Six Weeks Strong
In support of
Chelsea Brem and Family
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Chelsea Brem and Family
Tomorrow marks six weeks at home, and we want to start by saying thank you for the continued love, encouragement, prayers, and support as we navigate Chelsea’s recovery. Please know that the prayers offered on her behalf are felt deeply and truly appreciated…and we believe they have made, and continue to make, a meaningful difference.
Chelsea has had several hospital follow‑up appointments, including visits with her ENT, neurosurgeon, neuro‑ophthalmologist, and rehabilitation hospital physician. We are thankful to share that each of them has been very encouraged by her recovery and the progress she continues to make.
From a medical standpoint, her neurosurgeon has advised that Chelsea is not yet cleared to drive and is required to wait six months following the accident before continuing to pursue her driver’s license. She was only a few hours away from completing her permit requirements and taking her driving test, so while this has been understandably frustrating for her, we are taking things one step at a time. The current plan is for her to return to the driver’s seat in August, when she is eligible to safely return to the road.
On a more encouraging note, the neurosurgeon has shared that Chelsea can work with her Physical Therapist toward being cleared to ride her bike to the pool (one of her PT goals!), and that is exactly what we’re doing…starting this week!
Therapy continues to be a major source of encouragement. In Physical Therapy, Chelsea has made noticeable gains in strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. She is tolerating longer and more complex sessions, working through higher‑level balance tasks, agility exercises, and strength training, and demonstrating increased confidence and independence especially when dual-tasking. Her therapist has been happy with her work ethic, her ability to follow multi‑step instructions, and how well she carries over skills into daily activities…even when she’s tired.
Speech therapy remains an important focus as well. Chelsea continues to make steady progress with reading and processing skills, which have been slower to recover than some other areas but are showing consistent improvement. She is working on comprehension, accuracy, pacing, and mental endurance, while applying strategies independently. Her spoken language skills remain strong, and she continues to communicate clearly and effectively in everyday interactions.
Academically, Chelsea will finish out the school year in Homebound school with English II, with the goal of returning to the school building in August. While online coursework has been an adjustment, the focus remains on closing out this year successfully and setting her up for a strong return next year.
Outside of appointments, therapy, and schoolwork, Chelsea has been easing back into everyday activities and familiar routines. She’s been hitting the mall, making Target runs, stopping by Starbucks for her favorite refresher (a strawberry açai with peach juice, no berries, and light ice), going for walks around the neighborhood, playing pickleball with Mom, having friends over to visit, and (sometimes begrudgingly) keeping up with her PT and speech homework. She even enjoyed attending a Round 1 Carolina Hurricanes playoff game with her dad last week. We are also incredibly grateful to share that she is very much back to her typical sassy and argumentative self, something we don’t take lightly and are thankful to have back (even if it includes eye rolls).
From a family perspective, we continue to adjust schedules to support Chelsea’s needs. I am not yet back at work and anticipate returning in mid-May part‑time to help ensure Chelsea can continue attending appointments and therapies. In the meantime, we’ve made a point to get out together and enjoy some social time, including attending school softball games and track meets, meeting up with friends, and enjoying our favorite meal at MiCancun!
Mike is currently working full time and has been incredibly grateful for the flexibility and support from his company, which has allowed him to attend Chelsea’s medical appointments as needed.
Cullen is wrapping up his sophomore year at Appalachian State and is doing an outstanding job. We are so proud of how focused and motivated he has remained through everything this year has brought. He’s been prioritizing his academics while also staying consistent with his gym workouts and social life, keeping schoolwork first.
As mentioned in our last update, we will not be sharing regular posts moving forward. While we are deeply appreciative of how much so many of you care about Chelsea, we respectfully ask for understanding as our family focuses on day‑to‑day life, healing, and finding our new normal. Please know that Chelsea continues to make progress, and we remain ever so grateful for the prayers, kindness, and encouragement that surround her.
Thank you again for walking alongside us during this journey. Your continued support means more than we can ever express.
With love and gratitude,
Kara, Mike, Cullen & Chelsea💗
With love and gratitude,
Kara, Mike, Cullen & Chelsea💗
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