Day Two in the hospital

Cassie's physiotherapist and her student physiotherapist Kyra. Learning how to move without weight bearing on left foot in the physio gym at Mcmaster Children's hospital.

Day two in hospital. Cassie did great, woke every few hours for her pain meds, vital signs and a check of her foot. She easily fell back asleep in between after the exhaustion of the first day. Roommate number 2 was a 71/2 girl named Jamie who unfortunately fell at the playground and fractured her arm. The same orthopedic surgeon did surgery on Jamie's arm. Reminds me as a parent how quickly an accident can happen. Dr. Burrows visited Cassie twice. A nice surprise was Dr. Gorter visited Cassie as well. Thanks for the warm wishes Dr. Gorter. He says we will repeat the motion lab after the recovery. It will be fun to see the improvements in the foot position and walking abilities. Cassie did so well we were able to go home. Mom and her had already learned how to transfer before the physio even arrived. A huge amount of the day was spent by Chris looking to rent some pediatric equipment. Walker, wheelchair and some bathroom equipment. Cassie was not eligible for CCAC so we had to pay for the pieces. A tribute to how well she does but unfortunate as the pieces cost around $200. 00 for the month. Craig from Shoppers Home health hooked us up and rushed the delivery so we could be discharged home at 4:00pm. The first walker with a forearm support did not work for Cassie, the hospital had no crutches or walkers to try out while we were there. I think I will give feedback to the therapists that they should have some equipment available to try but 3C is not straight orthopedics and we had no equipment and there was too much clutter trying to get a commode to the washroom which was in the hall not in the child's room. Things went too well to let small things annoy us. Chris took the prescription for pain meds to Shoppers ahead of time and it was a good thing because they would not fill the script as it lacked some information. A few glitches, but they were rectified with perseverance. Craig from Shoppers picked up the one walker, switched it for another and we rented a commode as our bathroom is too small for a wheelchair and walker. It was amazing to get home so quick and Cassie is doing well.























A view of the nursing station from Cassie's bed. We ran into numerous other professionals that know Cassie Susan from the Infant Parent Program recognized me right away. She had not seen Cassie for eight years. A friend from work has a baby who has been admitted for six weeks and some friends from church who's beautiful daughter Hannah has a brain tumor. We have Hannah in our thoughts and prayers and her entire family. It is difficult to know why some children have to suffer and please pray for this beautiful child.

Cassie had fun text'ing her cousins and friends to let them know she was alright!












A very special visitor Pastor Frank from our church St Johns Evangelical Lutheran on Hughson in Hamilton. The same church did fund raising for Cassie to attend Ability camp and receive some uncovered medical treatments. Pastor Frank made Cassie smile, visited with us and said prayers for healing. Thanks very much Pastor Frank. You are a special man!!


Cassie enjoyed taking pictures of her own foot and cast!!

Awake after surgery

Cassie allowed Daddy to walk her to the OR and allowed Mommy to help wake her up in recovery. The staff warmly invited me into the Post Anesthetic Care unit (PACU).
All children react differently to anethesia but Cassie seems to react well. Dr. Burrows met us in the waiting room before I entered and she told us Cassie was already awake and doing well! The nurse continually assessed Cassie's pain and responded promptly to her needs. Cassie's length of stay in this unit was short.


Dr. Burrows told both parents she felt the surgery was successful. She has some further ideas regarding another treatment involving muscle stimulation for her left foot. I think she stated there are only two wires into the foot instead of four pins like we were expecting. She said the foot appeared to line up really nicely. They inserted a pain block into the left foot and thus Cassie had no pain in her left foot. The block lasted eight hours and made post op Day one pretty easy. Cassie was moved into a room on 3C. It is really an experience staying in a pediatric ward. Lots of noise, crying children and babies, lights, nurses and families living in close proximity. I had stayed on the unit for six weeks when Cassie had a shunt infection and somehow I got used to this commotion but I found it very exhausting this time around. Cassie's first roomate was a baby girl 7 weeks old named Kennedy but she was being discharged so we did not get to know this family. It was glorious having the room to ourselves, Chris rearranged the furniture and found me a more comfortable chair that made a cot. We also confiscated the remote control for the big screen TV. This is a nice luxury that was not there during our last stay. Very good to distract children who are recovering.







I picture of the nice white cast. Cassie was told to keep it elevated on pillows and she did a good job following orders. There was a oxygen saturation monitor on the big toe and it was easy to check CSM. Colour, Sensation and movement often.







Some bannana popsicles helped wet the dry whistle almost as soon as we arrived. The red candy cane gown was quiet cute as well. Cassie would not use her weak hand while the IV was in, I think it freaked her out because it was positional and the pump kept beeping.



Supportive Grammy back at the bedside amusing Cassie with her Camera

Club Foot Surgery Day April 6, 2010 at 0800am

We were up at 0530 and at the hospital at 0630. Cassie had some nerves but having Grammy arrive at our house made the world of difference. Grammy kept Cassie amused with stories, pictures from her camera and songs. Grammy had been to all Cassie's pre-op visits at Mcmaster Children's hospital with the child life worker Tara. Grammy is Cassie's special safe person and Chris and I are forever indebted to her for all her assistance. You are a very very special Grammy. Words cant express how much you are loved and appreciated.

Cassie's Oma visited the night before the surgery and brought Cassie a comfort bear and lots of love and kind words as well. Grammy always says what is better than one Grammy "Two Grammy's " Thanks for your support wonderful grandmothers.

Cassie found bravery for each step of the OR process, she had quiet tears and sobs into mommy but only when no one was looking. Here Cassie is ready and she found comfort laying on her Daddy. Big Strong comforting Daddy. Chris did the more difficult job of walking her into the OR. The team was excellent they know Cassie has needle phobia and they gave her a mask to put her to sleep. Cassie cried but had no real melt downs and was in Sleepy land before she knew it. Thanks to the wonderful staff and the Pediatric Family Support program at the Children's hospital for understanding our girls fears and helping make things go smoothly.

The Pediatric Family Support Program are leaders in family centered care. The program allows a parent to be present in the operating room and Chris was present while Cassie went through the anesthetic induction. They were very sensitive to Cassie's needle phobia and used a mask to administer anesthetic and did the IV once Cassie was asleep. Three children all waited together and Cassie watched the other children and followed along. The volunteer for the waiting room was also wonderful keeping us informed and helping us find washrooms, coffee and bringing me right in to the PACU recovery unit the minute Cassie was awake.

Some Pictures of Cassie's left foot the day before surgery

Cassie's twisted left foot. Hope to show you some great shots after orthopedic surgery. Cassie has not had even a minutes nerves so far. We go at 0630 and surgery is at 0800am for approximately 3 hours. I will keep you posted on the recovery. Thanks so much for all the well wishes.
Kate

The Merger of TEAD and SPCA

My daughter has been an active member of TEAD for seven years now. 18 months ago we received written notification of the amalgamation of TEAD and the SPCA. We have since attended volunteer appreciation events where both organizations recognized the contributions and hard work of its volunteers. There was never any mention that the amalgamation of the two organizations was not yet legalized. As a member, volunteer and mother of a rider at TEAD I had no idea that either a new or an old council of the SPCA could just hold a new vote and the entire amalgamation could be dissolved right before our eyes. I also hate how the entire battle of strong personalities on board councils hurt organizations with good missions over all. When the organizations first amalgamated my husband and I did question the compatibility of the two organizations, we were frankly quiet surprised to here that they had amalgamated but we had no idea that there was such controversy. We fear that this controversy will now hurt our organization TEAD who did an excellent job, providing written explanations and formal discussion about the merger to its members. I feel strongly that the new SPCA board needs to answer to how the two organizations who have functioned together for eighteen months can now be split apart with no thoughts to how to support TEAD out of this mess.

I will speak about the organization TEAD to explain its terrific programs and how children with disabilities receive riding instruction in a club that I know as outstanding. My nine year old daughter Cassandra chose riding as her sport and has grown to be very accomplished on a horse through excellent instructors in a well organized program. Learning equestrian riding, forging valued friendships, participating in demonstrations of therapeutic ridding and working in the barns caring for therapeutic horses has been a part of her entire life. Cassandra with cerebral palsy supported by TEAD showcased therapeutic riding at the Royal Winter Fair. Four young disabled riders participated in the Musical Ride dressed in a lion costume. They thrilled audiences in the Spirit of the Horse Arena riding to theme of lion king and TEAD instructors and directors arranged the entire event two years in a row. Cassandra has experienced dreams of a lifetime for a young equestrian rider. She has been sponsored to ride some of her lessons and we were not charged money when she participated and showcased her talent’s as lots of donations go directly to young riders. Cassie met the entire Olympic Jumping Team, was awarded ribbons and a gift of riding gloves from VIP equestrians such as Ian Millar and Jill Henselwood. The Royal Winter Fairs professional photographer Michelle Dunn personally delivered a life size poster of Cassie riding her therapeutic horse Champion and this poster hangs proudly in the Clubhouse at TEAD. Other events included participating in a days event at Foxcroft riding stables showcasing therapeutic riding. Cassandra spent the day with other horse enthusiasts riding and hanging out with dozens of able bodied young horse crazed girls who toured her around their stables and shared their love of horses and riding with our young girl. Cassie also competed in Ontras Prince Philip games and place second with her team of four disabled riders and continues to have dreams of competing in pare Olympic events. These events were significant to my daughter’s love of equestrian riding and were organized by the executive director of TEAD Hillary Web. I have not even begun to describe her weekly lessons include; high quality instruction, Cassandra has bonded with her lifelong friends Katelyn and Ashyln. Along with her best ridding buddies she loves a spectacular family with three disabled children Damian, Tina and Eva who meet Cassie each week with smiles, friendship and the love of learning to ride horses. Any time I have had financial difficulties paying for the expensive riding lessons that help rehabilitate my daughter; TEAD looks for sponsorship, helps me fill out forms for grants and special funding and waits for payments that I have made late. Cassie continues each week to ride thanks to the countless volunteers and financial donations TEAD receives. Cassie is quite an accomplished nine- year old equestrian rider.

The dogfight that has erupted between existing board members and the past board member at the SPCA is a terrible shame and controversy. I do not understand the business side of organizations but as a contributor financially to non-profit organizations it is important to tell a donor exactly where their money is being used. It was my understanding that the SPCA would use special project funds and donations and partner with TEAD who does a terrific job fundraising and is forth coming in how their money is used. The question of fit of the two organizations; and the philosophy of whether a charity offering equine therapy to children with disabilities and a charity that helps abused and abandoned animals should have been answered in full prior to the amalgamation. This dogfight has hurt the reputation of the SPCA and it is my desired to protect the organization TEAD as for six years it has been my daughters home away from home, club and summer day camp. All my daughter cares about is the organization stays strong, continues to provide the excellent level riding experience and that other children benefit in the way she has growing up involved in this wonderful organization. I pray the division of the SPCA and TEAD does not hurt TEAD and if it does shame on everyone of the board members of the SPCA new and old alike. It is time to get your act together.

Kathy Fruck

Member, volunteer and mother of a young rider at TEAD

Some pictures of Cassie demonstrating Therapeutic Riding at the Royal