January 22, 2001

Thank you all for your faithful prayers!! Dan improves on a daily basis!

Dan is getting more trunk control; he is now able to sit in his wheelchair without the chest strap to support him. He can also bend forward and back without help, although the vest, which holds the “halo”, limits this action.

Those who know Dan can probably empathize with Darrell, the physical therapist! Dan constantly subjects Darrell to harassment and teasing. Darrell got the opportunity to repay Dan a little for the grief he’s been putting him through. During his physical therapy session on Friday, Dan was for the first time, able to lie on his back and roll to both sides. Darrell told Dan that he had reached the physical equivalency of a seven month old; he could roll over now! Dan also laid on his stomach and supported himself with his elbows. Not having done this for a while, it created quite a head rush. Pictures of this physical therapy session have been added to the website picture collection.

Dan was able to stand for 30 minutes on Friday. The low blood pressure is making it difficult for him to stand any longer without feeling faint. Please pray that his blood pressure will return to normal so that he can stand longer without dizziness.

Saturday Dan left the hospital for lunch with the group, this time enjoying Chinese food. Candi, Nicole and Dani, and Dan’s mom, Doreen Whitney, joined him for lunch.

Dan and Candi want to thank everyone for the meals that are being brought to the hospital! They are really enjoying the home-cooked food and appreciate the break from fast food and hospital food!

Janet Hadley