Name: randi kelly Date: 07/30/05 Message: Thanks for the hope and inspiration. I am a 14 year old girl with parapelegia. I was in a car accident about 4 months ago and diagnosed with a transected spinal cord and no hope of ever walking. But I can now move my legs from my knees up some. My right leg being stronger. I have some feeling returning, in different places below my injury.(thoracic/lumbar) If there is any information or help you can give me I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks, Randi Name: Kim Date: 07/11/05 Message: Aaron -- I feel like I know you from everything your Auntie Wyn has shared with me over the years. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and what you have accomplished. Give my love to Quita and Dan. Great website, awesome pics. Name: Joanna Date: 06/30/05 Message: Great thoughts in your journal; Fondly - Joanna and Paul Say hello to your mom! Name: Lynn Date: 06/30/05 Message: Just read your journal, just wanted to say...I love you unconditionally! Just keep being you! Name: Donnalee Livingston Date: 06/20/05 Message: 6/05 Dear Reader, My name is Donnalee Livingston and I actually live in New York State but this is about my seventeen year old niece who has just been transferred from The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. to The Northeast Center for Special Care in Lake Katrine, NY. Her name is Ashly Gambino and she is unable to represent herself because she is paralyzed from the neck down due to a gunshot wound sustained on July 29, 2004 in Raleigh, NC. The thirty-year-old man responsible for the shooting is in jail but Ashly has been left in "Limbo" so to speak. Ashly has been diagnosed with a C2 level Spinal Cord injury. This injury has left Ashly with little sensation in most of her body and even less movement. In addition, a ventilator assists her breathing. The trauma doctors had little hope for recovery and repeatedly denied the need for increased respiratory or physical rehabilitation. Despite her bleak prognosis, Ashly kept her spirits high in expectation of recovery, and continues to recover beyond doctors' expectations. The first week in October, Ashly began to eat all kinds of food, which was a huge improvement and not expected. She was told that she probably would never move her head at will. She now paints with her mouth. After months of being denied intense physical therapy and with only family members and friends to stretch and massage her, on October 4, 2004, she began to willingly move her left arm, left leg and shoulder. Aggressive respiratory therapy and ventilator weaning was also denied despite therapists repeated observation of Ashly breathing above the machines. Despite all of these accomplishments, doctors remained unimpressed and unenthusiastic. When asked for an outside opinion, based on these improvements, Hospital staff stated that Medicaid patients do not warrant second opinions. The Social Worker later apologized for this statement. On October 15th, at the insistence of Ashly's family, a meeting of doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers was held at to discuss Ashly's progress. It was only then that her primary care physician deemed her a candidate for physical and respiratory therapy. Ashly needed to go to one of the Model Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Centers that accepts ventilator patients. Ashly's placement was dependent on the diligence and attitude of the Social Worker. It was the family's belief that a social worker would act as advocate to his or her client. This had not been the case. All attempts had been made to work with and follow the direction of the Social Worker. However her direction had been toward long-term care as she repeatedly dismissed Ashly's progress and discouraged rehabilitation. In addition, she didn't seem to be of pediatric mindset as she rarely conversed with Ashly. The Shepherd Center reevaluated Ashly and agreed to take her after the first of the New Year. They moved her January 17, 2005. Her Mother accompanied her there as a part of the program. Ashly's Mom returned to Raleigh two weeks later and has not come back. She abandoned her there. The Shepherd Center transferred Ashly to Northeast on April 12, 2005. She is a homeless, 17year old who only asks that she come home to Central New York to be close to family. Ashly is a beautiful young girl who simply wants a chance to become all that she is capable of becoming. She wonders about her safety and well being. She wonders too if she will continue to receive the intensive rehabilitation that she needs to improve in this first very crucial year for Spinal Cord Injury patients. She has no source of income. She has no insurance. She has no legal advocate. Her twenty-five year old Cousin, Renee has stepped up to Ashly's aid and has stayed with her in NC and GA and now on to NY to take the training necessary to bring Ashly to her home in Swain, NY. Renee has given up her job and rerouted her life to stand by Ashly. The next step requires some adaptations to Renee's home and a search for transportation that would be appropriate for Ashly in her 450-pound wheelchair. If you have any charitable sources or could find it in your heart to assist Renee and Ashly, please respond to this letter by e-mail. These two really need help and they have absolutely no income at this time but hope to continue Ashly's education and start a business venture together. Transportation is vital to their plan and helping Ashly feel worthwhile in today's world. The grants available require Renee to be her Guardian or Ashly to be 18 years old. Guardianship is not possible and they transportation now rather than another year from now when Ashly turns 18. I am praying that someone will hear Ashly's voice as a victim of the public service system and adults who put her in harm's way. Please help her if you can. Respectfully, Donnalee Livingston 2316 Ames-Nichols Rd. Canaseraga, NY 14822 Name: Joanna Myers Date: 06/02/05 Message: Aron - an article (5/24) was given to me by a friend, after reading it I was charged again to find strength to fight for my 20 year old son. He got injured 5 months ago, it is still so fresh and painful. He is C5 Asia B incomplete - now - first month after injury he was ASIA A complete. I am trying to obtain some more information about the rehab protocol from Taylor, me and my son will fight and you and your mom are our incredible inspiration. I would love to talk to your mom. Name: Meghan & Dustin Date: 05/24/05 Message: Hello. You and your moms story inspired us. Dustin is a c6-c7 SCI and we are very interested in your rehab. As a matter of fact, I just talked to your mom about the possibilities. I would love to get my Dustin back to his original self. Thanks for your story, it is helping alot of other SCI's and their families. Good Luck Name: Bobby Bonds Date: 05/12/05 Message: Aaron... you are awesome bro, im soo gald i found a way to keep in contact with you. Hope all is well, and best of luck. B.Bonds Name: Arielle Baker Date: 04/30/05 Message: I LOVE MY BRO SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH, YOU ARE MY HERO!!!! (AA) Name: Billy Dias Date: 04/06/05 Message: It was great seeing you and I am very proud of you Aaron. You have a great big heart boy. I don't have words to describe how good it felt to see you on your feet, just tears of happiness. Continue kicking ass and now you have me in your corner as well. You ever need me I'm there. Love you bro, Billy |
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