Mike Rea's Recovery Info & Updates

Mike's family created this blog to acknowledge our heartfelt appreciation for all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes since his accident. Please check back regularly for updates on his condition and recovery process. We know all of you will keep Mike and his family in your prayers!

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Location: Newark, Delaware

On June 16, 2006, Mike was doing what he loves most in the world~training a race horse! One minute, friends saw him go by at a full gallop. Thirty minutes later, he was found unconscious and barely breathing. Mike endured an emergency helicopter ride to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Unit where doctors determined he had suffered a severe brain injury and was placed in ICU in critical condition. After three weeks, Mike was transferred to Kernan Rehabilitation Center, then Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation. He returned home in October ‘06 and continues to work on his recovery. We have experienced much hope and joy as we have witnessed Mike's miraculous journey towards recovery. Mike IS A MIRACLE (the exact words of his neurologist) and continues to surprise his health care providers. Mike faces each day with courage, faith and perseverance; his new job consisting of physical therapy and theraputic riding. Mike is currently undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and is experiencing great progress! FOR THOSE WHO HAVE OFFERED ASSISTANCE, A "MIKE REA RECOVERY RELIEF FUND" HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO HELP WITH MIKE'S MEDICAL AND DAILY NEEDS.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Thank You.....

We hope our family and friends believe in the old adage “No news is good news!” We’re so sorry to have neglected Mike’s site these past two weeks but are happy to say it was the hustle and bustle and family gatherings of the holiday season that kept us all so busy!

We gathered in Fayetteville, NC at Mom’s home and took turns speaking to Mike in MD over the phone. Mike spent a quiet and peaceful Christmas at home surrounded by tons of cards from all over the United States! We don’t know which he was more excited about – that his sons, Jesse and Hunter were in a play at his church on Christmas Eve or the humbling knowledge there were still so many people wishing him and his family well. He sounded happy and strong and hopeful for his future and that was the best Christmas present we could ever wish for!

Mike is continuing his out patient therapy, but still needs his wheelchair when outside of his home. The walker is used mostly indoors, more out of necessity than ease, as his wheelchair will not allow him any real mobility in the house.

As the end of 2006 approaches and we look back over the events that have occurred since that fateful day of June 16th, we (Mom, Nancy and Cathy) can’t help but reflect on the many miracles and blessings that have been bestowed on Mike, his family and us. Our brother is alive; he has mental clarity, is mobile and, according to the professionals, and has a good prognosis for resuming some semblance of a normal life.

We started a list of people and places to thank for all that we have been given, but realized very quickly that it was an impossible task. The list would be so incredibly long and no matter how hard we tried, we would surely miss someone somewhere. The outpouring of love, prayers and financial support has been astounding and if we have learned anything from this experience it is belief in our fellow man and that this world is indeed full of good, caring and giving people. Mike is still unable to grasp the enormity of the number of people who care about him and still feels so unworthy of the attention of so many. Still, it is your caring and support that has made is possible for Mike to concentrate on healing rather than worry about his family’s security. He may not completely understand this yet, but that day will come and he will know it is BECAUSE OF ALL OF YOU that he has far surpassed the rate of recovery expected of anyone with as traumatic an injury as his.

Indicative of our son’s and brother’s character, Mike has shared with us he has accepted the fact that he will never be able to ride again, but is grateful for all that has occurred in his life, especially since his accident. His love of horses, desire to repay the many miracles God has worked in his life and yearning to help others has lead him to hope that one day he will be able to have the means to offer therapeutic riding, boarding and/or lessons to other horse lovers. He has also stated many times he will never miss an opportunity to witness to others in need the miracles God has bestowed upon him and offer comfort and guidance.

We count on your continued support and prayers. 2007 will bring a new vocation for Mike, possibly an ABC Extreme Home Makeover and many more wonderful things we can not even begin to imagine. We hope the New Year brings peace, love and joy to all as you all have done for us.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO!
WE BELIEVE IN THE FANS OF BARBARO!
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA!
WE BELIEVE IN ALL OF YOU!

P.S. We have to share a portion of this wonderful card received just yesterday forwarded by Sally of Fair Hill…so moving…so thoughtful…and a perfect example of His Work in our lives……

Dear Sally,
When I asked our son, (name), what he’d like for Hanukah this year, he requested that in lieu of a gift I send a check to the Mike Rea IRREV Trust. Therefore, this is in (name’s) honor and in the hope for a full recovery for Mike………. Young man, you have touched our lives and our hearts….thank you!


Recent articles about Mike:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612300356
http://www.cecilwhig.com/articles/2006/12/18/features/01.txt

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!
Mike, Shirley, Nancy, & Cathy, I'm thinking of you and your families today (as everyday) you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you much love, happiness, good health and continued recovery in 2007. Remeber we are here if you need ANYTHING!
With much love,
Rach at KF

10:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Continuing prayers for Mike and his family!

As we say goodbye to 2006 and welcome 2007 I will pray for Mike's health to be restored.

I understand the difficulty of watching a loved one struggle to regain what was lost.

God bless you!

Joyce Moore

3:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SO GLAD TO HEAR FROM THE REA CLAN! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It is with great anticipation that we begin this year in the hopes that ALL that Mike needs will be granted by HIM and through our efforts. May we be successful in our Extreme Home Makeover bid so Mike can have a new vocation with his beloved horses and be able to return to work!!
Love you guys,
Mercy

1:07 PM  

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