July 3, 2007
Updates
PRAYER VIGIL FOR JUSTIN
ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH THERE WILL BE A 12 HOUR PRAYER VIGIL FOR JUSTIN
AT OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL PARISH IN RUSSELL
FROM 9:00 AM. – 9:00 PM.
Please stop by and pray for Justin in Jesus’ REAL PRESENCE!
For the Love of Our Lord, our God, our ALL!
THE MCKENNA FAMILY
Wednesday, July 4th, 2007
Justin is still in the ICU in stable condition, so please refrain from visiting until he is up in recovery. He will need LOTS of visitors once he wakes up.
The doctors have confirmed that Justin is in fact in a coma. We don’t know when he will wake up, so please KEEP PRAYING.
I will continue to post updates on Justin’s health status regularly.
Thank-you for all of your support.
- Julia (Justin’s sister)
Friday, July 6th, 2007
For the last few days Justin has been battling pneumonia. The pneumonia is making it difficult for him to breathe.
We would like to ask you to pray especially for Justin to overcome the pneumonia.
Thank-you.
Monday, July 9th, 2007
Justin remains in ICU. He still has pneumonia but his chest has improved. Please continue to pray for his lungs and breathing to regain health.
Thank you for your continued prayers and for placing trust in our God.
Lord, have mercy on Justin!
-Suzanne (mom)
Friday, July 13th, 2007
Prayers are already starting to be answered! Thank you God! Justin is now breathing continuously on his own and his lungs are clearing. He remains in a coma.
Justin is now moved out of ICU and onto 4 West. His room must be calm and quiet and Justin requires lots of rest in order to heal. So we are still asking that everyone refrains from visiting.
Our warmest heartfelt thanks for your continuous prayers for our good boy Justin.
A reminder of today’s Prayer Vigil for Justin at our Church 9 am. – 9 pm. (Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Russell). Your prayers of healing are working!!!!!
With all our love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin
Lord, please give us strength.
Thursday, July 19th, 2007
Our most heartfelt thanks for the ongoing prayers for our good boy Justin. Justin remains in a coma.
Yes we give thanks to the Lord for the many miracles already: Justin’s complete healing of his lungs-pnemonia free and breathing totally on his own; the gift of his voice –humming sound; his movement of arms, hands, legs and feet; and most importantly the gift of Justin’s life.
Please ask our Father of love in your prayers for continual full healing of Justin’s mind.
“Let my prayer come before you, Lord; listen, and answer me.” (Ps 88)
With all our love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia, & Justin xxoo
Friday, July 27th, 2007
Our most loving thanks for your continued prayers of healing for our Justin. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is so very much appreciated.
Justin remains in a coma in a semi conscious state. We thank our loving Father for his continued movement. When awake Justin opens his eyes partially. Physiotherapy works with him daily to increase his mobility in arms and legs.
“He is planning a family reunion in heaven for your family, and His will is that not one family member be missing.” (Acts 16:31).
In our love & thanksgiving,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin xxoo
Thursday, August 2nd, 2007
We thank our good Father for the celebration of Justin’s 18th birthday yesterday. It was a happy day with a visit from Justin’s pet dog, Jackson. A very joyful moment.
Justin remains in a semi conscious state. He continues with physiotherapy daily in the gym working every part of his body.
We cannot thank everyone enough for your prayers, Masses and amazing meals provided. Justin requires lots of rest in order for his brain to heal. So we still ask that there are no visitors. Please please continue to pray for our good boy Justin.
God, we ask you for your continued healing upon Justin. Please give us strength.
“God is love, and he who lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.”
Our heartfelt thanks & love,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & Justin xxoo
Friday, August 10th, 2007
Justin remains in a semi-conscious coma. He continues with physiotherapy daily. Your continuous devout prayers of healing for Justin are so very much appreciated.
The doctors have ordered NO VISITORS until further notice. In order for Justin’s brain to heal he needs a quiet atmosphere.
Thank-you for all of your support.
Gerry, Suzanne, Julia, Dominic, Daniel, and Justin xo
Saturday, August 18th, 2007
As we all miss Justin so very very much we thank you again for your continued overwhelming support.
Justin is still in a semi conscious coma and continues daily rehabilitation. Please pray to God to give Justin strength, encouragement and motivation to “reach the top” and most of all to feel God’s peace and awesome love within him.
SPECIAL MESSAGE to Justin’s many many devout and loyal friends. Please remember to pray daily for Justin! Ask our good Lord Jesus for Justin’s complete recovery and to provide you with patience and understanding. Have a conversation with Him because He is always listening and is full of love ….. Justins’ friends.
May God the Father almighty bless and keep Justin.
From our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Saturday, August 25th, 2007
Our continuous sincere thankfulness to everyone for all of your prayers, Masses and support in this very difficult time.
Yesterday, Justin was transfered to the 5th floor for full rehabilitation. He remains in a semi conscious coma.
Prayers and Mass intentions for Justin are very comforting. We ask if you can stop in at our Church, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, to pray for Justin at some time at the 12 hour Prayer Vigil ( 9 am. – 9 pm.) on Friday, September 28th. Jesus is present in the monstrance, the Blessed Sacrament in the Church. Please ask Jesus for Justin’s healing!
Lord, Have Mercy on our good boy Justin!
Thanks be to God!
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Friday, August 31st, 2007
We thank our Father for Justin’s continual gradual healing in the last 2 months. Justin’s eyes are wide open when awake and has increased movement. The physiotherapists are actively working Justin daily to reteach all his muscle control.
On behalf of all of us thank you again for the incredible meals provided — extremely helpful.
With the start of hockey season, Justin had an exciting personal encounter yesterday in his room with the actual Stanley Cup accompanied by Sean O’Donnell of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. It was a very happy moment indeed!
Almighty God, we ask you to fill Justin with your Spirit and bring him to full healing.
With all our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Friday, September 14, 2007
PRAISE ALMIGHTY GOD! Justin is very very slowly becoming more alert and started last night to respond to his brother, Dominic. The commands included thumbs up, snapping his fingers, and thanks be to God — Justin attempted to give us a smile! ALLELUIA!
Justin will have surgery next week on his left ankle to lengthen the tenden in his ankle and will be casted for 6 weeks. He is continuing extensive rehabilitation including school, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Justin still requires lots of rest in order to heal.
We thank you all for you continuous prayers and support. A reminder of the 12 hour Prayer Vigil for Justin on Friday, September 28th (9 am. – 9 pm.) with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your cross you have redeemed the world. ALLELUIA!
Jesus we ask you to give Justin the gift of healing,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Monday, September 24th, 2007
THANK YOU GOD! Last Monday Justin uttered his first word and is continuing to speak since. He has made incredible progress according to the CHEO rehab team. It takes a huge amount of energy for Justin to speak and perform any activity. He still requires a lot of rest for his continuous healing.
Our sincere appreciation for your amazing support of meals, prayers, Masses and more. It certainly gives comfort to our difficult journey.
A REMINDER that THIS FRIDAY is Justin’s 12 hour Prayer Vigil at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church from 9:00 am. – 9:00 pm. We encourage all to drop by and pray for our Justin’s healing. He requires so much prayer and we thank you very much!
Even carrying this heavy cross, we continue to glorify our good Father, our Lord.
With our continuous heartfelt thanks,
Suzanne, Gerry, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, September 30th, 2007
We cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming love and support — amazing meals (from family, friends, St. Thomas Aquinas High School . . .), your prayers, the Prayer Vigil last Friday, Masses and more. We also appreciate your cards and letters…please continue to send us your comforting words of support.The letters and cards are all read and shown to Justin as well and this all aids in his long road of rehabilitation.
Justin is continuing to work painfully hard with the rehab team to recover – extensive physiotherapy, speech therapy, school, and occupational therapy. With the help of physiotherapists he has been in the standing position for approximately 1 1/2 minutes. He is now eating orally with our help a full diet (pizza too). In school last Friday he was able to answer correctly a question from Grade 12 Data Management (Mrs. Jackson you did it!). At the end of each day Justin is extremely tired. Visitors are still restricted as he still needs healing time and time to organize his thoughts with the support of his immediate family and caregivers. But, as mentioned, your letters and cards of support are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to:
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
c/o Justin McKenna (5 East)
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1
We ask you to especially pray for the recovery of Justin’s left side — his arm, hand and leg. There is very little movement. Also, please continue to pray for the complete healing of his mind.
Heavenly God, we humbly ask you to give Justin your healing peace and love and give him the strength and courage to continue his vigorous and painful rehabiliation. As You know, Justin also needs the encouragement and endurance to never give up which You can give him! We ask you this in Jesus’ name.
Our warmest thanks to everyone and our good Father!
For the Love of our good boy Justin,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN!!!
Monday, October 15th, 2007
Dear Family & Friends,
In this update I will attempt to explain further Justin’s progress in the last couple of weeks. Justin has shown us that he can legibly write words. One of the biggest changes is in his cognitive awareness. His level of comprehension is dramatic and he is speaking in full sentences responding without hesitation. He can follow directions and understands what is said to him. Justin can flip through magazines (hockey being his favourite) and read headlines. Several times he has asked me to phone some of his friends and he actually will know their phone numbers (Paul you weren’t home when we called you). His past memories show more depth than recent memories. Confusion and agitation are features of his current level of cognitive awareness and stages in recovery.
We were able to take Justin home on a weekend pass last weekend – wonderful medicine for both Justin and Jackson. Stimulation for Justin is needed but too much can be frustrating and very tiring so we are still limiting visitors. Too many people talking is very difficult for his mind to process. Every effort that Justin puts out is very tiring and ultimately exhausting for him – eg. speaking, listening/noise, eating ….
Please pray for Justin’s continual progress. Your continued care and support is so much appreciated and we encourage mail — cards/letters to Justin at CHEO. It is such a nice surprise delivery for Justin to his bedside and keeps him in touch with everyone.
Our warmest thanks to our Father for placing the CHEO rehab team in Justin’s care. They are doing God’s incredible work in Justin’s recovery.
In thankfulness and praise for God’s miracles and
For the love of our good boy Justin,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Dear family & friends,
It has been 4 and half months since Justin’s accident and we thank you for all your prayers, love and support. Thank you as well to Kim Aird for the recent fundraising shopping event on behalf of Justin. All of you, our true family and true friends, are our greatest gifts and have been present with open hearts and ears.
Justin has had his left cast removed and a leg brace fitted to provide support and flexion in his ankle. We were so happy to see Justin lift his left leg last weekend – a lot of cheering from the whole family! His physiotherapy has enabled him to stand on his feet with some assistance for a longer duration of time – up to 5 minutes. He is also slowly able to roll himself to his side. Please continue to pray for his left arm and hand which shows very little movement.
Therapists are continuing to work on his short term memory. We are so blessed and most thankful that Justin remembers quite clearly past events and recognizes all of us. It does baffle us that he seems to have quite both a short & long term memory for food (Trevor, he remembers your chocolate chip cookies). There remains much healing to be done of his mind. So we continue to humbly ask everyone to pray for God’s healing of Justin’s mind.
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in peace with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in hope with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in love with Him
Ask Jesus to help Justin walk in faith with Him
Ask as God is there to give.
We ask God to walk beside us each day so we can become more and more like Him. In your precious name we pray. Amen.
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Dearest family & friends,
Thank you! thank you! thank you! Your postcards, letters, cards, gifts are incredibly appreciated by Justin. He is slowly becoming more aware of the notes/gifts being delivered to his bed and wants to open and read them right away. Due to his lack of short-term memory, the mail is read frequently. Justin is always anxious to find out who sent the mail before opening. If you are able to, please continue to send mail. It is very valuable in his long road of rehabilitation. THANK YOU!
Justin’s left side (arm/hand/leg) requires the most work re: physio. His leg has made some more progress since our last update. There is increased flexion in his knee. The physiotherapists and Justin’s willpower have accomplished some miraculous progress. Last week, with the aid of at least 2 physiotherapists, Justin was able to bear weight on his feet and very slowly take small steps down the hall. He was extremely tired after that endeavour.
Justin continues to have speech therapy daily working on his short term memory, occupational therapy beginning to use an adapted computer keyboard, and school classroom activities. In the last couple of days for the first time in his recovery, Justin has expressed emotion-a faint genuine smile. I don’t think he realized what he was doing. It was such a huge gift to us!!! Please continue to pray for his continual healing of mind and body. Justin needs your prayers!
Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
Monday, December 3rd, 2007
Our continual heartfelt thanks to everyone for your overwhelming support — comforting meals, those who have sat Friday and Saturday nights with Justin, letters/care packages sent to Justin and most valuable of all your constant prayers. You have all provided us with words of encouragement, hope, strength and love during this very difficult journey. A big thank you to Justin’s friends — your patience and strength are an inspiration (Samantha, wasn’t Justin’s smile worth it all?)
The rehab team — occupational, speech and physio therapists, and teacher are all working deligently with Justin Monday to Friday. Cognitively, Justin still has difficulty with his short term memory and is not aware of his condition. Physically, the physiotherapists, continue to work daily on every bit of Justin’s body teaching and evaluating his movement, muscle control, posture, coordination and general mobility.
Please pray for Justin as he carries on his daily routine painfully. When you pray, especially ASK our good Father for the healing of Justin’s mind.
You are all in our hearts with Justin.
“Nothing is impossible with God.” (Lk 1:37)
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel & Julia xxoo
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On Saturday, December 15th from 9:00 am. – 4:00 pm. there will be Exposition of the Blessed Siacrament at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church with prayers offered especially for Justin. We ask, if you can, to please drop by the church and pray for Justin’s healing. Thank you and God Bless you all!
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Friday, January 4th, 2008
Thank you to all for your lovely greeting cards, letters of support, Christmas baking, gifts and your healing Masses and prayers for Justin. This is of such tremendous help in easing the burden of this difficult time. Another special thank you to Justin’s awesome friends — spending time with Justin and your overnight stays — the best medicine for Justin. His frequent phone calls to all of you are to help him “sort things out” as Justin says.
It is over 6 months since Justin’s accident and because of your prayers he continues to improve little by little. Justin has vigourous rehabilitation at CHEO Monday to Friday physically and cognitively and is home on weekends. Physiotherapists are pleased with Justin’s increased endurance attributed much to his athletic condition before the accident. Justin is able to sit up on the bedside for about 1 minute, take steps with assistance for longer durations of time and has increased range of flexion in his left knee and left arm.
We remain most thankful to God for His many miracles in Justin’s continuous recovery and we are still asking for your constant prayers of HEALING OF JUSTIN’S MIND AND BODY. Your devout prayers are the reason for Justin’s healing.
“I love You, O Lord, my Strength, O Lord, my Rock, my Fortress!” (Ps 18: 2-3)
Affectionately,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic, Daniel, Julia & our good boy Justin xxoo
Thursday, January 24th, 2008
To our “Community of Love”,
We are so deeply humbled by all of your support, your prayers and thoughtfulness during this very difficult time in our lives. No words can express our thanksgiving to all those this past weekend who have rallied together for Justin — the Euchre Party organized by Gilles & Cindy as well as the Benefit Concert by Tara, Samantha, Anthony, our friends of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal choir ………and Justin’s friends and there are so many people to thank that I would be afraid to miss anyone. We hope each one of you can feel our warmest hugs of love and thankfulness.
Thanks be to God, Justin is still slowly progressing cognitively and physically. Kudos to Anthony(s), Paul, Samantha, Amy, Tom, Keane, Jake, Trevor, Joey, Gilles (Justin’s hockey coach), (forgive me if I’ve forgot some names) — WOW you are the tremendous support he needs to get through all of this and to “sort things out”. With his increased awareness comes the reality of what has actually happened to him and so comes maybe more difficult times for Justin ahead. YOUR SUPPORT is getting him through this! In the next few months our goal is to try to normalize his environment outside of CHEO — outings on weekends. Justin is beginning to have bits of increased awareness of his condition (in a wheelchair, his body limitations, his voice change, etc.) and is showing small signs of discomfort and sadness. The transition into a normal environment will be easier if we start now slowly.
The physiotherapists have been working specifically on the trunk of Justin’s body, independent sitting, and continuing to take steps with much assistance. He is slowly but steadily making progress. His left arm/hand/ fingers/shoulder requires a lot of work and he still cannot move it voluntarily (but he can slightly move his entire arm from shoulder). So there is a slight change.
As we always and will continue to ask …..please pray for Justin’s continual progress. He is so BLESSED to have a “community of love”.
Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your “Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
We MISS YOU ALL!
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Julia, Daniel & Justin xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN ! ! !
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
Dearest family & friends,
Your support is amazing! Big thank-you’s to Mother Teresa Catholic School and the Russell Lions Club. To Mother Teresa Catholic School staff and students for your generous donation raised from your fundraiser “Justin’s Coins of Hope” AND the beautiful greeting cards made by all the children are so very much appreciated. Another BIG thank you to the Russell Lions Club for your generous donation. Your donations will be of tremendous help for Justin’s long road of rehabilitation. We are truly again blessed to belong to such a “Community of Love”.
Justin’s daily rehabilitation continues to make gradual gains. He is still changing slowly both physically and cognitively. Justin is also demonstrating that he is beginning to lay down new memory. A powerful rehabilitation tool is Justin’s AWESOME friends. Your participation in his rehabilitation has greatly contributed to his recovery — daily phone conversations, visits, Rambo, Big’s Restaurant, a night out at Jake & Tom’s apartment, helping Justin make fajitas, Justin’s hockey coach and team member visits . . . Our perserverance, patience and understanding are what’s needed for Justin’s continual recovery.
As we always humbly ask — please continue to pray for Justin’s total healing of mind and body.
In thanksgiving,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & our good boy Justin xxoo
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN ! ! !
Friday, May 23, 2008
To our special family & friends,
It has been 11 months since Justin’s accident and on May 1st we finally came home! We are so very thankful and appreciative of our loving community, family and friends who have never stopped being a pillar of strength. Thank you for the Masses that are continuing for Justin! Thank you to the friends of Justin continuing to be his strength and motivation! Thank you for the delicious meals! Thank you to good neighbours keeping our lawn cut! Your love and support is most valuable.
Justin continues to acquire strength and endurance little by little. His home schedule includes Neurogym in Ottawa 4 mornings a week for an hour and a half workout. If you hear a honk in Russell on weekday mornings, it could be Justin coming through town in a Ford van. Justin’soccupational and speech therapy (working on memory) takes place at home 2-3 times a week.
Please feel free to call Justin on the telephone. He enjoys the companionship and is always ready for a good conversation to catch up on news. Justin is always eager for visitors! Fatigue sets in very easily for Justin especially on the days of his extensive workouts. So visits have to be before approximately 8 pm.
As Justin continues to rebuild and train his body and mind daily, we continue to humbly pray to God to give all of us patience, strength and understanding.
YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN!!!
In thankfulness,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & our good boy, Justin xxoo
Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
It is almost 14 months since Justin’s accident and Justin continues to slowly make miraculous gains thanks be to God and your prayers.
Justin ‘s vigorous schedule includes Neurogym 5 mornings a week for 1 1/2 hours each time. He is continually challenged with increased weights as tolerated. His walking (with help) has also improved with his left leg pulling through with less effort. Last Friday, Justin for the first time extended his left arm almost straight by himself without using his right hand. This took a lot of effort but he said “it’s stiff”.
Justin’s afternoon consists of either Speech Language or Occupational Therapy. His recent memory has also slowly made gains recounting the weekend’s events more accurately, for example. The family never ceases to quiz him and repeat, repeat, repeat in order to regain his memory.
Justin’s increased strength has allowed him to join his friends on various outings… parties, the movies, Subway, the mall … One of those parties included his 19th birthday party just celebrated at Samantha’s. Thank you to all of Justin’s friends…. “Skinny”, Sam, Mario, Danny, Tom (your regular calls from Switzerland) Trevor, Paul (Johnston), Matthew and Jake (your faithful presence at Neurogym every week) …. please forgive me if I forgot some of you. Thank you isn’t enough. YOU ARE HIS MOTIVATORS!!!
And… HUGE THANK-YOUS to ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL and the RUSSELL LIONS CLUB for their generous donations towards Justin’s rehab.
Please keep on PRAYING FOR OUR GOOD BOY JUSTIN because YOU CAN DO IT JUSTIN !!!!
With our love,
Gerry & Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & especially Justin xxxooo
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Everyone’s support remains outstanding! A special thanks to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. There are too many names to mention. Also, to Jenn of Jenn’s Fries for welcoming Justin to her business and Donna as job coach. Please forgive for all not mentioned. Your are all in my prayers of thankfulness.
Justin’s past 10 months of rehabilitation at school has been miraculous. Thanks be to God and Justin’s tremendous will power with the support of family, friends and community he continues to little by little climb the ladder. His training includes a newly acquired bungee walker daily at school, cognitive skills with the help of a speech therapist, Neurogym workout Monday to Friday for 1 1/2 hours all to achieve independency.
All of his great achievements could not have taken place without all of your help either through prayer, talks on the phone, long conversations, your encouraging smile, and your love and patience.
On behalf of the family and Justin, we continue to ask you to keep Justin in your prayers asking God for continual healing. If you are able to help Justin this summer with his ongoing rehabilitation please contact us at home 613-445-5591.
Our warmest thanks and appreciation,
Gerry, Suzanne, Dominic & Kelly, Daniel, Julia & especially JUSTIN XXXOOO
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