It Fits...with a little extra help

Just a quick post to say that we had our very quick trip to Philadelphia. We drove there on Wednesday and drove home the next day on Thursday. And we got what we came for...a Mollii Suit that works and fits...with a little extra help: a 3T long sleeve swim shirt...that is really elbow length on Kevin, over the jacket; sports wrap (in a sharp red color) on his upper arms, ankles, and calves. Oh yeah, and I can't forget the custom made jock strap cut from a pair of batman underwear. But it fits!

In case you don't know the story...we purchased this suit a year ago. When Kevin wore it the first time, the day before his ankle surgery, we saw him straighten his left foot when walking with the suit on - instead of turning it inward. The ankle surgery was not correcting this problem so we were very excited to have something to help. But unfortunately, we have had many difficulties with getting the suit to fit properly and with the control box. Kevin's arms and legs are so skinny that he was not getting proper contact with the 60 pads inside the suit that provide the electric stimulation. The original suit he had a year ago was size CL-140 for the jacket and pants. The suit we ended up fitting him for now is CL-140 for the jacket and CL-134 for the pants. One very helpful aspect of this visit was we were told which pads are activated for Kevin's individual program in the suit. So now we know which pads absolutely need to be touching his skin. Hence, the red sports wrap and custom made underwear. There are very important electrodes on his hip and bum that will not get through a diaper, so we use underwear with a pad and luckily the suit is washable. All parties involved (the company, me, & FHC) are determined to make it work so that Kevin's walking will improve and his left arm too. 

We also saw the foot doctor while we were there, to have a check on his left foot. He basically wants to wait and see if the suit will help before making any other decisions, but he did say the flexibility looked good...which surprised me. Maybe credit for that is due to Dr. Nemeh and using the infrared light. Dr. Joe also helped us pick out a shoe size for Kevin. We came prepared with two shoe sizes for each foot (equalling 4 boxes of shoes) and were happily surprised to find that one size fits both feet with his orthotic inserts. WhooHoo only one pair of shoes...and we get to return the other 3 pairs. 

Despite this being a quick trip to Philly it was not without a little drama. Jon wasn't feeling well the entire trip. Once we arrived at the hotel, I took Kevin outside for a stroller ride to stretch my body out after the 7 hour drive. Philadelphia is ahead of NEOhio and in full blown pollen season. Kevin was miserable afterwards. The next day while we were at FHC, getting the suit to fit, we took a video of Kevin walking before the suit was turned on and then afterwards. But after the suit was turned on, I ended up giving him another dose of allergy medicine and it made him drowsy - so his walking looked worse afterwards. So we will have to wait and see what the results look like at home. But we do know that the suit fits properly where it needs to and that the control box is working. He will wear it for an hour every other day while walking the custom made wooden walking track to keep his left foot on the straight and narrow. Speaking of the walking track, looks like I'll have to put it back inside before the pollen comes out at our house. Before we left FHC, Matthew even gave Kevin an allergy clearing for the pollen and other spring seasonal allergies. We will take video every couple weeks to keep a vigilant eye on his progress. We return to FHC in July. 

If you have found this post and would like to read more about the suit, type in Mollii Suit in the white search box in the upper left corner of this blog. I gave much more information about the suit and it's function and how to contact the company in previous posts. 

Dr. Nemeh - April 20, 2015

I would say the best words to describe today's visit is

PEACE, JOY, and HOPE

Before our appointment I showed Kevin the picture of our last visit with Dr. Nemeh. When I told Kevin we were going to see Dr. Nemeh today he got a big smile on his face. 

During the visit, Kevin went in and out of Peace and Joy.  If he wasn't quiet and full of Peace, he was full of Joy by smiling, laughing, and babbling a way. If someone was listening in from the outside it would sound like a very FUN doctor visit. 

Dr. Nemeh filled us with Hope by being very pleased with the results of his assessment today compared to last visit. He said blood was flowing and it was apparent by the veins that were clearly visible throughout Kevin's body...which he said was a very good sign. He said that we should expect to see some results regarding the left foot. When we commented how verbal Kevin has been since our last visit in February, he said to expect more. And in case you didn't hear, Kevin's verbal sounds had more purpose to them at times, not just babble. It was apparent he had something he wanted to say instead of just the babble sing song sounds - which we love to hear too. 

We feel so blessed that Friend has given us this opportunity with Dr. Nemeh. Today we got to talk with Mrs. Nemeh while we were waiting. It amazes me that she can remember us from 9 years ago. She showed us a painting that is hanging in the office that Friend painted after his healing with Dr. Nemeh. Friend was finally able to use his hands and fingers and he used them to create something beautiful for Dr. Nemeh. Next time, I'll take a picture of it to share. We return in 8 weeks. 

For medical treatment with Dr. Nemeh go to www.drnemeh.com

For prayer and healing services with Dr. Nemeh go to www.pathtofaith.com

If you are interested in reading more about Dr. Nemeh you can find this book on Amazon.

Miracles Every Day: The Story of One Physician's Inspiring Faith and the Healing Power of Prayer

Miracles Every Day is the story of Dr. Issam Nemeh, a Cleveland-based physician and devout Catholic who has prayed over tens of thousands of people from all faiths and all walks of life in the past two decades. The result? Miracles. Injuries healed, cancers cured, sight and hearing restored. Yet, as Dr. Nemeh will be the first to point out, “the miracles are just to get our attention.” The healings do not originate from him, but from God. It is this humility and dedication to those in need that have won him the respect and trust of laypeople and religious leaders alike. 
     This inspiring chronicle, beautifully told by author Maura Poston Zagrans, traces the lives of the doctor and his dedicated wife, Kathy, and brings us the uplifting stories of the many people who have been healed through one man's powerful faith. Miracles Every Day is a compelling reminder of God's individual and unconditional love for each one of us. Along the way you will meet the dedicated family members, volunteers, and clergy who support the Nemehs in their work. They speak of a ministry of hope, of lives changed and saved through not just the power of prayer, but through the awesome Spirit-driven power of love.

Update on Upcoming Visits

With help from Friend, Kevin has his next appointment with Dr. Nemeh (in Cleveland) on Monday, April 20 - tomorrow! 

In a couple weeks we will be traveling to the Family Hope Center in Philadelphia, but not for our six month revisit. We are going for a quick visit to pick up Kevin’s Mollii Suit. We are giving it once last try. He is going to wear the original suit he wore a year ago, when he initially tried it on and we witnessed results. FHC will help us ensure a good fit which will likely mean something additional to ensure the pads on the inside of the suit are getting contact with his skin. The foot doctor will also see him to check on his left foot. 

Although our 6 month revisit was scheduled about this same time, we have decided we would like to have some time in the Mollii Suit before proceeding with his evaluation and assessment. So we have rescheduled that visit in July. 

After seeing Dr. Nemeh and getting the Mollii Suit back, we are praying and hoping to see some positive progress during the months of May and June, in regards to Kevin’s left foot and walking  - Please pray with us! 

Dr. Nemeh - February 26, 2015

We are so grateful for your loving response to our prayer request for Kevin yesterday. We want you to know that we keep you all close in our prayers and Praise God for having so many good people in our lives that we can count on. And a special prayer of ThanksGiving for Friend who made this visit possible. On our drive home from the visit, Jon and I both said we couldn’t quite put it into words but that it felt right and we knew we were supposed to be there.

Dr. Nemeh’s office is an hour's drive and just as we were getting bundled up to leave our house, his office called to say that he was still in a session with a patient and that there was another patient before Kevin waiting. They called back an hour later and then we were on our way. It was very convenient not to have to entertain Kevin in the waiting room for over an hour. Dr. Nemeh came into the treatment room about 4:45 pm and his session lasted over an hour. 

Kevin instantly had a big smile for Dr. Nemeh and got up to shake his hand. Dr. Nemeh said he remembered Kevin well and asked why we waited so long to come back. During the treatment, he talked about some other blessed kids/young adults like Kevin and how they have gained abilities they never had before with his treatment. He also reflected on Kevin’s good spirit. 

Dr. Nemeh began scanning Kevin with his device and then proceeded into treatment. Overall, he said Kevin was in good health but he asked if Kevin had falls. Kevin most recently had a bad fall down the steps just before Christmas. Dr. Nemeh said his back (spine) and head were affected from these falls and that his treatment would help. Dr. Nemeh also noted Kevin’s bloated belly and said the treatment would help that as well - by the end of the session, Kevin’s belly was soft again. Part of the treatment involves this device that looks like a vibrating drum that he holds on the bottom of Kevin’s feet and body - Kevin loves it! It was about this time in the treatment that Kevin began getting vocal and making sounds. Many of you know his ups and downs with sounds. Recently the the vocal sounds have been few and far between - so it was music to our ears to hear Kevin making so many sounds. Sometimes it really looked like he had something to say. It was about halfway through the session that you could see how relaxed Kevin was feeling and by the end it looked as if he may even fall asleep. 

Kevin wasn’t the only one feeling relaxed - yesterday morning did not begin the way I had envisioned. Jon has been under some additional stress; Kevin had one of his vomit episodes during breakfast and while I was trying to get him to the bathroom in time, my pot of soup was boiling over on the stove - it was one of those mornings!  But Jon and I both felt a real sense of peace during the visit. We’re not sure if that is just from being in the presence of this peaceful man with his beautiful pictures Christ, Mother Mary, and Saints on his walls - or from all your powerful prayers. But when we returned home about 7:30pm - all three of us went to bed with pleasant dreams. 

Speaking of sleep - I have to share an amusing story that Friend shared with me. Friend had taken a friend to see Dr. Nemeh and during the session said to Dr. Nemeh - if you are too tired to continue and need a rest, I can come back at another time - Dr. Nemeh said “I am praying”. During the treatment, there are times when it looks as if he falls asleep, but if you watch closely you will see his hands moving ever so slightly and of course feel the peace.

At the end of our session, Dr. Nemeh suggested getting an infrared light to use on Kevin’s left foot and head and also recommended that we return for another treatment in 8 weeks. 

I keep all your kind words close to my heart and reread them when I need a little extra support during my day. 

I wanted to share a few reflections that were shared with me.

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power and love and a sound mind.” - I interpret that as hopefulness and positiveness.

Matthew 7:7-12 "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you....if you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him."

Psalm 138  "..the Lord is with me to the end.”

Please continue to keep Kevin in your prayers as we believe in things that we cannot see.

Dr. Nemeh and Kevin - February 26, 2015

Prayers for Kevin on Feb. 26

I’m asking for prayers during Kevin’s appointment with Dr. Nemeh tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26 at 3:00pm.

In case you haven’t heard this awesome story…read on.

Our church is holding this 7 week series called Christ Life. I knew I should probably sign up but was finding excuses (one was a good excuse - evening enemas with Kevin) but some not so good (I have to put on “real people” clothes and go out at night). So the morning of, I see a Facebook post mentioning it and decide to at least call church and see if there was still room to sign up, they were able to squeeze me in...and I FINALLY said Yes. After all, I have declared this year to be a year of blessings for us. Plus I knew once I went to Christ Life I would be glad I did and of course I was and am glad I am participating.

So now you are wondering what this Christ Life series has to do with Dr. Nemeh. We are assigned to small groups in Christ Life and OF COURSE a certain person (who would prefer to remain anonymous and I will now refer to as Friend) was assigned to my table. When we first met a few years ago (in a similar small group at bible study), Friend said to me…”I know who you are, your son is the reason I went to Dr. Nemeh and was healed from my terminal illness.” I don’t see Friend very often, so I was very happy to see this unforgettable friend at my table. Friend asked if we had been back to see Dr. Nemeh and I said no. Friend told me that the Nemeh’s and Trapper (the radio guy that covered our last appointment) ask about us. Friend asked about Kevin and I said things are ok - not wanting to be pessimistic about things but also always hoping things were better for Kevin. I told Friend that Kevin had surgery on his ankles last year and while the surgery did what it was supposed to do it has not corrected all the problems Kevin has in regards to his walking - and that we are really struggling in this area. Later in the evening, during a break, Friend comes up to me and gives me Dr. Nemeh’s business card and told me to call for an appointment and that friend will cover the cost of the appointment. So needless to say, this first night of class left me utterly speechless!

There’s more to this awesome story…

Before I was able to call Dr. Nemeh’s office - they called me. Friend was there with a friend and had the office call me to set up the appointment. The office started giving me dates for an appointment and when she said the first available was February 26 - I couldn’t believe it, because I knew instantly that the same date, February 26 in 2006 was when our church had the Healing Service with Dr. Nemeh. In case you don’t know or remember that story - Kevin was about 1 1/2 years old at that time and the next night, I received my first hug when he wrapped his right arm around my neck - I will never forget it! It took me some time later to realize that it was that following June that my Mom discovered the book by Glenn Doman that changed our world and gave us hope for Kevin - which I attribute to the Healing Service. AND in 2009 on February 26 was when Kevin took his first steps and began to walk - which is a direct result of finding Glenn Doman through Divine Intervention from the Healing Service - not to mention a lot of helpers (from neighbors and our church) and Kevin’s hard work. 

So, of course I said we wanted our appointment with Dr. Nemeh to be on February 26!!!!

This is exactly what we need - some HOPE!!!!

Another friend in my small group table pointed out that our 3pm appointment is the hour of Divine Mercy.

This is an appointment for medical treatment. On drnemeh.com it states that “Dr. Nemeh’s primary method of patient treatment and diagnosis is called Meridian Regulatory Acupuncture. Meridian Regulatory Acupuncture (MRA) is different from traditional Chinese acupuncture. MRA consists of two parts, a diagnostic procedures and a treatment procedure. This treatment is painless and is performed with a small, single needle that is temporary inserted at various points on the body, usually for just a few seconds.” "Please note that Dr. Nemeh does not offer private prayer sessions through his medical practice. While the doctor may pray silently to himself during a medical office visit, those who are interested in only prayer and do not want medical treatment should visit PathToFaith.com for information on personalized prayer sessions and upcoming healing services.”

But from the stories Friend has shared with me - Friend’s personal experience and those witnessed - there is still a lot of healing happening in that medical office.

Ultimately we are always striving towards more progress for Kevin, especially in regards to walking and talking, but as we discovered in 2006, it may not be an instant healing, it may be something just as important like Hope. 

Thy Will Be Done

This is Kevin with Dr. Nemeh during our last visit in 2009

Love & Blessings to you all

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The 2014 year has certainly been a year with blessings and challenges. We began this year with Karen’s Dad’s recent heart transplant and he is doing very well. In February, Karen had surgery and is also feeling great. In April, Kevin had Hyprocure surgery on both ankles and was off his feet for 4 weeks. He continues to have some struggles regarding his left foot that we are working diligently on and hope will straighten out soon. In June, Jon’s Dad was in the hospital for several weeks and passed away. And in September, Karen’s paternal Grandma, Bubbie, died at 90 years of age. 

Overall we are thankful for the blessings that we have had and are looking forward to the new year. Despite the sadness and challenges this year, it did not prevent us from making some good memories. We were in New Jersey for Kevin’s surgery and stayed near the Jersey Shore and walked the famous boardwalk. We enjoyed Kevin’s cousins visiting us over the summer. In October, we celebrated Kevin’s 10th birthday with Karen’s Mom & Dad. We took them to some of our favorite spots around town and then took a road trip to Chautauqua Lake, NY and Niagara Falls, Canada. The weather was chilly and rainy during our trip but it never spoiled our time together. For Thanksgiving, we had all 14 of the Golembiewski’s at our house and then traveled to Pittsburgh to celebrate Karen’s Grandma Como’s 90th Birthday, a weekend full of good memories. Kevin also continues to have his weekly visits with Grandma Hudak which is a treat for both.

Kevin perseveres with his daily program. We have been with the Family Hope Center in the Philadelphia area for 5 years now. Kevin had 3 months of neurological growth at our recent visit. And we have some new programs that we hope will help give Kevin more progression and healing. If you would like to follow along our journey with Kevin go to www.hudakfamily.blogspot.com

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year. 

10 Visits with FHC

We received these beautiful flowers from the Family Hope Center
to congratulate us on Kevin's 10th visit.

I copied what I wrote in a previous post below and added some pictures.

Kevin is 10 years old and we had our TENTH visit with The Family Hope Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania. FHC recognized this milestone visit by presenting Kevin with a personal gift. He received a backpack and a Superman T-shirt. Matthew reminded us that in “Man of Steel” (the 2013 Superman movie) we are told that the “S” on Superman’s chest is the Kryptonian symbol for “hope”. Henry Cavill, who plays Superman in the movie says that “It’s that hope against the odds, to beat all odds, no matter how steep or how grand and it’s just standing up and facing the troubles and going I will not surrender.” Here are some odds that Kevin beat in the last six months! Kevin made 5 chart changes and 5 quality changes giving him 3 months of neurological growth. His gains on the Integrative and Developmental Progression Chart were in Reading, Understanding, Tactility, and Emotional/Social categories.

The FHC Team

 I have high hopes for the year 2015. I’ll share a secret with you. After this revisit, I had a dream. I dreamt that Kevin said his first sentence. He said “I want ____”. I don’t remember what it was that he wanted but I do remember that he said it twice in the dream. This is the first time I can remember dreaming (while sleeping) of Kevin talking. Please continue to keep Kevin in your prayers for healing. And we will continue dreaming and working hard.