9.30.09 Update from Guy

Guy stopped over right before work tonight to let us know that Josh is continuing to improve. He has been squeezing Rebeca's hand today, watching cartoons (with his right eye. His left eye is still swollen shut), and communicating through thumbs up/down. He had an MRI today, and they found that there was a slight fracture in one of his vertebrae, so they are going to keep him in the neck brace. He is still on the respirator for safety's sake, though he is breathing more on his own. Guy and Rebeca are very pleased with the progress they are seeing. They feel a lot of support from friends, family, and their faith. Tomorrow it will be one week since the accident.

2nd Update 9.29.09 More good news!

Josh met with the neurologist and was able to answer her questions with a thumbs up or thumbs down. Rebeca is thrilled! She can now touch and communicate with him! He is more alert. Today they are going to try him on another new respirator to see if he will be able to breathe on his own. It is just an experiment, so we will see. But, this is all good news. Blessings from Heaven.

9.29.09 Update from Rebeca

Rebeca called this morning and left a message on my phone stating that Josh is starting to move in a "less mechanical" way. He is touching, squeezing, and reaching for his cables to find out what he is hooked up too. His right side is still stronger than his left, but his left is doing well and moving. He is still under a lot of pain medication, so he is extremely drowsy. They are going to be giving him more fluids over the next few days. This will begin to drain the medication from his system to wake him up a bit more.

Rebeca says, "Oh, I am just so happy to see him moving!" She is encouraged. Your prayers are working!

An outpouring of love...

The young men and their leaders met at the Stevens' home on Saturday morning to show how much they cared. The yard looks great! Thanks guys!

Josh Today 9.28.09

This is a Josh report from Greg Johnson via Eric and Amy Hunter:

Today Josh is:

1) moving a lot more.

2) he is irritated at being touched.

3) responding to sounds, noises, and touch. This is a good sign.

4) his swelling is going down.

5) he was changed to another respirator, and he is attempting to breathe on his own.

The family just wants to remind everyone of how grateful they are for the well wishes!

Hi everyone,
This is Sandy. All that I have to say is thank you so much for the prayers and fasts that have been done. I also want to thank the people who have came to the hospital to visit Joshua. And there have been so many people who have came, 29 people in 3 days, to be exact. Thanks so much! We appreciate it. We love you guys and ask that you continue to pray for my brother.
Thanks a ton!
Sandy

hey everyone! this is shelby, i just visited josh. he looks like he doing much better. when i said that my sister and i were here it looked like he tried to smile. it was kinda hard to tell because he still has a tube in his mouth. he was moving his right arm. He looks alot better! thanks again for all the support!

Update 9.27.09 1:06pm

Rebeca called and left a message with Shelby stating that Josh is waking up and moving his arms and fingers. He is still being assisted with his breathing, but he is trying to breathe on his own. Good news.

9.26.09 Update from Rebeca

I (Amy) just spoke with Rebeca. She is doing as well as can be expected. She has so much faith and is trying to be strong. She confirmed what Sandy told us in her letter, but had some more information to add. The doctor's still don't know yet precisely how much damage there is. It will be hard to tell until the swelling goes down more, and as Joshua wakes up. They are going to try to start waking him tomorrow morning. There is hope that because Josh is young and healthy, that other parts of his brain can "take over" the damaged parts. We will all continue to pray for miracles and pray for Rebeca and Guy to have peace in their hearts.

We are hoping to set up an account in Josh's name so that donations can be made to help with the immense expenses. Stay posted for information if you are able to donate.

A letter from Sandy

Hey,
As some of you guys know, Joshua(my brother) got hit by an SUV on Thurday and was knocked unconsious. He was life-flighted to Salt Lake City and did surgury on his head. His brain was swollen, so they had to remove some of his bone in his head. He is in critical condition. And I just found out that the cells in his front part of his brain are dead. This controlls the movement. So, what he can move in the next six months will probably all that he can move. PLEASE, pray for him, and on Sunday, fast for him. He needs all the prayers he can get. Thank you so much for being supportive.
Love,
Sandy

The accident

On Thursday, Sept 24, Joshua Stevens, a deacon in our ward was hit by a car as he was coming home from school. He was treated at Utah Valley Medical Center and then was life flighted to Primary Children's Medical Center. He is in critical condition and suffered a severe head wound.

His family truly appreciates the outpouring of love and support they have received. They have gotten many calls from concerned friends anxious to find out how Josh is doing. Because Josh is still in intensive care, the hospital has asked that friends not call the hospital or the family while they are at the hospital. Instead, we have set up this blog where you can get updates on Josh and leave your comments of love and support.

A work in progress...

This blog is currently under construction. Please be patient and check back often! We will post information about Josh and his family as soon as possible.