Mike was severely injured in a Motorcycle / Truck accident on 5/7/2006.
He was treated for head and internal injuries at Albany Medical Center,
and after a month was transferred to Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady.
Mike is finally home as of 7/22/2006. He will continue his outpatient
treatment at local TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Hospital.
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This page was last updated: September 2, 2006
A letter from Mike's sister Susan Kleinke (McManigal)
August 30, 2006
Dear friends of Mike,
As the summer quickly comes to a close, I wanted to let you know how Michael has been progressing. Many changes have taken place since he was released from Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital on July 21st, and we maintain hope and look to the future as he works steadily toward further improvement.
Mike continues to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapies on a regular basis at Northern Dutchess Hospital. The staff at Northern Dutchess has been helpful, and we are encouraged by the steady improvements we see in Michael's physical strength and stamina. Now that he is no longer constricted by the hallways of a hospital, Mike enjoys the opportunity to walk. We've enjoyed a couple of strolls at Poet's Walk in Red Hook and various other places. We noticed a marked improvement in his steadiness and in his stamina while at the Dutchess County Fair this past week. With a toddler nephew as well as a teenage niece and nephew to keep up with, he covered a lot of territory in a short period of time! He enjoyed going on a few rides with them, and smiled as he watched them on some more daring rides. He also managed to keep up with their dizzying energy as we went back-to-school shopping this past weekend, getting his hair cut alongside his nephew, Christian. Both he and my mom helped me with some of the final preparation of my classroom for a new school year yesterday. (I needed the help!)
Mike is making significant progress with his speech. Finding certain words to express thoughts is still a challenge, but he's getting better at it all the time. It's great to sit and talk with him again, though it's far greater to hear him laugh!
We recently visited Albany Med where Michael met with the resident physician who attended him the night of the accident. The last time he had seen Michael as a patient, he was progressing from a coma into a vegetative state. At this visit, Michael sat in the chair opposite him and was able to shake his hand, answer questions, and follow physical commands. He was even able to describe some of the problems he continues to have. The resident seemed very impressed. My parents have scheduled an appointment with local orthopedist to look into correcting the difficulty Michael is having with his shoulder.
Though Mike's recovery thus far is miraculous on many levels to all of us, there is still ground to be gained. Improvement is not happening fast enough for Mike, who is ready to resume his old life and his independence. This is our greatest wish for him. We can't be sure how far he'll progress, but we know that he is working very hard toward the end goal of independence, and is doing so consciously, realizing that this goal hinges on recovery.
I am very proud of my brother. His accident was almost four months ago. He's fought to re-learn many things that many of us take for granted. My family and I have changed in many ways in this short period of time. In light of the lessons we have learned through Mike & his determination, and through the effect that your support and prayers have had on his recovery, life seems more fragile and miraculous than it had before. Friendship and love give it strength. There is no feat in life that should be taken for granted - even the small ones, like tying your shoes. Our ability to do everything that we do is a gift. Today is Michael's 45th birthday. Life is a great thing to celebrate!
The outlook for the future has changed drastically from where it was two or three months ago. I know that many of you continue to pray for his complete recovery. We are grateful that you continue to do so. Thank you.
With respect, Susan
Mike McManigal
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