Back to Johns Hopkins !!!

http://www.hemifoundation.org/

Well, we're going back to Johns Hopkins, but this time...it's a time for celebration !!!! Jessie had hemispherectomy brain surgery over 7 months ago, and has been seizure free ever since. She's had a long hard battle, but never given up and is doing AMAZING things for a little girl that couldn't even hold her head up 7 months ago.

So our Hopkins / KKI visit is for nothing more than check-ups. (and a brief walk on the split-belt treadmill ) We're going to see some old friends and celebrate our trip!

For those of you that haven't been out to the Hemispherectomy Foundation website in a while, please take a look, and tell everyone you know it make a donation to help these kids and their families out. http://www.hemifoundaition.org/ . Send a kid to camp, or add to the research or scholarship fund. Donate some toys or stamps...anyway that you can help.

I thought that I would post a few pictures from 7 months ago, just as a reminder to all that love her to show how far she has come.

God Bless! Cris

Fully Funded Medicaid Waivers

http://www.hemifoundation.org

Hello Everyone!

If you haven't voted for the 'Fully Fund Medicaid Waivers for the Developmentally Disabled', please do so.

The website is http://www.change.org/ideas/view/fully_fund_medicaid_waivers_for_the_developmentally_disabled.

The votes are now over 3000, but we still need more help. All of the info is on that website as well to read about.

This will help out many children in the future that have gone through what Jessie did, and many other childhood diseases. Thank you!!!

A few Christmas Pictures

We had a wonderful Christmas with my parents, and all of Kristi's familiy in for the joyous celebration of the Birth of our Savior.

We felt so blessed and so caught up in the moment that, quite frankly, we didn't take a lot of pictures...we just forgot. The video camera didn't even come out of its case. Here are few shots.

The Hemispherectomy Foundation Christmas Party

http://www.hemifoundation.org

After 6 months of hard work, creating a foundation, dedicated to children and families all over the world, it was time to finally celebrate. With our 501 (c) 3 status approved by the IRS, we had a really big reason to get together and PARTY !!!!!

Caren and John Jennings, our co-founders, and good friends. We couldn't have done it without their hard work and dedication. (notice the new Hemi Foundation lapel pins)

Kristi and me.

Jessie, the little one that inspired us all !!!

Jessie and Avery. (Jessie had a sleep-over at Avery's house on New Year's Eve)

Lindy and Jessie. Lindy runs the Accounting department for the foundation ! She IS the accounting department !

Caren and Traci. Traci is the foundation "Ask the Teacher", and also Jessie's tutor.

Here's two sweet little angels ..... Catherine and Meredith .

Mr and Mrs. Jay Stringer. Who have so generously donated to the foundation since the very begining with printing services and support.

Our talented Jen Steward.

Marina and her mom.
Some funny looking guy in a beard who thinks that he is Ean Anderson (Jethro Tull).

Jake playing Christmas music for the talent show.

Riley jammin' on his axe!

Matt playing a Christmas song.

Our new lapel pin! On sale now at http://www.hemifoundation.org . All proceeds benefit the Hemispherectomy Foundation.

It was a fun time for all. 2009 is going to bring amazing things to all the children and families who need support from The Hemispherectomy Foundation.

God Bless all of you! Cris

Parker County Physical Therapy and Texas Tech's Matt Williams Surprises Jessie

http://www.hemifoundation.org

Luke Haynes at Parker County Physical Therapy had a special surprise for Jessie at her last therapy session of the year. It was none other than Matt Williams (aka "LynnWood"). The star Texas Tech kicker who won his spot on the team after Coach Leach spotted his talents during a half-time kicking contest.

Weatherford native, Matt is a super nice Christian fellow who was kind enough to drop by to deliver a signed football for Jessie. During the interview with channel 8, Matt explained that his success was owed to God, and he was glad to come by and make Jessie's day special.

The ball was signed by many of Matt's Red Raider Teammates, and it was such a special gift.

We will remember 2008 for a lot of reasons, but this is one more to add to the list. We are so honored. Maybe Tech will offer Jessie a Scholarship in 12 years. :-) You know, kindof a "4 for the price of 3" deal.

I just finished watching the Cotton Bowl, and Tech lost...I'm a little sad. However, as far as I'm concerned, this football team has the most character of any team in the NCAA, ....EVER! I wish that there was a team award for character!! Tech would win it hands down.

Here's a little video of Jessie and Matt hamming it up for the cameras.

Thanks to Luke Haynes, Parker County Physical Therapy, Matt Williams, and Texas Tech for making this a year to remember.

Have a blessed 2009! Cris