great things from Albuquerque

Hello everyone,

I have been away from Pinky for 6 weeks. The progress as all of you have seen with the video that Steve and Holly posted last, is quite impressive. I did a transfer (moving her from bed to chair or chair to pool etc.)with mom when I got here and her improvement is huge, Last time I was here I would have to lift all of mom's weight this time only about 20% she lifts the rest of her weight. It was so great to see such improvement. Now mom really needs to work on all of her small muscles too(core muscles) she needs all these so she can move around in bed and get out of the bed. When I was here last, mom had so much pain that it really broke my heart, this time the pain is down to a minimum, which keeps every ones spirits high. Because of the pain she was experiancing she got spasms which brought her arm progress way back, her arms have alot of tone(muscles are tight) they are getting better now with everyones efforts but I must tell you all, it is a battle of epic poportions, her progress is slow and tedious, 2 steps forward one step back. Since mom wakes until she gets into bed about 8 or 9 at night they work, mom wants her life back, so we all know if you want something bad enought, it isn't just gonna happen, you got to work for it. Thanks for all her letters and prayers they are always welcome and they work with her spirits.

Pinky's daughter,
Beth

Little Dove Nesting in the yard

Spring has sprung here at Redneck Rehab. The Spring winds have reminded me that another year has past and so much has changed. Pinky came to visit last March and I keep thinking what should have been done differently. My lovely mother...
well oh well, shouldn't dell in the past.
This Spring a cute little dove, whom we call Peachie due to her peach head, has decided to make a nest right out side our kitchen window. New life. We think she is a new mother because her nest is small, a little shabby and the branch she's on is a bit shaky. Not the work of a seasoned dove. We look forward to seeing her every morning that she still sits and waits for her chics to come. Here's looking at you Peachie!
Pinky has been kicking ass and taking names this week!!!
Just today she stood up on her own from a high-low mat into a walker. Huge move. THEN in the same therapy session she walked with really minimal assistance in her legs for the first time. Rose just held her waste but Mom's leg movements were all her own. Hot Dog!!! If everyday were like today I would kneel down and become a nun or something. Go Pinky.
These past two weeks or so have been so amazing, Pinky has gotten her power back. New magic and movements everyday, thank you universe.
I hope, God do I hope and pray, that we are in an upward swing and Pinky is on the road to recovery. We met two men at rehab this week, Elkrider and Frank, that I believe have inspired Pinky to work harder. These gents work out all the time and their recovery has been markable. Her work ethic is stronger and she's always exercising. It's either the guys or her wanting to get back to her great life in NJ. Either way, Pinky is the queen of patience and pose.
God save the queen!!

Pinky walks!!!

Standing God

Mom's therapist came to the house this week with her youngest son Gabe. He was so taken by mom that he went home and made her a "Standing God". This God takes chocolate treats to help mom stand up and walk. The God has legs of steel so mom will be strong like bull and starting walking around. Too cute. We went to the pool at rehab 4 times this week and are planning to keep it up an a weekly bases.
Mom had a great week, less pain and more strength. Hip-hip-hooray.
Gene arrived today so mom has some better company than just the regular staff at Redneck Rehab.
I'll try to take pictures of mom the "Aqua Eagle" this week, it's so great to see her floating around relaxed.
hugs and kisses,
Holly

Swimming!

An extra special thanks to all who attended mom's "funraiser" last week. Pinky cried for 3 hours straight while watching via hidden camera. I can't even imagine how much love she felt while watching all those amazing people gathered just for her. THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING MY MOM FELL SO LOVED!
On our front this week; Pinky got to go into the therapy pool for the first time Friday. Wow, what a difference no gravity makes. She was like a like guppy swimming around feeling her body out of a bed or a wheelchair. We have paid to use the pool 3 times a week and went again this afternoon. It helps so much to loosen her muscles and to feel weightless. Another added bonus is the shower room after that we have use of. Pinky hasn't been bathed with full on water since December. Our bathroom is too small us to transfer her into. But don't get the wrong idea, we DO bathe the beloved Pinky with bed bathes. It sounds so horrible to say she hasn't showered in 3 months. We are looking into our local YMCA to see about swimming everyday.
Mom's therapist Rose made a house call today (don't tell her boss) with her two amazing boys . Being at home made mom feel so comfortable verse being at the rehab hospital. The florescent lighting effects her and the whole vibe of the place brings her down so working out at home was great. Thank you Rose, Xavier, and Gabriel for coming over to play.
Pinky's pain level has been manageable for the past few days and she has been sleeping well. Let's keep praying for more better days. Thanks again for all the love.
-Holly

Wow, this has been a really big week for Pinky and family. This past Thursday night most all of my mothers friends and family got together to help raise money for her recovery, to say that the night was a success is an understatement. There was about 260 people who attended, it was held at the Merri Makers in Sea Bright, the room was set up beautifully, I have been there for weddings before, but the room had a completely different feel to it, much more cozy. Because of modern technology and the efforts of Lori Schoenig, Sophia Kho, and Sarina Tu (and many others) my mother was able to attend via. the Internet, there were 2 cameras that showed Pinky live feed from the party, one in the back of the room and one by the stage. Her being able to see everyone there did so much for my mothers recovery, I know it in my soul. She misses her beautiful life in New Jersey so so much this gave her a real sense of how much she is loved, I know she will work that much harder to get back to everyone. So from the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you for everyone who attended and of course everyone who was involved in the orchestration and execution of the event.

Sincerely, Beth

Red Neck Fun

Since the weather here in Albuquerque as been so wonderful we have hired Jeff, our transportation tech., to transport Pinky around in her very own trailer. Via la Rojo Neck.

Still hoping and praying in Albuquerque

Greetings followers of the great Pink one,
Another week has past and it feels more like a year than just days. Mom has been up and down, some really bad pain then other moments of peace. A few mornings ago she had whole body spasms that made her curl into the fetal position and she thought her bones where going to break. Poor mommy. But things seem a little better since then so who knows. We have moved up to mega pain killers and they seem to be helping when nothing else will.
The days here are boring for mom, she has just a rich a wonderful life in NJ but here it's just me and Steve to amuse her. I fear that Steve and I are sort of losers and don't keep much company but luckily our neighbors on both sides are very kind and like to visit with mom.
I am forever optimistic about moms recovery but when the doctors said slow I really didn't nor could have imagined anything this slow.
Pinky also continues to be positive and optimistic but when the pain is unbearable she speaks a different tune. Please continue to pray and send magic healing energy to my amazing mother.
-Holly, Case Coordinator at Red Neck Rehab.

Roller coasters suck.

Hello everyone,
It's been a really rough 2 weeks. Mom's been in a lot of pain and has been recovering from a bad urinary tract infection. We've had better days. Her infection has causes those damn spasms to come all the time and her whole body is so stiff and tight. Mom's physical therapy had to slow down due to her pain and therefor has causes her to lose some muscle mass and strength.
I have to honor mom's physical therapist Rose Vallejo, this wonder woman is a saint. Rose is taking a week off from work for her children's spring break but is going to come over to our house to continue therapy with mom without pay during that week. She even offered to stay late so Steve and I could go on a date. Wow! I love Rose.
I hope and pray to write better news soon. I apologize for miss spellings and poor grammar on this blog but our time is better spent tending to Pinky.
All my love and gratitude to all who love my mommy.
Holly

Pinky and Steve doing some hand therapy. Most acivities bore mom so we have to try to make things fun.

Hello

Hello,
The past few days have been rough. Pinky has yet another Urinary Tract Infection which causes bad spasms and sleepless nights which in turn means she doesn't do her physical therapy. We've missed two days this week with Rose and I'm hoping we can make it tomorrow. Everyday in bed sets her back so it's hard to balance her healing and getting her up and out to do exercises. I hate this cycle!!!
Beth has been here since Saturday and has yet to see Mom at her best. We have 5 good days then a few bads days. I know this isn't a recovery of a straight upward slope function like x^2 but I really wish I did have a mathematical equation to predict the out come.
As a reminder, Pinky's Fundraiser is coming and tickets need to be purchased in advance because food is being served. Please send your RSVP to:

Admission: $40 per person

Reservation: By mail by March 25
Make check payable to Andrea Adubato
(Pinky’s legal name) and mail to: Lori Schoenig,
23 Mitchell Place, Little Silver, NJ 07739.
Include names of persons attending, address, phone, and email. Indicate if you plan to bring gold fo cash.

Can’t come? Donations welcome.
CHECKS AND CASH ONLY.
Sponsor a page to wish Pinky a speedy recovery.

Thanks everyone for your continued support and love.
Holly

Hi everyone,

I just got into Albuquerque Saturday, after being away for 6 1/2 weeks, the difference I see in my mother is in her spirit. When I was here last time I tried to have a couple of times to talk about the future and mom was not having it! This time she is open to more than one day in advance, I see this as a wonderful advancement. Physically she is also getting better, she is starting to have a lot better control of her body, her mussels are still weak so that is what everyone is focusing on, getting stronger. (I never really got that we have up to 2000 different mussels, and mom has to work on them, almost one at a time.)

It is great to be back with her,Holly and Steve. Holly and Steve have basically put their lives on hold to take care of Pinky, I am extremely grateful to them as I am sure my mother is too. An average day consists of getting up at 5:00am for pills, most likely changing of her briefs also because she is voiding quite often at night. At 9:00am is when we start to get her out of bed but first she needs some more pills and a little breakfast which usually a yogurt and a shake. 10:00 is out of bed and starting with exercises, Steve is her drill Sargent he is wonderful with her since he is not her child she can not manipulate him as easy as she does with Holly and I. They work out for about 4 hours, it is not consecutive, in between she has lunch and needs to be chatherdized 3 times a day. When she is not doing something she tries to nap since keeping her energy up is key. Mail comes late in Alberquerque about 4:00, this is a really big time for Pinky she loves to read her mail from her great friends and family. At night we put her back into bed for dinner and she really enjoys TV.

This was a day without going to re-hab. When going to re-hab they still work out at home but it is mostly stretching they do not want her to get too tired out. They have to put her in the truck, Steve up to now is the main transfer person (he lifts her by him-self, by using balance and her own weight.) Mostly re-hab is at 12:00 and 2:00, 1 hour for Physical therapy and 1 hour for occupational therapy with an hour in between to rest, this is when they usually run out for lunch at either McDonalds or Burgerking and they all have something on the $1 menu. Re-hab is three days a week the other four days are at Holly and Steve's. Holly also spends many hours ordering supplies and calling Dr.'s, Therapists, massage Therapists and so many other peoples.

I thought you should know why Pinky doesn't have time to call her friends, it is because she is very busy getting better.

I will be here for the next few weeks and I come out as much as I can to take a little stress off my sister and of course to help my mother. Gene and I usually switch spots.

Pinky's oldest daughter, Beth.

250 ft. and counting

Hello everyone,
This was a great week for Pinky! The end of last week was difficult due to lack of sleep and a bad stomach flu that I had. It's hard when the care giver gets sick but thanks to Lunesta and a few days of eating dry toast things are back on track. Pinky hasn't sleep well in the 4 months since her accident. We've tried Ambien and she would still wake up every hour. Last Friday we tried Lunesta and hip-hip hooray Pinky finally sleeps. She wants to buy stock in the company.
Tuesday at rehab Pinky showed amazing strength and was able to stand on her own (with the help of leg braces) for a few minutes. This is a far cry from about 6 weeks ago when she would either vomit or faint or a combo of both. It's hard to mark the daily progress when you're in the thick of it. It's kind of like when your dog gets fat, you don't realize it till someone comes over and says "wow, your dogs really fat". Like watching your hair grow.
Thursday Rose her therapist did a test called the STANDARD NEUROLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF SPINAL CORD INJURIES. Muscles are tested and scored between a 1 ( the lowest) and 5 (the highest). Pinky scored a 3+ on most leg muscle groups which is all she needs to walk. She may have to wear leg braces but thats nothing compared to her lack of mobility about 2 months ago. Great news!!! Her left foot is a little non-responsive to testing, perhaps the nerves aren't communicating well there yet but whats a few toes in the big picture of things.
Friday, Mom walked the best she ever has and the furthest. She's initiated most steps on her own and showed more control of her moments. When I say walk I mean she has a table in front of her to support her arms and Steve and Rose are holding her on either side and kicking her feet forward but it's a start.
Her arms have been the cause of most pain and frustration. She was doing so well but now the muscle spasms have turned her arms into a tight mess.
Beth returns tonight for a 2 week visit and Gene leaves tomorrow. My house feels like a hostel. All are welcome.
Peace and love,
Holly

There’s No Place Like Home
A Fundraiser to Benefit Red Bank Artist
• • • Pinky • • •



Thursday • April 2, 2009 • 7-10pm

Merri-Makers at the Waters Edge • 1465 Ocean Ave, Sea Bright, NJ



Local artist Pinky suffers from an incomplete spinal cord injury from a hiking accident a few months ago in New Mexico. The fundraising is to assist her recovery to bring her home to her beloved communities in Red Bank. Visit Pinky’s blog at:



Click your heels and play for Pinky while you enjoy a casual, fun-filled evening!


• Art and photography for sale

• Live, silent, and Chinese auctions

• Cash for Gold – Bring your unwanted gold jewelry and get cash on the spot.
Jewelers will donate 10% of their proceeds to Pinky.


Live music • Light food • Cash bar • Complimentary wine



Admission: $40 per person

Reservation: By mail by March 25
Make check payable to Andrea Adubato
(Pinky’s legal name) and mail to: Lori Schoenig,
23 Mitchell Place, Little Silver, NJ 07739.
Include names of persons attending, address, phone, and email. Indicate if you plan to bring gold fo cash.

Can’t come? Donations welcome.
CHECKS AND CASH ONLY.
Sponsor a page to wish Pinky a speedy recovery.

For questions, basket donations, and sponsorship, contact:

Lori Schoenig: lorischoenig@comcast.net

Sarina Tu: pinky.stu@live.com

Paul Fleming: pjfleming3@hotmail.com

Mom is resting for a moment from her aggressive physical therapy with our own therapist Steve. Bike riding, leg lifts, leg swoops and such. Her muscles are slowly gaining strength and coordination. She gets tired quickly so we rest and then continue until she needs more rest.
We will return to work on her arm therapy in a few minutes.
I wanted to share pictures of our surprise visit from baby Olive this morning.
How can you have a bad day well this is the first thing you see.

Working out is fun,

Another day

Hello,
Another day here at Red Neck Rehab, the weather has been strange as is this whole scenario. We hit 73 degrees and the neighbors daffodils bloomed last week.
We saw Dr. Turner today (the neurosurgeon)and all good news. Mom's spin is healing nicely, as the doctor put it "she'll always has an abnormal x-ray of her spin" but that's OK with us if she recovers. Psss.. don't tell anyone but her T-9 is compressed and may look odd in an x-ray. Speaking of x-rays, Sunday we took a new set and forgot to take out two bobby-pins in her hair. The technician taking the x-rays was really concerned about the strange pins in her head until we all realized what they were. Humor comes in the oddest of places some times.
Mom is continuing to walk with her leg braces at therapy twice a week with the aid of her therapist and Steve. Today she walked about 130 ft. with slow confidence and speed. Anyone who knows mom will knows that she is a fast walker so trying to maintain her natural speed while remembering how to walk is a challenge.
Gene arrived Sunday and is falling back into pace here at Red Neck Rehab. It's easier for me and Steve because we haven't left this situation but for people coming and going it takes time to get back into the swing of things again.
Moms pain comes and goes. Last night was really rough and has set her back a bit. The spasms cause her whole body to tighten up that it takes days to return to a more relaxed workable state. Her arms were doing so well but now they are tight and stiff. She barely has any range of motion and it hurts too much even to move them. We have upped her spasm medication so hopefully she will find some relief.
Mom's good friend Lori is hosting a fund raiser on behalf of Pinky on April 2, 2009. I'll keep you posted on that in the near future.
Again, thanks to all for all the love and support.
Holly

An apple a day keeps the codes blue away.

Hello Pinky fans,
We had a chicken day today. A message, good work outs at home and some fine rest. Jane's company has been wonderful. I've had the honor of having the Hofer sisters in the house for the past week. Jane brought pictures of their parents and cousins and we've been traveling down memory lane.
Our latest goal here at Red Neck Rehab is to get Pinky's stamina going. She gets tried so easily but slowly and surly she is getting back to business. We have been concentrating on getting her core muscle mass strong and remembering how to use the secondary muscles to aid in the process. I never thought about how to walk or move so much in my life but oh boy is it hard to get up and out of bed. We are all so lucky! Let's have a moment of thanks...

Go Pinky.