Catch, Cards, and Carolina Blue ☀️
In support of
Chelsea Brem and Family
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Chelsea Brem and Family
Just finished a busy day of Speech, OT, lunch, Recreational Therapy and PT. Chelsea took a well earned mid-afternoon break and was able to get outside for a bit on this beautiful Carolina blue day. ☀️
It has been a full and focused day of therapy. Speech continued working with her on thinking skills, attention, and helping her find the right words when she’s speaking. Communication still takes a lot of effort, but the care team is supporting her with strategies to slow things down, organize her thoughts, and practice expressing herself in different ways. Speech also returned during lunch to closely observe how she manages a full meal and cleared her for a full menu diet with careful supervision, which was an encouraging step. 🍽️
Occupational Therapy spent a good amount of time on hands‑on, functional activities. They played catch to work on coordination, timing, and endurance…both the DirtDawgs and the Patriots softball teams would be proud! 🥎 She followed that with two games of Uno that challenged focus, processing, and turn taking. These kinds of activities help build skills she’ll need for everyday tasks while keeping things engaging and familiar.
Recreational Therapy spent time getting to know Chelsea beyond her medical chart, asking lots of questions about what she enjoys and how she likes to spend her time. Baking, crafting and creating, and time with the therapy dog all came up, and it sounds like those interests may be incorporated into future sessions to help support motivation, engagement, and emotional well being. If they would take her shopping that would be icing on the cake! 🛍️
Physical Therapy focused on balance, coordination, and safe movement. The session included supported standing, controlled transitions, and activities that challenged her to maintain stability while shifting her weight and moving with intention. PT continues to emphasize proper body awareness, endurance, and safety as she works through each task with close guidance.
Physical Therapy focused on balance, coordination, and safe movement. The session included supported standing, controlled transitions, and activities that challenged her to maintain stability while shifting her weight and moving with intention. PT continues to emphasize proper body awareness, endurance, and safety as she works through each task with close guidance.
Another positive sign is that her internal clock is starting to reset. Her body is beginning to recognize day versus night again, which helps with sleep patterns, daytime alertness, and her ability to participate more consistently in therapy sessions. Her appetite is still limited for now, but we’re following the care team’s guidance and continuing to take things one step at a time.
Rest continues to play an important role in her day, and taking breaks helps her have the energy to participate in therapies. We also ran into one of her PICU doctors yesterday, which was a special moment and a reminder of how far she has come since those early days nearly a month ago.
Rest continues to play an important role in her day, and taking breaks helps her have the energy to participate in therapies. We also ran into one of her PICU doctors yesterday, which was a special moment and a reminder of how far she has come since those early days nearly a month ago.
As always, thank you for the steady support, encouragement, and kindness you continue to send our way. Hugs to all! 💗
PS: Want to try one of Chelsea’s recent baking obsessions? Click here for the Rockstar Cookie Bar recipe she has made over and over the past 6 months.
PS: Want to try one of Chelsea’s recent baking obsessions? Click here for the Rockstar Cookie Bar recipe she has made over and over the past 6 months.
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