Norma, Mom & Kim

May 2008

This is Kim, Norma's sister. I was honoured to be asked by Jim and Kevin to make a contribution to Norma's blog. I have found this blog to be a wonderful tool for all of us who care about Norma to be kept up to date on her progress as she works so hard to make a full recovery. It has touched me deeply to see the depth of love and care she is receiving from so many wonderful friends and family members. We should all be so blessed in our lifetimes.

Recently our family lost someone very dear to us. Our mom, Lorene, passed away on Monday, October 19th. She had been bravely living with Alzheimer's disease for many years. In the past week she began to decline and it was evident that her time was near. With the guidance and care of Hospice she was in peace and comfortable until the end.

At this time the family plans to have a memorial service for her at a later date.

News about the Brain

Hello,

Did any of you have the opportunity to watch CNN (Campbell Brown) last night (Tuesday)? The program was thought-provoking at the very least.; It was about several new, radical discoveries and corresponding theories about the brain. It was really interesting, especially with Norma in mind. Some of the older theories of the brain sustain the idea that the brain cannot grow new brain cells, but this theory is now disputed in light of some recent research. The testimony was impressive. Patients have made huge advancements after suffering severe strokes.

Edward Taub (the phonetic is correct, but I am not sure of the spelling), runs a radical brain therapy clinic at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Many successful stories were broadcast. Another man named, Norman Doidge was also on the program who wrote a book titled, The Brain that Changes Itself. You can re watch it on CNN if you would like to watch the show. Maybe we can raise some money together and send Norma? Why not?

I visited Norma on Saturday. She now has a new roommate; a rather youthful woman who suffered a stroke during surgery for a tumor on her brain stem. She couldn't talk when she first arrived at Danto, but now she is able to communicate well; she is a good, positive model for Norma. Norma has successfully endured several weeks of deep emotional trauma, and she is doing better, so remember to write and call whenever you can. If you have any news that you would like to share with Norma's friends on Norma's blog, please e-mail me (or Jim, Chris or Kevin) Thanks.

Colleen

Hello . . .

Norma's new phone number at Danto is 248-788-7552. Give her a call. I am sure she would love to hear from you. Thanks.

Colleen

New Room Number

Hello . . .

Norma's new room number is #305 at Danto. Keep the cards, letters and visits coming because she needs all of us at this difficult time. Thank you so much!

Colleen

Friday

Hello . . .

This evening, Norma moved from St. Joseph's back to Danto. Jim is not sure of the room number yet, but I will post it as soon as I know more. Norma now has a DVD player, so if you have a good movie you think she might enjoy, please bring it to her when you visit, okay. Norma is a courageous woman, to say the least, but this stroke is an enormous blow, one for which she must deal with day by day, so please continue to support her in love and friendship.

Thank you,
Colleen