Another Encouraging Austin Hatch Update
Good to hear that more visitors are now being allowed to visit with Austin. This is the latest CaringBridge update from the Hatch family:
Another great week by a determined and hard working student athlete. Austin has a beautiful attitude and is enjoying day visits with close friends and family. We are following the medical staff advice to control the visitor schedule to no more than three at a time to allow him to focus on his recovery. While the length of the rehab program is still unclear, he looks forward to returning to home and normal activities.
September 5th, 2011 at 6:56 PM ^
great to hear
September 5th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^
All good stuff, returning home soon and to normal activities? Good for him.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:13 PM ^
i'm still wearing the 'austin is my brother' wristband. dont plan on taking it off anytime soon
September 5th, 2011 at 7:28 PM ^
Has there been any confirmation that he's verbally responsive, walking, or anything of the sort? It seems all the updates are very positive and speak to his heart and courage, yet stop short of conveying marked improvement. I'm really hoping that there is such tangible improvement.
September 5th, 2011 at 7:53 PM ^
I'm pretty sure in the last update they talked about Austin & family singing The Victors. I think he'll eventually make a full recovery. I surely hope so...
September 5th, 2011 at 8:03 PM ^
While I'd agree that the updates have lacked the kind of details I think you're looking for, this posting from August 22 did convey some specifics:
Austin is well underway with his a-maize-ing comeback. Although his recovery will be long and difficult, his progress causes us to rejoice and hope. A few highlights from the past week are:
-So far Austin prefers chili rather than hamburger or ravioli
-Austin sang 'Hail to the Victors' with us
-Austin is working hard on his mobility skills
'Team Austin' includes a wonderful group of therapists who push him hard and all of us celebrate his success. Austin and his family are especially mindful of all his classmates and the entire Canterbury family as they returned to school today.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:12 AM ^
from a woman who posts regularly and is clearly close to him and his family mentioned being pleased to see a post from someone he "met in therapy today," adding "Your hard work, positive attitude, and genuine friendliness just continue to add more believers to our group everyday." "Meeting" someone in therapy and his "genuine friendliness" sound very positive. Another entry mentioned his being an inspiration to others in therapy. The family seems to be very protective, and rightly so, allowing him privacy in his rehab. But these little nuggets do seem to show tangible improvement.
September 5th, 2011 at 8:27 PM ^
Thank you for posting the update.
September 5th, 2011 at 8:31 PM ^
This kid is going to redefine what it means to be a strong human being. I'm so happy that he has close family and friends looking out for him as they are.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:37 PM ^
...of made-for-tv movies. Truly inspirational.
September 6th, 2011 at 8:13 AM ^
The last couple of post sound positive, which is great! There is something that makes me a little leary about everything though. Immediately after the accident there was little detail about the injuries he sustained and the severity of said injuries. It talked a little about swelling on the brain and being in an induced coma but really little else.
As a doctor I read these posts and they are actually making me worry more than less. In my opinion, when things are going well and injuries aren't severe you are clear about things. You say' "He suffered a fractured vertebrae and is expected to make a full recovery." Then you say, "He is walking, talking, etc etc etc."
These posts sound a lot like people just trying to give people hope more than anything else (except the last two). These last two posts seem to express some real improvement, which is great, it just leaves me questioning just how bad the initial injuries really were and whether it is really possible to make a "full" recovery.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:54 AM ^
I'm not an MD but had a closed head injury as a child and know how "vague" in many cases is really a veil. I'm encouraged by what I've read here but I don't remember seeing anything truly specific, rather it's been more suggestive. Having said that, I also respect his family's desire for privacy if that's the case. Regardless of the specific injuries, I'm truly excited to hear he's doing better and my prayers are with him.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^
great news