He did some great stretching in OT, but was very tired from PT & staying up in his chair all day yesterday. Sam is improving everyday. We had a nice visit with Kahla & Anthony DeMarco. Other than that, Sam's been resting comfortably this afternoon. We wish it was sunnier out - hope you all ad a good day!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
news article about upcoming show in Saratoga:
Update from Sammys Mom Jen!
Sammy update 8/30/13: yesterday before Archie, Jared & I left Sunnyview, Samuel walked the stairs in the gym with no assistance! He also practiced getting in & out of a car; they have a small-body truck-cab, for this purpose. He did great for his first try! He did quite a bit of walking & really impressed his brother & Archie (& me, as always!). The Silent Auction was absolutely incredible. So muc...h love for our Sam. Today, Sam did such a great job with eating that he got his diet upgraded! He received a massage in OT - Sarah is so good to him. We have been cleared to take visitors by the good Dr. Somaio. However, I also need to clear it with Sam! He's been too exhausted to respond to questions today. It's been a terrific & productive week.
Benefit and Saratogian!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
best update!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Sammy Update 8/27/13
Sammy update 8/27/13: Samuel is working so hard! I know I say that everyday - but it's TRUE! He has a nurse call light that he is able to use. This morning he ate all of his breakfast, & greeted the aide Toni with a "good morning, Toni". He hadn't seen her in 4 days! He walked a lot, with only his PT Kim, no extra assist & no wheelchair along as back-up. He walked stairs in the gym twice today. In OT he worked on hand/arm motor skills. He is resting after a very busy therapy day. I couldn't be more proud. It's an emotional roller coaster (for me as well as Sam), but he is improving by an incredible amount everyday. No one in the world is more determined that Sam!
Sammy Update 8/26/13
He did some great stretching in OT, but was very tired from PT & staying up in his chair all day yesterday. Sam is improving everyday. We had a nice visit with Kahla & Anthony DeMarco. Other than that, Sam's been resting comfortably this afternoon. We wish it was sunnier out - hope you all ad a good day!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sammy update 8/25/13
Saturday, August 24, 2013
8/24/13 update from Samuel's mother, Jen:
Sammy update 8/24/13: Samuel had a full day of therapies yesterday & has today off, thankfully. He received his first vegan-purée dinner last night, which was quite bland as the veggies were accidentally omitted. It arrived late - was accidentally delivered to the wrong room. it was missing the requested seasoning! In the end, understandably, he didn't eat much of it. It will take awhile, honestly, for Sam to regain the strength to eat a full meal. So, in the meantime, we can rely on tube feeds to supplement. Today's meals were much more complete & concise, thanks to the quick action of Shannon in Sunnyview's Nutritional Department. Today Sam is catching up on rest & working on eating, which is tiring! He had some pain at his feeding-tube site, which is currently being corrected. Sam's attitude is amazing; even though he's experiencing some sadness at realizing, daily, what happened to bring him here. We've been promoting the concept of his remarkable recovery in 4 short weeks. He's incredible, brave, smart & strong.
Friday, August 23, 2013
awesome update and info. on visiting : )
I spoke with Dr. Somaio today about visitors. He recommends that we hold off on friends visiting until after Labor Day. Sam is experiencing "post-traumatic amnesia", which is totally normal for someone in the end stage of a coma. It means that he doesn't remember one day from the next. Having friends visit could be counter-productive, & possibly detrimental. I hope you all understand. I have every faith in Dr. Somaio & Sunnyview. I hope everyone is well enjoying this beautiful day.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Silent Auction Update!
We are setting the deadline for submitting work as Monday, so get your stuff in! Donations can be dropped off to Shane Sanchez at Four Seasons, or you can contact Talyah or myself. Please include the applicable information with your donation: artist, title, medium, value, and suggested starting bid.
We have so many amazing businesses and individuals donating, all we really need now is your help in spreading the word, bringing your friends and family out to the gallery on Thursday! Email this poster to everybody in your contacts! <3
8/22/13 update
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Update from Sammys mom Jen:
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Update from Samuel's mom Jen 8/20/13:
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sammy update 8/19/13:
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sammy update 8/18/13:
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Sammy update 8/17/13
Friday, August 16, 2013
8/16/13
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Awesome update from Jen! 8/15/13
Sammy update 8/15/13: Yesterday, during PT, Samuel smiled & laughed! Twice! It was awesome. He mumbled (really, it was quiet throat-clearing) most of the day. He laughed again after Archie arrived in the evening. Today he was attempting to talk during OT! & more laughter during OT & PT. In PT, they had him standing with assists, but no apparatus. Sam's therapists (& mom) are very encouraged by the progress he's making. His PT is disappointed she'll be on vacation next week! Sammy is resting now, & has an hour of speech therapy @ 1:30. He may have the metal trache out tomorrow. He's doing well.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sammy update 8/14/13 from Jen:
Upcoming shows and Benefits!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sammy update 8/13/13 from Jen:
Monday, August 12, 2013
Donations, Benefits and General Update.
Shane Artsy has done an amazing job putting together the non profit;
Samuel Yager Fund
c/o Alliance Accounting
PO Box 72, Rexford NY 12148
(cashier checks and money orders only)
This is currently the account we will be accepting all donations from, we are looking into putting together a paypal as well.
Two benefits have passed, both of which exceeded expectations. From the benefits so far we've been able to raise nearly $800! With still two more benefits coming up and two silent auctions everyone is keeping busy! If you have any art to donate, please contact Portia (iamportia@gmail.com). We also need donations , so if you're in the Albany/Saratoga area and can stop by, please do!
Please keep Sammy in your thoughts!
Sammy update 8/12/13 From Jen:
After working his butt off Saturday, Samuel had a well-deserved day of relaxation Sunday. He had his eyes closed most of the day, but that is par for the course: a couple days of progress followed by a day of tiredness. His wonderful weekend nurse, Angela, suggested I take Sam outside! What a treat that was for both of us, fresh air & sunshine for a couple of hours. He is up in his reclinable wheelchair for a few hours everyday, dressed & looking amazing. Beginning today (Monday), he'll have 5 days of therapies. Each day will consist of a total of 3 hours of work. Sam is strong & he'll do great!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Sammy update 8/10/13 from Jen
Friday, August 9, 2013
8/9/13 Update from Jennifer - Part Two!
8/9/13 Update from Jennifer
Thursday, August 8, 2013
8/8/13 Update from Jennifer
Sammy update 8/8/13: Wow - what a great day Samuel had yesterday! He was able to get his right eye almost completely opened. He did great with his neurological tests ("open your eyes squeeze my hand, wiggle your toes"). I swear he nodded "yes" to questions I asked. He reached for my hand & held it for much of the day. The nurses are putting him in his recliner for a few hours per day. He is approved medically to transfer from AMC to rehab - just waiting on paperwork. Last night he even smiled at Shane Michael Sanchez Jr.! He's doing so well - your prayers are helping!๐
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
8/7/13 Update
Update from Samuels mother Jen: Samuel's procedures yesterday went very well. Without the breathing tube & strap, we can see his whole face again! The ventilator is currently hooked to his trache to assist his breathing. Regarding the "peg" (tube feed @ abdomen), he is on the same food product as before. It is as close to vegan as possible while still sustaining his nutrients & well-being. Please do not discuss the fact that it is not "true vegan" in front of him. Sammy had begun opening his right eye. It is weak, but he's trying. Also, Tim, the night RN, reported that Sam was squeezing with both hands on command!๐Have a wonderful day everyone - I know Sam & I will!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Saratoga Auction Update
Update from Samuels wonderul mother Jen ❤:
Sammy update 8/5/13: Wow, Monday already! Yesterday was a rough day for Samuel. He had a low-grade fever, and quite a bit of coughing. The good news there is that he is coughing on his own; unfortunately, coughing while on a respirator is similar to gagging, as he has a tube down his throat. It exhausts him. His fever has subsided! Hopefully his cough will do the same. If you come to the hospita...l, please keep your visit with him to 15 minutes max. (Remember, the clock in the wall doesn't work - but there's a clock in the bottom right of his Vital Signs monitor). If nursing staff steps in the room, PLEASE step out. You may talk to Sammy. You may touch his arm, but please use hand sanitizer @ SICU doors before entering. Thanks SO much!๐
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Art Auction Update
A few days ago I posted that we were planning on having a silent auction of your donated artwork to raise money for Samuel and his family. Over the past couple days I've received a lot of interest and some great ideas, so we've made a slight change to the plan; we'll now be having multiple auctions around the area.
The first auction will be on Saturday, August 17th in Albany at the Upstate Artists Guild, 247 Lark Street. (Thanks Rana!) Right now, we are also planning auctions for Troy, Saratoga, and potentially elsewhere, but we don't have details on those yet.
I think the best way to distribute the art over the course of the different events is to put it up largely in the order it is received, giving preference to the most local artists. That said, I'd obviously rather have too much artwork for the first show than not enough, so please try to get yours in ASAP. A tentative submission deadline for the first auction is Tuesday the 13th, but the earlier, the better.
Submissions should include (if applicable) the following information:
Artist, Title, Year, Medium, Size, Estimated $ Value, and $tarting Bid
We'd also love if you have business cards, post cards, websites, email addresses, etc. to display with your work.
It would be helpful if everyone could email me (iamportia@gmail.com) with a general description of the piece, especially format and size, so I can begin to get an idea of the numbers. Also, it would make things easier if all two-dimensional work was ready to hang.
For artists in this area, we can exchange info on how to drop stuff off or have it picked up. If you're out of town and need to mail your piece, I will email you back an address.
For all of you Bostonians, I plan on being in Boston this Friday for the SAMMYFEST benefit show (psyched on it!), so I'll be happy to pick up your items there. Again, email me so I know how much space I'll need.
<3 <3 <3 Thank you all sooooo much! I think we can make a big difference! <3 <3 <3
Update 8/4/13
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Update 8/3/13
Sammy update from his mother Jen: (8/3/13)
Samuel
did quite a bit of moving around yesterday - especially with his arms,
shoulders & head. He had some discomfort as the respirator tubing
needed clearing often. He hit the neurologist, Amy, twice. Its a
"response", so she considered it a good thing! He pushed the nurse,
Megan also! Very strong on left side especially. Sam worked hard
yesterday & rested well last night without issue.
"Obviousness"reminder: if you have a cold or fever, please don't visit
until your healthy. Non-medical news: Rich & the Four Seasons staff
sent a wonderful basket full of goodies for Sam's friends & family.
The SICU staff requests that we don't eat in the room, but grab any of
these wonderful treats & bring into the waiting room. Thanks for
your continued prayers.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Update 8/2/13
Yesterday was a very productive day. The surgeon decided to take out the ICP probe. They discontinued sedation after testing that Sam wouldn't need it. That went well. They removed the probe around 7pm. Sammy started moving his arms & head. He is in the slow process of waking up. During the Neurologist visit this morning, he "responded to a command" for the first time! Dr. said, "wiggle your toes" & he did so - instantly! It will take some time; but we're getting there! He's so strong! I'm so proud!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Call for Artists!
We are in the early stages of planning a silent auction in Saratoga, and we need you beautiful people to donate art. We're accepting all media, as long as you can get it to us. While we are still figuring out dates and venues, it would be great if individuals interested in donating work could contact me by email. Eventually we'll need the usual pertinent info (title/artist/medium/size) as well as a $ amount for the minimum starting bid.
Additionally we're looking for raffle items-- gift certificates, tee shirts, music lessons... Anything you have to offer! I'd also love to hear from our friends in Boston, Brooklyn & Beyond about doing art auctions thereabouts.
If you have any brilliant ideas, do not hesitate to email me, especially with information about a venue or sponsors.
❤Portia