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Dear Schmanski Family,

I know you receive suggestions constantly about what to try for Tori and I actually suggested this over a year ago and just wanted to give you the info again in case you feel it is something you are open to for Tori now.

This website www.newdimensionsinhealing.com is the site of Melinda Lee. She uses the energy healing technique called Theta Healing and it is changing and improving peoples lives. On her site there is a Fox News story you can see for more information. I have witnessed incredible benefits for people with everything from MS to Migraines to emotional stress and depression to chronic pain. The treatment sessions can be done over the phone, in her office or she could probably come to you, (she lives in Orem as well). If you have any questions you can email her or call, that info is also on her website.

I am sure you, more than anyone, would love to see Tori 100% again and I feel this could be great assistance to you.

Best Wishes Always,
Alicia Green

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=490646&in_page_id=1965

Perhaps you may wish to investigate this further to see it this is feasible for Tori.

Hope All is well with Tori.

God Bless,

James

Hello again,

I apologize in advance for yet another long overdue update... Tori is currently in dire need of the next round of botox and phenol injections as her arms, shoulders and upper back are very, very tight and uncontrollable at times. Thankfully she is scheduled for the injections on October 5th. As I mentioned in the the last update, Tori has the tendency to raise her left arm and hand over her head when she is agitated or uncomfortable which is now quite often. Many times she lifts her poor left hand right into her mouth which where her teeth continue to cut up her hand of course... Primarily her left pinky finger which is now constantly bandaged as we try and heal it up. We have resorted to placing and sometimes taping an oven mitt on that hand to prevent further damage. She can raise it and get it in her mouth faster than you can imagine... Maria also had the unfortunate experience of getting her finger caught in Tori's mouth during an agitated phase and Tori clamped onto it and wouldn't let go. Thankfully Whitney was home at the time and heard Maria screaming then helped calm Tori enough for her to let go... Not really fun times...

Another issue we are closely watching is the fact that since Tori's tendon release surgery on her ankles her feet are now both twisting and almost laying flat towards the right. It seems to be originating form her hips and her left knee continues to be hyper extended. We will need to get some guidance on those issues from the Orthopedic physicians and the Shriner's Hospital. We also need to get her AFOs resized and refitted during that visit aas she cannot wear them in their current state.

Alright, that is enough of the bad news... On the good news front, Tori has a new PT (Physical Therapist) named Cari who is visiting twice per week for just over an hour. She works very well with Tori and focuses on Tori's entire body. She is certainly the best PT we have had in the home working with Tori. Sure, she makes Tori scream at times much more than Maria and I would but it is dearly needed. She has already improved Tori's range of motion in many problem areas like her shoulders, elbows and knees. Tori's wrists are still very tight and she resists the stretching of her fingers and thumbs the most... Tori is exceptionally strong. If she doesn't want you to move anybody part she can halt it as needed. That is why it is so important to get her interaction and hopefully relaxation during the stretching.

Hello,

Just a quick note to send our love and prayers your way. I'm praying that Tori is doing okay and that you've just been too busy to post a new update in a while. I have to admit, I get a little worried when a lot of time has passed in between updates. Tori grabbed my heart from the moment I read her story in 2006 and she is with me and in my prayers all the time.

Love and positive thoughts for all of you,

in His love,
Diana Palumbo

Don't give up on the Stem Cell therapy. Michael Mobley from www.justiceformichael.com is going back to China for his second stem cell treatment. That appears to encouraging news as according to the father, the stem cells are have some improvement. Perhaps he should compare notes on the matter and pool your resources. You both share the same situation. Hope all is well with Tori.

Hi, Thanks for the update. I check daily and get disappointed when there isn't a new update. I UNDERSTAND though really and don't expect anything. It's just that Tori and your family has a place in my heart and I like knowing how things are going for her. I keep praying that I'll read about more and more awareness and progress. I want that so badly for all of you. Us really. All of us dealing with brain injury and our hurt children. I watched the video this morning and was quietly taking in your beautiful daughter and her smiles. She is a beautiful girl. I'll continue praying, Tim. God will see us through.
in His love,
Diana Palumbo

Good morning,

Time seems to be flying by and summer is officially over unfortunately... Most of Tori's wounds on her feet are now healed and her feet are looking almost totally normal. We now need to get the AFO's re sized a little so she doesn't get the pressure sores. Tori's health, anxiety and behavior has been pretty stable and consistent since my last update though she is about due for another set of botox injections. We can tell because her arms and shoulders are tightening up again and she is beginning to raise her left arm up over her face more frequently. When she does that she also has a tendency to put her hand and fingers in her mouth and she currently has some cuts and scrapes from doing so.... We are trying to schedule for more botox during the beginning of October.

Brendan and Whitney are well into the school year now and are enjoying it for sure. I have been traveling a little more lately for work which is always keeping me busy and Maria continues to provide daily outstanding love and care for Tori. Maria's mother, Grandma Harris, also has been spending most of the days during the week at our house helping out as well. She typically leaves home for the weekend and we greatly appreciate her love and support!! Thank you Grandma Harris!! :-) My parents, Grandma and Grandpa Schmanski, should be arriving from their summer visiting of family later during this week.

Thank you all so much!!

The Schmanski Family

Tim, Maria, Tori, Whitney and Brendan