I start my day now with an hour of Speech which went well. We went through a lot of Lemon Swabs & e-stem on my face. In my first 30 minutes of OT I stretched my shoulders with the pulleys. Then I had an hour of PT, I walked with the walker again. I walked about 20 less feet than yesterday, but I got there a lot faster than I have in the past. In my second 30 minutes of OT I laid belly down on a mat & did some leg exercises. I had another 30 minutes of Speech, this time she just focused on my talking & then put some e-stem on.
In my first 30 minutes of OT today I free-stood by a counter & leaned over it while keeping good posture. The rest of the time I practiced just standing there with just my hands on top of the counter. In my hour of PT I walked with the walker, but she said I walked very well & I went about 10 feet further than I usually do! Then I did side steps in the parallel bars. In my second OT session I used the Body Solid &
I transferred from my wheelchair to the workbench with a walker. They switched my therapists for Speech, so we just spent that time getting to know each other.
In my first 30 minutes OT today I worked on my sitting balance on the mat while keeping good posture. In my hour of PT I walked with the walker again & after that I did some ab workouts with another PT because mine was evaluating a new patient to PATE. After that my Dad, brother & I went to my follow-up appointment with my eye surgeon. He said all was good & we were headed off to Target for some Christmas shopping. I got to drive an electric buggy, but it died on me at the back of the store, so Jake went to the front for another one that I transferred into. Then it went down on me too! I was able to limp it back & just reverted back to the wheelchair. It was still fun though!
For this week my OT therapist Tina took off, so she had Elizabeth, another OT, fill in for her. In my first 30 minutes of OT she & I got to know each other then she stretched my shoulders. In my PT hour I walked with the walker & then did some leg exercises on the mat. In my second 30 minutes of OT I pretty much just waited in the gym, because the OT & I had not talked about where we would meet & I couldn't remember her name. My hour of Speech was normal, e-stem on my throat & face while I practiced talking.
In my first 30 minutes of OT today I worked my sitting balance by sitting on a mat. In my hour of PT I walked well with the walker, then did 20 wheelchair pushups. My hour of Speech was pretty routine. The e-stem hooked up to just my face, while she used lemon swabs on my swallow. As we were done she moved the e-stem to my throat and it stayed there another 30 minutes. In my second 30 minutes of OT I used the body solid.
In my first 30 minutes of OT today I used the pulleys. From 11-12 I was in PT. I walked with the walker to my room. The YAP room (Young Adult Program), there I played the Wii STANDING with one hand on the walker & one holding the conroler! After that I had another 30 minutes of OT where I stood next to a countertop with just my hands on it. In Speech she hooked me up to the e-stem & left some lemon
swabs with me because she had a meeting to be at.
POSITIVE CONFERENCE
This past Tuesday, October 12, Zac’s parents met with the team of therapists in a conference to review his rehabilitation efforts. All of the therapists are really proud of Zac and his diligence toward each of his therapies. They noted positive direction and advancement in each direction.
HIGHLIGHTS IN ZAC’S DAY
Zac is getting around in his new lighter weight wheelchair very well. Even though it is a great deal of work, he truly looks forward each day to getting into the walker. He is walking approximately 15 yards now, with some minor assistance on the right foot.
Being outside and sitting in the pavilion is also a part of the day Zac particularly enjoys. With the recent weather he has been able to also sit on the rock ledge to work on his upper body balance.
SURGERY TUESDAY, OCT. 19
Zac is looking forward to his surgery that is scheduled for next Tuesday to close his STOMA – (trach opening). This is a major step toward his progress towards a more complete lifestyle.
Thank you in advance for your prayers of peace, healing and protection.
Folks, our schedule have been extremely hectic since our relocation to the ranch at the PATE Rehabilitation Center. We’ll try to keep you updated better on a more regular basis.
GUESS WHAT – You can Now Text Zac directly to his IPAD!
When you are just hanging around the house in the evening watching races on TV, take a few minutes and shoot Zac a TEXT. The best part is, he can text back to you Himself – so send him some photos, take some time and reach out to him!
ZAC IS WALKING!
Zac is doing very well these days, and his efforts are reflected in his getting stronger and stronger every day. This Monday evening we got his leg braces – which are helping him a great deal! Yesterday, Tuesday, Zac actually walked in the regular walker, ya know, the one like a grandma uses, . He was so proud and excited- he couldn’t wait to share the details with me after his therapy. Zac walked 60 feet with the walker !
NEW WHEELCHAIR!
The plan now is to get a regular wheelchair, the larger wheels are easier to manipulate and Zac can then propel himself around on his own. He is utilizing a loaner for the time being, however the Wheelchair company is coming out on Friday to fit him for a new standard “model”. Zac says, “we’ll just borrow this one for awhile – no need to purchase a new one. It’ll take about 6-weeks to receive the custom fitted version, and I’ll be walking by then!”
HEAL THAT SHOULDER!
The diligent effort Zac is spending in therapy is paying off! The mobility stretches are enhancing his movement. That right shoulder is getting stronger and stronger!
NEW ENT DOCTOR
Zac is still having some trouble with his swallowing. This week’s visit to Dallas included meeting with a new ENT doctor. Since Zac’s Stoma is still open (the trach hole) her plan is surgery within a couple of weeks in order to close it. This should assist Zac in his swallowing issues.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR DIRECT TV IN ZAC’S APARTMENT!
A Most special thank you to Bill and Patty Swedenburg for the recent installation of Direct TV into Zac’s apartment. He is extremely appreciative and so very excited to have the chance to watch the last World SuperBike races on SPEED TV. And, don’t forget about the races on FUEL TV as well – the staff around here will be getting used to the sounds of engines revving!!!
It has been an amazing week. They have a very aggressive therapy program at Pate. Zac is in the Young Adult Program (YAP), so he is with other young people in his program and shares common interests with them. He has walked in a body-support walker this week and has gone about 60 feet! He is working on his computer & mouse skills and is doing much better with those. He worked on the hand cycle for a total of 40 minutes earlier in the week. He has walked in parallel bars. He is progressing quite well. Zac spent his first night alone at Pate Thursday night, as his dad had knee surgery in Weatherford Friday morning.
Destination: Pate Rehabilitation in Anna, TX. The day of the big move started with lots of rain, and more rain, and more rain… Dad and LaDonna had to load the van in the rain, and the Pate Rehab transportation arrived an hour & one-half late. It took an extra half-hour to drive there because of Dallas traffic, but Zac was just happy to be out and about. When he arrived, Zac was excited about his 2 room apartment, and all the nice people working there. The rest of the day was spent getting him moved in and setting everything up.
This is the big day! Zac turned 21 today! There was a big party on the 5th with lots of family and friends to help him celebrate. Zac made a “speech” thanking his family for all the things they have given up this past year. It was easy to see that they have not given up hope and faith in God’s healing of Zac.
Zac had said that before he left Baylor this time, he would walk. Today he did just that in the gait-trainer- about 35 feet with minimal assistance. He had all the therapists cheering, with Dad, Cheryl, & Sarah in tears. He was so proud of himself for accomplishing the goal he had set and setting the next goal for when he went to Pate Rehab.
Well I know it's been a while since there has been an update on the website so we will start with his trip back to Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation in Dallas after the one year anniversary of his accident in Virginia. Dr. Carlisle and all the therapists were so so glad to have him back. Zac was fortunate to get all the same therapists he had last January.
He immediately started working hard, right where he left off at the Courtyards. He has accomplished a lot since he has been here. He's standing in the standing frame, walking on the body-weight-support treadmill assisted, pedaling the motomed cycle unassisted for 10 minutes, pedaling the hand cycle for 10 minutes unassisted and without his right hand being wrapped to the handle. Zac has started writing with his left hand using a gadget, working the pegboard, and several other hand coordination exercises.
He's able to sit up on the mat table unassisted using both arms and abs, The OT now has him dressing in the mornings, assisting her in pulling up his shorts. Then he buttons them and pulls up the zipper by himself. Zac puts on his t-shirt with only about 15% assistance and is also brushing his teeth. He can sit up on the side of his bed with about 50% assistance.
We're still dealing with his double vision although the tape that the Neuro Optometrist put on his glasses seems to be helping a lot. They still haven't put him back on pureed food, but the Speech Therapist says it won't be long. Zac is able to eat ice chips and pudding, and every now and then Dad sneaks him some sweet tea flavored ice chips. He's looking forward to getting the feeding tube out so he can start working out in the swimming pool with Dad.
Zac's spirits are very high and he is very thankful for what God has done in his life, and is looking forward to full restoration as God has spoken. If you know Zac this won't surprise you: He has Dad looking for a Yamaha XS650 motor to build a 'bobber.' That's all he talks about!
[For the non-bikers - A bobber is a motorcycle that usually has had the front fender removed, the rear fender "bobbed" or made smaller and all superfluous items removed to make it lighter. Wikipedia]
When Zac completes his therapy at BIR we will be moving up to Pate Rehab at the Brinlee Creek Ranch in Anna, TX (NE of McKinney). Dad is staying with Zac full time and has had support from his church and the CMA. Fred writes, "I know I have been so consumed with Zac's and Jake's care that I haven't been able to stay in touch with everybody and keep everybody as updated with Zac's condition as I've wanted to, but I'm thankful that his Mom and the CMRA have been able to do a fantastic job at it.
"Along with his his direction this site will reflect Zac's character, personality, and his LOVE for Christ! Thank you all for your your prayers and financial support you've allowed me to be there with my son as I've always promised. You have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus!"
Well, Zac has now been back at BIR (Baylor Inst. of Rehab) in Dallas for one week and is so excited. Last Tuesday and Wednesday was one big reunion. He had all the doctors, therapist and techs coming by his room to see how far he has come. All were amazed. They said he was a totally different young man than when he left in January. It blew my mind to hear him tell me the things that he remembered from his first visit there although he was "locked in" and couldn't talk. They were so excited to have him back and believe he is going to do great this time. Zac told Dr. Carlile that he was going to walk out of here.
This time he has a good sized private room so I'm able to stay with him all the time and not have to rent an apartment. His mother and I were happy that he got the same doctors and therapist he had the last time he was here. At his Care Conference Monday we were told that the projected time of dismissal at this point was August 17, 2010. That date could change according to his progress.
I would like to encourage everyone that could pray, visit, text or send cards to do so to help me keep his attitude positive because this is really HARD work for him and has high goals for himself.
Zac got out of Harris hospital Tuesday the 27th and got back to the Courtyards feeling really well. The fluid on his left lung has deminished, he has no infections or pneumonia.
Once we got to the Courtyards we didn't have Zac in the bed more then 10 min and Zac asked me if the nurses would get him dressed and ready so that I could take him to his benefit at CiCi's pizza to see all of his friends and co-workers. He had a great time and was tremendously Blessed by the generosity of the City of Weatherford residents and the CiCi's pizza of Weatherford. Now Zac's anxious to get back to his theraphy.
We are going to see his neuro surgeon tomarrow at Baylor/ Dallas to review the CT scan and discuss a possible cranial nerve 7 graft and then on to BIR for theraphy.
Continue to pray for our ministry to the family's and caregivers that God has put in our lives. For the work that God Is doing not only in Zac's healing but in the peoples lives around him.
Come help Zac as you enjoy unlimited pizza, pasta, salad and dessert at CiCi's of Weatherford (325 Adams Dr.), who will donate a percentage of the total sales to:
Zac’s Benefit Fund (mention Zac’s name).
Tuesday, June 29th
11:00a – 10:00p (dine-in or carry-out)
From Fred: Zac seemed to get over the pneumonia and infections pretty well after he got transfered to Harris heart center.
If you had been keeping up with his updates for very long you probably remember me saying how everytime Zac has had a setback (episode) he always makes major progressive steps afterwards. Well this time much to our surprise Zac made major steps which prolonged his stay in the hospital for a week. Starting last Thursday he started using his speaking valve and wore it for seven hours and Friday for nine hours. Then Saturday he wanted to cap his trach he went all day until bed time, and then agian on Sunday and Monday. When the doctor came in Monday night Zac asked if he could get his trach out. The doctor told him if he could go 48 hours without any problems he could have it removed so Thursday morning at 9:00 am the respitory therapist removed it and put a dressing on it.
All during this process Zac has been talking and working on his speech. He decided he wanted to try another swallow test well this time he passed it with puree'd food (apple sauce/pudding) so the next day he got to eat his first solid food of mashed potatoes and gravy. The second day he got to eat his favorite pudding so he was on top of the world. So today they dicide to do another swallow test and he can have honey consistencey liquids useing thicking powder administered by his family so now we are waiting for Zac to be discharged to go back to the courtyards. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and consistant faith that god would finish what he started in Zacs life, please continue. Zac said now the next step is to start walking.
Zac has been at Harris hospital Downtown for almost 2 weeks with pneumonia and an infection. He has been on 3 of the strongest antibiotics available which has cured the pneumonia but now he has picked up a secondary infection from his central line that was placed in his rt upper inner thigh. As a result he's had a high fever for the last three days leaving him septic. They removed the central line tues. and are running cultures on it to determine which specific bug he has to apply the appropriate antibiotic.
Yesterday the Dr's moved Zac back to the CICU Unit in the Heart Center Rm# 102 so they could give him more attention and better care so HOPEFULLY Zac will be able to go back to the Courtyards this coming Monday.
Right now the plan is to get back to the Courtyards and go to the Neurosurgeon a week from Friday to see if he can do surgery on one of his cranial nerves to correct the slight paralysis to the rt. side of his face. Regardless if they can or cannot do the surgery afterwards he is going back to BIR (Baylor Inst. of Rehab) in Dallas for a minimum of 5 weeks, in which I will be moving back to Dallas to stay with him as I did last time.
For those who have been following along with Zac since his accident in Virginia on Aug. 8, 2009 realize that on tues. It has been 10 months.
I want you to know that because of your continual prayers, giving of your time Zac and his family are making it THRU this trial knowing GOD IS WITH US. And we ask for your continual prayers and support. New River and the CMA KoinoniaRiders are our family. As you may know the more Zac comes toward FULL RESTORATION the more work it puts on the family.
From Fred directly: "Right now I'm only getting to spend about 1/10th of the amount of time with my youngest Jake as I used to. He is close to turning 15 and it's important to me to not lose him to the world during this. I've got to give him more of my time, I talked this over with Zac and he agrees that I need to spend more time with his little brother. I would ask that you to pray and ask the HOLY SPIRITif you could help my family. Everyone who has helped sit with Zac so far has told me that they were Blessed more than they were a Blessing.
May the LORD BLESS YOUR coming and going as he has mine. "
Zac is back in the hospital for fluid around the lungs. Please continue your prayers.
3:45PM All of the fluid has been drained. Zac failed the liquid swallow test but passed with pudding. So that is very positive news! He is healing well with the sore on his tailbone as well. Zac also had a great weekend.
Zac is still doing very well. His lungs have remained clear and he is healing well from the surgery. He is starting to move his right arm and leg better. Zac and his family would like to think the anonymous donor from New River that gave money to pay for Zac's new Van!
Zac is back home on Friday evening. He is doing better and is settled in. He is still sore from the surgery but is resting better. Zac has been asking his about building a motorcycle (Every guy has got to have a dream!!)!! It is good to see that Zac is starting to have motivation and excitement during this situation. We would again like to encourage people to text Zac. He gets very excited when he gets a text message on his new iPhone. His number is 817-694-0244. Even if you don't know Zac personally go ahead and send him an ecouraging word! Zac is looking very forward to getting back in church and plans on attending this weekend!
Zac is doing well and feeling alot better. The cardiac doctor pulled the drainage tube out of his chest yesterday. And said that we are just dealing with the double pneumonia. Right now he's on a broad spectrum "5" antibiotics. As soon as we get the results back from the lab on the cultures and know exactly what bug he has then they will change his antibiotic to treat that specific bug. We should know in a couple of days and then he will be able to go back to The Courtyards.
Also last week Zach got a surprise iPhone for working extra hard in physical therapy the previous week and has really picked his spirits up. But he's not getting very many text messasges so if all his family and friends (personal/church) would send him an enouraging text message regularly I believe it would pick his spirits up. Thank you and keep up the prayers they are working.
Zac went to the ER at Harris yesterday with complications. After testing they told us that he had pneumonia in both lungs and he had fluid around his heart and had to have surgery. He did well in surgery and went to CVICU around 9am. They drained about 200cc of fluid and put a drain tube in for a couple of days until it heals. Zac will be in here for at least a week. We are needing people to set with Zac. Please let Fred know if you can!
Overall Zac had a great week, although he failed his swallow test on Wednesday, but we now know what's going on and can concentrate on that area with exercise. So he now has a goal he feels like he can reach. We had two outings this week. Monday he had an eye doctors apt. And got a new prescription for glasses and we are going this evening to pick out new frames. Wednesday we had our big solo trip ( all by ourselves) to the neurosurgeon at Baylor in Dallas. Dr. BidiWalla was AMAZED at Zac!! So much that he called across the street to Dr. Carlisle and asked her to make time to see Zac. She was so happy when she saw him that she cried and hugged all over him and gave him some great words of encouragement! She said she hopes to get him back soon and she misses him. He also made some great strides in therapy this week. Friday he stood in the standing frame for 25 min!! And rolled the omnicycle for 16 min. and for the very first time ever did the hand cycle for 12 mins!!! Still continue to pray for his hearing in his left ear and his swallowing. He is still very anxious to start eating. His dietitian has got him gaining weight, last week he gained 3.1 lbs, this week he gained 4.2 lbs
Zac is doing great in therapy. He is improving everyday with leaps and bounds. We will add some pictures soon.
Zac is doing well, and is just about over his pneumonia. Major improvements have been seen in his movement, he is able to move both legs voluntarily. In the last two weeks he has gained six pounds! Continue to pray for his swallowing to handle his secretions.
Zac is getting over his sickness. He is still progressing well. His memory is amazing and he even remembers small things like his email password!
Zac is recovering from phenomena. His speech therapist put a speech valve on Zac yesterday and he spoke a view words like "yes, no, dad, I love you". Zac also wrote in a notebook today and wrote "Ready to eat Wendy's". Continue to pray for God's miracle to come through full fledged and Zac's health stays good.
Zac got to take his first ride in his new van! He chose to go to the lake for his first trip! Zac is starting to be more vocal. He is speaking words through his speaking valve. He did have a little bit of a fever on Saturday but the cause is unknown right now. Overall he had a great weekend and is communicating so well. Please continue to pray and more specifically for movement in his right hand.
Zac had his first outing Sunday to the Easter services at New River Fellowship. He was as happy to see everyone as they were to see him.
All went well, he was just tired afterwards. It was an awesome day to celebrate God's healing power.
Below you will see some pictures of Zac's new tool that allows him to communicate with everyone!


Zac is still moving right along! God is so amazing and is doing what He said He would! He even smiled last night! He has had some friends visit and has enjoyed their visits very much! He is interacting alot with visitors and the doctors. They are going to start working on some therapy for Zacs bowel control.
Zac is doing awesome! A true miracle is happening right before our eyes. He is doing what we were told he could never do! His communication is growing and he is swallowing on command. Zac has also gained bladder control which comes from the brain! Praise God through all of this and remember to keep lifting Zac up in prayers!
Zac has been so alert lately! He is still moving his hands and feet and gaining more control of his body. He is starting to also control his head movement as well which is a huge stride for him! Zac welcomes visitors so don't forget to swing by and see him soon!
Zac is making huge progress! He is now able to move his hands and feet. Also, by responding with yes and no he can read flashcards. Keep praying for his progress!
Here is a pic of Zac watching a race on TV!

Last Friday during Therapy Zac did very well at responding and communicating. He is now able to nod yes and no with his head! He is also closing his mouth and swallowing and can stick his tongue out on command.
Sunday Zac returned back to The Courtyards from Harris Hospital. He was having trouble with his feeding tube again as well as his heart rate.They replaced his G/J stomach feeding tube, with a newer type to allow him to start giving him stomach feeds. This will hopefully get him over to total stomach feeding. Clear lungs and infections are being taken care of. Therapy should start back up with in the next few days!
Zac's temp and heart rate has been doing better. He has been very alert during this time. He should be moved back to The Courtyards soon.
Zac has been moved to room H605.
Test results show that Zac does have a Staff Infection.
Zac's heart rate came down today to 114 and his temp stayed down as well. He is resting better and has been awake and alert. He is starting to communicate more with his eyes and responding to flash cards. He is also moving his tongue and head more.
Zac is still at Harris Downtown in NICU Room 305.
His heart rate and temperature rose again this morning but is currently back down. At this time we are unsure about what is causing this.
Zac was admitted to Harris around 8pm with an elevated heart rate at 155 and a temp of 101.3. His heart rate and temp kept rising and dropping. Zac was moved to the NTICU to get stabilized and to propose a plan of diagnosis to eliminate infections or neurological complications.
Zac is back in his room and doing fine. They were able to fix the clog without surgery. He is still holding his head up more and more, and getting stronger!
Zac's feeding tube became clogged and he is headed to Harris Hospital to see what they can do to help the situation. Please pray that they can unclog it without surgery!
Zac has been holding his head up on his own alot more lately. Today he held it up four times for almost a minute. Zac has started to experience pain more and this is a good sign because it shows he is becoming more responsive.
Zac is doing well and adjusting to his new enviroment! He is beginning to swallow more.
He is currently struggling with pnemonia in his right lung.
***Would you like to volunteer to sit with Zac during the day? We are in need of people who are able to take some time out of their day to spend with Zac.
Please contact MelissaM@NRFChurch.org or the church office 817.964.8302 for more info.
Zac has been moved to room 44. Please update your address book!
Zac has been moved to The Courtyards at Fort Worth located at 8001 Western Hills Blvd. Room #44 Fort Worth, TX 76108. He is doing well and seems to be adjusting to his new home and staff. It seems his new Dr. and therapists are really nice and well qualified to take care of all his needs. During physical therapy on Friday he held his head up on his own for 32 seconds which is a first! Please keep praying that Zac will continue his swallowing and stay infection free so the Lord may perform a miracle and that he would have a great testimony.
Zac has a discharge date of Monday the 18th. He will be moved to either Weatherford Health-care or back to Kindred SW in Fort Worth.
Zac now how his new custom wheelchair! New River Fellowship donated $2000 towards the $6000 wheelchair. The family is very grateful for the support shown by the New River Family!
The Dr. is trying a patch over one of his eyes to see if it will help with his sight.
Please be praying that Zac is moved to the best place for his recovery and care.
Zac has started to swallow alot more! He got a new hair cut yesturday and his skull is healing well.
He is still not gaining any weight. He is still having some trouble opening up his eyes.
Please pray for his eyes, weight and for the next step in Zac's treatment.
Zac is doing well. He is starting to open his eyes again!
He is also starting to swallow much better. His stitches on his head will be out soon!
Zac had a good Christmas even though he had just had surgery. He's looking much better with his bone flap back in place.
Zac's eye surgery last Monday went well but he does still have some swelling.
Please pray that Zac's eyes heal quickly so communication can continue - Zac is able to communicate with his eyes when they are not swollen.
Zac has partnered with the 911 Family of Products.
These easy-to-use USB devices are password protected for security and privacy. Free automatic updates for the life of the card. No monthly or annual services fees.
For every card purchased a $10 donation will be made to Zac. Here's a great way to help Zac and your family. To order your card or get more information click on the logo above or the card below.
Currently available products are: