Tony Brown gave us this moving update on Krissa's status:

Sunset in Rapid
June 21, 2010

It's Monday evening in Rapid City, SD and Krissa went to have her stitches out only to learn that she'll need to wait until Thursday! She is quite literally engulfed by her family!  Mom, Dad, older sister Kendra who has opened her home to all, her 20 month old niece Libby who is of energizer bunny quality, Kendra's husband Trevor, number 2 sister Kayla, and younger sister Kiana. One can't but be swept up in the relaxed atmosphere, casual jokes, and at all times love and care. Only a few would recognise that there is evil genius present as well! These girls are just what the doctor ordered and between now and Wednesday when Krissa will be seen at the rehabilitation center she could not want for better care.

The encouraging signs are that Krissa has had improvement with less numbness in her hands. She still has tingling in her left hand and there is numbness just below her ribs and down her sides. She said that when she stands up she feels like she is going to fall over as she can't feel the muscles there!

She is still on medication for pain and low blood pressure. Last Friday, she was feeling a little groggy and so the hospital switched the medication with interesting effects. Krissa was no longer groggy, rather she announced to her sister Kendra on the phone that she wanted everyone of the family on the phone for a family reunion bar-b-que! The giggling started and there were references to bed-pans and building castles with her physical therapy silly putty! Paul McCartney take note, you have the sequel to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds!"

Tonight it was pizza for dinner and when handed a can of Dr. Pepper soda Krissa clasped the can and started to pull the tab to open it. This process went on for a couple of minutes with both cheers and laughter accompany the effort. She rested a couple of times and laughed at her attempts, then with a little adjustment and the almighty thumb digit to the fore the can popped open!

It was a stark reminder of the recovery work ahead, but here at home she is in a good place for this huge challenge.

Please, please pass along the news of her situation so that the network of support continues to grow. We don't know yet the full extent of the medical expenses that the family will have to bear but it is  likely to be substantial.

Thank you again and again to the people who have already sent donations. More news to follow later this week.

Tony Brown
Men's & Women's Rugby Coach
Senior Lecturer Physical Education, Vassar College
http://www.vassarathletics.com
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