3.10 Murat - Murat Shrine

Tammy says, “Our first visit was in April 2009 and we saw Dr.
Larry Vogel. From the moment you step into the Shriners
Hospital, you find a spirit that is much different from any
other hospital. Everyone makes your family feel welcome.
They make you know they are there for you. There is an
atmosphere of warmth and humanity.”
Tammy says, “Alex was most interested in learning how
to stand and possibly walk. Dr. Vogel and his nurse Patty
were extremely sensitive to Alex’s physical needs and emotions.
On the second visit, we spent an intense week in
examinations, PT, and testing. Alex was fitted with HKFOs
(walking braces) and learned how to properly use them. He
stood, and by the grace of God, was able to walk by using
his hip flexors and a walker. This was painful, but a very
emotional experience for Alex and the family. Maggie
worked with Alex twice a day, giving him encouragement
and support to move forward. This is far different from therapy
in other facilities, because at Shriners Hospital, they realize
the need for treating the whole person and not just the
condition. The time Alex spent in the spinal cord injury unit
was a revelation, because he realized the other patients were
normal kids before their accidents, and they were just like
him. He didn’t feel alone. This changed him somehow.”
Alex’s road to recovery has been eased considerably by
his attitude and the support of close friends who have sleepovers
at Alex’s cottage, cook meals and “hang out” with him
on evenings and weekends. Tammy says, “Alex leads life
with no fear. His dad made him a motorized tree stand for
bow hunting, and he got his first deer this year. With adaptive
equipment, he rides snowmobiles. He wears a T-shirt
that says, ‘Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention
of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but
rather sliding in sideways, thoroughly worn out and proclaiming,
Wow, what a ride.’ “
Tammy adds, “Our family considers recovery a journey
for Alex, and we are thankful to have Shriners with us on this
journey. We deeply appreciate the great difference you have
made in Alex’s life.”
MARCH 2010 5