Britain's "Beauty Season"

An article found here introduces a new show in the UK based on the "next top model" franchise. The show features eight models who have some sort or severe disability. Says the article "The show's creators hoped the series would challenge pre-conceived notions of beauty and raise disability awareness." I agree that it will challenge preconceived notions about disability, but I'm not convinced it isn't just a ratings grab. (UPDATE: Series Complete - Official Website HERE)

Forever Friends

This weekend some of Suzanne's friends, from her college sorority, trekked down from New Jersey to pay a visit to her and the baby. They all took time from their own hectic lives to carpool down to Virginia to be there for Suzanne. They can be seen here with Suzanne...
Front Row: Kris Anne, Sally and Lori. Back Row: Suzanne, Denise, Christine (Holding Gabby).
This is just another example of how wonderful her family and friends have been through the whole ordeal. Suzanne is lucky to have such good people in her life.



Suzanne would also like to express her sadness at the departure of her home care occupational therapist, Carly, who has recently relocated out of the area and will not be able to continue participating in her recovery. Carly had been assisting Suzanne twice a week to regain function in her hands. Thank you Carly. Keep in touch!

Home Again

Suzanne returned home on Friday, as was originally planned. Before leaving she took a couple photos with some of the nurses and staff who made her stay so comfortable, all those weeks. They were all glad to see her progress and look forward to her self-propelled return visit. Here are some of them: Ron, one of her physical therapists, who has a wonderfully cheerful disposition that always keeps Suzanne going, and Karen, her case manager, who is a life-saver with all of Sue's paperwork (L). Aubrey, one of Suzanne's most dedicated nurses. Aubrey just got married and brought in her wedding photos to share with Sue. Congrats Aubrey! (R). And Marie, one of the aides who frequently switched rooms to be with Suzanne as often as possible (L). Sue wanted to recognize here some of the people who have been spending countless hours with her. These are only a few of many, so we plan to post more people as we go on. For those of you who haven't seen Sue lately, how do you like the haircut?

One step closer...

Suzanne came out of the operation with flying colors. She spent several hours recovering in the PACU, before moving back to the 3E wing, with the same nurses from her previous stay. There was a parade of hugs and well wishes from the nurses and technicians who became an extended family over the winter months. Suzanne said it was “like a homecoming” and she was glad that she was with the nurses whom she knows.
The operation focused on the shape and structure of Suzanne's left leg. The two bones, tibia and fibula, had fused together during her original hospital stay, probably due to her increased metabolism for healing and scarring. By waiting until she has returned to homeostasis, the chances of a repeat fuse are unlikely. Dr. Jordan has indicated he would like to address her right leg in about 4 weeks. But overall, today was a success. She will stay for 2 to 3 nights for observation before returning home for further recovery.

Surgery Tomorrow

This morning, Suzanne will be heading to the WHC for blood work, in preparation of her surgery tomorrow. The operation is going to focus on shaping her left leg, but may include the right. However, they are not scheduled to work on her hands. She will have an overnight stay to monitor her vitals, but she’ll be home on Wednesday. Suzanne is, understandably, not looking forward to the operation but is anxious to have them completed.