Thursday August 9

The Heitzman family would like to extend a huge thanks to all the staff @ Grady that gave Christopher such outstanding care: from the Team  @ the Grady Shock trauma ED who quickly took control to save his life and to stabilize Christopher after his accident. He was then transferred to first the trauma ICU and then to the Marcus Neuro ICU.  He spent 4  1/2 weeks @ Grady.When he was ready to be transferred to Shepard,  all his nurses and other team members lined up the hallway to wish him a full recovery and to say good bye to Christopher. They know he will be in good hands @ Shepard.

He  is now @ Shepard  Center. His transfer was uneventful and Randy rode with him in the ambulance. Debbie was a nervous nilly and glad when he safely arrived @ Shepard. The ambulance driver got lost! Can you believe it?

The team @ Shepard met him with a team of doctors, nurses, OT, PT, RT and more to do a head to toe assessment  They have re-xrayed everything to revaluate his injuries  A few updates- Christopher does not have fractures of either ankles( someone on blog asked about this)His facial fractures are healing on their own and his surgery will be more orthodontist work at a later date 

Christopher remains in a semi conscious state but we believe he can hear us and his eyes track movements. He is definitely becoming more active. 

They have adjusted his ventilator setting and he is fighting the ventilator which means he is trying to breathe on his own. They want to begin to wean him off the ventilator and will be watching him carefully during this phase. 

The atmosphere is soothing and quiet and he seems to be much more comfortable here @ Shepard. They already have a wheelchair sitting in his room with his name on it- just waiting for the time when he can first sit in it! 

His heart rate  and breathing are also more relaxed. 

Debbie actually went home last night and slept in her own bed for the first time in almost 5 weeks. She plans to go home @ night and arrive back @ Shepard early in the mornings ti start the day with Christopher. He has already begun his therapy. 

Debbie was excited to see the fantastic gym where Christopher will eventually go. We know they will put him thru a grueling routine( up to 6 hours per day when he has more stamina) All with the end goal of allowing Christopher to make a full recovery.

Debbie and Randy would love to see any family and friends that would like to come visit them @ Shepard. Christopher is still not receiving visitors, however. 

We are thankful for the progress Christopher has made but the journey continues day by day. All the prayers are working and we ask that you keep them coming. Faith is a strong healer.  Thanks for everyone who continues to think of our family and your outpouring of generosity with your positive thoughts and gestures of kindness.