Suzanne's Journey

June 24, 2009 - Suzanne is doing so well that she anticipates returning full time as our President at our September Meeting. This will be our Fall Fashion Show fundraiser, so now there is another reason to come to the meeting!

March 15, 2009 - Don't miss the March 25 meeting! Suzanne will be there, will you?

The Eagle has landed!!! Suzanne is home!!! What a wonderful miracle. God is Good!

On our way to 'graduation day' Mar 10. Continuing with the Rehab, walking, balance, steps and strengthen exercises. The end is near, and nice to be able to go home. There will be some out-patient rehab after we get home. Looking forward to seeing all the friends who have sent cards, flowers, made calls during my "absence". Suzanne

Just to say Hi to everyone. It looks like I will be here for a while longer. I am doing very well and will be coming home soon , probably around March 10. wishing you all the best - Suz

Took a trip to see the Nuro DR. today and had the staples removed. Good report from the DR - He is pleased with her progress. She is continuing her Rehab, which is going well - Walking, working on balance, steps and strength. Believe she will be here for at least 2 or more weeks. Depends on daily progress. Had a hair "do" today. Clipped the right side to match the left. She is my "G.I. Jane" and just as determined. Thanks, Ron

Pam, Bob and I had a great visit with Suzanne yesterday 2/13/09. Suzanne looks great. We talked the whole visit. She had just had a full day of therapy and we were afraid she would be too tired for company. However, she seemed fine and glad to see us. It will take some time I'm sure to gain her strength back, but she is well on her way. And, yes she is a miracle! Ron looks good too... so happy Suzanne is doing well.

PH.610-251-5623 is direct to her room. She will begin Rehab Thurs and spend most of the day working on motor skill. She has a good attitude about the 'work' ahead. Thanks for concerns and thoughts, Ron

Ready to go to rehab!!!! Waiting for a bed. Just a matter of time. She feels great and is talkative. She answers the phone , 302-733-2129 appreciates the calls. Thanks, Ron

Yesterday Barb Blades and I visited Suzanne. We called Christiana Hospital to confirm her room number and operator put us through to her room. I told person who answered this is Pat and asked if this is Tracy? The answer I got was this is SUZANNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Told her we were on our way.

When we got there Suzanne was sitting in a chair. She had the biggest smile on her face and said ------ What took you so long !!!!!!

Gave her a great big hug from all of us and can't begin to describe the emotions I felt.

What a miracle--all our prayers were truly answered. Suzanne ate lunch while we were there and especially enjoyed the Lemon Meringue Pie. She ate it by herself with her left hand.

Suzanne said she would go to the Bryn Mawr facility Tuesday or Wednesday. She is so eager to begin Rehab and has such determination!!!!

What a strong and special lady.

With all of our continued prayers ,support and love, Suzanne and Ron will continue to succeed on this new journey as well!

Take care,
Pat

February 8, 2009 - I received a phone call from 2nd VP Eileen Beveridge. She and her husband, Reid, visited Suzanne on Saturday, February 7. Suzanne talked with them and seemed pleased for the visit. Ron told the Beveridges' that she would be moved on Monday, Feb. 9 to Rehab. Eileen seemed to feel that she was definitely weak from the accident and surgeries, but in good spirits.

February 8, 2009 - It is with joy that I tell you that I spoke with Suzanne today on the telephone. She sounds wonderful! She had a room full of company when I called, so our talk was brief. I had hoped to get a visit in with her before she left for Rehab in Pennsylvania, but I wouldn't take a chance on giving her any of my germs! However, from the sound of her voice and Ron's positive emails it sounds like she won't be gone from us for long. I will post her new address as soon as I get it.

February 7, 2009 - My apologies for the delay in posting Ron's email on Feb. 6. I have been under the weather, but starting to feel better. If I get anymore info tonight I should be able to post it. Thanks!

Another day of progress. Started with a 'short' assisted walk. and then back to her chair. The last operation was a success and she looks & feels good. She has been transferred to 2C wing , which is for patients that are showing good progress. Hoping at this time for a move to Bryn Mawr Rehab on Monday or Tuesday 2-10. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, Ron

I talked with Ron tonight........and he was so very relieved and happy! Suzanne went into surgery around 3 p.m. and I'm so very pleased to report that the surgery went well -- no complications!.......The surgeons were able to reposition the piece of her skull into its proper place and re-anchor it securely. They removed some fluid buildup and closed the incision. Suzanne was on the ventilator during the surgery but it was removed while she was in the recovery room. She needed no additional monitoring/assistance other than the usual heart, etc. monitors.

The operation was successfully completed the afternoon about 5:30 PM. They wheeled her into her old room about 7 PM . sleepy but awake. She could move her arms and legs and speak to the nurse. Everything was OK as we were able to talk to the DR . In a few days, we should be able to move on toward the second goal, rehab. Still a long way to go, but we are positive. Many thanks to all of our friends for their thoughts and prayers. Ron

Suz has to go in today for some surgery. Not sure how to describe it, but the bone removed for the operation and re-attachment has tilted slightly. The DR thinks it should be taken care of now to prevent any further possible damage that might occur, IF she bumped her head. She is doing very well. Eating by herself, with help getting to a chair, talking in a whisper. Recognizes the visitors, and talks the best she can.
We had planned to move her to Rehab today ,but that is delayed till this week-end at best. Small bump in the road to recovery. I'll give you an update this PM after the surgery, which will be later this afternoon. Ron

I visited with Suzanne and Ron today. Although I've been with Ron and the family many times, this was the first time I've seen Suzanne since her accident and I was awed! She was asleep for most of my visit....but then awakened on her own.

She knew who I was and whispered my name. And she managed to hold her right hand up for me to hold. I just couldn't believe my eyes --Ron, Tracy, and Laird Stabler had told me the good news but I needed to see Suzanne myself to truly believe it! It truly is a miracle.........everyone's prayers have certainly been answered during the last two weeks. While I was there, Cathy Murray came in -- she is a volunteer at Christiana Hospital and visits with Suzanne and Ron when she is at the hospital. And Suzanne knew her and whispered her name as well.

As you know, Suzanne has been moved from ICU into TSU (Technical Support Unit)...still a critical care unit, but it's reassurance that she is indeed much better. In fact, the hospital personnel had begun to talk with Ron about moving Suzanne to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.....(Malvern, PA)...a state-of-the-art brain injury facility.

However, a problem arose yesterday. A portion of Suzanne's skull (that was removed to enable the surgeons to remove the large hematoma) has shifted. Yesterday, the surgeons decided not to operate. Today, however, they have decided that surgery to reposition and reattach that portion of Suzanne's skull is necessary to avoid any further shifting or potential problem.

So, much to everyone's disappointment, Suzanne will be operated on tomorrow afternoon.........and, at least for a while, will be back on the ventilator again. It's a major "bump" on Suzanne's healing road........but Ron and family are confident that the surgery will go well. After all, they've already had a miracle!

On behalf of their many friends, I was pleased to give Ron five VISA gift cards! He was quite overwhelmed and keep looking at them as if he couldn't believe it. I had told him what folks were doing and he had told Suzanne. He showed them to her...and she whispered 'thank you". I told her that her friends wanted so much to be part of her miracle and to help all of them. Ron is so very grateful for everyone's caring, love, and prayers. (These gift cards will help so much......especially when Ron and family begin the longer trips and stays at Bryn Mawr. ) Thank you!!

Not surprisingly, Suzanne becomes very tired very quickly. She has some difficulty processing information and names. But, I can't describe the joy and gratitude I felt....to hold Suzanne's hand, to feel her squeeze my hand, and to see her smile........it's simply wonderful -- and joyful!

Suzanne and Ron have a long, long journey ahead of them..........but Ron believes that they can achieve anything. He has Suzanne....and they have all of their friends who have made such a difference!

More progress each day. Still sleepy but wakes up for meals and company. She is trying to get her voice back. We have been looking at the next step, rehab. In a few days the DR.'s will be making their recommendation. Ron

Everyday gets a little better - Sitting up today without the tubes.. Able to eat a little from her plate with help. Hand and arms still not coordinated ,but working on that. Looking for continued improvement the next few days . DR's beginning evaluation for rehab. We're taking it one day at a time, with slow steady progress. Ron

Suz was moved from the ICU to the Tech Support Unit. Same floor , but not the same intensity. She still has a feeding tube in, but the nurses are looking at her voice box and waiting for it to heal itself - from 11 days of tube down the throat. We are looking for a rehab center that specializes in head trauma. Stopping in Milford tomorrow. Slow but steady progress.. Thanks , Ron

Today was a good day for Suz. She was able, with help to get into a big chair and sit up. Big 'grin' on her face as we talked to her. She whispered to me' get me out of here' ...suggested she follow the DR. orders and take it a step at a time. We are meeting with the social services to discuss the next step for rehab. She has moved her legs and arms and is ' ready to get up'. Her voice is beginning to get stronger, may take some help. All in all was a good day!!! Looking for a better tomorrow....Ron

SUZANNE WOKE UP!!!! Ron called me this morning about 11:20A. He said that as he approached Suzanne’s room this morning the nurses were all standing around smiling and told him- “we have a surprise for you!” Suzanne was propped up in the bed and her eyes were open. She still had the ventilator, et.al, attached, but she responded to seeing him with a smile. He called their daughter ,Tracy and smiled as Tracey talked with her. He told her that her quilting friend Johanna had been there yesterday and she responded with a smile when she heard her name. She also smiled when he told her that I had been there yesterday, too. Ron was kicked out of the room so they could take the ventilator out, and so forth. He was practically coming through the phone with joy! Oh! the power of prayer!- Rebecca

January 26, 2009 - My husband and I visited Suzanne this afternoon. She decided to remain sleeping while we were there. A close friend of hers, Johanna, a sister quilter, was there when we arrived. We both talked to Suzanne even though she slept through the whole thing and caught her up on our daily lives. I fussed at Suzanne about my new responsibilities with SCRWC but assured her the job was still hers when she was ready. Keep up the positive thoughts and prayers. -Rebecca Stancliff

Suz had her eyes open several times today. [Sunday] Only for a few seconds each time, but several times when we were in the room. She seemed to be able to follow the voices. Still movement on the right, not much on the left. We view this as progress. The tubes won't be removed till she can keep the eyes open for a period of time. Now she opens them and then goes back to sleep. She's trying to get them open. Maybe tomorrow!! Thanks, Ron

Note: I am heading up to visit Suzanne with my husband today. I will post my findings tonight. Everyone stay positive!- R. Stancliff

So many of you have asked "how can we help Ron and Suzanne?" during this very difficult and challenging time. All of us want to help, but it is very difficult to know how we can best support them.

Of course, Ron's first answer is to ask for our continued prayers. He and his children (Tracy, Craig and Trent) are amazed and strengthened by the outpouring of caring and support they have received from across the state.

When Seth and I visited on Thursday, we thought of a possible way that people can help Ron and his family -- all of whom are spending as much time as possible at the hospital with Suzanne, with the children and grandchildren racing between jobs, school and family (Trent going back and forth to Boston), all with the objective of being at the hospital as much as possible. Since they are at the hospital from morning until late evening, they are having to eat out often twice each day. As you can imagine, paying for 4, 6 and sometimes 8 family members is very expensive and is really adding up.

We thought it would be so very helpful to Ron and his family if we all contributed toward a prepaid VISA card that Ron could use at any restaurant near or in the hospital. This way the family could eat together, gaining strength and encouragement from each other....and enabling them to spend their time with Suzanne.

I discussed this with Ron, not wanting to do anything that would not be acceptable to him. He became quite emotional that so many people wanted to help and acknowledged that this was one way they could help, I told him that this was a way we too could help care for Suzanne by caring for her family.

We looked at various ways to do this.....and finally decided on the simplest and fastest way. I have made arrangements with Wilmington Trust to accept checks drawn from any bank to put toward the total of a pre-paid VISA card. (Usually, the check would have to be drawn on the bank where the VISA is being bought.)

Seth and I will compile the checks and purchase pre-paid VISA cards as the money comes in. We will keep a list of the names and give those to Ron (without amounts) with the card(s).

I've talked with several people and they feel this is an excellent way to help Ron and his family as they remain away from home with Suzanne. I visited with Ron and Craig today..................there is little change (some improvement in her breathing and she was able to open her other eye). This will be a long, long journey........and they really need our continued prayers, help, and support.

January 24, 2009-Ron Sams reports that Suzanne has opened both eyes for a few seconds which is a sign of great improvement. She has improved greatly over the last few days. She is still on the respirator, but only for precautionary reasons. They have had many visitors which Ron says has helped them get through the day. I am compiling a list of comments sent to me via email from many of our members. If you would like to be included on the list, email me at rjs@rjsai.com

We visited with Ron Sams and his family this afternoon..............and were thrilled to be there for some good news! Suzanne responded to a request to open her eye (one is swollen shut) and responded to the question "are you in pain" by moving her head from side to side, indicating "no".

Susanne's son, Craig, jumped in the air and clicked his heels. And when Ron heard this, there was joy and relief on his face. This is real hope...please continue to pray for continued signs.

Suzanne remains on the ventilator and that will not be removed until she is fully conscious and the doctors are confident that she will be able to breathe on her own. Her vital signs are stable.

This is the first really good news that the Sams have had.............they are so very grateful for all the prayers, caring thoughts, and kind offers that they have received from so many people. Ron asked us to express his appreciation to everyone.....and hopes someday soon to be able to thank you-all personally.

January 22, 2009- Although Suzanne has not woken up yet she has been downgraded from critical to guarded. This is GREAT NEWS!

I will continue to update this website and the www.SussexGOP.org website as I received new information. In the meantime, prayer is a powerful tool!

January 20, 2009-As many of you know, our beloved Club President Suzanne Sams had a serious accident on Monday, January 19, 2009. Suzanne went out early in the morning to get the newspaper and apparently fell, hitting her head and hurting her hand. When Ron saw her after that she told him that she had fallen and said that her hand hurt and she had a headache. She went back to bed. Ron checked on her a few times and found out that she had been throwing up and refused any food. Around 3:30-4P Ron could not wake her up and he called 911. Beebe Hospital checked her out and sent her up to Christiana Hospital for emergency surgery for her head injury (hematoma on the brain). The surgery was performed about midnight. She was in critical condition. Ron described her condition as "hanging on by a string".