April 25th
We are home from Louisville. Pool play consisted of Lakeshore from Alabama who was ranked #2, Hoveround from Florida ranked #5 and Northridge from L.A. ranked #7. Portland beat Hoveround for their first match up on Friday. Then had a hard time against Northridge and lost the game. On Saturday they came back strong and beat Lakeshore. After this they went into crossover matches, so they played Denver Saturday afternoon and lost, had they won this one they would have been playing for first place. This put them into the match for 3rd and 4th place against Phoenix, who were the National champs last year and ranked #1 coming into the tournament. So Sunday morning the Pounders took it to them and defeated them handily, coming home with the number 3 spot. Beating Phoenix is always wonderful!!
All of the top 6 teams have National players on their rosters, along with one international player. So it really is a very very close tournament as far as talent goes. It comes down to match ups and also who shows up to play. Denver came away as the national champs this year, going into the weekend they were ranked #3.
So, now Rugby season is over for 2006 - 2007. The National players will now start up with their training camps in Alabama. Portland has 2 national players on their roster.
Kip would be happy if Rugby was year around. To have a break now is not his idea of fun, as he will miss the practicing 3 times a week.
New pictures are now up on the Photo page, some of 'Kip Johnson Challenge', Rugby, Project Walk and home
April 3rd
Well, they are home safe and sound from Canada. What a wonderful tournament.
Back at it now, school started back up today. Kip is working on getting a degree in Business. He did really well last term with all of his classes, second highest GPA ever!
Now the focus for Rugby is the National tournament in Louisville KY in 2 weeks or so. I believe Portland is ranked either #4 or #5. Not bad!! Will be a great tournament.
Project walk is doing well, and growing rapidly. Kip continues all the time to move forward. He does not seem to make progress as quickly as the other clients, for whatever reason (severity of the injury, his nervous system?) but he never stops moving forward. He is definately standing straighter, holding hands and knees straighter and longer, showing more stability in his shoulder girdle, spasms are increasing, easier to move around and on and on.... Just so thankful we were able to become a part of the Project Walk program.
April 1st
The Portland Pounders have been at a tournament in Vancouver BC all weekend against some very tough teams. One of the teams is basically the Canadian National team. Well, the great news is, Portland won the tournament.
Our computer has been gone for a couple of weeks, so very sorry for no updates. I will get back up and running.
More to follow in the next day or so.
March 7th
Portland Pounders took first place in the Pacific Sectional Tournament. This means they will advance to the National tournament in Louisville Kentucky being one of the top 4 teams in the country. What a wonderful accomplishment for our team.
Now they all need to get rested up so they can hit training hard this next month.
Thanks so much to all of you who came out to the HIgh School and supported Kip and the team. It means so much to us to have such unending support. For Kip to have a venue where he can continue to be competitive is so vital to his well being. Rugby is another area where he will continue to strive and move forward, just as he is moving forward at Project Walk.
Wheelchair Rugby Sectional Tournament
March 2, 3 & 4th
Mountainview High School
1500 SE Blairmont Dr Vancouver WA
Tournament Schedule
Friday March 2nd, games begin at 6:30pm, Portland plays at 8:00pm
Saturday March 3rd, games begin at 11:00am, Portland plays at 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Sunday March 4th, games begin at 9:00am, Portland plays at 9:00am and 1:30pm
Admission is free
If you are planning on coming and were wondering which games would be the best, the 9:00am game on Sunday is against the #3 seeded team, and the 1:30pm game on Sunday is against the #2 seeded team, Portland is seeded #1
We hope to see many of you there, GO POUNDERS!
4th Annual Kip Johnson Ski Challenge at Ski Bowl
Hard to believe it can be the 4th! The race was held February17th at Ski Bowl. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, the sun was out and the weather was warm. We were able to get Kip up on the mountain, to the bottom of the course via snow mobile. This is the first time he has been up to Ski Bowl since the accident. He said the finish gate of this race was just a few hundred yards from where the accident was. Thanks so much to all of you who participated and supported Kip on his venture back up to the Mt.
February 3rd
Well, they won their first game which was against Arizona. It sounds like they did not play their best but managed a win. Then they played Denver yesterday afternoon and lost to them. I'll update when I hear how todays games go.
The games went well. Portland lost to Phoenix in over time by only one point. They are obviously right there in the mix of things. Now there sights will be on Nationals. The Portland Pounders finished in 3rd place in Phoenix.
February 2nd
The tournament this weekend is in Phoenix Arizona. Kip, Frank and Gordy flew down yesterday with the team and will begin play this morning. I'm not sure which teams will be there, but it will be a good tournament with the Phoenix team present. This is the last time the team will travel until the end of March. The next tournament will be here in Portland the first weekend of March, this will be the Sectional tourney, which is the qualifyer for Nationals.
More later
January 25th
We returned home from Tampa Florida late Sunday night. It was a very good trip for all of us. As it turned out Kip played a ton. He probably played more this past weekend than he has played all together since he began Rugby. It was a wonderful learning experience for him. Actually being in the middle of things and really having to work hard. No better place to learn than in the middle of the best players in the country. Physically he did just fine and did not tire too much, by monday morning his shoulders were a little fatigued. We were all worn out by the time we got home (could have been partly because we did not arrive here until after 1:30am!) The top teams in the country were there, plus part of the Canadian National team and the West German team. The Portland Pounders ended up in 6th place. They had hoped to finish higher, but all the games were very close. They lost 2 of their games by one point in the last seconds of the games. Pretty darn good when you are playing Texas and Canada. Now the next tournament is in Phoenix February 2nd - 4th. It will also be a very good tournament with high quality teams. The only down side to this one is, they will be on the plane coming home when the SuperBowl kicks off!
January 14th
Project Walk arrived in Portland (actually Beaverton) the beginning of June. On opening their doors at the ADAPT facility it was only JJ Fowler, the lead specialist from Carlsbad CA. He was truly on his own. Soon after his arrival he hired two trainers, Colleen and Jerod, and I may add they are very different and both absolutely wonderful. There have also been 3 office managers, the latest and permanent one is Nat! Opening a facility like this with only one trained specailist and VERY limited equipment, JJ has had to adapt to his surroundings, clients, trainers, families, not to mention moving his family to the damp Northwest from sunny southern California. So, it seems as though Project Walk Portland is on there 8th month. Since his arrival JJ has managed to train his trainers, grow with the company and facility, attract the media, draw new clients and still he has a smile on his face and motivates all of his clients every day. Hats off to you JJ!
I feel compelled to write about the new clients who have joined Project Walk. Watching how their attitudes change in such a short time, going from being very quiet to opening up with smiles on their faces. Knowing they are moving ahead, brings on those wonderful smiles. When your life changes from being very active and physically capable young men to facing life in a chair. It brings back so many memories of struggling through the beginning of this huge ordeal. Looking back to when Kip and I first travelled to Carlsbad for a week at Project Walk, just after being there one day, we knew this was the place to be. Then after being there a week, we knew and all the people in our lives knew it was the place for us to return to, without a doubt. For others looking on from the outside I am sure they wonder why it has this effect. I know I will never be able to explain it properly. I do know on our arrival in Carlsbad, we were surrounded by 5 - 10 quadriplegics all the time, and they did not look like quadriplegics. Their legs were strong not to mention their shoulders, chests, arms and abdomens were just as strong. Everything about them did not give the picture of being in a chair. I do remember walking past one young man who was the same injury level as Kip, he truly looked like any other athlete just sitting down. Then we were able to see him stand up and take steps. This does not happen over night, it is a very long process, and perhaps the process is the most powerful part. These clients are strong from head to toe. They do not have troubles with their skin breaking down, they do not have as many Urinary tract infections, they don't get sick easily. They are truly as healthy as they can be.
Kip is now doing Hands and Knees, along with this he can do some Cats and Dogs, they don't look like an able body doing cats and dogs, but he is doing them! I can not begin to express what a huge accomplishment this is. Along with this he is standing more solid all the time.
To move on, we are going to Tampa Florida on Thursday for a Quad Rugby Tournament. It will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
It should be a very good tournament. Both Phoenix, the national champs last year, and Texas, the number 2 team will be there. West Germany will also be present. It looks as though Kip could be playing quite a bit, (at least that is the word we got!) so we'll send up a prayer or two about that. Just so you all know, Portland is really looking at making a run into the top teams this year at the National Championship in Louisville KY. The Portland Pounders are just getting better and better, (plus they have had some great recruits)
Once again I must thank all of you out there who continue to pray for Kip. Without you he would not be where he is.
Thank you!
January 1st 2007
Happy New Year! Hope you all had a safe and wonderful New Year. We were very fortunate to have friends here from Hawaii. They were here exactly 3 years ago, Kip had just been injured and was in WWICU at Emanuel. I think this visit was a bit more relaxing for them!!
Wow, unreal that it is 2007. Thinking over the past year and all that has happened. We were still traveling back and forth to Carlsbad California to be at Project Walk. Now to have Project Walk here in the Portland area is such a blessing. We are only driving to Beaverton and not flying to San Diego! The most wonderful part is being in our own home, there is truly nothing like home! Also, Frank had just come home with Kip, so he was getting use to life in a house full of pets. It seems as though he has made the adjustment nicely. He and Katie, the terrier, play non stop both inside and out. As far as the other animals, they all get along just fine. Frank has also settled into his role of assisting Kip and his bond with Kip gets stronger all the time.
Looking at the progress Kip has made, he will say it is not much, !!!, as a mother I can tell you it is awesome and he is always going forward. One year ago he was not close to standing on his own, now with the right circumstances and adequate support from Gordy or a trainer, he is able to attain an upright position out of his standing frame. He also has begun doing hands and knees, as long as his elbows are strapped (to keep his ams straight) he is able to hold himself in this position for quite some time. These are huge accomplishments and right on track for his recovery. His shoulders are becoming more and more stable along with the rest of his body.
Thinking over the past year and all that has taken place, we are just so fortunate to have so many wonderful people willing to help us through all of this. Without all of you Kip would not be moving ahead, but would be living life stricly in his chair.
Kip's determination and drive to always advance is very powerful to watch and very humbling to be a part of. We will continue to do all that we can so that Kip can stay on his course of recovery and become more independent while maintaing the best possible health. Who knows what will be happening in a year and where Kip will be on his road to recovery? I am so excited to see where he is!
New pictures are posted on the photo page.
December 6th
Extreme Home Makeover features Project Walk Client
When: Sunday December 10, 2006 at 8pm on ABC
Kristina Ripatti is an LA Police Officer who was shot in the line of duty and subsequently suffered a spinal cord injury. We are excited for Kristina and her family because she was chosen to receive a home makeover by the ABC hit program “Extreme Home Makeover”. Kristina’s story airs this Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 8:00pm.
The SCI community knows all about lifestyle changes after a spinal cord injury but the average person doesn’t understand how it changes everything. Your house was once your home, it was comfortable and safe; it was an extension of you. In an instant, what was once your home is now just a house, it’s no longer friendly. You can’t maneuver around freely; nothing is where you need it; you can’t get into the bathroom, the shower and bath can’t be used; you can’t go upstairs to your bedroom or your child’s. The design is just all wrong now…what do you do? Does insurance help? Does the government have aid for you? Who is going to help make your house a home again?
The answer is almost always the same--the responsibility is placed on the injured person and their family! Medical bills are in the millions, jobs are lost, income is gone; where is the money for all these necessary lifestyle changes going to come from?
Please watch Extreme Home Makeover this Sunday. You will see firsthand the modifications needed to make a house a home once again. If you know of anyone in your community that has recently suffered a spinal cord injury, you will now have a better understanding of what the family is going through and how much they need the community to help them get through one of the many obstacles of living with a spinal cord injury.
Ted & Tammy Dardzinski & the Project Walk staff
December 3rd
The Portland Pounders traveled to San Diego the weekend before Thanksgiving for the 'Best of the West' wheelchair Rugby tournament. This is always a good tournament, with high quality teams present. Portland ended up in 3rd place behind Phoenix, the national champs last year, and also behind the Canadian team. The Pounders are actually recruiting some others players, one from the Canadian team and another who lives in Montana. This will add unbelievable strength and depth to the team. The next tournament will be in Seattle on the 9th of this month.
A Eugene television station, KVAL chanell 13, ran a story on Project Walk Portland. If you would like to view the story here is the link, which will only be available for a week or so. http://www.kval.com/news/health/4769686.html
As you will see KVAL did a fine job, and all at Project Walk are delighted to get the word out about their presence here in Oregon. More and more people are becoming aware, which is vital to their growth.
November 10th
The Oregonian ran an article yesterday in their Washington County Weekly on the opening of Project Walk in Beaverton. If you would like to read, here is the link
Also, here is the link to the article that was in the Gresham Outlook in August covering Kip and Project Walk
http://www.theoutlookonline.com/features/story.php?story_id=115596125888208700
November 1st
Looking back over the past three years, my how life has changed. November 1st, 2003 we knew that the Barlow Footabll team was going to the playoffs for the first time in many many years. Meeting up with Marshfield on their home field, was not going to be an easy task. Making it past Marshfield, with an unbelievable drive at the very end of the game and having Matt score, the team was beyond excited. The next game was set at MHCC against the number one team in the state, Canby. The outcome of this game was not in Barlows favor. This 2003 football team had accomplished so much over the course of the season, Kip was so proud to be a part of this winning Barlow team. Life as a healthy, active, extremely strong young man, Kip's sights were on the future and all the adventures and excitement it would hold for him and those around him.
To attempt to say how life has changed is beyond difficult, every aspect of our lives is different now. After a Spinal Cord Injury there is nothing left untouched. People and families who go through such an ordeal know the magnitude of the situation. Physically, emotionally, financially, all has changed, not to mention personal dreams. As much as our family life has changed, it does not compare to how Kips life is now different. There is virtually nothing left untouched for him. As a mother I can honestly say a day does not go by without a welling up of emotion that is hard to keep contained. I can only imagine what Kip and every other individual with a Spinal Cord Injury must feel.
Over the past 3 years Kip has gone from being able to do most anything physically to fighting to breath on his own, to sitting up for the first time, to having difficulty getting over the threshold of a door, to struggling through the transfer from his chair to the van seat and so much more. The accomplishments he has achieved since the injury are so much larger than when he was able bodied, even though they may not appear to be. To watch him push forward in all of his life is both heartbreaking and completely awe inspiring. Being around the Portland Pounders Quad Rugby team has been such a huge blessing. Showing Kip before he was even a year post injury, that life does go on, as different as it is. What we perceive as difficulties that they all face every day, seem to just become a way of life. As much as they may not like it, they still go forward.
Project Walk has also become irreplaceable in Kips life. Knowing that now more than ever it is crucial that he stay strong and healthy, and to continue his push forward to independence. The changes he experiences are so small and subtle, and at the same time huger than life. To watch how his body is changing and healing is so exciting, it is hard to put into word. Setting new goals is something we all do, for Kip they are now goals that he never dreamt he would be setting out to achieve (and he will achieve them). The staff of Project Walk is critical in his and the other clients improvement. We are so very thankful for their knowledge and determination as they walk beside these guys going through the toughest time of their lives. Thank you will never be enough.
If you go to the Photos page, you will find new ones!
October 10th
Thanks to all who came and enjoyed a wonderful lunch on Sunday, provided by the Gresham Outback Steak house. We were able to raise quite a bit of money for the Portland Pounders Quad Rugby team. The beginning of the Rugby season is just around the corner, the Pounders may be traveling to San Diego for their first tournament of the season. The team is only able to go to tournaments by the money that they raise, so thanks again to all who support the guys and the wonderful sport. You can always check out their website at www.portlandpounders.org
On the home front, all is moving forward. Kip is getting into the habit of studying once again. It has been a long time since he has had a full load of classes. He has not been a full time student since being in High School, so things are a bit different for him.
As I mentioned before the Gait Trainer is up and running at Project Walk, so he has increased his time there two days a week. It is nice to have the schedule change a little for him, he is now able to work out at the same time as one of the other clients.
Also, there are new Pictures posted on the Photo page!
October 1st
If anyone would like to support the Portland Pounders Quad Rugby team, we are having a fundraiser at the Outback Steakhouse in Gresham this Sunday (October 8th) from 12:00 - 1:30pm. Tickets are $10.00 for a wonderful steak or chicken lunch. 100% of the money goes directly to the Portland Pounders Quad Rugby team. If you would like to come and support the team please email Kip or Lisa at kipjohnson@comcast.net or lisagordy@comcast.net Thanks so much for your support.
September 29th
Hello once again, good to be back. We have been having some computer difficulties and have not been able to update.
Hard to believe it is already the end of September and school is in full swing for the college students.
Kip is back in school and is once again a full time student. After trying to decide what direction to go he has decided to get a degree in Business. Needless to say his schedule is very full. Three days a week in Beaverton at Project Walk and two full days at Mt Hood CC. I must also add, Frank seems very excited to be back in school!
Rugby is also starting back up, so there will be practices a couple days a week, with tournaments beginning in November.
As far as the progression of Project Walk Portland, things are moving forward. Slowly but surely they are acquiring more equipment. The most exciting being the Gait Trainer, which will be up and running today. This will allow the clients to be upright and assimilate walking. This is a very important piece in their recovery process. It allows the body to go through the motions of walking and also reinforces the nervous system on how to walk. Since the Gait trainer is now available Kip and the other clients will be able to spend more time each week working out. I will try to have some new pictures posted in a few days so it will be easier for people to visualize what it is they are doing. There are a couple of pictures of Kip on the gait trainer at Project Walk in Carlsbad, they are in the photos section.
Nothing like a wonderful September in Oregon, isn't this weather gorgeous. Enjoy!
July 18th
Project Walk Portland is moving right along as is the website for Portland. www.projectwalk.org The goal of the website is to inform and educate the local SCI community on the latest happenings at the center and will also follow the local Portland clients throughout their recovery.
Tomorrow, July 19th will be the second 'Walking Together' meeting, it will be at 5:50 at the Project Walk facility, 9923 Arctic Dr Beaverton, 97005 (503) 352-0177 Ted Dardzinski, the owner and founder of Project Walk will be hosting the meeting. There will also be a PowerPoint presentation created by the Director of Research, Eric Harness, it will be on the latest scientific advances regarding SCI. Ted will also be able to answer any questions you may have. All are welcome!
June 21st
Well, Project Walk Portland is on it's third week of operation. All is going smoothly, they could not be located at a more appropriate facility, very state of the art that is such a positive environment for the clients and the staff. I believe they are very proud of their first satellite location. I know we are very happy to be able to benefit from their arrival.
Project Walk is internationally recognized as a pioneer in exercise-based recovery for people with spinal cord injuries; providing hope, improved quality of life and a chance for life beyond a wheelchair.
With the opening of their first satellite location they are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping those who have been affected by spinal cord injuries. The clients are the most dedicated and motivated individuals you will ever meet. Project Walk provides a positive work environment and in return they are hoping to have volunteers that share in their positive outlook on recovery. Beginning June 28th there is going to be a monthly meeting at the facility called Walking Together, which will provide a network to help build and support the community around the clients at Project Walk. At the first meeting the clients, families and the knowledgeable staff will be introduced and the mission of Project Walk will be explained.
If you are interested in attending the Walking Together meeeting please contact:
Nikki Hughes
or call 503-352-0177
Moving Ahead
May 26th
We are just a week and a half away from Project Walk Portland opening their doors. The Lead Specialist and his family have arrived from Southern California. They are getting themselves moved in to their new home and surroundings. Hopefully they will enjoy the Oregon spring weather as much as we do. Of course we have let them know that it was gorgeous last week!
With the opening of Project Walk Portland, Kip will be closing another chapter on his way to recovery, that is working with Kara. What a wonderful assett she has been for him. She has maintained and definately moved him forward. When Kip first was injured, I can remember Gordy and I talking about how many new and wonderful people would now be in Kips and our lives. Kara is certainly one of those people. Without his injury their paths would not have crossed and the relationship would never have grown. We will never be able to thank her enough for what she has done for Kip. Without her his life would certainly be different now.
Kara, thank you so much.
Thank You Portland Firefighter!
May 9th
The 4th Annual PFFA Charity Golf Tournament was held today, what a huge success it was. To all of the Portland Firefighter and their families, we will never be able to thank you enough for your continued caring and support of our family and especially Kip. There were around 200 Portland Firefighters, both current and retired, at today's event at Eagle Creek Golf Course. The reports I received were that all had a wonderful time, enjoying some great golf, gorgeous weather and exceptional company. With the money raised by your participation in this event, Kip is guaranteed nearly 3 months of participation at Project Walk! Beginning June 5th, Kip will be attending the new 'Portland Project Walk' 3 days a week. He is so anxious to get going again.
Once again, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
April 18
We are home! The Portland Pounders finished 7th at the National Tournament. This was not as high as they were hoping for at this three day tournament, however they played some good games. The tournament was on the University of Texas campus at a gorgeous recreation center right next to the football stadium, the home of the "Longhorns". There was also a huge track meet taking place, so there were athletes everywhere. The weather was enjoyable, sunshining and warm. We were able to spend time by the pool and enjoy the sun Next on the agenda for Rugby is the training camp for our National team, taking place in Alabama. There are 4 guys from the Portland Pounders who are in the last round. When they go back in May for the last camp, they will make the final decision for the U.S. National team. We certainly are hoping that all four Portland men will be representing the United States for Quad Rugby. Best of luck to Lynn, Will, Seth and Max!
The update on Project Walk is they will be opening the facility in Portland on June 5th!!! The lead trainer will be moving his family up here from Carlsbad a couple of weeks before the opening day. He will need to find a place to live and get the gym all set up. They already have a good client base, so the schedule is full as of now. Project walk has also updated their website, I would encourage anyone who has not been there to check it out. Go to www.projectwalk.org You will be pleased with what you see.
You can go to the client page and click on Kip to see his video.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you for continuing to follow along with Kip. Good things are store!
April 1
The United States Quad Rugby season is in full swing. Last weekend we were in San Bernadino at a beautiful facility on the Loma Linda Campus for the Pacific Sectional tournament. This was the qualifying tournament for Nationals. Very proud to say that the Portland Pounders were undefeated for the weekend, so they came away with the number 1 seed from this region. This weekend they are in Vancouver BC for a Canadian tournament, I just got word that Portland won their first 2 games. Next weekend we will be in Austin Texas for Nationals. The top 8 teams in the country will be playing Division 1, then the next 8 will be playing Division 2. Also very happy to say that our Portland team is ranked number 5 in the country now. Wish all the Portland fans could come root for our guys, Nationals is a huge step up from what you were able to see here.
Things are still moving ahead for the arrival of Project Walk Portland. We are in contact almost daily with the lead trainer. The process has begun for the equipment to be built. Tables and Boxes are the first to be assembled. Then a standing bar and a Gait trainer are on the list. As we have always said, as long as we are moving forward we are doing well. This is definately a huge step forward.
March 7
Once again I want to thank all who helped with the Kip Johnson Ski Challenge in February.
I never updated on the Rugby Tournament in Phoenix Arizona. The Portland Pounders took 5th, which is right where they were suppose to be. The next tournament will be in California at Loma Linda the end of March. This is the qualifying tournament for Nationals, which will be held in Austin Texas this year. You can go to the Calendar of Events for the dates.
We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Project Walk Portland. It looks as though things are right on schedule, they are hoping to be up and running by May 1st!!!!! We are so excited for this to happen. In the meantime, Kip continues to work with Kara on a regular basis. He also meets with his OT for swimming, and is taking classes at Mt Hood. Between Rugby, School and workouts he is staying very busy.
Kip Johnson Ski Challenge 2006
February 18th
Thank you Mt Hood League for organizing and hosting the Kip Johnson Ski Challenge
at Ski Bowl!
Also, thank you to Three Rivers for their help.
The first Kip Johnson Ski Challenge was held February 21st, 2004. Kip was still in the hospital when the first race took place. Last year there was no snow, so they could not hold the race.
Kip was not able to attend the race this year as we were in Phoenix Arizona for a Wheelchair Rugby tournament. Our family was represented by Jenna this year, Thanks Jenna!
For all of you who were up on the Mt, we heard it was bitterly cold and gorgeous out.
February 10th
Sorry I did not complete the entry on the 8th.
First I want to thank everyone who came to the Portland Pounders Rugby Tournament at Reynolds Middle School. Was wonderful to see the bleechers filled with spectators. I have never seen so many at a tournament before. If you did not know, Portland took first place. Our next tournament is in Phoenix Arizona on the 17th. This should be a very good tournament with other top teams in the country competing.
Kip enjoyed being at Project Walk last week. Was great to connect with the trainers, and visit with the other clients. (I also enjoyed visiting with the other Project Walk Mom's) The trainers were very excited once again, seeing the progress he has made while being at home. When we are there it is very intense training for Kip. He works out every day, three hours a day. As you can imagine this is very demanding to both his muscular and nervous systems. When we left Project Walk last May, we were not sure what was going to happen next, we just wanted to keep Kip moving forward. As many of you know Kip works out with a trainer here. We are so thankful to have Kara on board with his healing process. While working out with her, he is consistently moving forward!
The most exciting news for us is, Project walk is hoping to be up and running in Portland by the first of May. We'll keep you posted.
February 8th
We are home!
Was a good trip to Sacramento. Kip saw the Spinal Cord Doctor, who was very pleased with how Kip is doing and the progress he continues to make. He also had an appointment with a Plastic Surgeon, what a wonderful man. They spent a long time just talking about spinal cord injuries and the close calls that some people have (some closer than others!) Anyway, Kip will go back to Shriners in April for a procedure, and then just one more follow up after that.
January 25th
You can see the new photos on the photo page. Thanks for being so patient with me.
Tomorrow is Thursday, we are flying to Sacramento for the day for a couple of Doctor appointments at Shriners. We will be back in the afternoon. This will be Frank's second trip on an airplane. He is going to get use to it real quick since we are flying 3 times in 4 days!! After the rugby tournament on Sunday we head out to San Diego again. One more week at Project Walk for an update and evaluation. Will be good to be down there with the trainers and see where Kip is at now. I can tell you he is definately moving forward.
The Portland Pounders Wheelchair Rugby team is hosting a tournament at Reynolds Middle School January 27th - 29th. The middle school is located at 201st and Halsey and admission is free.
It will be a 6 team tournament with teams from Los Angeles, Tucson, Phoenix, Seattle and Vancouver BC participating. If you would like to come watch the Pounders play, their first game will be Friday the 27th at 6:30pm. Saturday the 28th they will play at 10:30am, 2:00pm and 3:30pm. On Sunday their final game will be at 1:00pm.
If you have never seen a Quad Rugby game before, come and watch, you will be amazed and hooked! It is an exciting, fast moving game with loud wheelchair contact. Quadriplegics with many different levels of function are able to play. The pounders are a non profit organization and rely on donations. Please go to their website for information. www.portlandpounders.org
January 23rd, 2006
Things seem to be moving ahead. Kip is taking 9 hours at Mt Hood Community College this semester. He and Frank are making their way through the breezeways just fine. It seems to be an easy adjustment for Frank, perhaps easier for him than Kip! Frank was with a high school student and her family for the last 6 months of training, so being back in a school setting must feel right at home for him. Frank is also adjusting to our home life and the other animals just fine. He definately knows when he is on the leash and working, as compared to when he gets home and it's time to relax. He then becomes a great big puppy dog.
Kip is driving more and more by himself. I feel as though my new driver just turned 16 and I am not chauffering him everywhere. He is acting just the same as a first time driver and does not think that Mom needs to be called when he arrives at his destination safely, some things just don't change!
Kip will be getting a set of Power Assist wheels hopefully this week. They are manual wheels, but have a battery pack on each wheel. This will allow Kip to continue to work with a manual chair, however he will be able to move much farther and faster with each push of the wheel. This will also help with manuervering up and down ramps more easily. Frank will have to pick up the pace a bit!
We want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and your prayers.
December 30th, 2005
Well, we are home safe and sound once again! Kip and Frank flew home from Sacramento, Franks first flight! The weather was a bit severe so the flight was quite bumpy. I think Frank was ready to get off the plane. I in turn, drove the 700 miles from Santa Rosa that day and would have gladly taken a bumpy ride.
The two weeks at ADI went very well. After being in class and lectures at the facility for the first week, they then ventured out on field trips every day for the second week. They spent time in Shopping malls, Restaurants, Movie theatres, City buses, Downtown streets etc. Learning all the ins and outs of life with a Service dog. At the end of the 2 weeks the clients/dogs were required to take written and practical tests. The final solo exam was in the shopping mall, Frank and KIp were on their own to do many different tasks. They did not know that there were people stationed around the mall observing their performance. The Kip & Frank team passed with flying colors.
Now that we are home, the goal is to get Frank use to our household and all the added excitement. Or perhaps I should say, to get our other two dogs use to Frank being with Kip all the time. Katie, the little one, is still not so sure that Frank should have top billing! Luckily Frank is very easy going and has decided that the dogs are pretty fun to play with.
Having Frank home for less than two weeks, it is very easy to see the benefits that are going to arise from having him with Kip. The bond is becoming very strong, in both directions. We are very thankful to Shriners hospital of Sacramento for their placement of the Service Dogs.
December 9th, 2005
We arrived in Santa Rosa Sunday evening, checked into our new home for the next two weeks and anxiously awaited Monday morning; Kip's first day of class!!! We were greeted by many trainers, all femaile except for one lone male. Nathan was very happy to finally have Kip arrive!!! The Assistance Dog Institute (ADI) is a facility where Dogas are trained, along with a school for the trainers. There are twelve students (human ones) working for their degrees right now.
The first three days consisted of lectures, tests, and had Kip working with many different dogs. Kip was then asked to choose his three top choices in order of preference. Kip chose Frank, Danielle, and Dilly. Wednesday afternoon the final decision was made as to which dogs would be going home with which clients. Kip's new companion, to our delight, will be Frank, a beautiful Golden Retriever who is sixteen months old. Now the true training and bonding begins.
Last night was the first night that Frank came home with us. He and Kip are working on becoming bonded. How this is accomplished is through a process called "the umbilical cord". Kip is to keep the leash on his wrist at all times. This means while he is watching TV, brushing his teeth, eating dinner, sitting at the computer, and sleeping, etc. The first night went just fine. Frank has no problem sleeping up on the bed next to and on top of Kip!!! Frank will continue to come home every night with us. It is very important that Kip does everything for Frank, without any help from me. So, my hardest assignment so far is to not talk to, look at, pet, touch, or have any connection with Frank while they are going though the bonding process. I never realized before just how much I spoke and interacted with dogs. I find myself biting my lip quite a bit.
The schooling is very intense and involved. Kip arrives at 9:00 a.m. and is there until 5:00 p.m. Long days with lots of information to be learned and mastered. The dogs here are truly amazing. It is very refreshing to see such positive things being accomplished. These dogs want to work and please; it is as if they are smiling all the time. You can see what they are doing at the ADI website, at www.assistancedog.org. After logging on go to the page titled Research, you will be amazed. Yes these dogs are really reading!!!
Well, that is it for now. I will update later, hopefully with some pictures.
November 17, 2005
Well, we are off to San Diego today for the "Best of the West" Rugby tournament. Kip will have games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We are going to miss the Barlow football game this friday, will stay in touch via text messaging throughout the game. Go Bruins!
November 5, 2005
The pictures from the Auction are posted on the photo page now. Thanks to Kip's uncle, we have wonderful pictures to chose from, there were so many that we could not begin to put them all on the website.
Even though the Auction is just now being wrapped up, Kip's schedule is moving ahead quickly. He is working out with a trainer 3 days a week and taking a class the other 2. First is the opening Rugby tournament of the year. We will be going back down to San Diego in a couple of weeks for the "Best of the West" tournament. Right after we get home we have thanksgiving with family then we will be heading back down to Santa Rosa where Kip will be in a 2 week training program with his service dog, so exciting to be aquiring a dog. This is only possible because of the Shriners hospital in Sacramento CA. Shriners has been so supportive in every way, we can not even begin to say enough.
When we return from Santa Rosa it will be time for Christmas, then the new year and then we are heading off to Project Walk for another quick evaluation. Like I said our schedule is full.
I do encourage all of you to go to www.projectwalk.org www.assistancedog.org and www.portlandpounders.org
Once again, thanks to all of you.
GO BRUINS!
November 1, 2005
We arrived home safe and sound from Carlsbad CA on Friday night. Kip, myself and Kara spent 5 days at Project Walk, and it was a very positive week!
Our goal was to help Kara along in her training sessions with Kip. I think I can speak for her and say it was a great experience. Now that we are home Kip and Kara will meet 3 times a week to continue on with his trainings. I might also add that JJ, Kips trainer at Project Walk, was very pleased with Kip's progress over the past 3 months while he has been home!
Now about the pictures from the auction! I have them here, I am just not very good at pictures and computers. I thought I had everything all set up so that I could get the process going to get them posted....well, it seems as though I have deleted what I had started and do not know how to get it back, so stay tuned!
OCTOBER 15TH DINNER / AUCTION
WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
I think I have been overwhelmed by last Saturday evening and have not known what to write.
It truly was a date that will always be stamped in our minds. There were 370+ people there to support our family and Kip. There were over 50 volunteers present to make sure the evening went off without a hitch! Thanks Cindy Taylor for that, you handled all the volunteers, decorations and caterer completely by yourself, (with a little help from Melissa) Cindy, you are one of a kind. Thank you so much.
Now for the rest of the absolutely wonderful people who were on board for this. Marie, the finances would never have been handled without you on board. Auction Items, both silent and live. Wow, what a huge job. Vicki, Judy, and Cathy you are the absolute best. Gathering items from the beginning to the end thank you so much Ann, Kelly, James, Pam, Karen, Wendy and all the others. Gwen, your expertise in dinner/auctions was unparalleled. Janene, what a gem you are taking care of the evening like a true pro. Now, who have I forgotten???? Cherie, I can not begin to thank you enough. Without you this event would never have gotten off the ground. We are not sure why we deserve such attention, and yet we are so glad you gave your all to us. We will never be able to thank you enough.
October 15th, a date that will stick in our minds forever. Going into the evening we (Gordy, Jenna, Kip and myself) were feeling a bit uneasy as to what was going to take place. We truly did not want to be the center of attention, and especially to raise money. The worst of all would be the special appeal! I have to tell you, we could not have been more comfortable thanks to Greg and Gary, you two were awesome, thank you. Being surrounded by all of our friends and family, who were there to support us unconditionally, it was truly a changing point in our lives. As you all know, we have never been in a spot like this, and are unsure of how to deal with it. So, thank you so much for making it so easy for all of us. We are so thankful for all of you. Words can not begin to express.
Now for the update. Kip, myself and Kara (his trainer) are heading for Carlsbad CA this Sunday (Oct 23rd).. Without the funds raised at the auction we would not be able to go! We are going down so that Kara can be trained by the Project Walk staff. This will ensure that he is receiving the best possible help he can get.
Project walk is coming to Portland within the next 6 months?? So for updates on the progress please go to www.projectwalk.org
We are hoping to get pictures from the auction up and running soon. I don't have them yet, so since we are leaving on sunday and won't be back till friday, it may be a while till they are up.
Once again, thank you all so much from the Gresham, Barlow and Portland Fire Bureau communities. Know that you have made a huge difference in Kips life, for the better!
We will do our very best to spend the money as wisely as possible. The first item to be purchased is Kips van. It is here in our driveway and Kip and Gordy were out for a test drive tonight!
Once again, we can not begin to tell you thank you in an appropriate way. Thank you all so much. Wow!
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