April 30 at 4:00

First we were told that the Halo brace was going to come off today between 12:00 and 12:30. The men came who were to supply the new brace. The Dr. was detained. A new time of 2:00 was set. The Dr. arrived and told us that his colleagues had convinced him that the Halo should stay in place for another 4 weeks. The older, wiser doctors say it is healing as it, better not change things just yet.

Timothy, Tim, and I were quite disappointed. However, the neurosurgeton at Mercy had cautioned us just before we left there to not be in a hurry to take it off. He said, "If it is healing, leave it alone."

We are still supposed to return to Madonna tomorrow.

Leg doctor changed dressing on right leg. It looks good. He will look at it again in two weeks.

April 29 at 5:45

I stayed the night with Timothy, and Tim was over here by 5:00 so I could go home (our Madonna duplex) and shower. We have been waiting the entire day for the Halo doctor to come by, and we still haven't seen him. Maybe tomorrow.

Timothy has been up on his legs twice today with the aid of a walker, and two assistants. He was able to hop/walk around his bed about 15 feet. The right leg that had the surgery is, of course, very painful, and he can only put toe-tap weight on it for now. He has not had any light-headedness or nausa since the surgery and is eating everything in sight.

While I was blogging yesterday afternoon, they took out what I call the peg tube (it was used at Mercy to give Timothy nutrients, meds, etc). It has been an irritation for weeks becuase the Halo vest was riding on it, and it hasn't been used, but they hesitated to remove it because of yesteryday's surgery--we might need it. One more thing gone!

Every day is one more step of progress. Timothy is sure looking forward to going home now that it is in sight. Asks each day how much longer we think it will be. Unfortuantely, Tim and I are now sure. We feel that Madonna will change the exit date now that they can work with the legs.

April 28 at 5:30

We are at St. Elizabeth Hospital as we planned. The orthopedic surgeon told us the surgery on the right leg went very well. The surgery took 3 and a half hours. Then we had to wait for the Dr. to talk to us. Then we had to wait at least another 2 hours for Timothy to get back from recovery. As the nurse in Timothy's room was hooking up monitors and IV stuff, she gave Timothy a hand-held gizmo. She said he could press the button on it, and it would give him pain medicine. He replied, "Push the button and hold it down." Later his father was trying to explain about the x-rays the Dr. showed us with all his rods, screws, and plates in his leg. Timothy said, "rebar?" Father replied "Yes, with a few hose clamps." Its a good thing they both still have their sense of humor.

They told us the scan on his neck was put off til tomorrow. But just a short time ago they changed that, and said it would take place tonight, but not be read til tomorrow.

We think we will be here until Friday.

I was to be at Madonna by 7:15 this morning so I could ride over in the van with Timothy to the hospital. I don't know if I was nervous about not over sleeping or just plain nervous, but I think I saw every hour go by during the night. Consequently, I have been really tired today.

Thanks again everyone for your prayers and concerns. I know this whole deal has gone on and on. I appreciate anyone who is still hanging in there with us, and keeping up-to-date.

April 27 at 5:00

I had the weekend at home, and Jeremy was here with Timothy. Sunday he had my sister and two of her sons as visitors. Also, Jessica, Courtney Jean, and Brandi were here.

Timothy did very well on his final driving skills test today. Brooke said that on one part he is her first patient to score 100%. Kevin Markt has spent the day with us, and he agreed that some of those tests were pretty complicated.

Tomorrow Timothy goes again to St. Elizabeth Hospital here in Lincoln for surgery on his right leg. They plan to put in the rod, scan the neck and maybe remove the Halo and trach. We do not know how long he will be there, but he will return to Madonna until at least May 6. When he returns, they will re-evaluate and probably give us a new exit date.

Timothy is still having a fit because I ate one of his Reese's peanut butter cup candy bars. Luckily, Kevin brought him a whole bag full. I never even knew he liked them so much.

This is for Ciara: I visited Carl today. He is doing much better. The PT therapist was asking him to look L and R and up and down, and he was responding.

April 23 at 4:00

Timothy just finished his last therapy session of the day and is resting. The highlight of our day was a big box from cousin Corey and his friend, Jessica. It contains all kinds of items to keep him entertained and working--3-D puzzles, slinky, airplane models, card games, rubber chicken that hatches an egg (to be squeezed with the right hand), a UP train engine plus home-baked cookies, and some other good stuff. Timothy was quite impressed.

This week he has really taken an interest in his greeting cards and e-mails. He often says, "Why even such and such knows about me and sent a card. Isn't that somethin'?"

Last night for the first time Timothy wanted to read this blog because so many people refer to it in their cards and messages. He didn't understand what they were talking about. He just read the last three entries. He was very touched by the comments his Aunt Susie and Erin had made. Said he would read more later. All of the caring from everyone is just overwhelming.

There is a sixteen year-old boy here with brain injuries, and we have become acquainted with his family. The step-mother came to Timothy's room this week, and was so amazed at his progress. She said, "Timothy is an inspiration for our family." Their son is still in that stage of kinda staring but not yet quite awake. I so hope for the best for them. I know just how they feel.

If I had my life to live over again, I would become an occupational therapist. I have the deepest respect for Brooke and her work.

Well, I may be rambling...Thanks for reading!

April 22 at 4:30

Timothy had a great day. He started using his right arm a lot more--ate most of his lunch with it. He kept saying, "I wish Brooke could see me. This is all because of her." He is so very pleased that it is not paining him very much, and he is able to use it. The PT therapist found a better wheelchair match for him so it is more comfortable. I went to Alltel and got him a cell phone. Luckily he had insurance which I didn't know so it is just like his old phone the same number and everything. I did block text messaging for now. He can add that later. Didn't think he could deal with that yet. He is just like a kid with a new toy. Another great thing--a guy came with a saw and cut a slot out of his Halo vest so it doesn't ride on his stomach peg line. I wish I'd known they could do that. He is so much more comfortable now. The peg line can't come out until the leg surgery is completed next Tuesday.

After his last therapy, he and I took a stroll around the building outdoors. He has been taken out before, but this is the first time that I felt he really enjoyed it.

He is talking about , when I get the leg fixed, when I get home, and when I get back to work. He is definitely looking forward.

April 21 at 5:00

Some changes were made today. Timothy will no longer need the one-on-one attendant because he is doing so well. He was not happy about that. He said, "Who am I going to visit with when I wake up in the middle of the night?" They have changed his wheelchair to one that he can wheel himself so that he has more control and will be using his right arm more. The OT therapy went very well. He was able to use his right elbow without pain with the help of Brooke's e-stem therapy. Speech therapy is going great. I feel that he is dealing with the accident facts quite appropriately. He is beginning to think about going home and how we can make changes to his house so we can take care of him and later he can take care of himself. He wants a cell phone. He is amazed at all the cards and e-mails. He says, "I don't even know that many people." "Why do they all care about me?" All good signs.

Thanks everyone for your continuing concern and prayers. He is doing so well because of it.

April 20 at 6:00

Today the psychologist and I told Timothy everything we know about the accident. He has not remembered anything about it. When we told him about James and Kevin, he became quite emotional just as anyone would. He had been asking us and the railroad men what happened so it was time to tell him the truth. I think he will remember what we told him tomorrow. That was one of the concerns--that he would have to be told more than once and have to endure the pain over and over.
The therapists were alerted that he was aware of the facts so they were careful with him but kept him busy. The speech therapist had him use the computer and find the stompers 4x4 website. That helped take his mind of things for awhile.

Right now he is resting. The psychologist will be in from time to time to talk with him this week.

The family has been dreading this moment, but I am glad Timothy knows the truth so we can deal with it honestly.

April 19 at 6:30

Zach and Alethia reported on Timothy awhile ago. They said he had a pretty good weekend with some visitors from Oregon filling up part of his day Saturday. His evaluation therapies were completed Sat. afternoon so Monday he should back to work. Timothy's bigggest complaint right now is his mouth. Either the antibiotics or his breathing through his mouth when sleeping is causing it to be very sore. They are to give him something for that today.

Thanks Mike for visiting us at St. Elizabeth's and for your help. We appreciate your continuing concern. It means a great deal to our family.

Thanks also to Gang 8568 for your card and support. Timothy will enjoy reading all the signatures. You railroad guys are the best!

A big "Thank You" to Jessica who stayed with Timothy during the night while he was at St. Elizabeth's so Tim and I could get some rest. We have learned that we really don't want Timothy alone in the hospitals. He can't talk loud enough to relay his needs.

I'll be back to Lincoln tomorrow and will have first-hand reports on his therapy sessions tomorrow evening.

If those reading this have time, I really appreciate your comments especially when I am at Lincoln.

Friday, April 17 at 5:30

It was a long day. This morning the infection doctor said we needed to leave Timothy at St. Elizabeth's one more day because his temperature got over 100 degrees last night. Then after lunch, the orthopedic surgeon came in and said he had just talked to the infecton doctor and convinced him that under the circustances, it was normal for his temperature to rise during the night. So finally, around 4:00 we were settled back at Madonna. Timothy seems very glad to be back here.

April 16 at 3;30

Doctor Swanson said the foot looks good. He cleaned it all out very throughly and closed up the incisions. The rod surgery is still planned in two weeks. He said Timothy should be able to put weight on that right leg almost immediately after that surgery. He is scheduled to return to Madonna tomorrow. Therapists there will re-evaluate him, and he should be back on all his therapies Monday.

I want to mention again, that we think he is ready for company. Everything is looking swell!

April 15 at 5:30

We've had several good reports today. The orthopedic surgeon was a lot more positive today. The infection is only in the foot not up the calf. The surgery on that leg for the rod is still scheduled in two weeks. Of course, tommorrow's cleansing of that foot infection will tell us more. The neurologist checked his Halo pins and thinks we can get two more weeks out of them which is good. Hopefully, Timothy will be back at Madonna Friday and back to his therapies by Monday. Madonna is keeping his room for him for now so we don't have to gather up his things, and they are allowing us to stay in their housing although technically we are not a Madonna patient family.

We are feeling better about things after talking with the several doctors involved with Timothy's care at Saint Elizabeth's.

The railroad support has again surprised us with a visit and a beautiful flower arrangement. Thanks Mike and Carter.

While we were visiting Madonna one of Timothy's student therapist who he really likes, Megan, told us that she has completed her training at Madonna and will not be there when Timothy returns. Timothy will really miss her. She is the one that makes him plant gardens, go shopping, arrange his closet, add and subtract, and know the date, time, and place.

April 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Timothy got the external fixator removed today. Before that surgery another doctor came in and examined his left knee that has the ligament damage. He said that it was developing scar tissue and thus making it stronger. He wants to restart physical therapy with that leg and let him put weight on it. That's the good news.

The surgeon talked to us after the fixator surgery. He is very concerned about the infection in the right foot. He is keeping him at St. Elizabeth's until at least Thursday. They will start antibiotics intravenously immediately and look at it again Thursday. He said it looks bad.

Here is where we are: Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, 555 South 70th Street, Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-219-8000 (not Timothy's phone yet)
website: www.SaintElizabethOnline.com

I don't know about e-mail services yet. We thought we were only going to be here this morning and then back to Madonna. We're a little rattled right now.

As always, keep Timothy in your prayers.

April 13 at 4:00 p.m.

The family has talked it over, and we think that Timothy would benefit by having visitors, especially on the weekends when he is not occupied with any therapies.
However, that brings us to a discussion that we have been putting off. Timothy's doctors have told us that because of his severe brain injury he absolutely cannot have alcohol for a very long time if ever. It is going to take several years for his brain to heal entirely. The family completely understands and agrees. We realize this is going to be difficult for many friends to deal with as part of their fun times together have included alcohol. If you are a true friend. alcohol will not be talked about around him or brought around him. Our family is taking a very firm stand on this subject.

On a lighter note, Timothy has been teasing the therapists again today. This time he told his pretty P T therapist while she was bending over working with his legs that he thought he was going to throw up. Of course she jumped up and wanted to know if he was o.k., did she need to get some help, etc. Again, he thought he was pretty funny.

He is enjoying visiting with his dad who hasn't been here for awhile. Uncle J.C. and Aunt Julia also paid him a surprise visit today. He will be enjoying the cookies they brought after supper tonight.

April 12 at 10:40 a.m.

Jeremy and Lisa are with Timothy this weekend, and I am home catching up. I would like to share what I have learned about one of Oregon's teenage boys--William Hollis. William's brother was handing him a hand-held radio with an extended antenna out a window. The antenna went through William's eye and hit some cranial nerves in the back of his neck. The brain and eye are o.k., but the nerves are injured. There is some paralysis of the right side of his face, and his eyes won't work together. He is walking with a walker. He is coming home Wed. and will continue therapy. As always no one knows for sure the final outcome. His parents are Steve and Wanda.

The Holt County community has poured their prayers, concern, along with care packages and some money on our family. We are extremely grateful and thankful for the support shown our family since Timothy's accident. Please continue to keep Timothy in your prayers. However, we hope you'll think of the Hollis family now, and help make their lives easier just as you have ours.

April 10 at 3:30

Timothy is getting onery. Today Brooke, the occupational therapist was using e-stem therapy on his right arm (the one that is injured). She was asking him if she could increase the strength, he said yes. Then when she did his eyes got big and he yelled ouch like she had shocked him big time. However, he was just kidding around. Poor Booke is very pregnant, and she and I both were alarmed. Timothy had a big laugh. He really likes Brooke, and tries very hard to do everything she asks. She really makes him work that right arm. Later she was having him put weight on the elbow, toss and reach with his left but lean on the right.

The speech therapist makes him do logic puzzles. At first she tried to use cards, but Timothy told here he didn't like card games. Today he planted a garden with all kinds of clues as to where to put all the vegetables using directions north, south, east, and west. Stuff like the potatoes are planted on the north just to the right of the squash. He does very well. She asks lots of math problems. He is reading and comprehending. Not writing as yet.

With both his legs being hurt, the physical therapists have to pretty much work on balance and with his arms.He is using a slide board excellently to transfer from one place to the other. He uses the strength in his left arm a lot.

As for food, he can have everything pretty much except crunchy like chips or hard like pretzels.

When I ask him about friends coming his reply is "Not yet." I know many friends would like to visit, and I really hate to ask anyone not to come. However, I understand that he would like to be a bit more back to his old self. This is a very hard time for him, but he is working as hard has he can to get back home.

April 9 at 3:30

Timothy has had a really good day. He has been up in his wheelchair almost the entire day waiting for his therapists, ready to get to work. He is using his right arm a little with each one, and he is very excited about that. I think he realizes that the more and better he works, the sooner he can go home. His reasoning skills are improving by leaps and bounds. He is being promoted from the orientation class to cognitive skills because he has remembered his assignments all week.

I hope it doesn't come to him that this is a little like school!

His fixator is to come off of the right leg next Tuesday. Later he will have surgery on that leg and even further down the road, surgery on the left leg.

April 8 at 10:00

Today I would like to tell you about a couple we have met here at Madonna. Their complete story is at caringbridge.org then brantburt (website) and then Journal. Their entry of Mar 25 is below.

Kellie is 33 (Timothy's age) her husband Brant is 35. He is the one with the brain injury through no fault of his own. They have 3 children, the oldest is in kindergarten. They live in Lee's Summit. My heart goes out to them. I hope some of you reading this about Timothy will feel compelled to help with her efforts to contact legislative members.



Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:25 AM, CDT

Through this experience with B.B. and dealing with brain injury, I have learned alot. First, that Missouri does not take care of it's residents. At least not completely.

In 2005, Governor Blunt cut all funding for gov. assistance for outpatient rehabilitation benefits. They will take mercy on you if you are under the age of 22, blind or pregnant. Otherwise, if you are in need of rehab benefits due to a serious injury, such as brain injuries, than you are a lost cause and deserve to be in a nursing home.

Pretty horrible huh? Well, I just learned yesterday that there is a bill trying to be passed to override this. It is senate bill 77 and is titled, Inclusion of Comprehensive Day Rehabilitation Services in Mo HealthNet. This is exciting!!!

Most people that are dealing with brain injuries are having to turn to Medicaid to help with services that their insurance company will not pay for. Such as medical equipment, medications and extended care in an inpatient facility.

The reason this is so important, is because there is not an insurance plan out there that will provide rehab benefits for a lengthy amount of time. What we have learned is that the brain heals slowly and a month or two isn't enough. A lot of insurance companies, will pay for inpatient/out patient rehab -for a limited amount of time. Then what happens when they are finished with inpatient rehab? According to Matt Blunt they should either be completely functional @ that point or live in a nursing home.

I do not believe that's right. Those people deserve a chance to continue their rehab!! If insurance is not paying for the outpatient rehab, than what are you to do? Pay out of pocket? That is not possible for the average person. Especially, if they do not have an income, due to their injury. This saddens me greatly.

Right now, we do have an opportunity for our voices to be heard.You can contact your local legislator asking them to support this bill. This bill is sponsored by Senator Stouffer and is SB77/HB530. You can go to www.moga.mo.gov and click on legislator look-up. Based on your zipcode, you can find the name and contact information for your state representative and senator. You may also call 573-751-3824, which is the senate communications line.

The "Talking Points" for letters when contacting state reps and senators regarding bill SB 77, are as follows.

1) Following discharge from a hospital, most adults have no options to continue their rehabilitation.

2) These services can help individuals to participate in their communities and return to work.

3) These services bridge people with brain injuries to other services such as vocational, technical, educational, and supported employment.

4) This rehabilitation keeps people out of nursing homes or institutions which cost taxpayers more money (approx. savings of $67,242 per person per year)

5) Many people are able to return to work and become a taxpayer upon completion of rehab.


It is very important to realize, this could be any one of us!!! This could be you, your spouse, your parent, best friend, sibling etc...

I'm sure you would want the best for their future. By supporting this bill, it can provide comfort for your future, should some chance this situation would be yours.

Not only could this benefit my husband, but so many other families that are faced with these challenges. I want to stand up and shout "BRAIN INJURED PEOPLE ARE NOT A LOST CAUSE!"

As you can see, I am very passionate about this issue. Your voice DOES matter. Please contact our legislators to show your support. You will be doing a wonderful thing for B.B. and so many other families!! It gives people opportunities to reclaim their lives. At least, let them have that chance! Please, Please, Please help me support this cause!!!

Love, Kellie

April 7 at 2:30

We have learned several things today. The external fixator on Tim's leg will probably be removed soon. It will be splinted and he will be given antibiotics to get rid of any infections. Then he will have to have a rod put in to straighten. This is all good. The fixator wasn't doing the job properly. The Halo will stay in place for now. They are thinking Timothy has a little nerve damage in the right arm but not a lot. They will be working with it more aggressively now that they are sure there are no broken bones.

This is a fast-paced hospital. They rapidly assess the problems and start fixing them quickly.

Timothy's attitude and behavior with all of the doctors, nurses, therapists, etc. is always very polite, courteous, and patient. I am so proud of him right now. It has got to be aggravating and confusing that different ones ask the same questions over and over and poke, prod, and bend continually.

Zack and Alethia were here today to hear and interpret the results of the scans and x-rays. They are always a welcome support team.

Thanks, Mike and Chris for your visit last night. He seemed glad to see you, and wasn't too emotional.

April 6 at 4:30 p.m.

I wrote so much on Saturday that I thought everyone would enjoy a break.

I am back in Lincoln after a brief trip home. Timothy is very alert today and is enjoying his company--Jessica, Brandi and Courtney Jean. He is not nearly as emotional today as over the weekend. He is beginning to understand that the external fixator on his leg and the Halo are not permanent. I think he must have been pretty frigtened when he couldn't voice his concerns. Timothy thought he would being living here from now on. Now that he can voice his fears, we can reassure him.

Everyone here is very pleased with his rapid progress.

April 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Just a quick note. Timothy is going through a very emotional time right now. It might be best if friends remembered him with a card rather than a visit for awhile. Timothy has requested no visitors at this time. Hopefully he will be ready for visitors again soon.

8:30 p.m.

The following note was written by Timothy's dad: To Jean, Jane, Amanda & April. I am so sorry I ruined your day. It's sometimes hard for me to keep things together. But please know your effort was truly appreciated. It won't be long before this phase is over, and you all will be able to laugh and talk of better times with Timothy.

To all who have helped us, from our hometown and Timothy's railroad family--Thank you is not enough, but it is all I can say. Tim Dannar (Dad)


Obviously,it has been quite a day. Timothy was delighted to see his Grandmother Dannar and Aunt Susie, but was reluctant to have other guests. He is beginning to realize where he is and the condition he is in. He is uncomfortable and often in pain. He would rather his friends not see him like this.

With that said. I want everyone to know that he is improving daily. The fact that he can voice his wishes is wonderful. He had a real meal for the first time today. He was able to visit with Zach and Jeremy pretty much like old times. We are just so thankful that we are getting our old Timothy back.

April 3 at 6:00 p.m.

The ocuupational therapist did some more eye testing today. We were concerned that he was having double vision. However, that may not be so. She believes now that he has some eye damage that is causing his left eye to see grey, blurry images. This will probably repair on its own. More testing will be done next week by a more qualified person.

Tests were completed on Timothy's neck, both knees and shoulder. The alignment on the broken tibia is of concern and will be x-rayed further. There might be some nerve damage around the shoulder.

Timothy was given chocolate pudding, a fig newton and juice today. All were swallowed without a problem. He will start a semi-normal diet tomorrow. Everyting will be ground or chopped for awhile.

We can understand almost everything he says now. His voice is still pretty whispery. First words we could understand were, "Take me home." He is developing an attitude part of the time. He loves his ice chips. About an hour ago he said to me, "Ice chips" and then "Right now!" He is also becoming very emotional at times expecially when we mention family and friends, and then other times seemingly for no reason.

He has a lot of pain, and they are trying to reach a balance where he is comfortable but not so sedated that he can't work with his therapists.

We got a care package from Tricia. We will soon learn a lot about New Mexico. Also, had a visit from another railroad friend. Thanks, David for stopping by.

The weekend will be busy--Jeremy, Zach, their girl friends, Aunt Susie, and Grandma Dannar all plan to visit.

April 2 at 4:30 p.m.

This has been another outstanding day. Timothy is hooked up to a machine that monitors his oxygen intake. All other tubes, lines, picks, etc. have been removed. He has a smaller trach with a cap so he is beginning to talk enough that we are beginning to hear and understand. He has been sitting up in a wheelchair all day until just 30 min. ago. We took him outdoors for a walk in his wheelchair. He played shape/color bingo perfectly, responded correctly to simple math problems, responded correctly to where he is and where he lives. He identified his brothers and grandmothers correctly from pictures.

Dad Tim says, "He has come a long way today."

X-rays are ordered for his legs and right arm to see how they are doing.

April 1 at 2:30

We are getiing acquainted with Timothy's care givers. Everything is going very well. Timothy has been up sitting in a wheel chair for 4 hours. All kinds of therapists have worked with him today so they can come up with goals which they will relay to us tomorrow. He has been very co-operative and seems to know everyone is trying to help him get better. The OT took him for a short tour of the building, past an aquarium, and around his part of the facility. She had him work at a machine that he had to turn the wheel using his good left hand. She had him wash his face and brush his teeth. He has tried to mouth words. Today or early tomorrow they will put in a smaller trach and cap it so he should be able to talk some.

Thanks, Bruce, Dana and Hayden for the flowers. They are lovely. I posted all cards and pictures on the wall.

At Madonna' website (www.Madonna.org) people can send messages (Madonna Mail icon)which will be printed out and delivered to Timothy. Messages must include patient's first and last name.