November 29, 2010 - Monday
By Bud | November 29, 2010
If you have questions please contact Bud Jessee 918-625-8531.
On May 23, 2008 Peter Jessee suffered a spinal cord injury which was diagnosed as Surfer’s Myelopathy. Below is a journal written by his parents.
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August 4, 2010 - Wednesday
By Bud | August 4, 2010
From Janet this time……
The other day Peter yelled at me to come quick! I ran into his room and he wanted me to feel his left foot, so I started rubbing it. He wouldn’t look down but asked me if I was touching it. I scratched and rubbed it both lightly and hard, but still no luck. He was pretty disappointed that he couldn’t feel my touch. I asked him to explain the sensation and he said his foot felt “alive”. He said it’s like…if you’re sitting at your table and someone tells you to wiggle your toes. You just know what the exact sensation will feel like. That is one of the things that it so un-nerving …. his legs feel so normal ….but nothing. Peter said he gets these sensations more often at night. But it was very exciting to just witness the process!
I wasn’t going to mention this, but there is another Surfer’s Myelopathy victim. Her name is Kendal (age 15) and she lives in Spokane, Washington. As I understand it, her grandparents and the entire extended family were on vacation in Maui. Same diagnosis. There are no words to express our feelings. As we get further into this, people are still asking us whether Peter hit a reef or was struck by another surfer. It’s just hard to wrap your head around a SCI without trauma. Please tell everyone going to Hawaii or a like place what can happen. Never surf.
We’re seriously looking into stem cell treatment in China, Germany, and Israel. Bud has talked to one young man that has been to Beike Biotech in China twice. He’s a quadriplegic and both times he has seen a huge improvement. The first trip he recovered some tricep and ab muscles, which have enabled him to do transfers. The second trip he improved his bladder/bowel control. He said most people look at him and see little physical change, but his quality of life has greatly improved. He plans to go back ASAP, but right now he is on track to finish his PHD. The stem cell treatment requires about 4-6 weeks of treatment and therapy. Peter is definitely not sold on stem cell, but we’re just processing through information and trying to find people that have received treatment and speak with them face to face.
Another couple of months have gone by and Peter is staying busy. He just finished his summer semester at TCC with A’s in Trig and Chemistry. A few weeks ago he casually mentioned to me that he was taking an on-line class at MIT. My mind instantly started working, wondering about the cost of tuition for one class at MIT. But all I could say was, “What class?” He said, “Chemistry”. Sometimes I have problems keeping up with him, but in this instance he had a good laugh at my expense and told me that anyone can go on-line at MIT and view their lectures. Chemistry was his lecture of choice for the week. I guess he’s watching lectures at MIT and Berkley! All free! Now, is that cool?
Summer is speeding by and Peter will start classes at the University of Tulsa August 23rd. His first semester will be General Chemistry, English Literature, Spanish Intermediate II, and General Biology. I know, he’s already taken some of these classes at TCC but they only transfer as electives for TU. With the labs included it is about 15 hours. He was able to meet with Disability Services at TU a couple of weeks ago, and since parts of the campus are 100 years old, some of the buildings will be challenging for a wheel chair. His “power chair” finally arrived and we’ll have the van re-fitted. With the power chair the existing seat will completely come out and an EZ lock system will be installed. He’ll just wheel in underneath the steering wheel, and then the chair will lock down. On the longer trips we can put the original seat back in, using a clipping device for us to drive. All crash tested! Peter believes he can get himself up and drive to TU for 8 o’clock classes and since he’ll have the power chair, he should be able to get around campus by himself.
He’ll stay busy most of the day then come home for therapy for a few more hours.
He’s really getting excited about starting classes at TU. Count Down Time!!!
As most of you know, Peter’s friend Carl Salazar left for the Air Force Academy in June. We wish Carl all the best as he navigates this new exciting life experience. Once again it’s been great having Wes, Cooper, and Mark home for the summer. Peter has really enjoyed hanging out with them and Mark continues to pilot Peter down to OU for therapy. They get their “sports talk” all in during the drive.
Peter continues with all the therapy and our new building and pool are getting used every day. It is amazing to realize how chaotic Peter’s life was trying to make appointments all over Tulsa. The building/pool was one of the best treatment ideas and follow through we have had for Peter. He is still hard at his therapy regiment and his sensation level seems to be moving down his body. It’s just a very slow process.
Thank you once again for your support and prayers. Our family really appreciates the visits, phone calls, cards and emails.
He will walk again…..
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July 2, 2010 - Friday
By Bud | July 2, 2010
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May 23, 2010 - Sunday
By Bud | May 23, 2010
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Feb 28, 2010 - Sunday
By Bud | February 28, 2010
We have made it through a harsh winter. At least there were not the major ice storms this year, just cold and snow.
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Jan 02, 2010 - Tuesday
By Bud | January 2, 2010
Happy New Year to Everyone!
Whew! What a year! Sometimes the days would seem to crawl by and other times I think Bud and I wanted to glue down the hands of time. Peter is adapting to the campus at TCC and his daily therapy sessions. He’s looking pretty muscular if I do say so myself.
You won’t believe this but all of our construction is finally complete. The therapy pool and equipment is installed and in working order. The patio, sidewalks, sprinkler system, landscaping and sod are all finished and look great. It is a huge relief for us to have everything here at our home. The logistics of going to all the different appointments was very draining and the schedule was brutal. Now everyone is coming here!
Our neighbors have been great putting up with the mess. First our home was gutted and vacant for three months when we first moved in May 2008, then we had construction on the interior, deck and ramp system for a couple of months. We started construction on the therapy building last June and finally finished Thanksgiving. The exterior of our home was also painted in there someplace! They have put up with dirt, dirt, dirt, contractors, extra vehicles and everything that goes with it for months.
Thank you to the Bingham’s, Price’s and Murphy’s!
Peter has decided to take one more semester at TCC and apply for the University of Tulsa next fall. This will give him a chance to brush up on his chemistry and math skills as it has now been two years since his last high school course of chemistry and math. This semester he is enrolled in 12 hours and he will take at least 9 hours this summer. He is still experiencing severe back pain from time to time, and this will give him a chance to make sure he can sit for longer periods of time which will be required at TU.
As you all know Peter does have progress but slow. His sensation level has moved down to the bottom of his belly button. On Sunday Bud and Peter will fly to Hartford, CT to attend Center IMT. The doctors and therapist treat patients using a comprehensive and holistic approach. Peter has been on a gluten free diet for the last couple of months and he’s feeling really good even though he has given up his beloved pizza. They will leave early Sunday morning and return on Saturday, Jan 9th. Please pray for uneventful and safe journey. Also for the doctors and therapist wisdom in treating Peter’s spinal cord injury.
Bud and I are still researching to make sure that we are doing everything possible to get Peter walking once more. I can’t go into all the details on Peter’s therapy and schedule as there is simply not enough time and space. Your eyes would definitely roll back into your head. But if you hear or read ANYTHING that sounds promising please let us know. Don’t be afraid that a million other people will send the same information. We’d rather read the same thing a few times than miss any valuable information.
On a good note we have heard that Hillcrest is acquiring a Lokomat machine. This will be a huge benefit for all kinds of patients in the Tulsa area. We have also heard the machine will be adaptable for children! This will be very beneficial as some patients are not able to make the trip to/from Oklahoma City for treatment. We’ll let you know more details as they become available.
It’s been really nice having “The Guys” (Cooper Frederick, Mark Jackson and Wesley Moody) home for the holidays. We’d like for them just to move on in, but I’m sure their parents might miss them a little! The other day they showed up with their swim suits and took turns on the treadmill in the therapy pool. They said they were surprised how hard it was. It’s simply great having them home for the holidays!
One more important piece of information. Whitney resigned her position at Callidus last month. This was a very hard decision as she really loved all of her co-workers and the management of the company. She is now an agent with American National Insurance. I’m sure she’ll get along just fine with the new boss.
As we look back at 2009 there are a million people we should thank for helping us this past year. Receiving support from our American National Family, Leinbach Company, and Callidus Technologies made everything else possible. Other high spots would be receiving a phone call, text or note from our friends & family unexpectedly. Thank you!
Attached is our Christmas picture in front of the tree. Peter ditched the walker and Bud had to steady him a little.
He will walk again!!!!!
Happy New Year from: Bud, Janet, Whitney and Peter……”The Doodles” Ajia and Georgie- Team Jessee
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Nov 24, 2009 - Tuesday
By Bud | November 24, 2009
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: Hey Peter, Glad to hear you are doing so well. Your progress is unbelievable. Keep fighting everyday. I'll be saying some prayers:)
: I don't get the regular email updates anymore but I haven't stopped thinking about the Jessee family (Team Jessee).I recently remembered the website Bud set-up [...]
: Hey Pete, I havent heard from you guys in a while, wondering how things are going? Shoot me a line and let me know.Hope to [...]
: Peter, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Thank you for this wonderful web-site where I can go [...]
: That a way to keep workin' Peter. I can't wait for the day when you walk on to the football field. I'll be sure to [...]
Football Fundraiser
By Eric | July 18, 2008
The Broken Arrow High School football team is hosting a scrimmage with Coweta and Sapulpa on Friday August 22nd. The scrimmage will be held at the BA High School Memorial Stadium. Admission will be by donation with all proceeds going to Peter. Additional fund raising opportunities will be made available that night. More information about the scrimmage will be made available here and at the Broken Arrow Football Booster Club website, www.batigerfootball.org.
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July 11 Prayer
By Janet | July 11, 2008
Received this morning the email below from Robert Giles. Please everyone, pray for Peter tonight at 6:00 PM Central Standard Time
WHO HERE DOES NOT KNOW THAT PRAYER REALLY WORKS? SO I CHALLENGE EVERYONE TO PRAY AT 6:00 PM CENTRAL TIME TONIGHT FOR PETER.
Robert W. Giles
Attorney at Law
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Benefit Hockey Tournament
By Eric | July 10, 2008
The Oilers Ice Center will be holding a benefit hockey tournament to help offset the medical expenses that Peter has incurred since his injury. The tournament is scheduled for July 25th and 26th. There will be high school and adult divisions. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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How You Can Help
By Eric | July 9, 2008
The following account has been set up for Peter to help offset the substantial expenses that will be involved in his recovery. I hope each of you will generously donate. I know it will be greatly appreciated by Bud and Janet. It is:
Peter Jessee Trust
Bank address is:
Arvest Bank
6560 E. 71st St
Tulsa, OK 74133
I challenge my friends to donate $100, $500, or even $1,000. (I am donating $500, but would have done more if my insurance premiums hadn’t gone up so much last year.)
Please forward to any other acquaintances of Bud and Janet, but please refrain from any former coaches, referees, school officials, or anybody else Bud has offended over the years.
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Richard Alexander
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