Message from Melinda

Apologies!! There is absolutely no internet access at the Bruckers biofeedback center. As soon as Melinda, and Ivy find a service, they will be posting pictures and info.

Brucker's Landing

We made it! Miami Florida, Brucker's Biofeedback Center. The facility is very secure, professional , and people friendly. Ivy's evaluation on Monday went super. the doctor said ivy has exceptional body strength, however she also has tension over her left side which is restricting her mobility. Once this tension is removed her control , balance and coordination will improve. An example is like walking a scaffold plank to clear a puddle. not a problem . now put yourself on a scaffold plank thirty feet above ground. things get a little to a lot tense . you may even stiffen up so you can not even move. As a carpenter, I remember the first time up on top of a 2x4 wall two stories up. I froze up. This method of biofeedback uses a monitor with a blue, and a yellow bar graph , Ivy than makes movements as directed and the graph reflects how much of the action is controlled and how much tension is involved.With this visual , Ivy is able to concentrate on controlling the movement and eliminating the tension. As this is going on the doctor and assistant are coaching Ivy on . Ivy was awesome! The Dr. said Ivy has everything we need to work with . We can help you. With the use of the bar graph, Ivy is able to monitor and reeducate the brain to sent the correct signal for controlled movement. I am back home now , and any information I get I will post.

BRUCKER.......LOOK OUT HERE I COME!!!!!!

Thanks to the benefit and everyone's "good thoughts", we are able to go to the Brucker Biofeedback Center in Miami, Florida (bruckerbiofeedback.com).Therapy will begin on March 7 and continue for the next three weeks. It will be A LOT of hard work but I expect to make tremendous strides! We shall post to the blog to keep everyone up to date. Wish me luck!

Big, Huge, Massive Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported, cooked, donated, volunteered, pitched in, and danced at Ivy's big event on Saturday! The intense positive energy rendered even a crusty ol' skeptic like myself into a quivery, sobbing lump on the floor. Thanks also to Unfinished Business for getting the ball rolling and keeping the dance floor moving! I'm sure Ivy will get around to "thank yous" once bounces back. She went right back to therapy on Monday, but she's still very tired. We'll also try to coordinated all the pictures people took and share.

FUN! FUN! FUN!

Ivy,
I had so much fun with you, mom, dad, Grandma, Greg, Casey, and of course YOUR band :) on Saturday! As always you were all so amazing and the love that you all have is a truly beautiful thing. The day after was also pretty darn great too. We were all so tuckered out and things were pretty funny. I love you soooooo much and I will always remember how special this weekend was. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of it all. Love you always, -elle :)

Ivy's Benefit

come and party:)
a week from today!!!

I met Ivy when she was probably about six years old. There were a few times we had gone to visit and it seems I would end up hanging out with Ivy doing whatever she was doing that day. It seems to me she has always had a gift of being able to connect with people whether old, young, or meeting them for the first time. I can't say I've been a person that has been a big part of her life, but through the years, I've listened to Frank talk proudly of Ivy's many accomplishments, her surprising observations and clever remarks. She's got a spark that has always been unique to her and I feel very fortunate to know Ivy and her family.

Ivy, it is magnificent to see how much progress you've made! There are not many people that could have accomplished what you have this past year or so. I know it can't be easy at times, but I know you'll keep amazing us! Sherman and I look forward to seeing you and having fun this next Saturday! Love you!