|
||||||||||||
Click here to go back to the main page.
Friday, April 11, 2008 519 PM PDT
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
but trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence
he hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast;
unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.
by William Cowper
Dear Family, friends and prayer partners,
I started off this update with a poem that touched my heart. The word of God and the hope He gives us continues to sustain me as our family goes through trials in one form or another day by day.
The last couple of months bring praise for the health of Fernanda, for the most part has been very healthy. She fell ill with the flu for a couple days back to back weeks in late January, outside of that her health has been fantastic. During the flu season of 2007 she was ill just about each week the first two months of the year. Debbie also caught the flu for a couple of days in February, thankful it was quick. Please take a moment to sign Fernanda’s guestbook and check out her pictures. She receives great joy knowing she is not forgotten. A postcard through the mail is another idea.
Signing her guest book
http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/guestbook.html
Pictures
http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm
Sleeping
Sleep continues to be a battle for Fernanda one to two nights a week. She appears to be tired though has difficulty falling asleep, we try to communicate with her to identify if there is a pain, needs to be moved, too hot/cold… though it is difficult to identify if there is an irritant. We have been working with her on the tilt table 5 days a week for 33-36 minutes to see if this may help break up the spasticity and tire her out (possibly these may be bothering her at sleep time). The new regime doesn’t seem to make a difference.
School
Fernanda goes to school at Charter School of Morgan Hill 5 days a week, two hours at a time. In January the school district assigned a couple of different inexperienced aides to assist Fernanda at school. She was not benefiting from school hence I starting sending to school the graduate student I had hired as well as recruited Fernanda’s Speech Therapist to assist. They worked with the aides and the teachers to facilitate Fernanda involvement in the classroom and in a social setting with the school population. In late February Fernanda was assigned a new aide, Usha whom will be with her until the end of the school year. This week I had the opportunity to meet Usha and share personal tips on Fernanda. We are very pleased with the new aide!
Caregivers
I hired a couple new caregivers, Kourtney and Tara. Kourtney is a graduate student from the OT program at SJSU. Tara is a recreational therapist student also from SJSU. She had a traumatic brain injury just a few weeks before Fernanda in 2004.
Our night time caregiver situation broke down abruptly in late March when our Monday and Tuesday night caregiver was let go by the agency. She let her license expire and has no plans to renew. The agency has not been able to replace her which leaves us without night care on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights each week. If you know of someone who has their Home Health Care Certification (HHCC) and might be interested in a night shift please have them contact me. I will put in contact with the agency. The training to secure a HHCC is very short, about 21 days.
Therapy
Unfortunately Jim, Fernanda’s home teacher has fallen ill with various aliments and has been unable to see Fernanda over the last couple of months. The district assigned a new teacher, Valerie. Denise, Fernanda’s speech therapist has been helping with training Fernanda. The teachers are working with Fernanda on her volitional movement hitting her switches, as well as visual tracking and head movement. In addition to these therapeutic exercises they are reading grade level appropriate material.
Peggy, the alternative technology communication specialist visited us to try a few low tech eye gaze systems with Fernanda. The systems did not work well for Fernanda; the contrast with Fernanda’s eyes is not significant enough for the system to recognize.
She doing so well with her oral feedings with Denise, she has her down to 14 minutes for 60 mls of puree food.
Hanging out, going out…
Our family enjoyed going to church in Sunnyvale and brunch with our extended family at our home for Easter Sunday. Fernanda goes to her age appropriate Sunday school class at church each week. I am working with the teacher and other student in the class to teach them how to use the switches. We went out to lunch as family in downtown San Jose. Fernanda’s blender came along with us and she was able to eat with the rest of us. During Girl Scout cookie sales Fernanda helped sell cookies with her troop at the Morgan Hill bowling alley. She has taken in a couple of new movies, Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who and College Road Trip. Taking in a movies is one of Fernanda’s favorite outings; it is a joy to see her laughing so much during the movies!
The rest of the family
We celebrated Jacob and Grammie Wilber’s birthdays in February and Andres 7th birthday in March. Alejandra is enjoying playing softball for Presentation High School. She is a junior this year.
Wish List
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of April are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Gift cards for the following stores are very useful in helping meet our daily needs, Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway. The cards may be mailed directly to our home address, 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
2) Out door wheelchair swing for Fernanda, I have some ideas on what would benefit her sensory system we, need someone to take the project lead to quantify the design, work involved and costs. A second team would be needed to fundraise.
3) Help framing photo graphs received in our Christmas cards.
4) Help with hanging pictures on our walls.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our April prayer requests are:
Prayers...
• Pray the Lord will provide night caregivers to help Fernanda and her family.
• Debbie’s cousin in Washington received a diagnosis of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in mid February. She too has a caringbridge site, please keep her in your prayers http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexishengbeckley
• Praise Fernanda remained healthy during the flu season.
• Pray for Fernanda’s new aide at school and the therapist working with her at school. Praise for the new aide who was assigned to Fernanda
• Pray for the IEP meeting we have with the school district regarding Fernanda on April 24th
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, January 28, 2008 3:50 PM Pacific
Happy New Year Family, friends and prayer partners,
Our family had a blessed Christmas season in part thanks to many of you who gave us presents, stopped by to visit, donations to Emmaus Christian Fellowship and gift cards. There were also a few who stopped by with creative talents, Kathy Kahlenberg helped decorate our home, David Nitoff, Carlos and Jerry Bressler who hung Christmas tree lights on our home. Our family of 6 enjoyed many times together over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Debbie’s aunt and family came in from Washington for Thanksgiving at the Wilber’s. During Christmas we all had two weeks off which gave us many times to hang out at home or do day walks in our neighborhood. The time together was a blessed time most of the time though can be trying too. Praise God none of us fell ill, well until the week before last, Andrés came down with strep throat and an ear infection. Thursday, Fernanda came down with a mild case of the flu, she stayed home Friday from school. It seems to be a mild case though please do keep her in your prayers, last year she was sick just about every week during January and February.
We mailed out several photo Christmas Cards in late December, if you did not receive one from us and you would like one please let us know. Many people tell us over the year they use the photo card as a reminder to pray for our family. We are so grateful for your continued love, care and concern to our family; it makes a huge difference in our day to day life. It has been 3 ½ years since Fernanda’s trauma, the day to day life goes on for our family and yours, the support many of you give help the Hernandez family as we take each day at a time living Coram Deo (before the face of God).
Sleeping
Fernanda’s sleep patterns for the most part have been very good; there have been one or two nights a month where she is up until 4 or 5 am though thankfully it is farther and fewer days between such long nights. We have been given her Melatonin nightly at ~ 9 pm, an hour before bedtime to jumpstart her sleep pattern.
School
Last week Fernanda started a new schedule and new classes, Nutrition and theater arts at Charter School. We are hopefully the content and structure of these classes will lend itself to more opportunities for Fernanda to interact with her peers and participate. Two new aides hired by the school district have worked with Fernanda over the last three weeks, one filled in with Fernanda the first week of January and another the last two weeks. We are not clear on where the school district is at on hiring a long term permanent aide. Here your prayers are needed; it makes a world of difference for Fernanda school experience to have the “right” aide.
Caregivers
We hired a new daytime caretaker in December, her name is Christine. We said goodbye to Marisol in late December, she had been working for us for a year. The agency that provides us with a small portion of our day care hours and all our night care hours sent us a new person in January; she lives locally allowing her to work shorter shifts. The night caregiver situation continues to be a struggle on and off. We do not have a night caregiver on Sunday and Mondays through mid January through mid February.
Speech Therapy, Home Teaching and Alternative Technology (AT)
Her oral feedings continue to maintain at 60 mls of puree food twice a day. Her speech therapist Denise and Jim her home teacher created a new board, they place laminated DVDs and CDs covers on the board affixed with velcro. Fernanda is asked to use her eyes to find the covers and track them both with eye and full head movement. She has a goal to turn her head both directions 90 degrees. During December her OT, AT specialist and home teacher met together with Fernanda to evaluate her use of the switches in different positions. She is doing okay with the switches though where she has progressed more rapidly is with her visual tracking. The same team is getting together in mid February to review her progress and possibly try an eye gaze system with Fernanda.
Hanging out, going out…
She continues to go out and about to the movies; we went out as a family to Cheesecake Factory during the holidays. Fernanda enjoyed a pureed soup. It is quite loud in the restaurant; before we entered we put her ear plugs on which helped considerably. During December we were invited to a couple Christmas parties, one by our prior neighbor the Goslins and Make a Wish. They happen to both be on the same day. Santa visited both parties, in Santa Clara at City Beach and in Morgan Hill. The first weekend in December we celebrated Christmas with a party at our home hosted by Debbie's father's friend Marianne. Our children loved the early Christmas festivities. In late December the entire Hernandez family attended a surprise birthday party in Gilroy for Grammie Hernandez. It was a fun evening for all and a rare opportunity for all the Hernandezs to get together. We visited the orthodontic doctor in November, he is evaluating whether he can do anything about the considerable crowding of Fernanda’s teeth. We are going to wait to do anything for a couple of reasons, she has teeth still coming in and she needs to be able to mover volitional control of her mouth. Fernanda had her pump refilled a couple of weeks ago; they changed the concentration of the medication which means Fernanda does not need another refill until October 2008. Lauren (one of our day caregivers), Fernanda, Elena and I went to the local Centennial Recreation Center last week for a dip in the indoor pool.
Fernanda is a teenager
That is right, she is officially a teen, January 5th she celebrated her 13th birthday with a few friends and family. We went out to see the movie Enchanted and returned to the house for presents and pudding pie.
The rest of the family
Jacob took on a new job with a new company in late November which has brought him many new opportunities to grow.
Alejandra secured her drivers license at the end of November, the new found independence is a joy for her.
This year Elena embraced the magic of Christmas, she was so enamored with the tree, lights, decorations, stuffed animals and of course presents! Awe the magic of Christmas in a child’s eyes! She is growing and becoming Mommy’s little helper at home.
Andrés is progressing in school with his academics, just before the Christmas holiday we noticed a jump in his cognitive skills. We are pleased he continues to progress and so enjoys going to school daily. Debbie continues to work with him on therapy to help him with his sensory integration problems and academics. He is also growing physically, any type of physical activity, given another person is engaged is a favorite pastime. He continues to be a challenge at home demanding a considerable amount of mom and dad’s time.
Debbie found a couple opportunities to go out with a girlfriend for lunch and another time to have a pedicure. These times out of the house are a joy and refreshing for me.
Wish List
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of January are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Gift cards for the following stores are very useful in helping meet our daily needs, Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway. The cards may be mailed directly to our home address, 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
2) Out door wheelchair swing for Fernanda, I have some ideas on what would be nice though I need someone to take the project lead to quantify the design, work involved and costs. A second team would be needed fundraise.
3) Help framing photo graphs received in our Christmas cards.
4) Help with hanging pictures on our walls.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our January prayer requests are:
Prayers...
• Please pray for Fernanda to stay healthy during the flu season.
• Pray for Fernanda as she starts new classes at school, pray for her teachers and the children in the class. Pray for the permanent aide yet to be hired by the school district.
• Pray for the IEP meeting we have with the school district regarding Andrés on Wednesday, January 30th.
• Pray the Lord will continue to provide caregivers day and night to help Fernanda and our family.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, November 12, 2007 3:21 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends,
Sleep and caretakers….
It has been a month of challenges with our caretakers’ availability, both during the night and day. Fernanda has been having a very difficult time sleeping, we are not sure why and have tried a new medication, Zanflex which has helped her fall asleep ~50% of the time. The combination of the two, caretakers and tough time sleeping for Fernanda has impacted our day to day life significantly. Jake and Debbie have had little sleep 2 – 3 nights a row, each week since early October. Debbie has been working closely with the agency which provides for our night care and some daycare to ensure they are working diligently on finding replacements. In the 11th hour situation the agency was able to help us and Fernanda’s school, Charter School has also helped in providing an aide for her when the day time aide we are currently supplying has been absent. The reason for the caretakers absent varies from family emergencies to planned vacations.
We said goodbye and hello to a couple of daytime caretakers, Michelle left at the end of September and Aleta, a graduate student from SJSU joined us to help on Friday afternoons.
Hanging out, going out…
Fernanda enjoyed trick or treating with her neighborhood and Girl Scout friends, she was very attentive all evening looking at each individual as they handed out candy and the costumed children in the neighborhood. I can truly say it was an enjoyable evening for her as it the expression goes “it was written all over her face.” See the cute group picture in Fernanda's album
Fernanda attended two doctors’ visits, one in Santa Clara to have her Baclofen Pump refilled. And the second appointment, the same week to have her teeth cleaned. We increased the pump dosage to give her a burst of 30mg in early afternoon to see if it helps with her afternoon spasms. This weekend we noticed during the day she was more lethargic, we are not sure if this is an adjustment for her body or she is receiving too much baclofen. There were no cavities at the dentist! After her dental appointment she spent an hour and half at Grammie and Papa Hernandez's home visiting, her Grandmother was delighted!
Andrés is attending a recreational class at the Morgan Hill Centennial Recreation Center (CRC) two times a week plus playing soccer with the local recreational league. He is really enjoying the class at the CRC, there are two teen boys leading the class, one day a couple of weeks ago Debbie needed to bring Andrés to the class with Elena and Fernanda. Elena found a friend to play with and Fernanda enjoyed admiring the two teen boys coaching the class. Debbie has also been working closely with Andrés on a routine basis with his academics and occupational therapy at home.
Elena turned three years old October 22nd, we celebrated with a family celebration at Chuckie Cheese in Gilroy and a small birthday party with friends at home. Both Andrés and Elena came down with their first colds of the season last week.
As a family we went to a birthday party in Alamden Valley, Fernanda enjoyed watching one of our fellow church members dress up as a Heffalump from Winnie the Pooh.
Jacob and Debbie had the pleasure to attend Alejandra’s Junior Class Ring Ceremony at her high school.
Alternative, Augmentative Communication (AAC)
We started using a new communication board (including pictures from the software Boardmaker) which was introduced to Fernanda’s Alternative Technology Specialist, Peggy and myself at the Bridge School Seminar we attended at the end of September in Burlingame. The system is called Pragmatic Organized Dynamic Display PODD by Gayle Potter. Fernanda is interested and likes using it as she does turn her eyes and head toward the board. PODD is used with other children that have severe communication issues, we are hopeful with practice and experimenting she will be able to have a higher level of communication. Debbie attended an all day lab in early October at the Bridge School in Hillsborough on Participant Planning. She learned of the importance of planning and preparing for Fernanda’s participation utilizing her switches (step by step, Big Mac) in all settings, home, church, school… The outcome of the class was a set script for Fernanda to use in the morning and upon her arrival at school.
Speech….
She continues to do very well with her feedings, she set a new record with eating 60 mls of pumpkin soup using her feeding dropper in 13 minutes. 5-6 days a week she receives two oral feedings a day. Our goal is for her to have three feedings orally, the challenge arises when there is a lack of caretaker support.-
School….
Fernanda is attending school on a regular basis 5 times a week for two hours a day. The classes she is attending are Language Arts and Science. She loves the social time in the class with her classmates and most of the time the content though when the material is dry or the class is too rowdy Fernanda does need to take time outside of class.
Denise, Fernanda’s speech therapist and Debbie along with a program specialist from MHUSD visited a special education school in Gilroy last month.
Misc….
Debbie took in Fernanda’s wheelchair for a minor tune up on her wheelchair; new cabling, a new headrest and tray mounting were installed. The headrest does not have as much support as her old one, it is utilized when she is attended to 100% of the time and has more head strength.
Wish
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of November are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Major routine maintenance expense for EuroVan used to transport Fernanda to school, camp, church, the movies and excursions with the family. $700-$950
2) Gift cards for the following stores are very useful in helping meet our daily needs, Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway. The cards may be mailed directly to our home address, 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
3) New towels and mats for Fernanda’s bathroom, $75 Costco
4) New shoe rack for her closet $30 Target
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our November prayer requests are:
Praise.....
- Praise for the donation allowing Jacob and Debbie to attend the Wrightslaw Special Education Seminar in March 2008
- the gift cards we received
- Praise we had a productive IEP meeting for Fernanda
Prayers...
- Pray for to God to provide for all their financial needs.
- God’s presence will be known and felt in Fernanda and our family’s life each day
- Pray the school district will follow through with their commitments to several items on Andrés and Fernanda’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) in a timely fashion
- A new caregiver will be hired and start in November
- Pray Fernanda’s sleep patterns improve to give her and us a goodnight sleep. Pray our all our regular staff of caretakers returns soon.
- Jacob and Debbie to be able to balance the many roles and demands placed on her
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Friday, October 5, 2007 6:45 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends
Yes, this update is long in coming, it has been roughly 2 ½ months since our last update. I haven’t given up on writing the updates it is a balancing act with the various activities (planned and unplanned) that occur in the Hernandez household.
Since our last update three children have gone back to school; Fernanda’s Augmentative and Alternative (AAC) specialist has been by our home a couple of times to work with Fernanda. Sleeping at night Fernanda was tough in August, September was good and this month is off to a rough start. Debbie was able to get away for three days and two nights to enjoy a wonderful weekend in Vancouver, WA celebrating her cousin’s weddings in August (Jacob and family did wonderful while I was gone). Fernanda had her baclofen pump refilled; Lindsay, one of Fernanda’s summer caretakers left for school and Lauren who worked with us last academic year came back after a short summer break. Fernanda enjoyed an outing to her Speech Therapist’s home to see High School Musical 2 (I think Zac Efron has ousted Jessie McCartney as Fernanda’s number 1 heart throb). Fernanda has returned to Girl Scouts and attended her first meeting; we enjoyed celebrating Alejandra’s 16th birthday and Fernanda’s Papa Wilber’s at The Wilber Ranch with several family and friends; we attended a San Francisco Giants game; a vision specialist and her AAC specialist have visited Fernanda in the classroom at school to evaluate, assist and make recommendations to her aides and teachers.
More on a few of the activities….
AAC
Fernanda’s caretakers, speech therapist and teachers were given instruction on how to use her switches. She received a step by step which allows her to carry on a conversation in sequential messaging. We added a new software called Opera on her computer which will read audibly highlighted text on a website. She definitely demonstrated her preference and ability to use the switch for Peggy (her AAC specialist) when motivational material is presented (Jessie McCartney, Zac Efron, Suite Life of Zac and Cody….). Fernanda’s Occupational Therapist from CCS came by to work with Jim, the home/hospital teacher on positioning of the switches.
Pump refill
We tracked her spasms for two weeks in a log form to help us determine if there is a time of the day or activity that triggers the hard spasms. The hard and more frequent spasms seem to occur when she is eating; she has them at other times as well though we can not pinpoint an aggravator. We will talk with Dr. Mandac further when we go in November for another pump refill.
SF Giants game
Minus Alejandra our family attended a SF Giants game in late August. Make a Wish hosted the event where we had a small party and were able to met three players; Jacob had them autograph her lap tray for her wheelchair. Thank you also to the Lakka family for giving us their bonus points enabling us to spend the night at the Marriott in San Francisco.
Please see the pictures from our SF Giants outing and Alejandra and Doug’s birthday party in August Fernanda's album .
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of October are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Major routine maintenance expense for EuroVan used to transport Fernanda to school, camp, church, the movies and excursions with the family. $700-$950
2) Gift cards for the following stores are very useful in helping meet our daily needs, Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway. The cards may be mailed directly to our home address, 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
3) Registration fees for: Pete & Pam Wright of Wrightslaw.com present: Special Education Law and Advocacy, $150 registration details
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our October prayer requests are:
Praise.....
- for one of my caregivers who has been with us for a year was able to pick up several more hours this month; I was able to hire a new caregiver for 1 day per week
- the donation giving me the opportunity to attend a Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference sponsored by the The Bridge School
- the gift cards we received
Prayers...
- Pray for Jacob and Debbie to have faith and listen to God to provide for all their financial needs.
- God’s presence will be known and felt in Fernanda and our family’s life each day
- Pray the school district will follow through with their commitments to several items on Andrés and Fernanda’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) in a timely fashion
- A new caregiver will be hired and start in November
- Jacob and Debbie to be able to balance the many roles and demands placed on her
Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" An excerpt from Tabletalk devotional which encourages us: “Difficult problems will come. Dealing with them requires us to face the fact that these trials are sent by God. He is good in what He gives, and He intends good to come from what He gives.”
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Wednesday, July 25, 2007 9:28 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends
Last month we had a wonder 4 days of respite at the Joni and Friends camp in Scotts Valley. We were assigned three short term missionaries (STM) who cared for the children (Fernanda, Andrés and Elena) through out the day. The children had the opportunity to play basketball, water games, participate in a Joyful noise parade, go swimming, sing praise music, attend worship, square dance….. The camp is a ministry of http://www.joniandfriends.org/ to provide respite for children and families with special needs. Jacob and Debbie were able to take a break listening to a minister speak to each morning about “joy” while in the afternoon we participated as a family in the extra curricular activities. Each of the STMs was a perfect fit for our dear children. There were few teens attending the camp thus Alejandra let us know if we go back next year she wants to be a STM. Please see the pictures on Fernanda’s webpage http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm .
Over the last month and half we have enjoyed some lunching outings at church and a restaurant, these were long days for Fernanda and the family though she did wonderful! We brought her VitaMix blender and vitamins in a padded bag and blended the food served and fed it to Fernanda. She really seemed to enjoy the outings as she was all smiles and there was little to no crying.
We have had two to three rough nights over the last month and half where we have given Fernanda valium and Tylenol with codeine more often than in the past several months. It seems as if she is in pain or uncomfortable. The Tylenol and Valium does seem to help relax and take some of the edge off. She also had the flu this month which put her out of commission for a few days.
Last month Andrés and Elena had swim lessons for a couple of weeks; we took Fernanda to watch them and then followed up another day with getting Fernanda in the water. She loved the time in a different position! A couple of friends (Katie and Gracie Georgi) were at the pool and swam up and greeted Fernanda. We hope to go back another couple of times this summer. The Morgan Hill Aquatics Center has a lift to safely put Fernanda in and take her out of the pool. Over the 4th of July holiday we attended a party at our neighbor’s house, Jake took Fernanda in their pool for a 40 minute swim! The morning of the 4th we went to the local parade, it always seems like it is the hottest day of the year on the 4th of July though Jacob picked out some ideal spots for us early in the morning thus we were fairly comfortable.
Fernanda went to see the movie Ratatouille, it was cute movie, the graphics are incredible.
Earlier this month Fernanda had a modified barium swallow test done on July 12th at Kaiser Santa Clara. Here is a link explaining the study further http://www.wchi.com/slp/mbs.html . Fernanda had one of these tests done two years ago. We asked her physician to repeat the test for a couple of reason, 1. She is using a feeding dropper now instead of a spoon 2. She is having several spasms while eating; we wanted to make sure she is not struggling swallowing while she is eating. The outcome of the test was positive; she is not aspirating her food.
The switch continues to be used once to twice a day, her success rate on how accurate her volitional movements are varies on the content of what she views on the computer, how rested and comfortable she is in her chair. We don’t use her switch in bed.
Her new caregivers have been a blessing to Fernanda and our family.
This week Fernanda has been attending a local Girl Scout Day Camp at Lake Anderson for a couple of hours each day with her caregiver Michelle. She (and Michelle) is having a wonderful time in the outdoors. The camp is 15 minutes from our home. Alejandra is also attending the camp as a staff person managing her own unit with help from another high school senior.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of July are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Books for Alejandra‘s junior year in high school, $550
2) Major routine maintenance expense for EuroVan used to transport Fernanda to school, camp, church, the movies and excursions with the family. $700-$950
3) gift cards for gas and food expenses (Trader Joes, Costco, Target, and Safeway)
4) Conference registration for Debbie to attend The Bridge School Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) seminar. $125 - $175 depending on how early Debbie registers. http://www.bridgeschool.org/aacbythebay/aac07_fees.html
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our July prayer requests are:
Praise.....
- for the restful and joyful time we had at the http://www.joniandfriends.org/ camp in June
- Fernanda continues to make progress and her quality of life has increased as compared to last year
- The new caregivers hired have been a blessing to our family.
Prayers...
- Pray for Jacob and Debbie to have faith and listen to God to provide for all their financial needs. Gift cards for the following stores are very useful meeting our daily needs, Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway gift. Our home address is 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
- God’s presence will be known and felt in Fernanda and our family’s life each day
- Pray the school district will follow through with their commitments to several items on Andrés and Fernanda’s IEP in a timely fashion
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Sunday, June 10, 2007 5:24 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends
Summer is upon us, well not officially until June 21st though it feels like it, the weather is turning warmer and the children are out of school. Fernanda had her last day of school Thursday, June 8th. Andrés and Alejandra are also out of school, what this means is new schedules and new routines!
Last month Fernanda had her baclofen pump refilled by Dr. Benjamin Mandac, he was her doctor the last 6 weeks of her 6 continuous months in the hospital in 2004. Dr. Mandac started with Kaiser – Santa Clara in March. We are delighted to have him take Dr. Benton Giap’s place as her physiatrist (physical medicine/rehabilitation). Fernanda did great going through the refill process even with an audience, Dr. Mandac took advantage of training two of his lead nurses (the pump is new to Kaiser – Santa Clara).
Fernanda went to the dentist, Dr. Michael McKeever in Gilroy to have her teeth cleaned. This is the first time she has gone to his office since her trauma, typically he has been coming to the house to clean her teeth. She cooperated very well with Dr. McKeever opening her mouth on command about 50% of the time. He did need to use a clamp to keep her mouth open at one point to clean some of the tough places.
Last month the Golden State Warriors were part of the basketball playoffs, a first in 15 years. Jacob was glued to the TV during the playoffs thus Fernanda (and the rest of the family) too took part. Fernanda enjoys hanging out with her Daddy! This month they enjoyed the girl’s softball tournament on TV.
Early in May Fernanda received a communication device (two pieces) to help her communicate. This is the first step in using an alternative communication device. The picture of Fernanda on her website http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm with Lauren shows one of the two pieces. Fernanda uses her right arm and shoulder to push her elbow back to hit the switch. We are able to record new comments on the green switch for it to audibly play. She takes the switch to school and her buddies help her to record appropriate messages. Fernanda works on this 4-5 times a week with her home hospital teacher. She is just roaring in laughter when they work together. We pray she will master the switch enabling her to access literacy material on the internet, her CD and DVD player. The school district has ordered laptop, software and other communication tools.
Her tilt table activity has been slowed a bit, 3-4 times (30 minutes) weekly vs 5 times at 40 minutes as she had a three orthostatic hypertension episodes in the last month. Here is a weblink discussing it: http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/medical/orthostatic.html I consulted with Dr. Mandac, he suggested we also use Jobst stockings (tight, thicker nylons). We are also taking her up slower, about 6 minutes to 75 degrees vs heading straight up.
We interviewed and hired a couple new care providers, this month. Praise God! I am working hard along with her existing caregivers to train them. One started this month and the other will start in July. Debbie is very thankful for the new girls as we are losing two of the students this month, Simona who graduated in May and Lauren who is on summer break for 8 weeks.
Fernanda received a visit from Lauren parents in late May. Lauren’s dad is a practicing OT, he worked with Fernanda stretching her fingers, wrists, arms. He used a small vibrator and little pressure to help loosen her muscles. She received a good stretch in her hands, wrists and arms. We purchased an inexpensive vibrator and have started to use it in the like fashion, especially before we put on he wrist splints.
Last week Fernanda was evaluated at California Children’s Services (CCS). They evaluated her skills and positioning of using the new switch; hand/wrist range; vision; and input for her IEP for school. Her OT at CCS is an extended IEP team member. The OT agreed with the positioning of the switch on her tray. She would like to explore the switch positioning in another area in due time. We are estimating she volitionally activates the switch 50% of the time the other half of the time we are not sure if it is her or spasticity that activates the switch.
Fernanda and Debbie went on a field trip to Rancho Canada del Oro ( http://www.openspaceauthority.org/ ) with her 6th grade class at Charter School of Morgan Hill (CSMH). The ranger held a special talk on the new wheelchair accessible trail with the class discussing plants and erosion. Friday June 1st, Andrés, Lauren, Debbie and Fernanda had a fun time at the CSMH Family Fun Festival (see picture on the website). Fernanda used her switch at the festival to help take part in a puppet show.
Yesterday afternoon we held a follow up Individual Education Plan meeting with the Morgan Hill Unified School District for Fernanda, much was accomplished!
Elena and Debbie attended Alejandra's year end awards assembly, we were very proud to see her receive most improved student! Alejandra heads into her Junior year in high school in mid August.
Praise God for the generosity of several families who have helped fulfill numerous wishlist items. Thank you for the donations for the Vita Mix canister, the Joni and Friends camp (we leave Monday 6/10/2007!), EuroVan car windshield, Safeway gift card to help with groceries and gas. God’s gifts provided through you truly are a blessing and help us more than you know.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of June are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Books for Alejandra ‘s junior year in high school, $300
2) Major routine maintenance expense for EuroVan used to transport Fernanda to school, church and excursions with the family. $500-$700
3) gift cards for gas and food expenses (Safeway, Trader Joes, Costco, Target)
4) Resources to help us provide at home therapy for Andrés http://www.alertprogram.com/products.php
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our June prayer requests are:
Praise.....
- Andrés has responded positively to the medication
- We were able to come to agreement with the Morgan Hill Unified School District for both Andrés and Fernanda’s IEP
- Providing for our May wish list items
Prayers...
- Directing Jacob and Debbie in their finances, providing for their financial needs and raising their family as God desires (Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway gift cards are very useful. You may mail them directly to our home: 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
- God’s presence will be known and felt in Fernanda and our family’s life each day
- Pray for Debbie and the children as we start summer and a new transition begins with our children all out of school.
Psalms 100: 4-5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Tuesday, May 8, 2007 5:17 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends
Fernanda almost went two months without falling ill, woo hoo! A couple of weeks ago she caught the flu which forced bed rest for about five days, then it took her another three days to get back in the grove of her daily routine and diet.
There was just one visit to the doctor, her pediatrician in Gilroy for an annual physical. Fernanda and Elena were due for routine vaccination shots. Between the two of them they had four shots, neither of them cried during the episode!
Her oral feedings with the feeding dropper continues to go very well. During the weekdays she receives two oral feedings of 60 mls and even three some days. The biggest challenge is on the weekends when there are fewer caretakers in the house to help provide the support. It takes 30 minutes to sit down and work with Fernanda for each feeding. The food she eats for the oral feedings is oatmeal pureed, soup, pudding, avocados. Fernanda’s next goal is 180 mls (3 - 60 ml oral feedings a day)
In late March Fernanda had fun taking her baby brother Andrés and Elena for a haircut. After the hair cut we all went out to Chuckie Cheese for lunch, Fernanda attended school prior to the outing. It was a busy day though she enjoyed the time out of the house and entertainment from her siblings, Chuckie Cheese is one of their favorite places to visit.
Carlos Mateus, a dear friend whom Jacob attended graduate school with in Berkeley came by for dinner at our home. He was traveling on business from his home in Brazil. We bid farewell to Carlos and his beautiful wife Anna Paula and their daughter Isadora three years ago, just four months before Fernanda's trauma. This was Carlos’ first visit to see Fernanda since her trauma. It was a warm and touching evening for us all.
We count on Fernanda sleeping well every night; last month we had a couple of episodes where she wanted to be a night owl. She didn't want to go to sleep, if her care provider, Chona, turned off or took away the DVD player after the movie finished she would cry, she was up until 3:30 or 4:30 am watching movies! Before her trauma it was not uncommon for us to find Fernanda up until 11:30-12:30 am reading books, doing arts and crafts goofing off in her room.
A couple new caregivers started over the last month, one a local Morgan Hill woman and another SJSU student. Debbie is looking for another caregiver or two to bring on board, especially during the summer months when a couple of her students are taking a leave or moving onto an internship. The caregivers who have been in our life for the last 2 ½ years since we brought Fernanda home have been a blessing, we trust the Lord will continue to bring us more of his flock.
Debbie is working with the Morgan Hill Unified School District to update Fernanda’s IEP which expired in early April. She had a meeting with Fernanda’s IEP team in late April, several open issues are pending.
Easter weekend and in late April we were without a caregiver for two different nights, thus Jake and Debbie had the responsibility of moving Fernanda’s position in bed every two hours. Thankfully both nights Fernanda had minimal to no problems falling sleep. We did give her a small amount of Tylenol with Codeine and/ or Valium one of the nights, it helped somewhat though I think the DVD helped even more!
Easter Sunday we enjoyed fellowship with our church family at First OPC in Sunnyvale and a potluck Easter brunch with our family at our home. Check out the new pictures on Fernanda's website. http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm
Spring break was no break for Fernanda; we worked her real hard on her therapy (tilt table 5 times in one week 35 minutes at a time, sitting side lined on the mat, range of motion on the mat, oral feedings). She is in a regular routine now with her therapy and given she does not have too many appointments out of the house she is able to adhere to the routine. We continue to push her duration for each of the activities.
Thank you to her caregivers and family for taking care of Fernanda and her siblings while Jacob and Debbie had a couple of days to explore the Pacific Coast celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. While we were gone the Hernandez children ventured out of the house to the movies!
Fernanda and Debbie went on a field trip to see a play in San Jose, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. One of her peers, Justin Issacson had a lead role in the performance. On a different day they enjoyed with laughter and smiles a dry run of the Charter School of Morgan Hill talent show
Joni and Friends.org gave our family a scholarship to attend the family camp we are seeking to attend in Scotts Valley during mid June. The balance for the family vacation is $260.
During the last update we mentioned the doctor visits and testing we are doing with Andrés. During March and April we talked with the doctor several times and made a few trips to the lab for an EKG. After the fourth try and a small amount of medication Andrés was able to do the test. The purpose of the test was to help us determine whether Andrés could use a specific class of medication to help with his aggressive behavior and impulsivity. This week we will start him slowly on the medication.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of May are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 ;
1) Funding ($260) to send Fernanda and Andrés along with the family to Joni and Friends camp in Scott Valley during 5 days in June http://www.joniandfriends.org/pg_retreats.php
2) Vita Mix canister (smaller one) http://www.metrokitchen.com/item/VM-015636/
3) Windshield replacement ($250) for the Van we use to transport Fernanda.
4) Resources to help us provide at home therapy for Andrés http://www.alertprogram.com/products.php
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our May prayer requests are:
Praise.....
- Fernanda has been very healthy and happy!
Prayers...
-for Andrés as we start him on a medication.
-Directing Jacob and Debbie in their finances, providing for their financial needs and raising their family as God desires (Trader Joes, Costco, Target and Safeway gift cards are very useful. You may mail them directly to our home: 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437l)
-for new caregivers to be brought to our family
-God’s presence will be known and felt in Fernanda and our family’s life each day
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Saturday, March 24, 2007 12:53 PM Pacific
Happy Spring Prayer partners, family and friends,
No you haven’t missed an update, it has indeed been 2 ½ months since our last one. Sorry! The months of January and February were trying, to say the least. Fernanda was sick off and on every week during the two months. She had the flu, colds, ear infections, strep throat. Along with the illnesses came planned and unplanned doctor appointments as well as various therapy appointments. The illnesses are very tough on Fernanda as she is unable to tell us what and where it hurts. As a result of the illness she along with us had trying days and nights. I just read something this morning during devotions: “God has shown Himself faithful in past. When doubts assail us, we do well to consider the Lord’s faithfulness to us in years (months) gone by so that we can persevere in faith as we wait for Him to complete His good work in us”. Here is where our family finds hope to persevere day by day.
Since our last update we celebrated Fernanda’s 12th birthday. Our family had a small celebration going out to the movies; Fernanda enjoyed some chocolate pudding pie as her “cake”. She had this orally through her mouth with a spoon. The orally feeding strategy has now changed, we (Denise her speech therapist, Debbie and Fernanda) visited a feeding specialist in Fremont during February. The specialist works with children transitioning them from GT feedings to oral feedings. We are now using a dropper (very close to an eye dropper) and putting the food in the back of her mouth between her cheek and teeth. Fernanda is proud to report she is now up to two oral feedings a day of 60 mls over a 30 minute time period. We feed her the food orally just before she is ready for a GT feeding. Gradually we hope to decrease her GT feedings as the volume and number of her oral feedings progresses.
Fernanda had a big trip to Kaiser Oakland (9 hours we were gone from the house) to see her orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon. During the visit she had x-rays taken of her back, all looks good 9 months post scoliosis surgery. The neurosurgeon visit was less evasive; he did a cursory visit looking at her wound sites from the baclofen surgery done a year ago. To our delight both surgeons signed Fernanda off for a year plus. She does not need to come back until the summer of 2008!
During mid February one of her night caregivers thought they heard Fernanda’s baclofen pump alarm go off. We had to rush her up to Redwood City to have the pump checked out. The alarm actually did not go off; the doctor went ahead and filled the pump thus the drive was not for waste. I contacted the manufacturer of the pump to receive a file of the alarm noise (the doctor allows us to hear the alarm during our visit though I have no way to activate the alarm at home since I do not have the “Palm” like technology at home.) I have since allowed the caregivers to hear the alarm so they know what they should hear.
A trip to Santa Clara to see her GT doctor was also made. Fernanda is doing well with her growth; she is weighs in at 86 lbs and is 5 feet tall! They (the doctor and nutritionist) are very pleased with her progress. Remember a year ago we transitioned her food off the “sugar” canned formula to pureed table food utilizing the Vita Mix.
Due to Fernanda’s illnesses during the first couple of months we were not able to do my physical therapy; this month we have since resumed her mat and tilt table time. She is on the tilt table just about every other day at 30 minutes, increasing the degree she is standing at gradually. She tolerates the time very nicely. She also is working on sitting sideline on the mat where she either looks at herself in a freestanding mirror we were able to purchase with the money several of you contributed over the Christmas holiday OR watches her DVDs.
We had a couple of trips to Santa Clara in January and February to see an orthothist to fit Fernanda for new hand splints. The splints are easier for her caregivers to put on, they are softer and easy to wash, and the downside is the positioning is tougher for Fernanda.
One of the programs (IHSS) we use to fund our caregivers conducted a reevaluation during February. The good news is they gave Fernanda a significant amount of more hours! Since this time Debbie has been contacting, interviewing, and checking references, adjusting schedules, interacting with IHSS to hire and train. We lost one of our regular night care givers whom cared for Fernanda since September of 2005. During this we were out a night care giver for three nights, two weeks in a row. The exclusive home health care agency in Santa Clara County that provides health care workers to pediatric patients was able to find a new person. So far the new night caregiver is doing great, Fernanda and our family like her skill set and personality. Debbie has been spending a considerable amount of time managing personal, adjusting schedules, training, recruiting. This is a major issue we have constant problems with on a routine basis. Please pray for us in this area.
Starting in January Fernanda increased the number of days she is attending school to three days from two days. Along with this came new transportation and an aide at school. Debbie continues to take her one day a week and is her aide on this day, while the other two days a bus from Morgan Hill Unified School District transportation picks her up and the aide along with a gathering of students meets her at the bus. Two buddies are assigned to Fernanda each month; they are responsible for helping the aide care for Fernanda at school and include her in the projects/classtime activities.
Over the last couple of months we have taken Andrés to the doctor several times. We have been exploring various avenues for a diagnosis. We saw a therapist twice and conducted a sleep apnea study at home twice (this was a challenge with Andrés who is very tactical sensitive). He saw an ear, nose and throat specialist for his mild case of sleep apnea. Andrés visited his pediatrician a couple of times for his respiratory illness, and a psychiatrist (two times) and psychologist. This past Fall we had an autism evaluation done, he is not autistic though they reported he has symptoms of ADHD and an expressive language delay. The doctors recommended we try him on medication to help with his impulsivity, we have decided to wait a couple of months to see if the new behavior plan created at school helps him focus.
Whew….if you were able to read through all of the update you can see why the update is so delayed and why I started off the update with a message our Lord being faithful.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of March are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . We have added several new items on the list;
1) Vita Mix canister (smaller one) http://www.metrokitchen.com/item/VM-015636/
2) Funding to send Fernanda and Andrés along with the family to Joni and Friends camp in Scott Valley during 5 days in June http://www.joniandfriends.org/pg_retreats.php
3) Windshield replacement for the Van we use to transport Fernanda.
4) Resources to help us provide at home therapy for Andrés http://www.alertprogram.com/products.php
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our March prayer requests are:
Praise.....
-Fernanda has been very healthy during March.
-Fernanda response to the new feeding with a dropper is going very well.
Prayers...
-for Andrés as Jake & Debbie work with his teachers on a new behavior plan.
-Directing Jacob and Debbie in their finances, providing for their financial needs and raising their family as God desires (Trader Joe, Costco, Target and Safeway gift cards are very useful. You may mail them directly to our home: 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437l)
-Pray for the caregiver situation to be resolved. We are having multiple problems in various areas.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Thursday, January 4, 2007 4:58 PM CST
Happy New Year Prayer partners, family and friends,
Our entire family plus Papa and Grammie Wilber and Fernanda’s Aunt Maria and family just returned on Tuesday from a magically trip to San Diego courtesy of Make a Wish Foundation. Fernanda had her wish full filled to swim with the dolphins.
The month of December was filled with several out of the house adventures , visiting a special 500 crèche scene exhibit with Sharon Sousa, her Grammie Wilber, sister Elena and Mom in Palo Alto. When we probed her if she liked the exhibit there was no smile though she laughed when we asked if her if she liked Grammie's funny hat (a coloring book). Grammie was using it to entertain the girls in the car. She attended he younger brother Andrés Christmas production at Jackson school, she went to the HP Pavilion and tried to see High School Musical in Concert (the music was too loud so Mom and Fernanda had to leave early while Jacob and Alejandra stayed for the rest of the concert. (Thank you to Christy and Grace Majchrowicz for watching Andrés and Elena.) We enjoyed going out to church every Sunday this month, even when we were in San Diego. The Bonita Orthodox Presbyterian Church in the San Diego area was very hospitable to our family.
She took a break from school the last two weeks of December though resumed right after New Years and will increase the number of days she attends school to three days from the current two days. The school district will be providing and aide and bus transportation two of the days and Debbie will continue attending one day. The school district found a AT/ACC specialist who will be joining our team with communication she will be making her first visit later this month.
Tucker Bear is back from her 26,000 around the world adventure. If you would like to follow her travels please visit http://www.mylifeoftravel.com search under FIRST name Tucker LASTNAME Bear.
Fernanda, fell ill with the flu a few days this month as as caught a cold, thankfully it was before the San Diego Make a Wish trip!
She is doing better with her speech, Denise (her speech therapist) is backing off on the physical prompts and Fernanda is increasing the number of bites. She is up to about 22 on a regular basis.
John from CCS made a home visit to give Fernanda’s mother and caretakers a personal training session on how to us the tilt table and other mat exercises. Fernanda did real well with using the table and mat for two weeks until she fell ill and the holidays came upon us. Fernanda built up to using the table 25 to 40 minutes a day. We also saw her head control increase while sitting sideline on the mat. It is our plan to resume the tilt table and mat activities as well as explore getting in her in the local indoor pool on a regular basis. Fernanda took a dip in the pool with her Dad last week at the Centennial Recreation center (see the picture http://www2.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm )
Thank you to many of you sent Fernanda and our family Christmas gifts. It was so generous and loving of you to remember our family. We enjoyed each and everyone and so appreciate your giving heart.
Tomorrow, January 5th is Fernanda’s 12th birthday!
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of November are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our January prayer requests are:
Praise.....
-For the continual prayers and financial support. Fernanda received some generous gifts over the holidays from our church and extended family, praise be to God!
-Our trip to San Diego was wonderful, all the travels went well for our entire family. Fernanda's experience with the dolphins at SeaWorld was magical.
-The Morgan Hill School District for agreeing to our requests
Prayers...
-strength, patience and trust the Lord will provide for our daily needs
-we will live our lives according to God's will
-direction as a new year starts and new decisions occur in our lives
- meeting our financial needs. (Safeway, Costco and Target gift cards are very useful. You may mail them directly to our home: 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437)
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 3:50 Pacific
Happy Thanksgiving Prayer partners, family and friends,
We hope you enjoy your day on Thursday. Our family will be praising the Lord at Fernanda’s Grandparents home in Gilroy, a tradition we have held for several years. The Lord is good and has sustained us over our lifetime though in the last 2 years and 4 months he has been working tremendously in our lives. Fernanda’s family is so thankful for the grace the Lord bestows on us undeservingly. Each of you in an individual, personal way has been there to help us in some fashion, for this we are thankful with overflowing hearts.
How can the last couple of months be characterized? Doing more with less help. As I mentioned in my last update, Maria the OT graduate student we hired in September left us at the end of September to take on an unexpected internship I have been working hard with a SJSU professor to try and replace Maria. The professor and the other SJSU student I hired in August, Lauren has been posting flyers around SJSU. Thankfully an OT graduate student contacted us acouple of weeks ago, after meeting with her and checking reference she was hired. Simona started with us yesterday. Praise God for an answered prayer.
Fernanda’s activities during the last couple of months include:
Attending the Charter School of Morgan Hill two times a week. She is attending the 6th grade Social Studies taught by Cristin Reichmuth. A good portion of the children were her schoolmates when she attended CSMH 1st-3rd grade. Each of the children take turns the hour we attend class being her buddy. They are responsible for her during the class time. What a joy it is to see Fernanda smiling when we arrive at school (Mom is attending class with her for the time being.) She is in a great mood and comfortable during her time at school. (please see the photo album for pictures)
She attended two field trips with the 6th graders, Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium in San Jose. Both trips were fun and went real well for Fernanda. The museum in particular was difficult to maneuver in since there were several stairs and different levels. Two young boys (Christapher Harris and Clayton Carlson), classmates of Fernanda’s stuck with her the entire visit and lifted her up and down the stairs. The class made the visit memorable and enjoyable for both Fernanda and Debbie.
Papa and Grammie Wilber along with big sister Alejandra took Fernanda to see the play Beauty and the Beast at Presentation High School.
A visit to Dr. Giap’s office to refill her baclofen pump.
The medication Valproic Acid initial prescribed at Santa Clara’s Valley Medical Center in December 2004 to help Fernanda with her emotional labiality has been discontinued! We are progressing with discontinuance of another mood/spasticity/nerve pain medication, Neurontin. We expect Fernanda to be discontinued with this medication Friday, December 1st. Do you remember how many medications she was on when Fernanda came home from the hospital, six! She is now down to just three, Prilosec to help with acid relief, her Baclofen pump and the Neurontin. Soon she’ll be down to just two. Praise God!
We took her to Target to buy some new clothes with a gift card she received.
Sunday morning worship is a regular occurrence weekly for the entire family. (Alejandra has a taken a break from softball for the fall season leaving our Sundays open for worship.)
Juanita Baker hosted a delightful icecream social for Fernanda and her family.
Fernanda caught the flu in October for four days; thankfully no one else in the house caught it! Elena, Andrés and Jacob did catch bronchitis last month too. Big Sister Alejandra has the flu today, pray it doesn’t last long and the rest of us do not catch it. It is that time of the year.
A couple of therapist from CCS (California Children’s Services) made two visits to our home, a continuation of the evaluation started in September. Each year an annual therapeutic evaluation is done. A home therapy program was designed for Fernanda (mat exercises and a tilt table). During our visit to see Dr. Bains in October Fernanda was given authorization to resume her therapy as before her scoliosis surgery. He encouraged us to use a standing frame. The standing frame we purchased for her when she came home from her 6 month stay in 6 different hospitals unfortunately is not a good fit for her right now; it may later down the road. The tilt table is on loan from CCS, it will be used to give her some weight bearing. Later next week the therapist who designed the program will be coming out to our home to train us. In the mean time we are working on getting he use to her mat and practicing one person transfers.
Her speech is going real well, Fernanda is up to 23 baby bites of pudding like food. Her favorite is pudding at room temperature. Denise her speech therapist works with her roughly 4-5 times a week for an hour to hour and half at a time. She is experimenting with different foods close to pudding consistency though most have not worked too well. Jim her home teacher continues to work with Fernanda on head and eye movement as well as right arm and hand movement. Specifically he works with her on releasing and tightening her hand. Both Denise and Jim also read and discuss the social studies material from Charter School.
Andrés finished off his first year of soccer with local recreational league. His team was name the Blue Sharks. He enjoyed the activity and his coach did a great job working with him and trying to keep his energy funneled.
Elena celebrated her birthday with a small family party at home. The theme, why Barney of course. Elena typically wakes up before Fernanda in the morning, when I go to check Fernanda to see if she is awake and announce she is Elena runs to say “Hi Sissy”. She then proceeds to move the bed to her level, grab a small stool and jump in bed with Fernanda. “Sissy night-night” is what Elena says. She pulls the covers up over them. It is a sight to see! (See the photo album for a picture of the two year old.)
Please also see the lovely picture of Fernanda and Alejandra along with Will Maslak just before the two high schoolers set off to attend a special semi-formal dance in October.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of November are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail the contribution. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Our November prayer requests are:
- Miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met. (Call ECF 408-997-9866 or email ecf_sj@ix.netcom.com for specifics.)
- Meeting our financial needs. (Safeway, Costco and Target gift cards are very useful. You may mail them directly to our home: 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437l)
- The school district to act on our request for various items.
- Our strength, patience and trust to have faith in the Lord he will provide for our needs.
Philippians 4:4 ”Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 3:51 PM Pacific
"...Our heavenly Father's power is infinite. Not only is He omnipotent, but He also loves, provides and cares for us. No matter how vicious the storm, no matter how dry the wilderness, with our heavenly Father on our side, we have nothing to be anxious about." taken from Tabletalk, written by Nevin Mawhinney
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
The quote I included above is a reading I came across today which touched my heart deeply this afternoon. At different times as our family and dear Fernanda are riding the storm my mood varies, this reading reminded where to keep my heart, mind and soul.
We are hopeful for her quality of life to improve as we see up in her wheelchair for a good amount of the day as well as her demeanor of such a positive spirit. On a typical day she is up in her chair for about 9 to 10 hours (there is a 2 to 3 hour break in her bed between the morning and afternoon. It is an exception to have her crying in the chair or in bed. Hallelujah! Her disposition is one of happy with great interest in hearing and being involved with her environment, family and company. It is not unusual for Fernanda to start laughing or smiling while listening to a conversation.
She continues to enjoy working with her home/hospital teacher on a daily basis. Jim practices with her on head and eye movement as well arm and hand movement. Some days are better than others when she is able to move her head; eyes and hand, the fair to good days are outnumbering the bad to fair days. The right motivation gets her to turn her head and eyes, thus the reason we are working with a team of people from the Charter School of Morgan Hill(where Fernanda attended school before her trauma), her speech therapist and home hospital teacher to prepare the 6th grade students, parents and staff for her return. She is slated to return to the Charter School for two days a week, about and hour at a time to attend the social studies class. Last Friday we took a trial run to see the classroom and meet Ms. R. Fernanda enjoyed the visit, looking around the room and smiling, laughing quite a bit.
Over the last several weeks Fernanda and her family have been on the go as well as busy visiting with many visitors..
We had a birthday party for Papa Wilber and Alejandra at our home. It was a fun Luau theme party; Fernanda enjoyed the company though at times the noise was a bit much. Later in the evening she enjoyed watching the crowd from inside the house with the windows closed.
Two new OT students Lauren and Maria started with us. We said goodbye to dear Marisha and Sharan.
An IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting was held with school district regarding Fernanda’s schooling. New goals, objectives and strategies were created for the annual plan.
She enjoyed visits from her prior teacher, pastor, school friends and soccer teammates: Jessie Goldberg, Pastor Needham, Anna & Claire Parker, Crysta Causin, and Tarah & Sherri Duarte, Katie and Mary Chagnon, Coach Kelvin, Amber, Tula and Sydney.
Fernanda’s dentist, Dr. Michael Mckeever made a home visit (How many dentists’ do you know that make house calls?) He said Fernanda’s teeth were healthy; he did remove three remaining baby teeth.
Fernanda made a couple doctor’s visits, one to Santa Clara to see her gastrointestinal doctor as well as her nutritionist. She weighted in at 84 lbs, all the high calorie foods we are feeding her are working, she is gaining! We also went to Oakland to see her orthopedic surgeon. A new x-ray was taken; the doctor cleared her to resume all therapy. A follow up appointment was made the following week with her California Children Services Physical Therapist. He started an annual evaluation. In another week he’ll come out to our home to finish the evaluation and train us on how to use the standing frame. Unlike her travel trips in the past there was no crying due to the transfers or length of the time we were away from home. An improvement for Fernanda indeed.
While resting at home in bed she continues to enjoy books on tape from the Library of Congress and our local library (thank you Mary Williams) as well as music and DVDs.
Three Sundays in a row we have been able to worship with our church family.
Fernanda attended Andrés soccer game last Saturday; it was a beautiful late summer morning on the field.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of September are located at: http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Thank you for covering us in prayer, our new prayer requests and needs are:
- Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year. (call for the remaining balance)
- Monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda -- $35.00
- Miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met. (Call for specifics.)
- Meeting our spiritual, physical and financial needs. (Safeway, Costco and Target gift cards are very useful)
- Debbie's strength and patience managing the household and children; Jacob's strength at work.
-We hired two new OT students in August; one of them needs to leave in September due to an unplanned student internship. Pray for us to quickly find a replacement OT student to help Fernanda and Debbie.
-Pray for a smooth transition at the Charter school September 25th.
Fernanda LOVES receiving encouraging cards, photographs, message and is welcoming visitors. Your postcards decorate her lap tray she uses daily in her wheelchair, they draw Fernanda’s interest as well as people who come into contact with her. They help start a conversation with Fernanda. You may send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net, (408) 776-7979 .
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Friday, August 11, 2006 4:27 PM Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
It is with great delight and praise to God I report Fernanda is doing so good since our last update last month. She has had only three nights of poor sleep since July 11th, just three! Praise be to God for answered prayers. She has been doing very well in her swallowing therapy too. The school district signed a contract with a wonderful therapist to provide therapy three times a week, Kaiser pays for therapy two times a week (the same therapist comes for all 5 treatments). Fernanda is opening her mouth 90 to 100% of the time with a small physical queue in her mouth and a spoken one as well. The speech therapist said today, "Well Fernanda you are doing such a good job at meeting your goals I am going to need to come up with a new one." We continue to stay with the same food or consistency of food, pudding. The therapist and Fernanda have a special relationship. Her home/hospital teacher is continuing to come three times a week. He said to me today "She can be so motivated to move her head and eyes when she has the right picture." We are using 5 x 7 phones, crisp and clear which are very simple and straight forward. If you have a photo, 5 x 7 in size please feel free to send it to us for her photo album we use during therapy. One of the warm summer nights last month Fernanda found and tracked two airplanes in the sky. We have not seen her move her eyes much above midline.
We enjoyed a family outing to see the movie Cars last month, she did very well showing interest and was comfortable for most of the movie.
Fernanda traveled to Redwood City to see Dr. Giap to have her baclofen pump refilled, she did very well traveling in the car and during the pump refill. We brought along her photo album and Fernanda did an excellent job demonstrating her volitional head and eye movement. Marisha and Debbie were very proud of how well she did considering she didn't sleep the night before.
Fernanda saw her therapist from California Children's Services and her Psychiatrist from Kaiser. The therapist came to our home to modify her hand splints and the psychiatrist was checking in on Fernanda to see how her disposition and mood is doing. Per the psychiatrist and our consensus we have started to wean her from one of her three medications (Valproic Acid).
Chona, Fernanda's first home care giver who was out due to her own medical emergency returned July 12th. It is a pleasure to have her back on board for the night shift. Debbie continues to look for a replacement occupational therapist student to help care for Fernanda once Marisha (our current daytime caregiver three days a week) leaves us August 19th.
Several visitors stopped by this month, Sally, Sarah and Molly Witmer stopped by to say goodbye before they left for a 2 year assignment in Japan; Macey Dunne and Sarah Lewis came by to paint Fernanda's nails with pokka dots! .Emily Marsh was a dear entertaining Fernanda with her fun personality while reading Junie B. Jones books. During one of the visits with Fernanda's friends it was so cute to see baby Elena as she was showing Fernanda the photo album just like her teacher does on a daily basis.
On a personal note for the rest of the family …….Alejandra traveled to Johnson City, TN the first week of August with her softball team the Hollister Heat to the 14 U Girls Fastpitch Nationals. Appriximately 120 teams participated, the Heat played several games and ended up in the top 25. Jacob and Debbie enjoyed a rare evening out to celebrate Jacob's 25th high school reunion while Papa & Grammie Wilber along with Aunt Candi visiting from Vancouver, WA watched the children.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of August are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution , please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
Thank you for covering us in prayer, our new prayer requests are:
- Praise to god for answered prayer on Fernanda's sleep and caregivers; thanks for Alejandra's safe travel to Tennessee.
- Continued progress in Fernanda's healing; She appears to be happy and more comfortable each passing week.
- Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year. (call for the remaining balance)
- Debbie's strength and patience managing each of the children's needs as well as the families; Jacob's strength at work as he is going through a particularly demanding time at work.
- Meeting our spiritual, physical and financial needs. (Safeway, Costco and Target gift cards are very useful)
- An OT student will be found to replace our current OT leaving in late August.
Fernanda LOVES receiving encouraging cards, photographs, message and is welcoming visitors. You may send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net, (408) 776-7979 . Thank you for the cards many of you have sent while on vacation!
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, July 10, 2006 4:00 Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
I updated Fernanda's home page and the photo gallery with several new pictures, check it out: http://www2.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm
This last Thursday, July 6th we made our 2nd trip since coming home for surgery in the van. (The first trip was to Santa Theresa Kaiser, roughly 15 minutes from our home to remove Fernanda's stitches.) The trip last week was a 8 hour trip, we left the house at 8:45 am and returned home at 4:15 pm. The surgeon, Dr. Bains follows Fernanda closely 1 year post surgery. This was the first of four visits this year. They took an xray of Fernanda's back, had some blood work done and examined her surgical area. All looks good with her healing! It is 6 weeks post surgery, per doctors orders we have stayed home with Fernanda. He would like us to continue the same for another 6 weeks. A short trip to the movie theater was okayed! He also prescribed two person transfers to continue for a minimum of 6 more weeks which means we should continue to have extra help through the third week of August. The doctor is a little concerned about her weight, as is her family thus we have been working closely on her nutrition. Fernanda weighs about 74 pounds and is 59 1/4 inches tall (she has grown 4 3/4 inches in two years.)
The Fourth of July weekend marked Fernanda's 2nd year since her trauma (July 3rd is the anniversary date). I mentioned to Jacob, this year was not as tough as last year. Fernanda has made so much progress in the last year, there have been many challenges too with the Lord's hand to guide us along each.
The cards which you send to Fernanda, some while you are on summer vacation are real fun for us to read to her. She smiles so bright when she has mail! We take the postcards and tape them to her clear lap tray. Thank you!
Fernanda enjoyed a 4th of July rib and chicken cook-off at dear neighbor's home, Scott and Tina Marsh. See the pictures on Fernanda's website: http://www2.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda/photo.htm
We have a new speech therapist for the summer funded by Kaiser for two treatments a week. The school district speech therapist is unavailable this summer, we are praying the school district will hire the therapist Kaiser hired to fill in for the school district hours. Fernanda's new summer home/hospital teacher from the school district has been consistently and diligently working with Fernanda on her eye tracking and arm movement. Just this week Fernanda demonstrated how the hard work is paying off, she was able to move her right arm and open her hand on command, she also moved her head and neck on command as she was following pictures in a special album made by her caregiver Marisha. The album full of pictures is a motivator for her to move her eyes and head. It is so encouraging!!
On a personal note for our family….Alejandra is in high season with softball, her team, the Hollister Heat 14 under won NorCal Regional in Santa Clara on Father's Day weekend. The victory gave them a berth to Nationals in Johnson City, TN the first week of August. The team continues to play hard and frequently this month as they prepare for the competition with about 120 teams. Debbie, Alejandra and Andrés ventured up North to Auburn, CA to witness and celebrate Fernanda's Uncle Steve, Debbie's brother's wedding to Lori Wagner on June 24th. The much anticipated wedding was a joyous and celebrated event. Fernanda, Elena and Jacob hung out at home following the daily routine and watching the Giants baseball game.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of July are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution , please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
>miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met ;
>Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year
>monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda;
Thank you for covering us in prayer, our new prayer requests are:
- Fernanda to sleep on a more consistent basis, she is having trouble 1 to 2 nights a week sleeping. These nights she is up until the early morning hours crying. We are having a difficult time making her comfortable so she can relax and sleep.
- Consistency in care givers, we have had a few different ones since 1 of her 2 primary caregivers has been out on an unplanned surgery.
- Debbie's strength and patience managing each of the children's needs as well as the families.
- Continued progress in Fernanda's healing, she is doing very well thus far.
- Meeting our spiritual, physical and financial needs.
- An OT student will be found to replace our current OT leaving in late August.
Fernanda LOVES receiving encouraging cards, photographs, message and is welcoming visitors. You may send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net, (408) 776-7979 .
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Sunday, June 11, 2006 6pm Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
It has been almost two weeks since Fernanda returned home from the hospital. She really is doing much better than we expected. We no longer need to give her pain medication on a regular basis, it is given on a as needed basis. She is averaging about 1 pain med per day. During the day for the most part a pain med is not required as long as we keep up with moving her in bed every couple of hours and rotate getting her up in the wheelchair. This last week she was up in her chair for a total of 3 to 5 hours each day. A couple of nights were very tough on her and us, she couldn't sleep, seemed to be due to pain and we did not have a night care provider. One of her two regular night care providers is off due to emergency surgery. While the agency was trying to find a substitute we were out a night care provider three nights in a row. Since we had those two bad nights I called the doctor and he allowed us to increase her pain medication significantly.
We are lifting Fernanda in and out of bed with two people. It is extremely important to keep her back straight right now as she is healing. Although this method is not therapeutic it is safe for her and us.
During one of our updates last month I mentioned she is eligible for more services due to her cortical visual impairment. This month we received a cassette player and five cassettes. Fernanda is enjoying listening to the books on tape. The service is great, we order the books (thanks to Mary Williams for her input on selections) and the Library of Congress sends her new tapes. She is also enjoying watching many DVDs as she is recuperating.
This weekend we held a garage sale. It was quite successful thanks to the organization and advertising skills of Sue Lund and her four children, Cassandra Lewis and Carole Rado. We are so thankful for your long and early hours you spent to raise money for Fernanda and our family needs. Thank you also to several of you who provide several donations!
Friday Fernanda had her stitches removed at Santa Theresa Kaiser. Her surgeon at Oakland did not want Fernanda traveling so far for a 5 minute appointment (Santa Theresa is about 20 minutes from our home, Oakland is about 90 minutes). The first adventure out of the house since returning home Memorial day went very well. We take a trip up to Oakland for her surgeon to view Fernanda and take a new scoliosis x-ray series on July 6th. Outside of these doctor appointments she is not traveling out of the house in the van. She is enjoying the lovely Spring weather in her wheelchair outside. She loves to go to the park and spend time on the grass watching her siblings jump and fight on the trampoline.
Thank you all so much for helping us during this long journey. By God's grace we are being provided with so many blessed gifts: prayers, volunteering at our home, financial donations, phone calls, get well emails & personal get-well cards (these bring a big smile to Fernanda's face), poster cards, visits, taking care of Andrés & Elena, giving rides to Alejandra, welcoming us at their home in Oakland while Fernanda was hospitalized, to name a few….
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of June are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution , please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
>miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met ;
>Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year
>monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda;
Fernanda LOVES receiving encouraging cards, photographs, message and is welcoming visitors. You may send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net, (408) 776-7979 .
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Tuesday, May 30, 2006 5:30 pm
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
Fernanda arrived home safely yesterday afternoon! She is doing very well for having major surgery just 8 days ago. We are adjusting to her new schedule, medications and new helpers today. All and all she is doing excellent as long as we keep up one of her pain medications (Vicodin) on a regular 6 hour schedule, her other pain medication we have been able to minimize to just the sleeping time.
Thank you for your faithful prayers! Praise God for answering our prayers. Please continue to help us manage her daily needs and minimize her pain. Thank you also for those of you who have provided physical and financial support for us during our time away from the house. It has been so helpful!
In His grip,
Jacob and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, May 22, 2006 8 PM Pacific
The surgery is done (8 pm Pacific); it lasted about 10 1/2 hours, Fernanda was in the operating room about 12 hours. It took them about 1 1/2 hours to sedate and position her properly on her stomach. The positioning was a challenge with her spasticity and the large curvature in her back.
Just before they were ready to close the surgery Fernanda's catheter for her pump was severed thus the neurosurgeon's team who placed pump in during February 2006 were called in to replace the catheter line. She received about 4 pints of blood during the surgery. The surgeon said her back was very curved and the surgery likely should have been done earlier though there was some balancing done with the baclofen pump surgery. He told Jacob her ribs were touching her pelvis. (We were thought there was some pain since every time Fernanda took a big breath she would cringe.)
Fernanda remains heavily sedated and intubated, she will be on the breathing machine for another day or two. As a result of being on her stomach so long her face is very swollen. :(
Praise God for bringing her through surgery!
Fernanda,surgery update, May 22nd 2006, 9 am
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
Jacob just called me, they brought Fernanda into surgery just this hour. She is going into surgery at Kaiser Oakland for her fusion scoliosis surgery. This surgery, Fernanda's eighth surgery since her trauma is the biggest and longest surgery. She is expected to be in surgery for 8-10 hours, her hospital stay at minimum will be 5-7 days; recovery at home will be 8-12 weeks. She is not expected to be participating in physical or occupational therapy during this time. The surgeon told us at our pre-op appointment this past Wednesday the recovery is very painful. The primary purpose of the surgery is to ensure Fernanda does not lose her ability to sit up in the chair. It is a very complicated surgery though after prayerfully consideration, as well as researching it on the internet, and talking with her surgeon we feel it is best. Your covenant prayers for the surgeon and other doctors involved in the surgery that they will be able to handle the challenges of the surgery and keep Fernanda safe. Pray the surgery will go as planned, without any complications, and that the post-op pain will be manageable for Fernanda.
This last several weeks have been extremely challenging, especially last week where Fernanda had little to no sleep from late Wednesday through Saturday morning. She did a significant amount of crying. Initially we thought it was insomnia though as it continued we felt she had some pain or anxiety. Thankfully it subsided late Saturday afternoon.
Hurrah a new speech therapist, who is paid by Kaiser though does not work for Kaiser started with us last week. Fernanda really connected with her!
We all attended church for Mother's Day and then went to Papa and Grammie Wilber's ranch for a delicious Mother's Day brunch. I was a joy to take Fernanda out and enjoy church and different surroundings. Such a change from last Mother's Day where Debbie was grateful Fernanda sat up in her wheelchair for 45 minutes to enjoy dessert with us.
This month several of you made donations to our family, what a blessing indeed. Our expenses considerably out spend our income. Each month, by God's grace we are paying our bills and able to live in a home that truly meets Fernanda and the rest of our family's needs. Your faithfulness on our long journey is a demonstration of God's love and does so encourage us to keep hope.
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of May are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution , please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
>Help with expenses for Fernanda's surgery this month in Oakland (gas, food, miscellaneous)
>miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met
>Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year
>monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda
A new update will be posted to Fernanda's site in the next day or two to give you and update on her condition. Fernanda would LOVE to receive an encouraging card, photography, message and eventually a visit while she is healing. Please feel free to send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, May 22, 2006 9 am Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
Jacob just called me, they brought Fernanda into surgery just this hour. She is going into surgery at Kaiser Oakland for her fusion scoliosis surgery. This surgery, Fernanda's eighth surgery since her trauma is the biggest and longest surgery. She is expected to be in surgery for 8-10 hours, her hospital stay at minimum will be 5-7 days; recovery at home will be 8-12 weeks. She is not expected to be participating in physical or occupational therapy during this time. The surgeon told us at our pre-op appointment this past Wednesday the recovery is very painful. The primary purpose of the surgery is to ensure Fernanda does not lose her ability to sit up in the chair. It is a very complicated surgery though after prayerfully consideration, as well as researching it on the internet, and talking with her surgeon we feel it is best. Your covenant prayers for the surgeon and other doctors involved in the surgery that they will be able to handle the challenges of the surgery and keep Fernanda safe. Pray the surgery will go as planned, without any complications, and that the post-op pain will be manageable for Fernanda.
This last several weeks have been extremely challenging, especially last week where Fernanda had little to no sleep from late Wednesday through Saturday morning. She did a significant amount of crying. Initially we thought it was insomnia though as it continued we felt she had some pain or anxiety. Thankfully it subsided late Saturday afternoon.
Hurrah a new speech therapist, who is paid by Kaiser though does not work for Kaiser started with us last week. Fernanda really connected with her.
We all attended church for Mother's Day and then went to Papa and Grammie Wilber's ranch for a delicious Mother's Day brunch. I was a joy to take Fernanda out and enjoy church and different surroundings. Such a change from last Mother's Day where Debbie was grateful Fernanda sat up in her wheelchair for 45 minutes to enjoy dessert with us.
This month several of you made donations to our family, what a blessing indeed. Our monthly expenses considerably out spend our income. Each month, by God's grace we are paying our bills and able to live in a home that truly meets Fernanda and the rest of our family's needs. Your faithfulness on our long journey is a demonstration of God's love and does so encourage us to keep hope. (Remember Fernanda's middle name is Esperanza, which means hope.)
The Hernandez Family wish list items for the month of May are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 . If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution , please call 408.997.9866 for more detailed information as to how to do so and where to mail it. You will receive a receipt reflecting the total amount of your donation.
>Help with expenses for Fernanda's surgery this month in Oakland (gas, food, miscellaneous)
>miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met ;
>Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year
>monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda;
A new update will be posted to Fernanda's site in the next day or two to give you and update on her condition. Fernanda would LOVE to receive an encouraging card, photography, message and eventually a visit while she is healing. Please feel free to send her a card, arrange for a visit or talk to Fernanda on the phone via 18334 Christeph Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037-3437, or email us at fernanda_hernandez@sbcglobal.net.
Coram Deo,
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, April 24, 2006 3:06 PM Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
It has been a tough month for Fernanda. Just when we thought she was back in the swing of things from her surgery in February she has had three real hard nights during April where she hasn't fallen asleep until 4 or 5:30 am. These nights are tiresome for Fernanda the next few days as she tries to recover. Unfortunately we haven't figured out why she had the rough nights of sleep. Right now she is sleeping and trying to recover from an infection. We took her to the ER room at Kaiser on Saturday due to her fever, unusual disposition (she woke up screaming on Saturday morning), lethargic nature, and just plain looking under the weather. The doctor put her on some amoxicillin, which we started immediately. Today, Monday she still is not doing too good. We pray the infection subsides immediately.
Thursday of last week we took a trip to Jacob's Alma Mater for a special eye exam at the UCB School of Optometry. The ride up there took 2 hours which started getting Debbie stressed on how well Fernanda would participate in the exam. Fernanda did excellent and worked with the doctor fantastically. The doctor has diagnosis her with cortical vision impairment,(here is a link which talks more about it : http://www.blindbabies.org/factsheet_cvi.htm ). Fernanda appears to see better out of her left eye in the lower right quadrant of her visual field. The doctor has been researching the field for several years, following some children for 10-15 years. There is a 50/50 chance her vision will improve, the doctor is hopeful it will due to her young age. The doctor also mentioned we will beable to secure more services for Fernanda as a result of her documenting the impairment in her full report. Debbie was very impressed with the exam which gave her some ideas on exercises to practice with Fernanda.
Fernanda and her family enjoyed several visitors this month, Anna and Claire Parker, two close friends of Fernanda's. Luke Tsakalakos, a dear friend Jacob attended graduate school with at UCB whom has moved with his family 5 years ago to New York was in the area for a business trip. Luke has know Fernanda since she was an infant and had not seen Fernanda since her trauma. It was a very special evening with him. Fernanda's great Uncle, Aunt and second cousin baked a glorious feast for Easter which they brought to our house to share with our extended family. Unlike last Easter where Fernanda spent most of the day in bed she was up and about enjoying the day visiting and taking part in the Easter egg hunt. Elena would hunt for eggs and bring them back to share with Fernanda. Our interim pastor and elder from our Church also visited with us, an uplifting visit indeed. See Fernanda's photo album on her webpage for new pictures.
Every 9 months a new Medical Treatment Authorization Request is submitted on behalf of Fernanda through the agency who provides the night and day care for Fernanda. The new TAR starting May 1st has brought a reduction of 11 hours per week. As always we are having faith and being flexible Fernanda's care needs will be met.
Zorra has been visiting our family for a few overnighters, Fernanda and especially older sister Alejandra are enjoying the visits! Andrés took a ride on Fernanda's lap to the park last week, it was a fun outing!
Fernanda continues to receive occupational treatments from Children's Therapy Clinic in Gilroy twice a week, as well as speech therapy from the school district speech therapists three times a week. During the Easter holiday break last week her speech was done by family and her caregiver. She continues to do real well swallowing and trying new foods.
Over the next several weeks we will be taking some trips to the doctor and labs to run test and have exams done to ensure Fernanda is prepared for her major scoliosis surgery May 22nd. The surgery will be 8-10 hours with a 5-7 day hospital stay.
Thank you for your help with supporting our family, the wish list items for the month are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 We are in need of help with expenses from our several trips to Oakland and Redwood City during February and March; nutrition books with recipes for enhancing Fernanda's diet; monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda; monthly (ongoing) nutritional needs for Fernanda ;miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met ; Increased tuition expenses for Alejandra for the 2006/2007 school year.. Donations made through Emmaus Christian Fellowship are tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes to toward the specific need you have specified. Thank you for continually support on this long term journey for our Fernanda and us.
Please pray to God for Fernanda's health and the infection she has will subside; continue to pray our needs will be met physically, emotionally and financially.
Rejoicing in the blessings from our Lord, living each and every day by God's grace.
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, April 3, 2006 11:30 am Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
Several weeks have passed since our last update and much has happen with Fernanda and her family. March was a wet month and it continues to be in April!
The rain did not hold us down nor visitors to see Fernanda. Highlights from the month of March include:
>Fernanda and Mom have made three trips to Redwood City for a 5 minute appointment to increase the dosage to Fernanda's pump. (Here is a link to the device Dr. Giap
uses to externally program Fernanda's internal pump.) Technology and medical advancements are wonderful! http://www.medtronic.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=
Medtronic/Website/ConditionArticle&ConditionName=Severe+
Spasticity&Article=spastic_prod_synchromedoverview
>Baby Elena (who is now 17 months-see pictures in photo gallery), Fernanda and Debbie headed up to San Jose one afternoon for a musical production of Cinderella put on
by Coram Deo Chorus. Fernanda and Elena loved the production! Their eyes were glued to the stage for an
hour. Fernanda in particular liked the king!
>Two new college students started with us. One is from
Bethany University and the other is an OT graduate
student from SJSU. Fernanda and our family have taken
to the girls, they are wonderful with her.
>There was plenty of activity here and sunshine on
March 18th when we celebrated Andrés 5th birthday with
a jump house. We all enjoyed the afternoon with family, friends, cake, ice cream and balloons. The SpinderMan jumpehouse was a hit too. Fernanda enjoyed the visitors,
sunshine and some pureed birthday cake.
>We visited CCS to have a wheelchair evaluation and
have two new splints made for her wrists to wear
during the day.
>As a family we visited our church in Sunnyvale http://www.firstopc.org/ for worship several Sundays.
The last Sunday in February we enjoyed a special send
off party for our minister of 5 years and his family.
They moved to Southern California. We will miss you
Pastor Don, Lois, Kendra and Danielle. Thank you for
all the prayers, support and love you have given our
family.
>Stephanie Marsh, our next door neighbor and
cosmetology student was kind of enough to come by
and cut Fernanda's dark, thick and curly hair!
>Debbie met with the school district a couple of
times to discuss Fernanda's IEP. We received the
formal report from the Northern California
Diagnostic Center with their suggestions for
Fernanda's academics. The suggestions have yet to
be implemented. We are thankful that Lynn Mitoma
who continues to work with Fernanda on her academics
on a weekly basis. Lynn is so creative with the
various tools and media she uses. Last week they
went shopping for clothes for me, Jake and Fernanda
using newspaper/magazine cut outs.
We enjoyed several visitors, thank you for stopping
by Sanika & Saniya Lakka, Tarah Duarte, Emily Marsh,
Nicole Nascimento, Lois and Kendra Owsley, a Bible
Study group from our church. Zorra, Fernanda's dog
living with Carole Rado continues to stop by for her
weekly visits as well.
Speech Therapy for Fernanda is going well, she is
doing so much better with her swallowing! A few months
ago we needed to use several napkins to clean the
outside of her mouth from the excess food that was
not swallowed. Fernanda is now managing her food so
well there is hardly any clean up required. She
is trying rice cereal, pureed bagels, apple juice
thicken to name a few. The food fed in her mouth
continues to be for trials, all her nutritional needs
remain fed through her G-tube. Speaking of which she
is doing excellent with tolerating all types of foods.
Debbie is cooking and following the principals of
The Maker's Diet and The South Beach Diet as a result Fernanda is receiving very nutritious meals. Other
members of the family are also benefiting. Jacob and Alejandra have both lost approximately 35 pounds each,
we are so proud of their diligence and perseverance!
Praise God for Fernanda's improvements. She has come
a long way since first trying foods orally post her
trauma. Prayer, practice, practice, practice
and patience!!
Last week Dr. Grip and the therapists from
Children's Therapy Center cut back Fernanda's formal
therapy to two times a week. We will continue to go
in to the therapy center on Wednesday and Friday.
The rest of the week Fernanda's family and caregivers
will work with her on her therapy at home. After
Fernanda's scoliosis surgery in late May the doctors
and therapists will reconsider the frequency of formal therapy.
Overall Fernanda's disposition was so much better
last week. She was very happy, slept well and had
three good treatments with her therapists this week.
It has taken several weeks for her to recover from
her February 7th pump surgery.
Thank you for your help with supporting our family,
the wish list items for the month are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.
cfm?CustomLinkID=7 We are in need of help with
expenses from our several trips to Oakland and
Redwood City during February and March; nutrition
books with recipes for enhancing Fernanda's diet;
monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda;
monthly (ongoing) nutritional needs for Fernanda
;miscellaneous household expenses not currently
being met. Donations made through Emmaus Christian
Fellowship are tax deductible and 100% of your
donation goes to toward the specific need you
have specified. Thank you for continually
support on this long term journey for our
Fernanda and us.
Praise and thank our Lord for answering our
prayers - Fernanda has been sleeping very well
for the last couple of weeks, she is responding
positively to the baclofen pump (it's not perfect
though it is a positive improvement over the oral medications), her swallowing therapy is going
very well, Fernanda continues to be very healthy
and has not been depressed. Your covenant prayers
continue to be requested for our family's emotional, physical and material needs.
Rejoicing in the blessings from our Lord, living
each and every day by God's grace.
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Monday, April 3, 2006 11:30 am Pacific
Dear Prayer partners, family and friends,
Several weeks have passed since our last update and much has happen with Fernanda and her family. March was a wet month and it continues to be in April! The rain did not hold us down nor visitors to see Fernanda. Highlights from the month of March include:
>Fernanda and Mom have made three trips to Redwood City for a 5 minute appointment to increase the dosage to Fernanda's pump. (Here is a link to the device Dr. Giap uses to externally program Fernanda's internal pump.) Technology and medical advancements are wonderful! http://www.medtronic.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Medtronic/Website/ConditionArticle&ConditionName=Severe+Spasticity&Article=spastic_prod_synchromedoverview
>Baby Elena (who is now 17 months-see pictures in photo gallery), Fernanda and Debbie headed up to San Jose one afternoon for a musical production of Cinderella put on by Coram Deo Chorus. Fernanda and Elena loved the production! Their eyes were glued to the stage for an hour. Fernanda in particular liked the king!
>Two new college students started with us. One is from Bethany University and the other is an OT graduate student from SJSU. Fernanda and our family have taken to the girls, they are wonderful with her.
>There was plenty of activity here and sunshine on March 18th when we celebrated Andrés 5th birthday with a jump house. We all enjoyed the afternoon with family, friends, cake, ice cream and balloons. The SpinderMan jumpehouse was a hit too. Fernanda enjoyed the visitors, sunshine and some pureed birthday cake.
>We visited CCS to have a wheelchair evaluation and have two new splints made for her wrists to wear during the day.
>As a family we visited our church in Sunnyvale http://www.firstopc.org/ for worship several Sundays. The last Sunday in February we enjoyed a special send off party for our minister of 5 years and his family. They moved to Southern California. We will miss you Pastor Don, Lois, Kendra and Danielle. Thank you for all the prayers, support and love you have given our family.
>Stephanie Marsh, our next door neighbor and cosmetology student was kind of enough to come by and cut Fernanda's dark, thick and curly hair!
>Debbie met with the school district a couple of times to discuss Fernanda's IEP. We received the formal report from the Northern California Diagnostic Center with their suggestions for Fernanda's academics. The suggestions have yet to be implemented. We are thankful that Lynn Mitoma who continues to work with Fernanda on her academics on a weekly basis. Lynn is so creative with the various tools and media she uses. Last week they went shopping for clothes for me, Jake and Fernanda using newspaper/magazine cut outs.
We enjoyed several visitors, thank you for stopping by Sanika & Saniya Lakka, Tarah Duarte, Emily Marsh, Nicole Nascimento, Lois and Kendra Owsley, a Bible Study group from our church. Zorra, Fernanda's dog living with Carole Rado continues to stop by for her weekly visits as well.
Speech Therapy for Fernanda is going well, she is doing so much better with her swallowing! A few months ago we needed to use several napkins to clean the outside of her mouth from the excess food that was not swallowed. Fernanda is now managing her food so well there is hardly any clean up required. She is trying rice cereal, pureed bagels, apple juice thicken to name a few. The food fed in her mouth continues to be for trials, all her nutritional needs remain fed through her G-tube. Speaking of which she is doing excellent with tolerating all types of foods. Debbie is cooking and following the principals of The Maker's Diet and The South Beach Diet as a result Fernanda is receiving very nutritious meals. Other members of the family are also benefiting. Jacob and Alejandra have both lost approximately 35 pounds each, we are so proud of their diligence and perseverance! Praise God for Fernanda's improvements. She has come a long way since first trying foods orally post her trauma. Prayer, practice, practice, practice and patience!!
Last week Dr. Grip and the therapists from Children's Therapy Center cut back Fernanda's formal therapy to two times a week. We will continue to go in to the therapy center on Wednesday and Friday. The rest of the week Fernanda's family and caregivers will work with her on her therapy at home. After Fernanda's scoliosis surgery in late May the doctors and therapists will reconsider the frequency of formal therapy.
Overall Fernanda's disposition was so much better last week. She was very happy, slept well and had three good treatments with her therapists this week. It has taken several weeks for her to recover from her February 7th pump surgery.
Thank you for your help with supporting our family, the wish list items for the month are located at : http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 We are in need of help with expenses from our several trips to Oakland and Redwood City during February and March; nutrition books with recipes for enhancing Fernanda's diet; monthly excursions and recreation for Fernanda; monthly (ongoing) nutritional needs for Fernanda ;miscellaneous household expenses not currently being met . Donations made through Emmaus Christian Fellowship are tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes to toward the specific need you have specified. Thank you for continually support on this long term journey for our Fernanda and us.
Praise and thank our Lord for answering our prayers - Fernanda has been sleeping very well for the last couple of weeks, she is responding positively to the baclofen pump (it's not perfect though it is a positive improvement over the oral medications), her swallowing therapy is going very well, Fernanda continues to be very healthy and has not been depressed. Your covenant prayers continue to be requested for our family's emotional, physical and material needs.
Rejoicing in the blessings from our Lord, living each and every day by God's grace.
Jake and Debbie
www.caringbridge.org/ca/fernanda
Saturday, February 25, 2006 2:05 PM Pacific
Dearest Prayer partners, family and friends,
It has been a couple of weeks since Fernanda has come home from the hospital where she had her baclofen pump placed in her abdomen to manage her spasticity. The surgeon who placed the pump in Fernanda initially set the dosage at a very low about. About 5 days after returning home from surgery Fernanda head up to Redwood City to see her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor, Benton Giap. He increased the dosage for the pump and drew up a plan to eliminate two of Fernanda's four spasticity medications, Baclofen and Dantrium. The dantrium has been eliminated and we have four more days until the oral Baclofen is eliminated all together. This will leave Fernanda on two other medications which help with her mood and anxiety. It is our home we can gradually withdraw her dependence on these two meds also. We will need to wait and see.
The last two weeks have been mixed for Fernanda, she has good days and bad days, good nights and bad nights. So many things have changed since we have brought her home it is hard to tell what is bothering her. She has two good size incisions, one on her stomach the other on her lower back. We are weaning her from a couple of medications, we added a new line of nutritional supplements (glyconutrients from Mannatech) , we are pureeing table food for and feeding it through her G tube (she has not had a can of the sugar laced food supplement in two weeks). Thank you Judy Teweliger for sponsoring Fernanda on the glyconutrients. Thank you Ford and Andrea Schwartz for giving us the Vita Mix several months ago, it has enabled us to give her everything her family eats at meal time pureed through her G tube. Yes Fernanda is eating In N Out burgers, steaks from Armand and Monica's steer, gourmet omelets her Dad makes, tuna salad, pita bread, you name it. We puree it in the Vita Mix and it goes through her G tube fantastic! It feels so much better knowing she is eating nutritiously. The many changes have made it a mystery for us on what is bothering her. A little Tylenol and a favorite CD (she loves music CDs and DVDs) help to distract her sometimes. The night shift who care for Fernanda have been earning their keep.
The first few days after surgery (Feb 7th) we laid low around the house, gradually we picked up speed and resumed our routine with the Ots and speech therapists. The sessions are lower key and not as intense. We are trying to build back Fernanda's tolerance pre-surgery.
It was a treat for Fernanda to go out to the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex to see her prior team, the Storm play a soccer game for the Morgan Hill State Cup. We also went to Grammie and Papa Wilber's to celebrate February birthday's for our family. Fernanda enjoyed an outing with her Dad to see Alejandra at softball practice in Hollister.
The Northern California Diagnostic Center came in and did their final assessment and gave us a one hour presentation from their three visits. The information they shared was very helpful and will help the IEP team to pull together a more appropriate educational plan for Fernanda. The No Ca Diag. Center had some great ideas, recommendations and thoughts.
The last two Saturdays it has been special for Fernanda, Nicole Nascimento has come over to spend a few hours with Fernanda. Today it was especially neat to see how Nicole's presence broke Fernanda's uncomfortable ness. Nicole has been painting Fernanda's nails, reading to her, sharing homemade DVDs and just hanging out. Earlier this week Anna, Claire, Thomas and Ray Parker, along with their cousin Mark and a schoolmate from Charter Isabelle Jones came and hung out with Fernanda. Sarah and Claire Lewis also stopped by and shared their latest activities and school projects with Fernanda. Lynn and Trevor Mitoma also stopped by and did some science project work with Fernanda. Trevor also demonstrated his balloon talents. Each visit was a special time, a warmed heart and brought many smiles to Fernanda. Fernanda dearly loves being remembered and visited. Thank you for making Fernanda a priority and making the time to visit.
The wish list for Fernanda and our family has been updated for this month, it may be found at the website, http://www.emmauschristianfellowship.org/custom.cfm?CustomLinkID=7 We are in need of help with expense from our several trips to Oakland and Redwood City this month for presurgery, surgery, post surgery this month. Thank you for continually support on this long term journey for our Fernanda and us.
Thank God for Fernanda's surgery going so well. Pray for a good nights sleep for our dear daughter. Continue to pray for all our needs emotional, physical and material to be met. Thank you him for the healing and work he has done in her. A dear friend from church shared with us her thoughts on Fernanda and it has made a strong impression on Debbie, here I will share some excerpts along with a Bible verse from Genesis. "In light of eternity, Fernanda is whole. God has also restored her so miraculously thus far. She is 'fixed' for His purposes here and now. He may continue to bring about some more of His marvelous works through her, however, she is exactly right and perfect for Him. There is nowhere we can go without the presence of the Lord. That is what is with Fernanda. ...the presence of the Living God within her as she meets and changes lives in her recovering process." "And God