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.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Hello Everyone, We're in Maryland

We are so sorry for not blogging lately. With all of us back at work and trying to live a normal life we've been so busy. I myself have seen Mikey two or three times since Barbaro's Celebration in April. One just being this past weekend. I am here to tell you that he looks great. I mean he always has been such a handsome man but disabled wise he is doing well. I will try and catch you up on his progress.

Christiana Physical Therapy released him to Union County Physical Therapy. Then they released him to swimming at the YMCA. He has been therapeutic riding at Freedom Hills for a while now. First it was one day a week and then it went to two or three. Lately I think it got up to four days a week and he was also cleaning tack (bridles) and helping around the barn. Mikey is now going to the Delaware University to get his physical therapy one day a week. This he has to pay for out of own pocket since he doesn't have any health insurance. Well the students there enjoyed him so much and were so interested in him and his progress they have decided to do a study on him and brain injuries. So now he goes two days a week and he is going to start going three. Thank God for students and their studying.

Mikey is so strong willed that he got an adult tricycle. It has two gears also. He rides it a lot. All around his neighborhood. He even rode from his home to Sunbridge where he was on the rehab floor for almost 3 months to visit everyone. I about died, only because he had to cross a very busy highway to get there. He also walks on his treadmill. He still walks very slowly with a cane and practices all the time without the cane. He walks farther and farther without his cane weekly.

Mikey's birthday was September 12th and the Fans of Barbaro just made his day. He loved all the cards, donations and the giant gift basket. He wants to thank everyone so much but his computer is so messed up right now. He is going to get on mine tomorrow night and get on their site and talk to everyone. My mother, sister and I arrived in Maryland tonight and we are picking up Mikey in the morning early. He is going to spend the day and night with us. We can't wait.

So for now I am going to go and will blog more tomorrow night. When we get back home hopefully I will have new great pictures to post. Thank everyone so much for being there and hanging in there with us. May God bless each and everyone of you.

WE STILL BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Awesome news about Mike. We always knew he was full of gumption(by your dsescriptions)but to ride across a busy highway? Oh my, he is a braver person than I am, even in my CAR! It is amazing to hear how well his recovery is coming and his progress with P.T.

The study with the students on his brain injury is really interesting. I hope that they discover alot of new and helpful ways to help him and future people out with brain injuries.

All the FOB think about Mike and family, we love to hear updates from Alex. We especially love to hear about his rides, and are tremendously proud of his neverending strength. Know we still keep you all in our prayers. We love you, and think of all of you often. Take care and be blessed.

We believe in miracles
We believe in Mike Rea
We believe in the Rea Family & connections (oops~horsey humor)

Dora J Crow~Montgomery, AL
Prayers for all creatures great and small

11:58 PM  
Blogger TerriC said...

Wonderful news and thank you for the update. I think about Mike so often and I am happy to hear of the progress he has made through his hard work and perserverance.All the best to Mike and family.

8:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know this is none of my business but does Mikey have Medicare??? This would help with the medical. I know that it won't pay for all his P/T but any help is better than none.

You can check out Medicare.gov for more info.

Since Mikey can't go back to training horses he may be eligible for this help.

8:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great news! It's so good to hear what's going on with Mike and the whole family.

There are times when stupid stuff gets me down, and I think of Mike. He's overcome so much, he really inspires me to just not even bother about that stupid small stuff. You all are inspiring. The strength and closeness of your family is just amazing.

I'll always believe in Mike!

2:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So good to hear from you and very glad to learn that Mike is making huge strides daily! Not a day goes by without me thinking of him and hoping that he and the whole Rea clan are all OK.

Continued love & prayers for you all!

Julie Z. (in Houston)

7:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm finally catching up on my favorite family - what great news!! I only wish I could have been there with you guys. I just saw the pictures from the Extreme Makeover at Freedom Hills and while I wish it had been Mike, I see that God had a greater purpose in mind when Freedom Hills was chosen - now, not only Mike but many others with similar disabilities will benefit from the incredible facilities built. Mike, the Lord has chosen a new path for you - with your determination and faith YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY!!!
I love you all,
Mercy (and Frank)

1:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just placed the Brass Hat halter and horseshoes in a fedex box to be delivered to Mary Dubbink. They should be in her hands by Tuesday afternoon. The inner turmoil I feel giving up such a unique item is tremendous. The larceny in me makes me quiver.

Buff Bradley is the greatest and he is always ready to help out causes such as this. If you could email him direct to thank him it would be much appreciated.

his email is: Buffracing@aol.com

I hope you make a fortune.

The halter is very well worn and is a very special item. Wait till you see it! I am glad to help out.

Good Luck

Dana Ollier

11:02 AM  

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