REILLY UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2021

From Tammy, Reilly's Mom:

Over the summer Reilly finally got his new power wheelchair. After only 10 days of him sitting in it, he ended up with a deep tissue pressure sore on his lower spine at the beginning of August. Not enough proper cushioning for his lower back. Wow...what a long process this has been.

It healed just before Christmas and since he'd been laying on his side, we decided to get him up in his stroller chair to open gifts. It reopened slightly and we had to keep him laying down and off his back for a little longer. It's finally healed again at the beginning of January, but we've been taking things slow since the skin is thin and fragile. This was his first pressure sore and let me tell you, after five months this is one experience that we don't want again, but I fear it won't be our last...given his situation.

This week, we've trialed him in his stroller chair for an hour at a time to see how his back looks and to get him used to sitting upright again. This morning was the first time since August that he's gotten to use his quadstick to play video games. The kid beamed with happiness and excitement with the opportunity to play a game he loves by HIMSELF. Makes you stop and think about all the things we take for granted on a regular basis. Being able to have a little independence is a big deal for someone that relies on others. This is one of those moments that make our hearts swell seeing him so happy. 

Lots of love from all of us."