If it weren't for my house looking like an orange, brown and yellow explosion from all the fall decorations, the sounds of a football game screaming from the TV, and stacks of school papers sitting on my kitchen table, I would have a hard time believing it was no longer summer. I should be baking pumpkin bread, but yet, it's too hot to turn on the oven. What little tan I had is long gone, and I'm ready to break out my boots and sweaters, HOWEVER, here at our home in Southern California, it's currently 100 degrees outside! What gives?? Ok, anyway...
Speaking of summer, how about that ALS Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon?!?! Unbelievable! We were beyond thrilled to see the awareness and support ALS was getting as a result of pouring a bucket of ice over one's head, and it certainly was an answer to many prayers. The ALS Association reports that 115 million dollars was raised from over 3 million donors. Jim and I feel like our world just grew by millions of people. Prior to this challenge, when I would mention ALS, most people had never heard of it. Now when I tell someone about Jim's ALS diagnosis, majority of the people have heard of it, and even know of someone battling the disease. Welcome to our world, Jim has never felt so popular! Jim had close to 40 people dump a bucket of ice on their head in his honor. We really enjoyed watching the videos, you guys are all awesome! Maybe we all should dump another bucket on our heads today just to cool down!
"The ALS Association has approved an initial expenditure of $21.7 million in funding to support six programs and initiatives to expedite the search for treatments and a cure for ALS. Additionally, $12.5 million in matching donations bring the total commitment to $34.2 million." So exciting, praying a cure is coming soon!
Here is the link to our video for those who haven't seen it. I was not expecting it to literally take my breath away by how freezing cold it was. It was fun nonetheless. I think our 5 year olds took about 7 ice bucket challenges, they really got into it, and really love watching all the challenge videos on YouTube (especially the Ice Bucket Challenge fails, yikes).
In late August, Jim was seen by a team of ALS specialists at UCI. They have such a great team of doctors and therapists there. It had been two years since we'd been there, and we were way overdue. Overall he is doing fine (relatively speaking). The muscles in his legs remains strong, and his breathing levels are good. They did recommend a feeding tube, to help with the struggle of keeping is weight up and his calorie intake. Jim had the tube put in a couple of weeks ago. It was a quick surgery, we were home in about 4 hours. The first two days after surgery weren't easy, but he is recovering well. The tube feedings are going fine. He currently gets 3 a day, and 3 meals a day by mouth, pureed food only. He is a soup connoisseur! If it can be blended smooth, he will eat it! He does say that eating through a tube takes a little getting used to, and I can only imagine. It really freaked him out at first, but he's adjusting. He's such a trooper.
Speaking of summer, how about that ALS Ice Bucket Challenge phenomenon?!?! Unbelievable! We were beyond thrilled to see the awareness and support ALS was getting as a result of pouring a bucket of ice over one's head, and it certainly was an answer to many prayers. The ALS Association reports that 115 million dollars was raised from over 3 million donors. Jim and I feel like our world just grew by millions of people. Prior to this challenge, when I would mention ALS, most people had never heard of it. Now when I tell someone about Jim's ALS diagnosis, majority of the people have heard of it, and even know of someone battling the disease. Welcome to our world, Jim has never felt so popular! Jim had close to 40 people dump a bucket of ice on their head in his honor. We really enjoyed watching the videos, you guys are all awesome! Maybe we all should dump another bucket on our heads today just to cool down!
"The ALS Association has approved an initial expenditure of $21.7 million in funding to support six programs and initiatives to expedite the search for treatments and a cure for ALS. Additionally, $12.5 million in matching donations bring the total commitment to $34.2 million." So exciting, praying a cure is coming soon!
Here is the link to our video for those who haven't seen it. I was not expecting it to literally take my breath away by how freezing cold it was. It was fun nonetheless. I think our 5 year olds took about 7 ice bucket challenges, they really got into it, and really love watching all the challenge videos on YouTube (especially the Ice Bucket Challenge fails, yikes).
In late August, Jim was seen by a team of ALS specialists at UCI. They have such a great team of doctors and therapists there. It had been two years since we'd been there, and we were way overdue. Overall he is doing fine (relatively speaking). The muscles in his legs remains strong, and his breathing levels are good. They did recommend a feeding tube, to help with the struggle of keeping is weight up and his calorie intake. Jim had the tube put in a couple of weeks ago. It was a quick surgery, we were home in about 4 hours. The first two days after surgery weren't easy, but he is recovering well. The tube feedings are going fine. He currently gets 3 a day, and 3 meals a day by mouth, pureed food only. He is a soup connoisseur! If it can be blended smooth, he will eat it! He does say that eating through a tube takes a little getting used to, and I can only imagine. It really freaked him out at first, but he's adjusting. He's such a trooper.
On September 20th, we participated in the ALS Guardian Angels walk. What a great event! Our team, Racobs Brigade, came in first place for donations, and Jim was the honorary ribbon cutter! It was such a great day, and having all of our family and friends there made it just that much better. The foundation surpassed their goal of $50,000, and do such an awesome job of helping families effected by ALS. Thank you to all that came out, and/or made a donation!
Jim's mom was here for a week from Colorado, and Jim really enjoyed his time with her. Our pastor came by the other day to pray with Jim, and that really made his day! Friends and family are always stopping by, and I know it means so much to Jim. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing support system. My heart breaks for those battling anything without faith and support of family and friends.
 |
| Jim and Pastor John Randall |
Well, I think that's it for now, thanks for stopping by!
xo
xo
Jim and Dionne
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19