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!