Catching the Bus

Liz Ann, her sister Jane, and one staff person took public transportation into town on Saturday. She said it was great to overcome the anxiety of that initial launch into the world of public transportation. They had lunch downtown. She really enjoyed the outing and the accomplishment. She’s added water therapy to her many types of PT and said it felt good to move in a swimming pool. She remains spunky and very busy. Glenn will be visiting again this weekend.

Keep sending her that upbeat heal-and-get-strong energy!
Amber

Also...Bobby Jo wrote a fundraiser update today:

With the contribution from AleWorks, a grand total of $10,925 was deposited in the LizAnn Kudrna Benefit Fund from the 9/21/08 benefit day events. Thank you again for all who participated, helped spread the good word, and made a donation of any kind. A HUGE thanks as well to AleWorks for their generous support and to Susie Walby and Mel Koontz for their hard work and organization.

And the total is...

A $9,925 deposit was made today AND does not include Montana Aleworks most generous contribution of a % of the evenings proceeds!! Thank you to everyone for your donations of items, participation, cheers and contributions. Having worked in the nonprofit field for the last 18 years and looking at the current state of economic affairs, we should all be very proud of such a tremendous success! It is truly a wonderful reflection of the tremendous community in which we live and the love for which we all share for Ms. Lizann.

Thank you again to Mel and Susie for organizing last Sunday's events AND to all of you for helping to make it such a fun and successful day. Best to all, especially to our spirited friend LizAnn, whom we all love & miss so dearly! Bobbi jo

Highlights from "Support Liz Ann Healing" Event

About forty people showed up Sunday morning for the “Pilates in Honor of Liz Ann” class. Jen and Ellie joined teaching forces; opened their hearts and shared their love of Pilates and Liz Ann (most of you know Liz Ann is a Pilates instructor). We did all sorts of Pilates stretches and strengthening exercises as one or the other would coach, “Stretch your toes toward Denver…point that leg toward Liz Ann.” Liz Ann’s sister Jane, her two boys (and one of their buddies) took part in the class. We ended with a group meditative heart energy session directed toward Liz Ann and left the gathering full of warmth and loving light. The sun popped out and matched our mood.

Blue sky and sunshine coaxed the vehicles stuffed with folks to the trailhead behind the Bridger Mountains. About forty people bundled up and turned out on a cold blustery grey-sky afternoon for the hike to Sacajawea Peak (the sun went elsewhere…seems it decided to spend the afternoon in Denver). The wind whipped and roared on the ridge, people hung onto the “young’uns.” Four grinning dogs and about 25 people made it to the summit. We called Liz Ann and yelled through the wind “WE LOVE YOU LIZ ANN!” Then we passed the phone around so that everyone could talk to Liz Ann. We munched and shared the hot tea Amy had the foresight to pack along. One hat was lost to a gust of wind. Little Charlie was the youngest to make it to the summit. We met others at the saddle on our way down. A batch of kids were hunkered down just below the ridge to avoid the wind. The ridge was their “summit”… quite an accomplishment in the conditions.

Well over fifty people turned out for yoga later that afternoon. Susie and Anna taught an excellent and beautiful class, beginning with a chant and ending with the group gathering to hold hands and send healing/loving energy to Liz Ann.

Over one hundred people packed into Ale Works for the benefit auction and raffle. The train car portion of the restaurant overflowed with people. Wonderful items were displayed along with photos and a collage of Liz Ann. Many items went for full value or more as people generously bid. Originally the restaurant management had offered to donate all proceeds (above cost) for those who attended the benefit. They told us part-way through the evening that they had decided to offer 30% of their total sales from the evening to the Liz Ann Kudrna Benefit Fund! What an overwhelming show of support from Montana Aleworks and all those who attended the gathering!

Lizann has touched many with her friendship and spirit. The gathering was a heartfelt testament to the quality of kinship in her extensive community of caring friends.

Thank-you for a Supportive Gathering!

(written by Bobbi Jo)

First off, I wanted to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Mel Koontz and Susie Walby for all their hard and dedicated work organizing yesterday's LizAnn Kudrna Benefit event(s)! The entire day was a wonderful success, overflowing with positive energy, stories, love, and enthusiasm for our dear friend and for eachother. It was a heartfelt example of a truly remarkable community coming together to heal and celebrate.
From pilates in the AM to hiking up blustery Scajawea (had to hold on to the kids, as it felt as though they could get blown away!), to a great relaxing afternoon of Yoga and a remarkable benefit evening in the Aleworks Railcar- the event took on a life of its own. My unscientific estimate would be that there were well over 100 people participating throughout the day. The BIG question many of you are asking.... how much did we raise...? Well the event organizers will get back to you after they and their body guard count the proceeds and deposit them in the coffer. Stay tuned.
Thank you all again for your support in SO many ways. We are really blessed to live in such a wonderful community. We'll have more updates and photo's soon. Best to you all~ Bobbi jo

If you were unable to attend yesterday's events and would still like to contribute to the fund, please feel free to do so. Contributions can be sent to:
First Security Bank
208 E Main St
Bozeman, MT 59715

PS- If you're sore form all your Pilates or hiking, don't forget about next weekends offerings:

Yoga Motion Open House and Fundraiser
Support a Friend... Connect with Community...
Sat., Sept. 27 at YogaMotion
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
We, at YogaMotion, would like to support Liz Ann in any way that we can. For now it will be in donations to that fund. Bring a donation of any size for the Liz Ann Kudrna Fund and enjoy free yoga classes, chair massage, lectures, demonstrations, & giveaways.

Liz Ann Writes from Her New Room

(Liz Ann wrote this to share with everyone)

Tonight I wish I had someone to celebrate with, I got moved out of my tiny shared hospital room on the West side and now have a little almost apartment on the East side with all the amenities.....nurse and tech. Just not quite as responsive. Hopefully I will sleep without interruption tonight and I am wheeling around trying to arrange what I can. John went to stay with friends in Boulder, I am glad he is taking some time.

This has been my busiest week and I have daily gotten my "tuche" (butt) kicked. Last week I had PT and OT everyday and medical stuff. This week I have PT and OT still daily, once a week a chance to talk to Dr. Butt, my psychologist. I adore him. He has worked here I think about 20 years and still is fresh as ever. He set me up with his hairdresser and I got my hair cut today. I can say I feel like a new woman, at least lighter, which by the way I am by about 10 lbs. Weighed in at 110 today. Muscle in my skinny legs was bulkier than ya all thought!

In the stream of consciousness fashion, I continue, also added to my week is fit class 5 time/wk and FES bike 3 times/wk. and a patient education lecture class 4 times this week. Today in fit class we played tennis....I had a blast(when I hit the ball)...watch out Christine Lompa and gang you got some competition! We also do weight lifting and different strengthening activities. Golly, if I worked my upper body this way when I was climbing I would have been keeping up with Meg Hall no problem!

Well I hope this transmits as my computer becomes more unreliable by the day. I wish I could send a personal thank you to each of you for your notes and treats and love. This is the best I can do for now. I feel your love and good wishes and they empower me and remind me that we all have what it takes to do whatever we want. I wish the power of our community could be felt by all of you the way I feel it. It is a small world and we all must take care of each other. I love you for reading and staying connected to me!

- Liz Ann Kudrna

Healing Event this Weekend

Susie Walby is one of the organizers for the “Support the Healing of Liz Ann” event this weekend. She recently wrote to me saying, “So much is happening and fast, the out pore of the community has been tremendous and just seeing and feeling the heart of the community is healing for all of us. We have so many amazing gifts that have been donated to the event that we have decided to do a silent auction along with the raffle. If there is anyone out of state that wants to know what the silent auction items are, they are more than welcome to bid. I can send them a list and photo. If they bid and win the item they will also need to pay shipping.”

Susie’s e-mail address is [susiewalby@gmail.com]

I plan to be there myself and look forward to meeting many of you and sharing healing energy for our beautiful friend during the unique gathering.

Liz Ann has seen the poster for this event and is deeply moved by all the efforts of her friends and caring community.

- Amber Jean

Notes from Joanne's Visit

Joann's notes
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 12:50 PM

I took off this morning, leaving Liz Ann with a full day of therapy and classes. She was in the process of getting new wheels on her chair, a new smaller seat and more adjustments to make her more comfy both in her brace and in her chair. It's a non stop series of adjustments to accomodate her needs.

There was a lengthy meeting yesterday with every member of her daily team..where they showed us all x-rays, MRI's, catscans of her injury and discussed her treatment plan. The great news - she'll be moving to the other wing as soon as a bed is available. She'll need some additional time to get around with her bulky leg brace on. While there, they'll work on all kinds of skills including spending time in a standing brace, learning to drive and all manner of transport from situation to situation.

John and I are going to work together to shoot a video of her house and the studio and send it to her case worker, along with blueprints so that we can all work on the changes she'll need.
I can say this - every single person I met was just so incredibly committed, open and ready to help in any way. There is a wonderful vibe at Craig and I'm so glad she's there. Moving to the other wing will give Liz Ann some much needed alone time and independence.

Joanne Gardner

A Day at the Museum

We went to the Museum of Science today in Denver, on quite possibly the prettiest day ever in recorded history. We arrived and immediately picnicked near the rose garden overlooking a lake with paddleboats. After some snackage - more of those cookies! - we wandered through the museum and really enjoyed several hours there. Liz Ann diligently does her movement exercises every 15 minutes - to move her body, shift her weight, etc. She looked so wild today - sure she's in a wheelchair and has a hospital bracelet and a body cast. But it's a cheetah body cast over a cute little camisole with some groovy long shorts that let her leg cast peek out. You'll see in the pictures..she was looking great!

Glenn had an opportunity to use one of the docs tickets to a Bronco's game tomorrow, so Liz Ann and I are going to load some photos, get her up and running on Facebook and just help arrange her room with all these new goodies. Her roommate moved to another wing - which is always great.

Literally everyone I've met at Craig is extraordinary. Mostly our girlfriend...but she's in a good place. No, a great place.

I'll keep posting..Joanne

Homemade Cookies and Pot Pie

I spent several hours with Liz Ann yesterday. Feeling a little like Santa with a laden sleigh...I drove down from Bozeman bearing so many gifts from so many people. Of course, our Lizannie tore into the cookies first. But she was so touched by the enormous outpouring of energy and love these bags delivered. People didn't send packages of cookies, they were homemade. The cards so heartfelt, she spends so much time with each one. Please know she appreciates it so much. Not one, but TWO Ipods full of music and great choices on the tunes.

We spent several hours wandering around the grounds. It was a day with patches of sun and we found as many of those as we could and sat in the flower garden enjoying the sun. There was a singer/songwriter performing in the recreation room that we listened to for awhile. Today we (Glenn, Liz Ann and I) are taking her first outing to a museum. Very exciting and a big milestone. The hospital van will drive us and drop us off - on our own for a couple of hours..it will be lovely.

The highlight of the evening was a regular dinner over at the family housing apartment adjacent to the hospital where Glenn is staying this weekend. Merry sent the single most delicious thing I have ever put in my mouth - a homemade chicken pot pie. Glenn made a salad and we sat at a regular table with regular everything listening to tunes and ate ourselves silly. I think the normality of hanging out was really good and after dinner, Liz Ann was tired but very happy.

I'm camping at a groovy camp just 8 miles from the hospital - Cherry Creek State Park right in the middle of town! So, a fire and a cup of coffee and highspeed internet - all the basic needs met.

I'll let you know how today goes...
Love, Joanne

Liz Ann writes an Update

First of all I am overwhelmed and overjoyed with all of the thoughts prayers and gifts from ya all. thank you thank you thank you from the depths of my heart.
You never know how many people care and it definitely helps me through the hard times.
I am happy to say I am off oxygen and no longer have Respiratory Therapy, they just gave me some toys to play with during the day.
I got my IV pulled so that helps in the comfort factor. I got an updated chair so I am at least more independent. I am transferring on my own(I think) but definitely need someone or two around. Actually, I can transfer to the mat from my chair. John and Glenn practiced taking me up and down stairs today, under the eye of my O.T. It was a little scary ...
Last night I didn't even have any drugs before bed so, I was proud,
I had a fun visit from Malcolm Daley, who developed www.Paradoxsports.org
Check it out....also got to meet VJ , the 23 year old stud that had a T5 injury like me and is training for El Cap. Super inspirational.
I will try to keep all updated.
Please know your thoughts and prayers are felt and help me more than you could ever imagine.
love and gratitude to everyone

Liz Ann Kudrna

A New Week at Craig

The new week has brought much progress in Liz Ann’s world. She was able to get off oxygen Monday as her lungs are improving. The clots are under control so that she is able to spend increasing amounts of time in a wheelchair (up to 5-6 hours a day). Yesterday she got into a new chair which she can wheel herself around a bit in…a real big boost.

She has begun OT and PT and even some aerobic activity. She described the aerobic machine to me on Sunday as a “Nordic track for her arms.” She said it felt great to be on it. The weather has been sunny and beautiful so she gets outside each day. A volunteer went around and gave patients lemonade and homemade cookies on Sunday. Liz Ann was “cookied up” she said…and thought the gesture was sweet. Her appetite is returning and she’s been eating well.

Craig has been thoroughly investigating Liz Ann’s injuries. She’ll have a bunch more MRI’s of her back and knee this afternoon (now that the swelling has gone down). Next week she will have a conference with her doctor and staff to discuss a detailed diagnosis and plan.

She began the morning sharing a meditation with her brother John. They met with the staff psychologist who’s been there 30-35 years…Dr. Les (short for Dr. Lester Butt). He is very hip and super likeable. Glenn arrived today and will be with her through the weekend. Malcolm is returning to have lunch with Liz Ann today. He’s bringing Vijay to meet Liz Ann. Vijay is a climber who’s spinal injury is at the same vertebrae as Liz Ann. He will attempt El Cap next month (paralyzed from the chest down).

John and Liz Ann are making friends with other patients and their families…amazing stories…and a supportive community.
- Amber Jean

Support Liz Anns Healing

Click on the poster to make larger.



EVERYONE is welcome...wether you can contibute financially or would like to simply share in the healing with others...join us!

Room 315

Dear friends,

I just returned from Denver and quick visit with Liz Ann and John at Craig Hospital.

I will do my best to relate some of it for you all to get an idea of her environment. I apologize my camera was constantly on the fritz, (ironically enough I think it was busted in the accident) so I didn't get as many photos as I wanted. I hope the few here give everyone a mental picture of Liz Ann's current daily life and help in all the thoughts, prayers and positive energy we are sending her way.

They had just discovered the PE (pulmonary embolism) the evening before so Liz Ann was on 48 hours bed rest, however it made it fortunate for my visit as I was able to spend most of Thursday (Aug 4) and part of Friday with her. Otherwise she would have been in and out of various therapies (which hopefully will start on Monday) making a prolonged visit difficult.

Liz Ann doing arm motion exercises. Due to the PE, she can't do anything that will raise her heart rate.

It was a special day for me to be there again by her side but also to spend time with John, or "Johnny" as Liz Ann calls him. John is providing an incredible amount of attention, support, understanding, compassion, care and love and it was truly wonderful to connect with him.

Johnny and Liz Ann getting some sun.

When I arrived they were in a consultation with Liz Ann's primary doctor, Mark Johansen M.D. or "Dr. J." I immediately liked the man and everyone there continued to talk highly of him throughout my stay. Based on some conversations with other doctors there, Liz Ann is under the care of one of the finest spinal cord rehab docs in North America. Truly.

I was lucky to meet most of the rest of the primary care givers for Liz Ann. Other than the specialist doctors that come over from the nearby Swedish Medical Center, all of the day-to-day therapists and nurses are all part of Dr. J's team and will be with Liz Ann throughout her journey at Craig. They all run around in every day street clothes so you don't get such a clinical feel when they are around. As they say, "We are all in this together." One of the nurses for Liz Ann's roommate Katie is from Great Falls, so she has been especially wearing Montana T-shirts just for Liz Ann and John.

In just a few hours I met Liz Ann's Occupational Therapist Dana,

Liz Ann meeting Dana (below)

her Physical Therapist Rachel, the staff psychologist Dr. Lester B. (who has been there 32 years), her daytime Rehab Tech Amanda and the night shift Tech Kelly (these are the ones that turn Liz Ann every two hours 24/7 to help prevent bed sores and tend to all her other daily functions and are truly incredible, special persons).


Amanda (right) and another Rehab Tech turning Liz Ann.

I also met a Recreation Therapist (these are the ones that will be getting Liz Ann into outdoor activities), a family services counselor and an Orthopedic Surgeon (who will be tending to Liz Ann's injured knee cap, etc), but I don't remember their names. I didn't get to meet Liz Ann's main nurse Laura as she was out for the week participating in some race or event up Pikes Peak.

Physical Therapist Rachel and Liz Ann


I could say more about each of the people I met but in a nutshell, they are all super smart, talented, professional and simply great. Liz Ann commented on everyone that came and went on just how sweet they are and their great energy.

A highlight for all of us is when my long time colleague and friend Malcolm Daly came down from Boulder. Malcolm is the E.D. for an organization called Paradox Sports that works with disabled athletes in a variety of ways (check out the link for more info) but more poignantly Malcolm is simply a wonderful soul and his fantastic energy fired up Liz Ann and all of us in the room. Malcolm told me later that he felt an instant connection to her energy (see photo). Malcolm, John and I went to The Ethiopean Restaurant and had a wonderful meal. Malcolm had a big race he was helping organize the next day between Fort Collins and Boulder so it was extra special that he took time out of his day to spend with us (plus we took a yummy lamb dish back for Liz Ann). Malcolm will certainly be a frequent visitor and inspiration for Liz Ann.

It was also very nice for me to spend time with John. Many of you already know what a great person he is and also that he's just recently returned to good health after several serious injuries and many months of recovery. His strength and compassion are a tremendous source of healing power for Liz Ann. It was inspiring for me just to see them interact on even the smallest things. John's commitment and love has touched me in ways I'm not even aware of yet.

Liz Ann getting a visit from "Secret," an Alaskan Malamute.


Liz Ann had all of your cards and other well-wishes there (prayer flags, flowers, CDs) and was spending time going through them all. Keep them coming! See the sidebar to the right for the address. I can't wait to get back to see her and John soon. Thank you all for your thoughts and care.

Love, Joe Josephson

One hip chica!

Tests and Bedrest

Craig has been very thorough. Liz Ann has been through numerous tests and procedures. The staff at Craig discovered a blood clot in her leg and another blood clot in her right lung. She is receiving treatments to dissolve the clots. She hasn’t been allowed to raise above 30 degrees since they discovered the clots. She believes the clots will be gone by Saturday then she’ll be allowed to sit up again. Deferred pain from her diaphragm causes pain in her shoulder near the clavicle. She’s on pain medication for the shoulder and her broken ribs. She’s very impressed with the staff and care she is receiving, and is thankful to be out of Billings and at Craig.

“I hope I’ll be able to work my butt off with PT next week,” she said optimistically. Yesterday she saw a PT for the first time since her arrival on Tuesday. She said there is also a good recreational PT program at Craig which sounded “fun." She likes her roommate…a cute seventeen year old with some spunk. Her roommate entered Craig 53 days ago after being injured in a car accident (T-boned a semi truck). She sustained spinal injuries and has only partial use of one of her arms and more movement with the other. Liz Ann said yesterday (in light of her roommates situation) that she felt blessed to have gained thirty more years of experience in her own life to sustain her and to get back to.

Her attitude is impressive and humbling.

- Amber Jean

Yoga Motion Open House and Fundraiser

Invitation from Nancy Ruby at Yoga motion:

"Hello sweet Liz Ann and all of you wonderful friends and family.

It is so inspiring to see a community come together with such strength in numbers and intention. It certainly is a reflection of Liz Ann's positive impact on all of our lives.

I wanted to let you know that we have set up a Fundraising event at YogaMotion and hope that it serves to bring many of us together in an environment that Liz Ann knows well... one that deepens and expands the connection to our own heart and the spirit of others.

I am including the notice I have sent out in our newsletter. Spread the word. Spread the love. And let's build a nest egg for Liz Ann's "nest."

Open House Fundraiser

Support a Friend... Connect with Community...
Sat., Sept. 27 at YogaMotion
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
We, at YogaMotion, would like to support Liz Ann in any way that we can. For now it will be in donations to that fund. Bring a donation of any size for the Liz Ann Kudrna Fund and enjoy free yoga classes, chair massage, lectures, demonstrations, & giveaways.

For details call Nancy Ruby at 585-9600 or see our website after Sept. 15 (time to organize!) at www.yogamotion.com

Mailing Address for Craig

Cards, letters, packages can be sent to:

Att: Liz Ann Kudrna
Craig Hospital
3425 S. Clarkson St.
Englewood, CO 80113

A room number is not necessary to send mail. Liz Ann has her cell phone with her and can take calls. Please keep in mind that she is still in the hospital part of Craig (and likely will be for quite awhile) She will be undergoing a procedure to empty the fluid from her left lung today along with other tests. She is likely to be quite tired with the transition yesterday and her days still require a substantial amount of rest and healing. She may not be able to return all of your calls but can at least listen to phone messages when she’s up to it. We do not know yet the situation with flowers and food but will let you know.

We want to encourage your continued connection and support while Liz Ann is in Denver. More ways to connect with Liz Ann will open up as she heals and gains strength (i.e. internet access, visits, etc.) We’ll keep you posted.
Thank-you for all your care and concern,
- Amber Jean

Settling into Craig

After a smooth and beautiful flight, Liz Ann arrived at Craig in just under two hours. One of the first things John said tonight was, “Liz Ann is in the right place.” He reported that the staff was “immediately upon her.” Nurses and doctors wear street clothes, making the atmosphere feel somehow like they are all in this together, and less “hospital-like.”

She is in the hospital part of Craig right now. Multiple tests…not unlike the first day in ER were performed. The doctor is very thorough. Liz Ann has been having some trouble with her lungs while in Billings, and rather than improving, they seemed to be getting worse. We were told by the staff in Billings that her symptoms were normal for a patient with her injuries. Today a pulmonologist from Craig investigated…chest x-ray and cat scan. Turns out she has a few liters of fluid in her left lung which will be removed in a mini procedure tomorrow (sliding a needle in). More tests will be done tomorrow (Wednesday). The staff has been actively turning her every two hours…just excellent attention and care.

Both John and Liz Ann feel strongly that they are in the right place. The day was busy and long. She’s settled in for the night. We’ll get more details out to everyone soon.

Thanks for your patience.

Amber Jean

Packing Day

Today is packing day. Liz Ann will be off to Craig early tomorrow morning with her brother John. All the many gifts and well-wishes will be packed up. The belongings she needed from Bozeman have already been packed from her home…and yes…for those of you concerned about our little “fashionista”…she is not without jewelry and typical “Liz Ann accoutrements” for her Denver chapter.

She has a massage/energy healing session scheduled today along with her PT and OT.

Once John has a chance to gather more details about the living situation, food, kitchen arrangements etc. in Denver…we’ll let you know of any opportunities to assist long-distance during this phase.

Thanks again,

-Amber Jean