Riley Poor’s Recovery Blog

Riley Poor’s NTAF Midwest/West Spinal Cord Injury Fund

Hey everyone I apologize for not being able to check in with you as much as you’ve been checking in on me but as you probably all know they are keeping me pretty busy here at Craig and for every day I don’t check in marks a day that I’ve pushed my body to it’s maximum limits. Last week I reached the half way point of my stay here and from what I’ve heard from the therapists and doctors I’ve made more progress than anyone could of expected. My date is set to leave here for May 7 so I’m going to take each day in between to keep working my body both physically and mentally as hard as it will allow. I can’t thank all of you enough for your constant outpouring of energy and support. I’m still promising a personal check in with each of you as soon as I can find the time. Once I am released from Craig Katrina and I will be going to LA to finish the production of the 2 year documentary that I have been working on with freeskier Simon Dumont titled Transitions. We will also be looking into other rehabilitation facilities in the southern california area. If I continue to progress at my current rate I will still have allot of work to do through the summer months and beyond. Once again I wouldn’t be able to keep my spirits as high as they are without all your love and support so all I can ask for is to keep sending the positive energy my way. I’m also very happy to report that I’ve been able to be active in my career once again which keeps me very busy beyond my therapies and brings a sense of normality back to my life. Next big step is getting rid of my collar, which should happen in the next few weeks, and I’m entering my third week in a manual chair, which has finally given me the sense that I am getting stronger and more independent. 

I hope everyone is well and in as high of spirits as I am I love and miss you all and for those of you that I don’t personally know I look forward to the day we will meet. 

P.S. Katrina and my mom have continued to replace my back bone through this process so please send some energy their way as well. Everyone should know I’m in the best of hands.

<<<CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW VIDEO >>>

A Day with Riley Poor

Greg Hydle recently spent a day with Riley at the Craig Hospital and put this ‘day in the life of Riley’ video together – it’s a candid glimpse into Riley’s arduous daily rehab schedule… it’s safe to say that Riley’s determination to fast-track his recovery has only increased in recent weeks, and his high spirits continue to be inspiring (if not awe-inspiring).  We’re all behind you buddy – more than ever.  Let us know if you ever need anything, because I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we’re all standing by, ready and willing.

Your Brother,

Jamie

Last week was a big week for me, my fifth week here at craig my body is starting to come out of shock somewhat and I’m starting to evacuate tubes from my body left and right. Last week they removed the g-tube from my stomach which was used for meds and tube feedings while they were making sure I could swallow correctly.  In the same day I made a huge step by getting the trach out of my throat, which has brought much more comfortable days and nights. On saturday I received what will hopefully be my last iron transfusion and the last IV line was pulled from my arm. This is huge progress for me because I can now get in the pool, which I here is an amazing experience as a quadriplegic. This next week I will be able to start a daily be fit class and functional skills class which will add to my increasingly hectic schedule. I am so excited to get to do some really hard work finally as all the little bumps in the road transcend further into the past. I want to send out a huge thank you to those who have visited, seeing you gives me strength to wake up each day with a little more energy that you leave behind.  I also want to thank freeskier and my C.B. friends Martha, Jenna, James and Jamie for hosting some amazing events this past weekend I love you guys.  Once again I want to send a huge thank you to my mom and to katrina who has literally been holding my entire life together to this point.  A very special thanks to Jake and Lilli for their assistance in getting us moved out of our apartment in boulder you guys rock. I will check back in with you all as much as possible but the weeks ahead will be busy and I just want you all to know that I will be working my hardest. The care I am receiving from the love of my life katrina is keeping me safe, happy, and healthy on a daily basis. I’m in good hands here at craig the staff has been amazing my family has been amazing and Travis if your reading this I want you to know I’m getting better for you every day little brother. I miss you dad and jasper.

I love you all and I will see you soon

P.s If you want to come visit please email katrina at bobknits@gmail.com weekends work the best