Two Months Post Op - Before and After Photos

Yesterday, Charlie met with his craniofacial surgeon and an anthropologist for a 2 month visit post surgery.  They took measurements and photos to document the change in Charlie's head and face.  Before surgery, Charlie's head circumference was measuring well below zero percent.  Today, he is in the 25th percentile and growing.  Overall, Charlie's doctors were very pleased with the results of the surgery and his final head shape.  Now his brain is free to grow and his blood is free to flow!  (Click on the images below if you'd like to enlarge them.)  Thanks once again for all your support through out this process.

Help Charlie Heal Turns One

Dear Friends, Family and Charlie Fans,

Help Charlie Heal is having its first anniversary this week.  When Charlie was born, Jack and I were confused, then overwhelmed, and then devastated by Charlie's diagnosis.  We were terrified by Charlie's MRI results and completely grief stricken when looking down the barrel of his grim prognosis.  Within a few weeks of his birth it became very clear that, despite our insurance coverage, we were going to be responsible for a large portion of Charlie's medical bills. Then, something incredible occurred.  Our friend, Anne Smith, decided to create what would eventually become Help Charlie Heal and you - our community - responded. 

This year you collectively gave Charlie over 17,000 dollars to pay for his medical expenses and health needs.  How can we ever thank you?  "Thank you" seems so small in comparison to the astonishing outpouring of support you have given us.  Your individual contributions, online auctions, blog parties, cabaret nights, etc. have helped to eliminate most of Charlie's current outstanding bills.  Because of you, Jack and I are able to focus all of our attention on Charlie and his recovery process.  This year, you - our community, took the following expenses off our plate:

Charlie's stay in the NICU
two cranio MRIs
two EEGs

a renal ultrasound

two echo cardiograms
a spinal ultrasound
a spinal MRI

all of Charlie's genetic testing and lab work

all of Charlie's hematology labs

all of his physical therapy to date
all of his chiropractic care
all of his cranio sacral bodywork
all of Charlie's prescriptions 

all of Charlie's co-pays

and all of the hefty booking and scheduling fees for his craniofacial surgery

Thank you.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

We are in awe of your generosity and optimism.

You have changed our lives forever.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Yours ever,

The Greenmans

Physical Therapy Report

Charlie began physical therapy sessions with ECI when he was just 6 weeks old to combat the effects of his stroke.  This summer Charlie took a short break from his PT appointments to travel with his family, then returned home for surgery on the 1st of August.  Charlie has since resumed his physical therapy appointments.  Next week, Charlie will have been with ECI for a full year!  He will have a full physical assessment with therapists who will help the Greenman Family further tailor Charlie's therapies.  Charlie will also increase his appointments from once a week to twice a week starting in October.

Charlie is showing all sorts of new progress.  He clearly says "Dadadadada" when Jack is in the room and has just begun saying "Mamamama".  Last week he began waving with his left hand.  He plays physical as well as verbal games that involve repeating what he sees and hears.  He is also clearly reaching for toys with both his left and right hands.  All in all, his progress is very exciting and bodes well for future feats.  The goal, of course, is to help him sit up unassisted, learn to crawl and to one day walk unassisted.  He is well on his way!

A recent photo of Charlie and his dad, Jack.

One Month Post Op

Charlie's craniofacial surgery was one month ago today.  As you can see in the photo above, Charlie has recovered beautifully and is as smiley as ever.  Charlie has a follow up appointment with his surgeons in two weeks, at which time they'll do a full assessment of the surgery's efficacy.  But as of right now, Charlie looks great and is feeling top notch.