the strap-on legs as opposed to the type w/bolts, as the latter proved difficult to secure. I have photos and will put them in the gallery asap.

Before we left for Lexington, Sam was able to see Barney, BJ & Baby Bop live at the Taft Theatre, and she LOVED IT. Thanks, Uncle John, Aunt Toni, and Cousins Jamie & Jordan!!! I actually had tears in my eyes at times during the show (no, not because of the songs, though that was certainly a possibility!) because it amazed me that not even a year after her illness, she was able to enjoy something like that. I never would have thought it possible last spring or summer. I felt the same way seeing her w/her new legs. Unless there's a problem w/the legs, we won't return to Lexington until early June.

Her visit at Children's went fine today, and her kidney doc doesn't need to see her for a couple months, unless something unusual pops up in the labs. She will be admitted to Cinti Shriner's next Wednesday for an early Thursday morning tendon release, so it's a busy time for Sam. We should be home later Thursday or early Friday.

Please keep Sam in your thoughts as she works hard to walk again and
makes this next transition.
Look for photos soon!

Thanks,
Jessica

---------------------------------------------------------
WOW!!
NEAT-O !!

GO, Sammy, GO!!
We're with you all the way!!
----------------------------------------------------

**sasvermont** · 04-07-2006, 02:49 PM

Can't wait for the photographs.

What great parents little Ms. Sammy has...... it brings tears to my eyes everytime I read about this little tyke and her family and friends.

Sammy is so loved by so many people, but especially her Mom and Dad!

You go girl!

**gini** · 04-07-2006, 02:56 PM

Nothing quite brings me to tears as easily as a Sammy update.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that we can read about such incredible progress being made.

May God continue to be with you each step of the way.

**prechrswife** · 04-07-2006, 07:55 PM

I was just thinking about Sammy the other day, so the update came at a perfect time. It is good to see her making so much progress.

**Cinder & Smoke** · 04-14-2006, 10:05 PM

Friday, April 14, 2006 at 09:19 PM EDT

We checked into Cinti Shriner's Wednesday afternoon, and came home early this morning;
the surgery was yesterday morning, and it went fine.
Sam has a pin that will be removed from her finger next Friday,
and a big splint on her left arm that will be downsized next week as well.
The plastic surgeon grafted some skin from her groin to use on her hand,
and it usually heals quickly. After a couple weeks or so, she should be splint-free.

She can't use her walker for a while,
but we hope to help her w/her legs during this recovery period,
mainly so she stays used to the idea of having legs and being "up."
She doesn't seem to be in any pain, but I know she hates dragging that splint around everywhere.

She was happy to come home; she kept saying, "go home, see Daddy."
Her plastic surgeon said her skin was looking pretty good as well.
She received lots of presents and an Easter basket from Shriner's,
and enjoyed their playroom the day before surgery.

I will post a couple of post-op pics of her.

She can return to preschool Monday,
as long as she avoids "rough play and contact sports."
No football and hockey for Sam for a while!

Hope everyone enjoys a nice Easter weekend.

Thanks,
Jessica

Walking - with a little assistance >>>

"She's not happy - but she's Trying!!"

Riding on the Hospital's Cart - a favorite activity!

HAPPY EASTER, Sammy!!