Cole's the Man: April 2012

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Counting Down the Days

Yesterday Cole got some very good news after he and Rhonda meet with his doctor, therapists and psychologist. They were told Cole has achieved all the goals they've set for him and is ready to be released from the hospital. Cole will be released from CHLA on Friday and will head home to Apple Valley. Cole will continue his speech and physical therapy on an out-patient basis 2 days a week at either Loma Linda University Hospital or St Mary's Hospital in Apple Valley. In addition to the therapy, Cole will continue his academics at his regular school in Apple Valley on a half day schedule. Cole will have some restrictions on the activities he's allowed to participated in which are obviously meant to protect him from possible re-injury. Cole is counting down the days until he gets to go home.

After receiving the good news, Cole had a unique opportunity to meet and have have photos taken with NFL Quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart who was there visiting all the children on Cole's floor. Leinart is the head of the Matt Leinart Foundation which is committed to granting resources and opportunities to support disadvantaged youth through learning centers, sports activities and granting wishes: to build character development, and help each child maximize academic and personal achievement.

Later in the day, Cole got to go on another "community outing" with one of his therapists. This time Cole got to choose where they went and he decided it was sushi time. Cole located a sushi bar within walking distance on the internet and after planning the route, he, Rhonda and the therapist negotiated the streets of Hollywood and safely arrived at the restaurant.

Cole with Matt Leinart

Sushi Time

Cole and Matt Leinart

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Home Visit

Cole received a well deserved 12 hour pass from the hospital today and was able to go home for the first time since the crash. Tom and Cole left CHLA this morning around 6:30 and headed to their home in Apple Valley where they were met by the rest of the family (including the dogs) who were very happy to see Cole return home if only for a short time.

During his furlough, Cole spent time watching motorcycle races on TV, visiting with a few friends and relatives but mostly racing his new remote control (RC) car around the new track in the backyard. Cole had some competition as some of the friends that stopped by brought their cars to race too. The afternoon was topped off with hamburgers, hotdogs, BBQ ribs, macaroni salad and ice cream topped with berries for lunch. Cole really enjoyed his home visit which was evident by the perpetual ear to ear smile and is looking forward to the next home visit.

Cole continues to do remarkably well in all aspects of his recovery. He will resume his therapy and school sessions at CHLA tomorrow.