Some Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Holly has started some physical therapy in preparation for her surgery, update here: "They never do both sides at once, they will see how I do with the left side first, which is the worst side. I went to physical therapy the other day for the first time, I had to do a few exercises and then showed me what to expect for after....its all about retraining my brain to take over the other side to balance, its hard to explain on here...but amazingly my brain is already trying to compensate for my balance issues now and I'm doing pretty good, so hopefully after surgery I'll have the same luck...There are a lot of unanswered questions, and I can only pray to God to help see me through this and I can't wait to live life again!"

Surgery Set for Jan. 3 at U of M Hospital-Ann Arbor

Holly will be having surgery at U of M in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Jan. 3, 2011:
"It has been an emotional rollcoaster for me...everyday I am thankful for my family and children, and wonderful friends I have made along the way of this journey...I have to keep reminding myself- that this too, shall pass......God is great and he has opened doors for me that were closed, and shown me light where its been too dark.....I am believing in his gifts of miracles and gifts of grace...Kaisa, you are right ,this will be the greatest gift of all for my family ...God Bless everyone."

A Call From John Hopkins Hospital...

 Holly has been contacted by John Hopkins Hospital and they will be calling her this week to set up her initial appointment. They are currently reviewing all of her CT scans. Holly is feeling anxious & scared at the same time but as she told me today, "There is a reason for this, I believe God is showing me something." ...♥ Please continue to keep Holly in your prayers as well as her family.

The Beginning of a Journey...

My cousin Holly (Hammerstrom) Abbuhl was recently diagnosed with a rare debilitating condition called Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome which involves the inner ear. She will be traveling to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland to receive treatment. Accommodations will be needed for their stay while Holly is examined and a date is set for her operation to be completed.
There are still a lot of unknowns, such as length of stay at the hospital and recovery period. Her husband, Chad, an Oakland County Sheriff in Michigan, will need to take “family leave without pay” from work, as he will be out of vacation time. Monthly home expenses, as well as medical expenses beyond their medical coverage will need to be taken into consideration.

We call upon FAMILY, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, and CO-WORKERS, for donations to support them in this crisis. Holly and Chad have four children: Kalista, 13, Cade, 5, Mya, 3 and Trace, 8 weeks.

Please consider these extenuating circumstances and make a heartfelt donation as soon as possible, as Holly and Chad need to leave for Baltimore when contacted by the hospital. All contributions will be kept confidential and will be very much appreciated.

**Please make checks payable to :
RENEE ABBUHL, 1915 PORTPOOL CT, WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48324.
In the memo section of your check, please indicate :
Holly and Chad Abbuhl
Holly and Chad will send a personal note of thanks for each donation received!

**If you would like to research Holly’s condition in detail:
GOOGLE 'Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superior_canal_dehiscence

**Also View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6vAkdGw8T4
( “SCDS-The Musician Who Heard Too Much”…a German man who suffered from this syndrome for 4 years and traveled to Baltimore to have the surgical
procedure. It is a very interesting Video and was featured on 20/20 two years ago!)**

On behalf of Holly, Chad, and the children, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God bless you abundantly!

(*I am going to try my best to keep this blog updated with photos and information as Holly moves through this journey...your prayers & support will be greatly appreciated.)