May 23, 2010 - Sunday

By Bud | May 23, 2010

I know it has been a long time since I have sent an update so I thought on the second anniversary of Peter’s incident it is time to get back in touch.
 
The last year has been a lot smoother than the first year. Peter’s attitude and persistence is remarkable. He has a trainer working with his physical conditioning three times a week, acupuncture twice a week, pool therapy at least twice a week, sometimes three times a week and the LoKoMat every Friday at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. Doing all of this and caring 13 hours at Tulsa Community College, taking Biology for majors, Economics, College Algebra, and English Comp and acing all four classes earning him a 4.0 for the semester. He will be taking chemistry and trigonometry this summer. He is enrolled at the University of Tulsa for the fall semester. Yes I am very proud of him.
 
Peter seems to be getting stronger. Sensation has worked it’s way to the bottom of the belly button. We still have a long ways to go but his attitude is great. One day I made the remark that I had to get him walking. He smiled at me and said “Dad, I’m not going to walk today, I probably won’t be walking next week, but I will walk someday.” That is what makes me so proud of him.
 
Tomorrow we leave for a family vacation to Las Vegas. Peter’s good friend Mark Jackson is going with us. Mark is a true friend, he has stuck with Peter all through this ordeal. We are very fortunate to have Mark.
 
We have been blessed with many friends here locally and all of you. Your prayers, cards and emails have been what has kept us going the past two years. Through your prayers and God’s healing power……………………………….
 
He Will Walk Again
Bud

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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.

Two weeks ago I attended the American National annual sales seminar in Galveston. Many of my colleagues across this country were asking me about Peter. Their love and concern is one of the instruments that keeps us going along with the other emails we receive wanting to know what is going on.
Peter is attending Tulsa Community college, taking 13 hours. He has been accepted to the University of Tulsa in the fall and he is very excited. His classes this semester are Biology for Majors, English Comp, College Algebra and Economics. Needless to say, he is very busy with his studies. So far he has three A’s and one B going. 
Of course he still has his therapy, working with his trainer, Will Cox, three days a week, pool therapy with us three days a week, acupuncture twice a week and a trip to OU med center on Friday’s so Professor Shirley James can work him out on the LoKoMat. The personal trainer has really helped with his core strength. Will is also helping Peter’s mental attitude with their discussions on the latest sports news during their workouts.  His ab muscles are much stronger now. The ab muscles below his belly button have started reacting to electrical stimulation. His sensation is at the lower part of his belly button. In the pool he has always done his routine with 3 lb ankle weights. One time when we were still using the Jenks high school pool, I tried to put an extra lb in the weights and he was not able to move his legs on the treadmill. Since the middle of January we increased the weight to 4 lbs and he was able to complete his routine. We are about ready to increase to 5 lbs. At OU Med Center he is improving on the LoKoMat. Professor James is great for him. She is so positive and keeps a smile on his face. Not only are these sessions helping his physical condition, they are a big boost for his mental attitude. Professor James is really the one that kept pushing Peter to apply and enroll at TU. She has a lot of confidence in him. We are very proud of him.
Another cog in his rehab has been New Creation Church. This family, lead by Doc Blevins, has been an enormous help in Peter’s rehab. Their support and prayers by everyone from the oldest member in the church, which might be me, to the youngest has been a blessing. We love all of them. In fact if you are in the Tulsa area next Sunday, March 7th, 10:45 am, our church will have the pleasure of hearing how three Sooner football players have started a prayer ministry on the OU campus. Tress Way, All American punter, Landry Jones, record setting QB and Ben Habern, highly touted freshman center, will inform us how they started the prayer group. Tress played at Union and was their kicker when Peter was kicking for Broken Arrow. Landry as you all know was thrust into the starting QB job with the injury to Heisman Trophy recipient, Sam Bradford. Peter and I are hoping that Sooner girls basketball player Whitney Hand is also in attendance. I’m not one to watch girls basketball, but this girl plays with so much enthusiasm and always has a smile on her face even when things are not going real well. That is the main reason I will catch a women’s basketball game. Unfortunately she tore an ACL this year and has been sidelined. Good news is we have her three more years. This will be a great program to hear these three young men. New Creation Church is located between South 81st and  South 91st street on 129th East Ave. Hope to see many of you there.
You that are local, gives us a call, we would love to see or hear from you. We really appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers.  We are keeping the faith that God knows what is best and that in His time…………………….
He will walk again.
Bud

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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

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. In this season we have many things to be thankful for and God has blessed us. He has blessed us with all of you and your prayers and concerns. He has blessed us to be able to provide Peter with an in home therapy room with a therapy pool. It is finally finished just this week. He has given us signs that Peter is progressing in just the last few days. Without going into details, Peter would kill me if I told you, he was able to do something last Friday that he was not able to do before. You probably get the picture. His sensation has moved to the bottom of his belly button. It use to be about an inch and a half above the belly button. His attitude is remarkable. Hopefully, if accepted, he will start attending the University of Tulsa in the spring. We are truly blessed.
 
We are also blessed to have the scientist and doctors at the Miami Project working to provide a cure for everyone. They are very close to obtaining approval from the FDA to start clinical trials using Schwann Cells on humans. Below is their website and if you find it in your heart to help the Miami Project’s and our cause to help everyone, we would really appreciate your help. You can also go on this website and view the video featuring Peter. Peter is featured after Ashley Moore. Click on “I am ready.” Holiday Hundred Campaign, Then click on video at the top of the page and then click on “You Raise Me Up!”
 
We have faith that God will heal Peter and He will provide the knowledge to the scientist to find a cure for all spinal cord injuries so that………………………..
 
He will walk again
Happy Thanksgiving
Bud

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Oct 27, 2009 - Friday

By Bud | October 27, 2009

I know it has been a long time since I have written all of you. It has been very busy around here for the last three months. We have finally finished the therapy room for Peter. The building next to our house is 26′ X 26′ and has a 14.5′ X 7.5′ therapy pool equipped with a treadmill. We just finished last Friday and Peter has already been in the pool three times. The pool is equipped with a chair that lowers him into the pool. The rest of the area in the room will house all his therapy equipment so he will be able to do all therapy here at home. We will have a personal trainer that is currently working with him start coming to the house for his workout sessions.
 
Peter is gradually getting stronger in the upper body and he has added 20 lbs back. It is good weight as his arms and chest are looking very muscular. Ab muscles also seem to be getting stronger. His attitude is awesome. He is very positive. His good friends Wes Moody and Carl Salazar have been over several times and that always lifts his spirits. We have been attending the Broken Arrow football games every Friday night and enjoying their success. Really enjoying the success of our favorite kicker, Carl Salazar. Carl is having a great season and a college career is on the horizon.
 
Last week was a tough week for Peter. He lost a good friend last Tuesday night, Brian Hahn age 18. Brian played football with Peter. Brian was one of the first, if not the first, friend to contact Peter after his injury. Brian would always come up to Peter at the football games and make Peter feel special. Peter will miss Brian. He was a great young man who loved life and loved people. He demonstrated  that to me when he would talk to Peter. Hug your kids and tell them you love them everyday.
 
Another loss this last week was Barry Morgan age 49. Barry died from a heart attack and was the son of Miss Jeanie Morgan from our church. Miss Jeanie has been a great inspiration to Peter. Every Sunday she is giving Peter words of encouragement and helping his faith in her own special way. Peter loves Miss Jeanie and feels for her loss. Hug your kids and tell them you love them everyday, no matter their age.
 
We ask you to continue your prayers for Peter. We see his spirits lifted everyday and we know those spirits are being lifted by your prayers.  We also ask you to pray for our scientists and researchers at the Miami Project. They are still trying to convince the FDA to allow human clinical trials using Schwann cells. Ask God to help the FDA understand that a cure is on the horizon, if they would allow progress to move forward.
 
With your prayers and God’s miracles………………………….
 
He will walk again
Bud

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Sept 11, 2009 - Friday

By Bud | September 11, 2009

Hi!  This email is from Janet…..

I believe it has been awhile since Bud sent out the last email so I will give this a whirl.  Peter is still working on his regiment of exercises that he practiced at Miami Bio-feedback Center this summer.  His schedule is two days at St. John’s physical therapy, two days with a personal trainer working on strength, and on Fridays down to OU Medical for continued Lokomat (robotic) therapy. Peter is definitely getting stronger and better…it’s just a long journey.  As you may know, we are installing a therapy pool (like the one at Jenks High School) and erecting a building which will house the therapy pool and all the exercise equipment Peter uses on a daily basis.  Our insurance company limits paid physical therapy days …so we figured in the long run it would be to Peter’s advantage to have the pool at home where he could use it every day.  (see attached photo)  Also Bud works with Peter each evening for an hour or two. Bud continues with the mindset that he will leave no stone unturned and do everything in his power to get Peter standing tall once again. We continue to do research for any new therapy, medication, or devices on the market.

 It was difficult getting Peter to commit to attending TCC this semester.  TCC just wasn’t in the master plan during Peter’s last year of high school.  But after some “persuasive discussions” with Bud, he finally came to the dinner table one evening and said he would take Economics and Spanish.  Maybe it was because during his last year of high school he didn’t take any fluff classes.  I don’t know for sure, but I do know he enjoyed going to Larry Robinette’s (AP Economics) and Jan Smith’s (AP Spanish III) class each day.  Because of these two teachers, this was the direction he was planning to pursue at OU last year.  Peter should be able to contribute to class discussion about the cost of health care for people in his situation and how socialized health care could affect his prognosis.  With CIGNA health insurance we are able to take Peter to any of the top ten Centers for Medical Excellence in the U.S. at a moment’s notice.  At least that is peace of mind!

 Wes Moody, Mark Jackson and Cooper Frederick all left during August to get back to school and hockey.  Wes went back to college and Mark and Cooper both returned to their Junior A hockey teams.  They are simply Peter’s brothers at heart. They had a blast this summer (I’m sure I don’t know everything) and were able to accompany Peter to all of his appointments. Mark was the last one to leave and when the door shut behind him, it was like the air we breathe was sucked out of our home. We are very thankful for the time they spent with Peter this summer.  Peter is busy everyday and then there is FOOTBALL.  Hopefully Bobby will get things back on track and there will be peace in the Jessee / OU household. (Ladies, Bobby would be Bob Stoops)

 Please pray for Peter’s complete healing.  Peter has shown some significant improvement.  I just don’t think he would appreciate his mother blasting every personal detail around the world.

 Thank you for your continued support and love for our family.  Peter will walk again!

 Janet Jessee

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July 27, 2009 - Monday

By Bud | July 27, 2009

I know it has been a month since my last email. We have been very busy with a few items that will hopefully help Peter with his rehab.
BACK ON THE ICE
Thanks to Randy Frederick and the Frederick family, Debra and Cooper, last Thursday Peter was back on the ice at Oiler Ice Center. Randy through USA Hockey sent Peter an ice sled. Attached is a picture of Peter on the ice. I sent him out there with Cooper, Drew Wyrrick and Josh Phillips and dad stayed away. Just like old times, dad needed to keep his mouth shut when Peter took the ice. It was great.
LOOK OUT TIGER
Last Thursday Peter tried golf. At a local golf course, they have a golf cart that will allow Peter to partially stand to hit a golf ball. So we grabbed a bucket of balls and headed to the driving range. Peter’s first drive he hit it about 110 yards, straight as an arrow. My first drive I hit it about 50 yards off to the right. I quit and Peter hit about 80 more balls. Almost everyone of them straight and always around the 100 yard marker. He really enjoyed it. Not bad for someone that played his last golf game when he was 8. When he was 8, I had him in a summer junior golf league. He did real well and on the last day they had a tournament. Peter did great and I was real excited about him starting to play golf. After the tournament we got in the car to go home and he informed me that he did not care for golf. Now he has a renewed interest.
PROGRESS REPORT.
One reason I have not sent an email is that when there is progress, I want to make sure it is legitimate. The week after returning from our trip to Miami, at acupuncture, Peter’s glute muscles started responding to electrical stimulation. As of today they are still responding. Two weeks ago his quads started responding, not as much as the glutes but a noticeable twitch when the electrical stimulation was on. Last week his feet started moving when the electrical stimulation was placed on the calf muscles. His regular therapist said these were all very good signs. We thank God for these signs and pray to Him that more will continue.
 
One thing we pray for is that sensation will return. This week I ask all of you to say a special prayer for Peter, that God would see fit to return his sensation to him. God is in the healing business and through all your prayers, I know that He will see to it that……………
 
He will walk again
Bud

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Tiger Posters
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Give Pete a Shout
Previous Next
Latest on Fri, 19:26

Brooke Jessee: Hey Peter, Glad to hear you are doing so well. Your progress is unbelievable. Keep fighting everyday. I'll be saying some prayers:)

Lisa Calhoun: 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 [...]

Brian English: 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 [...]

VICKI CHAPMAN: Peter, I want you to know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Thank you for this wonderful web-site where I can go [...]

#61 Cody Blackstock: 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 [...]

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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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