Friday, June 28, 2013

Road trip for school holidays to Mackay

We have returned from a road trip to Mackay in North Queensland. We visited relatives and most importantly Harri's Grandma. Because she is unable to travel, Harri has not seen her for about 2 and a half years. She was very thrilled to see us, as was all the other relatives and friends we had the opportunity to catch up with.

Harri got a little uncomfortable towards the end of the trip. I think his tail bone was getting sore. We are waiting to see the spinal clinic to sort out any issues with pain and uncomfortableness generating from his kyphoid scoliosis.

The return trip was longer due to mid week road works on the Bruce Highway and the fact we made a detour through Agnes Waters, the town of 1770 and Bundaberg. A detour we have been wanting to make for many years. We have heard lots of good reports on the area. It was very pretty. especially 1770.

Harrison has a trial of the 3rd speech generation device with eye gaze, for 3 weeks. This will take us 1 step closer to the point of ordering a unit for Harri.

Also during the holidays Harri will step up the intensity of his Sporting Wheelies sessions, attending 4 days in a row and some days twice next week.

Regards Matt

Thursday, June 13, 2013

2nd fundraiser for Harri's HOPE

I have committed to run in the Gold Coast Marathon 5.7km event. I wanted to do the 10km, but safety restrictions prevent us from doing anything more than the 5.7km. I will be joined by Kim, Bailey and Lawren (touch football mate of Matt's). We are using the event to raising money to cover the cost of Harri's sporting wheelies physio sessions ( see last post ). Any like minded fitness buffs/runners are welcome to join us. We have 6-8 other people so far just coming along for the run as well.

If you are in a position to sponsor one of us, just follow the link below,

Harris HOPE G.C.M. team

even just $5 will help. Our target is $6,000, and little brother Bailey is leading the way with the most raised so far. If you are not in a position to donate your self, you may direct someone you know to the blog or even a business (it is end of financial year/ tax time).

Reagards Matt

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Positive pedal power for Harri

Harri has been working with 2 PT's at sporting wheelies for the last 6 weeks. Each week they give him new exercises and stretches, testing and pushing his flexibility, as well as determining his weakness and tightness. Harri has been more than compliant most weeks.

It has all been heading in the direction of assessing and learning about Harri so that a when we try the more intensive equipment, we can make a educated decision about wether Harri can benefit from the exercise or if there are any potential problem that could cause him harm.

Last week Harri was working with the FES equipment (functional electrical stimulation). The PT's were impressed with the tolerance for the level of amps being applied to muscle groups. Harri was quite compliant with the exercises, although the worst part was the sticky pads coming off. The aim is to use the FES in combination with the bike/cycle seen in the video below. When used in combination Harri can start to learn timing and strengthening of the muscles for functional purpose.


It is weeks like this when it is easier to see a brighter future for Harri. Regards Matt