Harri enjoys school camp

Harri enjoyed the senior school camp at Camp QLD near Lake Moogerah. Although Harri had a ball his parents were bitting their fingernails, and were pleased to see him on the Friday. I hope to have more photos when we get them from school. But for now i will share the only 1 i have.

Some other photos i wanted to share were of the Team Harri's HOPE at the Gold Coast Marathon. We all had a ball and look forward to next years challenge of the 14Km City2South.

  

 

A week of tests

Harri is glad to be home after a week of tests. Harri is seeing a new neurologist, who has asked for a series of tests so recommendations for further treatment or treatment changes can be made.

Because the neurologist ( Dr McConnell ) works out of St Vincent's Hospital at Kangaroo Point, Harri was admitted to an adult hospital for the first time. On Monday he was fitted up for a sleep study, Tuesday he was off for a MRI, Tuesday night Harri was fitted up for a 72 hour EEG. Most of the results will take 3 - 4 weeks.

Whilst an inpatient we were visited by every specialist they had to offer, just going over the case looking for anything that may have been missed, and offering some valued advice in several areas.

Harri could not wait until Friday night to come home, have a bath and wash his hair.

This week Harri will be off to school camp Wednesday - Friday, a very nervous few days for Kim and I as this will be the first night that we have left Harri with anybody overnight since his injury in 2001. I am sure Harri is up for it. He seems excited.

Regards Matt

Harri joins in on adventure

We have always been an adventurous family, even back before Harri's injury we were trekking around north western Queensland while living in Mt Isa, visiting central and southern Northern Territory and the Gulf of Carpentaria.

So it is no surprise that Harri was thrilled to tag along with little brother Bailey on a bush walk to explore some local caves on Mt Gravatt. Up goat tracks, down slopes, up hills and across gullies in his all terrain wheelchair.

I thought i would also post a recent photo of Harri enjoying the Liberty Swing on our recent trip to Mackay.

Regards Matt

All ready for GCM fun run

We are all geared up and ready for the Gold Coast Marathon 5.7km event tomorrow. The fundraising is steadily growing and we will get some more donations come in after the event. Presently we are sitting just under half of the total we aimed for.

I hope to capture a short video of finishing the event from the perspective of the front of Harri's jogging chair.

For those who still wish to donate the link is,

Harri's Hope team

Younger brother Bailey is leading the fundraising.


Regards Matt

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

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

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