Sip and Puff

Описание: I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to visit my Dad in Vancouver again. He is now under the care of a wonderful team at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre.

What a nice surprise it was to see him in his own clothes! He is learning how to operate a power wheelchair using sip and puff controls. It sure isn’t easy, but he is determined! He requires a ventilator to breathe, which makes this task extra challenging because he runs out of breath. But he is doing such a great job! I even drove him around with the joystick and that was fun for both of us! Mom tried it too!

He went through a series of swallowing tests to determine whether he can eat food again! He remained on the feeding tube for quite some time and slowly progressed to eating soft foods. I fed him his second pudding, and it was wonderful to be a part of that moment! He was so incredibly happy! Since then, he’s made more progress and now he can eat all foods with without any limitations! He told me he wants me to make him cookies 😊

A continued goal of his rehab will be breathing. His goal is to breathe independently without the ventilator. Each day his diaphragm grows stronger and he has now gained the capacity to breathe for 23 minutes on his own. His miracle to breathe will be a life changer for our new life ahead!

The reality of my dad’s injury has been incredibly difficult for my family to face. We are all so sad and trying our best to find our way through. I can’t even imagine being in my Dad’s position. He is having a hard time as well, and despite his difficulties he makes it easier for the rest of us because he is such a joy to be around! It’s hard that I’m away, but he tells me to be strong. And I tell him the same thing because we are in this together!

In the upcoming weeks we will be purchasing my dad’s very own chair and beginning home renovations. Thank you so much everyone for your continued support and encouragement. It really makes it so much better knowing we have such a large supportive community behind us.

We welcome all varieties of support, healing vibes, prayers, thoughts, wishes, love, and emotional and financial support. If you know of someone looking to support a cause as the year is coming to an end, please share our link, we are and will continue to be beyond grateful.

~Camelia Vokey
IG @cameliavokey

Thank you Artur Merkulov for your art in putting this lovely video together.

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