^{Support Registry Update}

Brooks Week One: Electric Legs

In support of
Ari Mordujovich

Week One at Brooks is a wrap. Thank you, thank you and thank you to all of Ari’s supporters, in all the many ways you have and continue to support him and us. We are so amazed by this community. You constantly remind us that we are not alone in this and we are so very thankful for that. Still floored by you all. #LionStrong.

It feels like we are sending this update out from another planet. We crash landed here with Ari on October 5th and we know there is no going back. As the days go on, our eyes adjust and we begin to see the new landscape take shape. It’s too early to make much sense of it but we are not the first ones here. We are not fluent in the native language by any means but we are starting to pick things up here and there. At this point, we are doing our best to keep up with the information overload and juggle a million new decision points and concerns as we advocate and care for Ari.

There have been ups and down physically and emotionally, as you can imagine. Ari has already had multiple episodes of Autonomic Dysreflexia. It’s basically his autonomic nervous system in shock and overreacting to some kind of pressing issue in the body that Ari can’t feel and respond to (read here for more on this: https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/health/secondary-conditions/autonomic-dysreflexia/). He’s just starting to figure out the ins and outs of all this.

For those who are inclined to know more, here is a helpful summary of levels of injury and what they mean: https://www.spinalinjury101.org/details/levels-of-injury. Ari’s injury was categorized at the T5 level, below which sensory and motor function impairment begins. That impairment appears complete by the T7 vertebra level. Ari will have to work hard to develop his balance without most of his trunk and core to rely on right now.

Ari has had very productive sessions with Physical and Occupational Therapy and everybody says he is going to be figuring things out quickly and getting in and out of his chair by himself before we know it. Biggest highlight: He got to use a functional electrical stimulation bike which uses electricity to stimulate the muscles of his legs in a cycling motion so that he can ride a stationary bike. This is hands down Ari’s favorite activity so far. He likes that the electrical stimulation moves his legs around. It gives him hope.

Ari is also starting to make some friends around here. He got invited to shoot some hoops in the courtyard and made some sweet shots. That was really uplifting for Ari’s spirit.

This coming week is going to be more intense on the therapy and education side. Ari and the family will be participating in classes and learning about different things related to spinal cord injury. Ari will get more nitty gritty focus on the daily tasks of living to start getting him ready for a functional independent life outside of Brooks.

Many giants in this new world continue to reach out to us with words of wisdom, practical advice and encouragement. Every conversation inevitably lifts our spirits.

With love and gratitude for our #LionStrong community,

Ari’s family

Eddie Mordujovich
over 1 year ago

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Comments

Jessiechynoweth over 1 year ago

Such a fantastic update Eddie! Thank you for the details! So much to be excited about and to pray for in this new chapter. We love you all. Xo

Autumndoughton over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing! We are thinking of you all!

Sheynacarroccio over 1 year ago

Thank you for the update and information. I’m so glad you have the rehab facility. Hang in there and keep up the hard work.

Jeandona Doreste over 1 year ago

We are thrilled with every inch Ari gets away from this physical oppression and toward a more normal existence. The electric bicycle sounds really cool. We are praying for you all, Ari, and the Lord to do a work in Ari's body and heart. Be blessed

Heather Bowland over 1 year ago

Get at it

Nitsirkyvad over 1 year ago

thanks for the update! Sending all the things to Ari and family <3

Wsassha over 1 year ago

What a great update. I love seeing the smile in this picture. Thank you for sharing with us.

Nancy Pantoliano over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your family’s journey. It is so full of hope and love and quells the worry those of us who love you feel. Sending our love to embrace you all

Nancy Pantoliano over 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your family’s journey. It is so full of hope and love and quells the worry those of us who love you feel. Sending our love to embrace you all

Jennifer.lindsay3 over 1 year ago

Uplifting- just keep swimming x

Redmond.rachie over 1 year ago

So thankful for these updates! Continuing to pray for Ari and family!❤️

Godismyrhythm over 1 year ago

I am happy to see this update. I love that he was able to play some basketball. What a great smile!

Tinengels over 1 year ago

Thank you for the update. It's so uplifting to us to hear he (and all of you are) is making strides forward! We don't know you all personally, but believe you and the family have a lion's spirit for sure. No need to say keep fighting- I know you all will! Thank you for the hope in humanity, science and the power of love and community. Sending good vibes and lots of cheer for Ari to make lots of hoops.

Mstreet6ofus over 1 year ago

We are praying you through the trials and rejoicing with you for the victories. Thank you for the update.

Imscarpatti over 1 year ago

We're rooting for you Ari!!!!

J Morra over 1 year ago

Go, Ari, GO!

Hrohlwing over 1 year ago

Thanks for the update. Proud of Ari and all of you who are supporting him. I know how hard this must be and it sounds like you are all really digging in and working hard. I am confident it will pay huge dividends! Keep it up!

Ambernail over 1 year ago

Thank you for all the details in the update, Eddie! Keep pushing yourself, Ari! We love seeing you trying new things and smiling while doing it. Such a good attitude. We look forward to seeing you and all the progress you're making in the near future. Reach for the stars!

Denise Nail over 1 year ago

Thank you Eddie for keeping us all in this loop. Ari is doing amazing so far. We are so grateful for the rehab facility and his attitude and smiles keep us so positive. We love you Ari ❤️

Denise Nail over 1 year ago

Thank you Eddie for keeping us all in this loop. Ari is doing amazing so far. We are so grateful for the rehab facility and his attitude and smiles keep us so positive. We love you Ari ❤️

Heather Zetrouer over 1 year ago

Told that boy he’s going to turn those arms into hammers🫶🤪💪🏻💪🏻get it son

Dara Cohen over 1 year ago

That’s such great progress for Ari! Sorry about the AD-I’m familiar with what that is & that’s definitely no joke! Love that Ari is able to get on that bike! Awesome. Still praying for everyone. Stay strong🩷🩷

Elgin.connie over 1 year ago

Thank you for the updates. What a great smile! One moment at a time! Love to you all!

Jared Feria over 1 year ago

Amazing words of encouragement, progress, and life. Tell Ari to hit a couple 3s for Mr. Feria! :)

Jerrydefrance over 1 year ago

My dear Ari… a short note from a fan and friend you don’t know . What I know is that you drew a really bad hand…one we can hardly imagine. And you are a strong young man… incredibly strong, with amazing parents and friends. Stay positive. Work hard, for there are better days to come. Sending bear hugs and much love.

Debbi Vrona over 1 year ago

The amount of progress in such a short period of time is mind blowing!!! Continued success as you navigate all this which is new! Hugs to Ari and family 💕💕💕🎃

Victoria Mejia over 1 year ago

Thank you for the update. We’re constantly lifting him up in prayer! #LionStrong

Bcp1978 over 1 year ago

What an AMAZING update, Eddie! Way to go, Ari!!

Chuckmisja over 1 year ago

Know that we continue to pray for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Blessings to all of you.

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