Several weeks ago I posted a personal blog under the title of Drew about my close friend and foodservice professional Drew McMillen’s ongoing struggles from a brain trauma (stroke) five years ago at age 42.
Drew’s most recent job was with the Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL) NewOptions program, which works with brain trauma patients in the transition back home and back into everyday life. He coined the term “Brain Owie” and crafted a campaign for awareness of brain trauma around that idea. Before this latest event, Drew was the giver. Now he is the recipient.
He has finally been released from Stanford Medical Center after more than 100 days and 18 operations. He is now at Dominican Rehabilitation Services in Santa Cruz, where he has been for just over a week.
Although Drew is showing a terrific attitude during this ordeal, he still has a long way to go. The first few days saw batteries of tests, many of which he had already been thru at Stanford, but since the medical records had not yet been sent over, he had to go thru them again (thanks to the inefficient healthcare system we have in America). He is doing well and showing some progress, which is great news.
This will be a big weekend as friends are putting on a benefit fundraiser for Drew on Saturday, so we are looking forward to having some visitors around. Drew won’t be able to personally attend, but will be able to take visitations from some of his close friends while they are in town for the benefit.
Without going too deep into detail, the physical rehabilitation challenges that lie ahead during his recovery are:
1. PHYSICAL: He has been in hospital beds for over 100 days. His first short-term goal is to sit on a raised mat with minimal assistance. That is a long way from walking. He needs to re-develop and strengthen his core trunk muscles before he can take his first steps, or else he would merely collapse.
2. OCCUPATIONAL: He cannot dress himself or even shave with an electric razor yet… he cannot control his motor functions to accomplish these tasks. His regimen will be to practice these steps over and over until he builds muscle memory and motor control. He came back before. He can do it again.
3. SWALLOWING: He is currently unable to swallow on command, so he continues to be fed intravenously to reduce the risk of aspiration or pneumonia. This function is usually one of the first learned, so he should show improvements here fairly quickly.
4. COGNITIVE: Although it is difficult for him to verbalize his thoughts, it is obvious that his mind is as sharp (and smart-alecky) as before. He communicates primarily thru a hand squeeze in response to questions, and amazingly, thru his eyes. How frustrating would that be for us, blabbermouths that we all are?
5. MOTOR CONTROL: Ironically, his right hand tremor has proven to be one of his best nonverbal cues, as it will shake when he is uncomfortable and cannot rest. Visual cues like this --- over time --- are how those close to him are able to determine how he is doing.
6. SPEECH: He often whispers or just mouths his responses to questions or in conversation. It normally takes him five to ten seconds to process an answer. He is beginning to talk out loud more often and in sentences. The good thing is that what he does say is appropriate and makes sense. These are great signs.
An encouraging update of his condition, tho he has a long process in front of him. I am struck in reading his rehabilitation routine how much we take for granted as we eat, swallow, talk, walk, drive, and generally cruise thru life. Those unfamiliar with “brain owies” may not realize the progress that can be made over time. It’s a long haul, but Drew came back from his original trauma five years ago, and he can do it again.
Your prayers, messages, and concern are appreciated. Thanks for caring.
A non-profit, tax-deductible charitable corporation has been set up for the McMillen Family to assist in defraying the substantial medical expenses. Here is the address if you wish to donate to the fund:
Checks should be sent to:
Drew McMillen Fund
231 E. Alessandro Blvd.
Suite A-344
Riverside, CA 92508
EIN: 32-0300758
The corporation has been registered with the IRS so it is legitimately tax deductible. Make sure you keep a copy of your check for your tax records.
Soon we will be setting up a website and an online donation method. Stay tuned and I will announce when it’s ready. Thanks again.
“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.”
---Aldous Huxley
Follow me on Twitter @FdSvsU