recovery update/ amazing times ahead

Hi everyone, I can't believe how longs it's been since my last update.  For those I don't see on a regular basis let me start by JO IS DOING GREAT.  He comes back to us more everyday and is working so hard on his recovery.

• He receives PT/OT about twice a week and works so hard!  He can move his left side well.  He can grab and pull with his left hand and is working on controlling a stylus for short periods of time
• Jo can pull his left leg back and forth, step down and press against a surface with strength!, and push his leg outward to try to push the therapist (or anyone else) off his bed
• Jo is back at school on a limited basis!  He is so courageous and brave.  Jo has always been shy at his core and I can't imagine his thoughts going back to school during his recovery.  We couldn't be happier with his amazing dedication and smiles at school.  His interactions are amazing and Jo pushes himself everyday.
• His purposeful speech is progressing well and Jo makes more effort than ever to speak. Right now it is mostly yelling and out loud laughter (what an amazing sound to hear from him), but he has said a few words!  He of course has mimicked Mom...and Sherri (his best buddy and speech therapist) and even made sounds in cadence to "I love you".  Incredible!!
• Jo's overall interaction and connection with everyone around him is shocking at times.  He get's sarcasm, loves watching comedians on TV, still  watches anything with his favorite artist Jon Bellion, and values time with his friends and family more than ever.  He can see his progress too and it is definitely lifting his spirits!  Let me show you what else is lifting our entire families spirits lately!!!

Through a pure miracle I happened upon meeting up with a workout buddy in my 5am Crossfit class.  My "aussie mate"  Phil and I push each other everyday, joke and laugh, and of course I shared my story of Jo, his recovery, and my motivation for getting fit.  He also happens to work for an amazing company Aegis Living .  He shared the story of how his company helps people every day and asked if he could help Jo and our family.  In short,  their founder gathers his top leaders annually and hosts an event where they break into teams and move forward with an idea to change peoples lives.  The teams chose their "project" and friendly competition ensues.  A "winner" is declared but as you can imagine anyone they help is the true winner.  Phil and his team shared our story, talked to us about our needs, got to know Jo, and presented their plan to change our lives.  Not only did they win the competition they definitely are changing our lives.
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They reached out to a few Green Bay packers to tell them about Jo, his story, his courage and strength, and off course his love of the Packers!  Check out the videos of our new favorite Packers!  Jo, and the entire family and Aegis Living team were brought to tears as Jo watched the videos...he was ready to take on the world!!!
Packers lifting Jo up....

Isn't that amazing!  We were so touched that they took the time to reach out to Jo,  it makes him work harder on his recovery!

Some of you may know about the amazing story of the Share Family especially Carter and Lizzy .  The team reached out to the family and told them Jo's story.  They made a video just for Jo, and watched Jo's own youtube channel, Jo was over the moon!!!!!

These caring people are examples of Jo's vision when he started his Youtube channel...  It was amazing to see this video and see that they cared enough to send Jo a personal message!

Last but not least, the core of the team's plan to help bring our family closer together, the most amazing thing we could ever imagine, they are installing an elevator!  In time for summer, Jo will be able to go from his room upstairs via a fully enclosed, indoor, state certified elevator!  Check out these designs...

Next steps are installation in May and more sharing with our family and friends!

We cannot thank the Aegis Living team more for all that they have done, and continue to do for us.  We could not be more humbled that they chose to help us, and can't wait for Jo to have the access he so desires.

Also a special thanks to those who have donated to our fundraiser for Jo.  He has started with a new Neurologist and she has given us so much more hope in his full recovery!  We know it wont be easy, it won't be cheap, it will take time, but we believe in Jo and we know he is coming back.  Everyone's support has been so amazing!!!!  Please post Jo's story on all your social media and get his story out there!  It is an testament to strength, courage, and faith.  You can download and post the videos as well, tag everyone!

JO's FUNDRAISER   

Jojobinks you are amazing in every way!  We love you to the moon and back sweet angel YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!