525,600 MINUTES

A Miracle 4 Melissa!

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"525,600 minutes"
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SEASONS OF LOVE

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes - how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.
In 525,600 minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How
about love? Measure in love.
Seasons of love.

525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan.
525,600 minutes - how can you measure the life of a woman or man?

In truths that she
learned,
Or in times that he cried.
In bridges he burned,
Or the way that she died....
It's time now to sing out,
the story never ends let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends.
How about love!
How about love! How about love!
Measure in love.
Seasons of love! Seasons of love

6/9/10 Here is a long overdue update on Melissa:

Melissa is now finished her Junior Year! After completing 2 classes this summer, she will be on schedule to Graduate next June! Melissa has taken up Digital Photography as a hobby. She took a class in it through school and enjoyed success in it.

She loved being on Magee's Wheelchair Rugby team which is now off season. She recently got a new Rugby wheelchair. She recently attended Magee's Recreation Day where she had the opportunity to explore a number of different W/C sports and dance.

So far, Melissa has been able to, occasionally, move 5 out of 10 toes. It's not always consistent- it takes alot of energy and concentration.

Because of some health issues, Melissa had to drop out of therapy, but will soon be starting it up again. Of course, she and her family always do home therapy.

There is a possibility that she will attempt to get her drivers license this year!-- watch out:) She's needing a new manual wheelchair-one that fits her better.

Melissa is looking forward to a mini vacation, of sorts, when she goes to Pittsburgh to visit her sisters, Heather and Alicia.

We had a "girl's weekend away" in NYC recently. Melissa, her Mom, her cousin Megan and myself drove up to see Cirque de Solei. Of course we squeezed in some shopping. She was recently honored by throwing out the first pitch at the Warminster Softball Coaches VS Phillie Bat girls game. Speaking of the Phillies, her parents gave her a 17 game package for this season! She enjoyed it so much.

She is looking forward to the 2010 Run4Nunn this October.

9/29/09 Since the last update, Melissa has also been moving her left Big Toe now!!!! She is looking forward to Sunday's Run4Nunn.

09/09/09
Melissa and her classmates returned to school today! This was her first day back into the classroom since the accident. She'll be attending school 3 days a week and going to therapy the other 2 days. She says she had a great, but tiring day since she was up late last night at her Rugby practice. YES RUGBY! She was invited to join Magee Rehab's "Eagles" Rugby team. (they don't know what they have gotten themselves into!) Her competitive spirit is alive and well, I've heard! She's been doing "suicides" and practicing passing the ball and getting the ball up the wheel (whatever THAT means!) Melissa is the youngest and only girl on the team. Go Melissa!!!

Melissa celebrated her 17th birthday this summer and took 3 friends into New York City this past Sunday to celebrate. They had fun at the HA Comedy Club, the Empire State Building and shopping.

Melissa recently gave out awards at the Philadelphia Force game and met with Monica Abbott. She brought a picture of herself at third base and had the players autograph the photo-it turned out real nice. She's looking forward to attending the Run4Nunn on Oct 4th! And the best for last- she is now also able to consistently move her 3rd toe, on the left foot!! Keep up the prayers!!

8/13/09 Melissa has left Magee Rehab and is now going to Day Therapy for the next 4 weeks. She is getting improvement from the procedure each day. she's looking forward to Sunday's Philadelphia Fore game! Melissa and friends had Box seats at last Sunday's Phillies Game preceded by a luncheon! She was SO excited to have had the opportunity to hold a Phillies World Series Championship Ring.

8/5/09 This summer, Melissa and her family went on a much needed cruise to Bermuda! A handicap accessible ship was chosen and Melissa had a blast! She had fun on the beach, was able to get into the pool and the hot tub and danced the night away in the night club! Special permission will be needed to see the incriminating pics ;)

Currently, she is back in Magee Rehab recovering from a procedure that will help with her "tone" and spasticity. She had a Baclofen pump inserted All is going well and she is back to PT and OT and doing very well! She's getting her independance back because she is now able to transfer herself again, etc. More great news is that she has been upgraded to an ASIA C classification from a B by one Doctor.

5/9/09 This w/e marks 9 months since Melissa's accident. In January, you will recall, she was able to move 3 toes of her left foot. This day, she was in a store dressing room sitting in front of a mirror waiting for Alicia to come out.   It could be a long wait :).
Out of the blue, an inspiration popped into her head to attempt to move her left foot. While watching in the mirror, SHE MOVED HER LEFT FOOT AT THE ANKLE ABOUT 15 DEGRES!!!!

She came home and showed us how she did it! She was so very excited!

Aunt Eileen says "Praise God!"

Later that night, she did something else for the first time, as well. While sitting in her w/c, she was able to stretch at her waist completely down resting on her thighs. Her muscles have been very tight prior to this. While bent over, SHE THEN TIED HER OWN SHOE!!! The dexterity of her fingers have improved!

Because of your generosity, she has had the funds to purchase more equipment to aid in her recovery. The family is so grateful!

Keep up the prayers!!!!

4/8 Through Magee, Melissa goes on an outing each week to help learn new community skills in different settings. She has gone bowling, which she really enjoyed and had fun doing, and she's been to the Art Museum and the Mutter Museum. She particularly enjoys going to Dave and Buster's, Chicky and Pete's and Ikea. Melissa is really looking forward to going to the Franklin Institute's IMAX theatre. She'll be watching "Into the Caves". It's a really awesome movie showing researchers going into unusual caves around the world. One of the caves shown is a Cenote in the Yucatan Penisula where Her Mom and Aunt Eileen actually snorkeled in the underground cave river system last year!

Melissa is making great progress with her hands fine motor skills!! Her handwriting is really impressive. She has greater strength making a fist, now.

The family has decided to put outpatient therapy on hold for now and work independently at her home to save their "days" allowed by insurance. She wants you to know that she'll be having a procedure in June to insert a pump which will help regulate and settle her legs spasms, which have been impeding progression of her therapy. Her spirits have been good!

3/19 Melissa and friends went to their Sophmore Dance this past Saturday. She had a beautiful Caribbean blue dress with cute accessories! She had just received her new custom manual wheelchair and took it to the dance for its first spin!

3/8 Melissa and family had a great time at the Beef and Beer last night! The food and music was great. Melissa also had fun at her school's Black and White event. It's a busy time because wh'e looking forward to her Sophmore Dance this Saturday. She found the most beautiful dress for the dance. The new family van, which was donated, is a tremendous help to her and the family!! She can now just ride up the van ramp in her electric wheelchair instead of family transfering her each morning and afternoon. Melissa is even talking about learning to drive this year, with accommodations!

3/04/09 Melissa and family are looking forward to attending the Beef and Beer this Saturday night! Melissa is keeping very busy since she has returned home and has a very LONG, STRENUOUS day.

Michelle and Melissa awake at about 6AM just to get ready for the long rush hour trip to Magee Rehab Riverfront, the outpatient facility she attends M-F. She begins her day there at 9AM with lots of stretching prior to her Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. She also has group sessions. On Thursdays, Melissa get to go on field trips to local sites. Melissa and Michelle don't get home until close to dinner time and then Melissa has to squeeze in schoolwork. She has a Teacher 3X week.

After dinner, Michelle and Carl, along with a volunteer, help Melissa's recovery by getting her up on her feet while supporting her legs. Weighbearing is so very important as a therapy and this process usually takes 1-1.5 hrs each night.

They fall into bed each night and start the whole process over again the next day!

She LOVES her new room and music system. The handicap accesible shower is wonderful! She loves sitting in the shower and letting the hot water rain down on her, while listening to her music. She is SO VERY GRATEFUL!

3/04/09 Melissa and family are looking forward to attending the Beef and Beer this Saturday night! Melissa is keeping very busy since she has returned home and has a very LONG, STRENUOUS day.

Michelle and Melissa awake at about 6AM just to get ready for the long rush hour trip to Magee Rehab Riverfront, the outpatient facility she attends M-F. She begins her day there at 9AM with lots of stretching prior to her Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. She also has group sessions. On Thursdays, Melissa get to go on field trips to local sites. Melissa and Michelle don't get home until close to dinner time and then Melissa has to squeeze in schoolwork. She has a Teacher 3X week.

After dinner, Michelle and Carl, along with a volunteer, help Melissa's recovery by getting her up on her feet while supporting her legs. Weighbearing is so very important as a therapy and this process usually takes 1-1.5 hrs each night.

They fall into bed each night and start the whole process over again the next day!

She LOVES her new room and music system. The handicap accesible shower is wonderful! She loves sitting in the shower and letting the hot water rain down on her, while listening to her music. She is SO VERY GRATEFUL!

1/14 I visited Melissa today at Magee and watched her first session playing Guitar Hero. She wowed the Therapists by getting an 85%!!!! Guess who is now hooked?!?
Also, she had been "crowned" the MAYOR of the 5th floor before the New Year. The Mayor's duties include visiting all the residents and being sorta like a good will ambassador. (Her sweet nature comes in handy!). She will pass her "crown" onto another resident of her choice on Friday when she is discharged. She already has someone she thinks will fill the shoes well.  Melissa is already planning to be a "peer-support" volunteer in the future!

1/10/09 Melissa's suite is getting the final touches done to it in preparation for her Homecoming on Monday! She has no idea, other than the colors, of what her room looks like! Trust me, it's SWEET! She's hoping to get mail delivered to her home address now. She loves mail!!!

1/9/09 Melissa had a great "Outing" today with her Therapist! She toured Philly's Comcast building and practiced the everyday skills she has been learning. She felt she was very successful. She had a great lunch and thought the huge TV screen Comcast has was cool. Melissa loved being out!

1/4/09 Melissa is continuing her progress with therapy. Michelle and Carl worked out a surprise for Carl's family on Christmas Eve...Magee let Melissa attend the Nunn Christmas party at Pop's. Everyone there was so excited, but none moreso than Melissa! It was the first time out of a hospital or rehab since her accident, and she loved every minute of it. She enjoyed looking at all the houses decorated for Christmas during the drive to Warminster. Visiting with the entire family and taking family photos meant alot to her!

On Christmas Day, Michelle's side of the family reversed it and we all brought the celebration to her at Magee! Magee kindly provided a room for us and we brought the food and love!

She'll be coming home in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned to the website for details!!!! Her suite that she'll share with Alicia is just about complete thanks to all the wonderful, dedicated volunteers. She's grateful for all of your hard work getting it ready for her. She's also grateful for their families who have put up with all the time that they have spent renovating her space to accomodate her needs. The design is a surprise-she's gonna love it!

12/21 (sorry for long update interval...I have been out of town)
Melissa is continuing her therapy and is back up to where she left off. She will remain in Magee over Christmas :( but is looking forward to her Mother's side of the family coming down to celebrate Christmas dinner with her! We will be using one of their conference rooms and will be bringing all of the family "favorities" to eat!! (Melissa loves my Scalloped Potatoes, if I may brag!) Alicia and Melissa's new suite at home is coming along and looks beautiful! I can't say how it looks, because it's a surprise to Melissa. Her accessible bathroom is awesome!

12/9 Melissa is now back at Magee and is in Room # 545. She's again volunteering for "lab" for Physical Therapy students. She gains extra therapy time while helping out the future PT students! Today she was featured on Fox 29 TV with a couple 76ers! She played Wii with them.

12/4 Melissa had her Greenfield filter out later in the day today and so will be discharged first thing tomorrow! She is so excited! She also had her feeding tube removed.

12/1 Melissa will remain in CHOP until this Thursday or Friday while she has more Cardiac testing done. She is having another Echocardiogram on Thursday and her Greenfield filter removed on Thursday. She may get her feeding tube out Tuesday. She's been getting a bigger appetite after all the weights she's been using for upper body strength in PT! Her spirits are up! She will be returning to Magee Rehab directly from CHOP.

11/26 Here is the update that the family wishes to provide:
During Melissa's Locomotor training session at Magee, she experienced chest tightness and was sent via ambulance to Hanneman Hospital where she spent overnight in the ER and was finally admitted. Testing was begun and her condition deteriorated quickly. She had a Urinary Tract Infection, Sepsis, Renal Failure and a seve heart condition which raised her heart rate and blood pressure. A scary part of her illness was a Delirium she went into that put fear into the family. We got her admitted into MICU where her Cardiologist advised a transfer to CHOP to explore her Mitral Regurgitation and Cardiomyopathy. Thankfully, she gradually came out of her Delirium.
She was then able to be moved to a Med Surg floor where she awaited her transfer to CHOP. She was unable to keep any food down this entire time. She had to go off of her anti-spasicity meds which resulted in alot of pain and discomfort for her.
All of this was so draining on her spirits.
Melissa was FINALLY transfered to CHOP (after a series of very frustrating situations) for more Cardiac testing. She has had a feeding tube inserted to jump start her nutritional needs. She is also able to eat and her appetite has gradually returned.
Her spirits are rising in part due to her siblings home from school and her PT and OT. She is back into a wheelchair and is trying to rebuild her strength. Now that her medical condition is improving, another Echocardiogram is being done to see if there is any improvement in her heart.
Her Urinary system, and liver has returned to normal. Her heart rate is within normal limits and medicine seems to help that.
Your patience in hearing all the details of this hospitalization are appreciated by the family! It has been very difficult for all.

11/20 Melissa has been transfered today to CHOP for testing and treatment of her heart.   She's had a rough time this past week with several room changes and this transfer.  Faith, Family and Friends are very important to her and she misses all of you. Mail to CHOP would certainly lift her spirits.

11/17 Melissa needed to be taken to Hahnemann Hospital Friday evening and is now very ill in the MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit). Details will given when the family is able. A diagnosis is not yet complete, but she needs our Prayers.
11/11 Well, 6 days ago on the Breaking News page we gave the wonderful news that Melissa had small movement in both of her legs! She's been hard at work with new therapies since then and today she had her first Locomotor Training! (see description on the Breaking News page)
Melissa was given the goal of being on the treadmill for 2, one minute periods. Well, you know Melissa, she gave it her all and surpassed that goal and did 3, four minutes periods!!! Boy was she hungry after that!
11/4 Sounds like Melissa will be able to stay at Magee longer than expected!!!
11/3
Melissa had been "under the weather" for a bit, but has recovered and is feeling back to her old self and has returned to giving her therapies 110%. She's Magee's star pupil, I think. The Therapists all recognize her perseverence and stamina of will. They have discovered what we knew all along; that Melissa is a fighter! She has been taking each challenge given her and pushing for more, just like in Softball.
Now, Carl and Melissa are working together as a team, practicing her transfers from her broomstick (opps, I mean wheelchair) to the bed. <see pics to get it!> She transfered 8 times today, mostly by herself!

Melissa was so moved to get our phone call from the Beef and Beer! She heard your cheers and cried! Her two Therapists, Erin and Lori, were in attendance and had alot of fun. She's grateful for your support.

She's excited to watch our daily lottery numbers because SHE has #725, her birthday. Let's hope that she wins because then she'll have "mad money" of her own.

10/20 I've watched Melissa give it her all in therapy. As you'll see by the new pictures, she's working on an electrical stimulation bike ("stim bike") that stimulates her leg muscles to contract. The bike's computer pedals the wheels.
She had the choice of 4 new things to learn, and she chose the hardest-transfering into an actual car! We went up to the open rooftop where Magee has a real car on which to practice. She did it the first time!!! She was grinning from ear to ear!! It was a great feeling for her to sit in a car again. She also was lifted up out of her wheelchair by a mechanized lift and placed into a "contraption" (my word!) which gradually moved her into the standing position after she was securely strapped in. After that, her feet were strapped in and they walked her sorta like an eliptical machine. She increased her "standing & walking" from about 3 minutes to 7 minutes in duration!! I was so proud of her perseverence. Melissa has become proficient at rolling over from her back to her stomach (even though she did wack her therapist in the face doing so!) LOL.
Melissa has already twice been a "lab" volunteer for Weidener University PT students. She really gets another workout from those hours! I am so proud of my niece. What hard work she is doing.

10/14- Melissa's room is being prepared for a renovation to accomodate her new needs. She'll have her own "vertical lift" to get up to the second floor in her wheelchair. Her new suite will include a bathroom with a wheel-in shower. This is all possible because of the generous time and expertise donated by so many volunteers! Melissa is overwhelmed by all the thoughfullness of so many wonderful people! Her heart will be forever touched by each one of you who has donated either financially or with your time!
She got in a manual wheelchair today! She's able to push herself around due to all of her hard work in therapy.

10/8-It was a WONDERFUL day for Melissa! She visited the Neurosurgeon and got the OK to take off her cervical collar and have the Trach removed!!!
She counted the minutes, I'm sure, til she got back to Magee and got the collar off and the Trach out! (Pictures coming this weekend)
Now she can sleep on her stomach again. She'll only need to be turned every 8 hours instead of every two! (sleep tight, Melissa!)
The therapists wasted no time thinking up more therapy-Melissa is now on her hands and knees(with some support) and flexing and extending her head!!!! She is also rotating her head.
Way to go, girl!!
Melissa had a visitor from New England on Monday! Her story has touched the heart of a Roman Catholic Priest who used to be a Spinal Injury Nurse. Father came to Magee to visit Melissa while he was traveling south. Melissa loves visitors and is blessed to have such faithful friends, new and old.

9/25-Last night Melissa told me that she's now being tutored 3 days a week: 45 minutes each day. Geometry is one of her subjects. What fun! I've decided that she'd just LOVE to have texts from all her friends asking her geometry questions!!(wink wink)We certainly don't want her to fall back in her schoolwork!!! Have at it!

9/23/08-The Doctors at Magee tested Melissa's arm strength again and were impressed by her increase in strength! Her Electrical stimulation therapy has helped her have COMPLETE FLEXION AND EXTENSION OF THE FINGERS OF HER RIGHT HAND! She can do it with and without the "stim". With the stim, she can make a fist, but not quite yet on her own. The stim is working!! She's very happy about this. We need to start praying for Carl's protection because apparently she has been socking him!! LOL
(BTW, Today is Saint Padre Pio's Feast Day. I've been praying for his intersession.)

9/19/08-We visited Melissa last night to help set up her new Dare cell phone (well actually, cousin Mike did the set up-I know nothing about those things!) It was so easy for her to use because it's a touch screen phone. When her girlfriends go to visit, get your picture taken with the cell camera and she'll be able to just touch your picture to text you! She reports that she's now able to put on her pants with only a little bit of help! Part of her therapy is being harnessed up to stand upright and they move her legs to mimic walking! Apparently, her stamina is pretty good! Her stamina for eating ice cream was witnessed personally by me! (she got "large", we all got small ice creams).

9/16/08-Great news! Melissa is now able to move all 5 fingers of her right hand! Praise God! Also, if you go to visit, you may want to consider wearing steel protected footwear...Melissa now has a convertable! Well, actuuuuaaaalllly, she has her own electric wheelchair! She's scooting around quite well, but watch those toes! She's been practicing by trying to escape Dad, I think!
She tells me that two new young people have been admitted to Magee. Let's pray for them, as well.

9/11 Carl reports a funny scene during Melissa's PT. Apparently, Melissa was SITTING on the edge of a therapy table (woo-hoo!)practicing balancing by sitting using both hands to support herself. Then, she would use only one hand for support and smack the therapist's moving hand in front of her with her free hand.
Then, her therapist, Erin, decided to use an inflatable ball and throw it to Melissa to catch. Melissa was to use only the left hand to balance herself and the right hand to catch the ball. Got the scene in your mind?
Well, Erin made a real bad throw that was aimed to Melissa's right but went waaaaay left and Melissa went for it with all she had using her right and almost went off the table!!
What do you think the Therapist said to Melissa?
(find the answer on Coming Events page)
9/8 Melissa says that everyone is so nice to her at Magee and she is so happy to be there.(if she had to be "somewhere") The therapists are impressed with what Jefferson already had been doing with her therapy. She reports that the food is "decent".
Question for all of you:
What makes it a "good" day for Melissa? The answer can be found on our "coming events" page!!!!
9/7 Melissa loves Magee so far! Everyone has been very nice to her, she reports. She's doing more for herself now and has started her therapies already. Apparently, there is a group of young people undergoing rehab in Magee with whom she'll be able to relate. Let's all pray for those young people as well!!She's had her first shower!!!!! We can all relate to that! Stay tuned....

9/5: Melissa is breaking out of Jefferson!! Sometime tomorrow, Saturday 9/6, she'll be transfered to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for intensive therapy. Rehabs from around the country were considered by the family. They chose Magee for it's National reputation as one of 14 Model SCI Hospitals AND because Melissa and her family feel that being close to family and friends has made, and will make, the difference in her recovery! Those therapists are already amazed at what Jefferson's therapists have been teaching her to do! Melissa is a fighter!!! Let's all pray for God to guide all her new Therapists. ALL OF YOU HAVE MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON HER!
Stayed tuned....
9/1 New Development:
Yesterday, Melissa was able to talk! The news was held off so that Melissa could surprise Lia today with "Happy Birthday" when she came to visit with cupcakes! Good thing her appetite is back! Heather and Alicia surprised Melissa with a visit from college. Having Ryan and her sisters near her means so much to her.
8/30 entry...
FRIDAY NIGHT VISIT....
Aunt Eileen was Melissa's hot date (?)while Mom and Dad went on their dinner date!
Melissa now has her own wheels! *check out her newest pictures* She'll be sitting for at least 2 hours each day and she loved her new perspective! She's even creeping-watching people getting on and off the elevator!(I tried to stop her Lia!)
She has sensation in both of her legs! She's getting even more sensation in her hands! She has feeling now over more parts of her abdomen! She's taken over the controls of the keyboard that controls the TV. She'll soon learn to operate their internet over her TV! I've copied her most recent guestbook entries. Her spirits are up thanks to seeing her friends and brother and I was just told that she loved the surpirse visit from Heather & Alicia! She'll be getting a valve over her trach so that she'll be able to talk better*look out!*

Mom & Dad are planning to remain at the downtown hotel through this week, probably.
Stayed tuned for more....

Friday afternoon entry---
Carl says that Melissa's status has improved and she is now OUT OF ICU! CARL WAS RUBBING HER RIGHT KNEE AND SHE SAID "STOP DOING THAT!" SHE APPARENTLY FELT IT!!

She has her appetite back and ate McDonalds and FF and finished it all. She had her tracheostomy downsized. They want to get her rehab started ASAP so she'll be out of Jefferson, we hope quickly!
Her infections seemed to have improved, she'll be off antibiotics on Sunday.
Stay tuned for more tomorrow!