Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Dec 11th 2016, 1:37 am
#76
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,017
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
I think it is wonderful how BE'ers/their family and friends have supported Doug and his family. A huge thank you to everyone.
Dec 11th 2016, 3:13 am
#77
Cup of tea, Father?
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Underground, overground, wombling free
Posts: 6,895
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Thank you for your kind words about my ratbags, SchnookoLoly. 
There'll be something winging it's way to you from them here in Aus, to pass on to Rosie, first thing Monday morning.
The way BE really can pull together always makes me smile.
There'll be something winging it's way to you from them here in Aus, to pass on to Rosie, first thing Monday morning.The way BE really can pull together always makes me smile.
Dec 11th 2016, 3:18 am
#78
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
We're not just a forum, we're a community of virtual friends who reach out and touch each others lives.
I think you're all amazing.
I think you're all amazing.
Dec 11th 2016, 3:39 am
#79
Magnificently Withering
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Oakville, ON
Posts: 6,891
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Well, bloody hell. I just popped in to see what Schnooks and Heather have been up to on my behalf... and now I'm sitting in the hospital reading this thread and blubbing like a very blubby thing. Thank you, everyone, you're lovely people.
It's been an absolutely hellish and yet completely life-affirming month. Rosie is fighting hard: long-stay ICU patients typically have all sorts of challenges in addition to the ones they came in with, and we've certainly had our fair share of those, but in general the number of tubes being removed has exceeded the number of new ones being put in, and Rosie is in remarkably good spirits considering all that she has been through. She's now being helped into a wheelchair for an hour or two a couple of times a day, and is pissed off enough with the number of people it takes to help her with even the most mundane of tasks that she is determined to regain her independence: when challenged to a game of Connect Four by one of her nurses, the forfeit Rosie asked for if she won was "an hour of being left alone with nobody bothering me."
We have, too, been genuinely overwhelmed (to the point of sobbing, frequently) by the generosity of local, global and virtual friends. The GoFundMe thing is completely extraordinary: a friend set it up because we'd sorted out a bank account but people who didn't have access to RBC couldn't contribute. We had no idea it would take off like it has, and with typical British horror at discussing anything connected with money in public, we find the whole thing acutely difficult and embarrassing. We have no idea, at this stage, what financial help Rosie will need, either in the short term as we prepare the house to accommodate a ten-year-old in a wheelchair, or in the long term as she deals with a lifetime of paraplegia and all its attendant challenges. I would like to think that a little bit of it will be set aside for her first full-contact wheelchair sports chair, I reckon that would be a good ambition to encourage!
I really, really appreciate everyone's messages of support. I'll pop in here from time to time over the next few weeks but probably won't post much. Thank you all
It's been an absolutely hellish and yet completely life-affirming month. Rosie is fighting hard: long-stay ICU patients typically have all sorts of challenges in addition to the ones they came in with, and we've certainly had our fair share of those, but in general the number of tubes being removed has exceeded the number of new ones being put in, and Rosie is in remarkably good spirits considering all that she has been through. She's now being helped into a wheelchair for an hour or two a couple of times a day, and is pissed off enough with the number of people it takes to help her with even the most mundane of tasks that she is determined to regain her independence: when challenged to a game of Connect Four by one of her nurses, the forfeit Rosie asked for if she won was "an hour of being left alone with nobody bothering me."
We have, too, been genuinely overwhelmed (to the point of sobbing, frequently) by the generosity of local, global and virtual friends. The GoFundMe thing is completely extraordinary: a friend set it up because we'd sorted out a bank account but people who didn't have access to RBC couldn't contribute. We had no idea it would take off like it has, and with typical British horror at discussing anything connected with money in public, we find the whole thing acutely difficult and embarrassing. We have no idea, at this stage, what financial help Rosie will need, either in the short term as we prepare the house to accommodate a ten-year-old in a wheelchair, or in the long term as she deals with a lifetime of paraplegia and all its attendant challenges. I would like to think that a little bit of it will be set aside for her first full-contact wheelchair sports chair, I reckon that would be a good ambition to encourage!
I really, really appreciate everyone's messages of support. I'll pop in here from time to time over the next few weeks but probably won't post much. Thank you all
Dec 11th 2016, 3:51 am
#80
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2013
Location: Coquitlam
Posts: 888
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Well, bloody hell. I just popped in to see what Schnooks and Heather have been up to on my behalf... and now I'm sitting in the hospital reading this thread and blubbing like a very blubby thing. Thank you, everyone, you're lovely people.
It's been an absolutely hellish and yet completely life-affirming month. Rosie is fighting hard: long-stay ICU patients typically have all sorts of challenges in addition to the ones they came in with, and we've certainly had our fair share of those, but in general the number of tubes being removed has exceeded the number of new ones being put in, and Rosie is in remarkably good spirits considering all that she has been through. She's now being helped into a wheelchair for an hour or two a couple of times a day, and is pissed off enough with the number of people it takes to help her with even the most mundane of tasks that she is determined to regain her independence: when challenged to a game of Connect Four by one of her nurses, the forfeit Rosie asked for if she won was "an hour of being left alone with nobody bothering me."
We have, too, been genuinely overwhelmed (to the point of sobbing, frequently) by the generosity of local, global and virtual friends. The GoFundMe thing is completely extraordinary: a friend set it up because we'd sorted out a bank account but people who didn't have access to RBC couldn't contribute. We had no idea it would take off like it has, and with typical British horror at discussing anything connected with money in public, we find the whole thing acutely difficult and embarrassing. We have no idea, at this stage, what financial help Rosie will need, either in the short term as we prepare the house to accommodate a ten-year-old in a wheelchair, or in the long term as she deals with a lifetime of paraplegia and all its attendant challenges. I would like to think that a little bit of it will be set aside for her first full-contact wheelchair sports chair, I reckon that would be a good ambition to encourage!
I really, really appreciate everyone's messages of support. I'll pop in here from time to time over the next few weeks but probably won't post much. Thank you all
It's been an absolutely hellish and yet completely life-affirming month. Rosie is fighting hard: long-stay ICU patients typically have all sorts of challenges in addition to the ones they came in with, and we've certainly had our fair share of those, but in general the number of tubes being removed has exceeded the number of new ones being put in, and Rosie is in remarkably good spirits considering all that she has been through. She's now being helped into a wheelchair for an hour or two a couple of times a day, and is pissed off enough with the number of people it takes to help her with even the most mundane of tasks that she is determined to regain her independence: when challenged to a game of Connect Four by one of her nurses, the forfeit Rosie asked for if she won was "an hour of being left alone with nobody bothering me."
We have, too, been genuinely overwhelmed (to the point of sobbing, frequently) by the generosity of local, global and virtual friends. The GoFundMe thing is completely extraordinary: a friend set it up because we'd sorted out a bank account but people who didn't have access to RBC couldn't contribute. We had no idea it would take off like it has, and with typical British horror at discussing anything connected with money in public, we find the whole thing acutely difficult and embarrassing. We have no idea, at this stage, what financial help Rosie will need, either in the short term as we prepare the house to accommodate a ten-year-old in a wheelchair, or in the long term as she deals with a lifetime of paraplegia and all its attendant challenges. I would like to think that a little bit of it will be set aside for her first full-contact wheelchair sports chair, I reckon that would be a good ambition to encourage!
I really, really appreciate everyone's messages of support. I'll pop in here from time to time over the next few weeks but probably won't post much. Thank you all
Your daughter sounds like a very strong willed and determined young lady. My daughter who is just bit younger said we should buy a sports wheelchair as thats what 'brave girls' would need! Take care!
Dec 11th 2016, 4:02 am
#81
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,017
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Doug your comments made me smile...a typical British reaction to adversity.
I am one of the lucky ones...I have met you at the Toronto meet-ups. Real life or cyber world...it says a lot abiut our terrific BE community that we rally round when one of us is in need.
I'm not a religious person by any means...but I have said a word or two in 'his' ear. Stay strong...all of us here are rooting for Rosie and her wonderful family.
I am one of the lucky ones...I have met you at the Toronto meet-ups. Real life or cyber world...it says a lot abiut our terrific BE community that we rally round when one of us is in need.
I'm not a religious person by any means...but I have said a word or two in 'his' ear. Stay strong...all of us here are rooting for Rosie and her wonderful family.
Last edited by Jerseygirl; Dec 11th 2016 at 5:09 am.
Dec 11th 2016, 9:34 am
#82
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Location: Qc, Canada
Posts: 3,787
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Wonderful to hear from you, Oakvillian, I hope Rosie won that Connect4 match . Been thinking of you all, & sending as many positive thoughts as I can, & will continue to do so.
+100 to both comments.
My (adult) kids had a whip-round & chucked a bit in the GFM pot: quote: " get her one of those FOAD sporty wheelchairs" /unquote
. Been thinking of you all, & sending as many positive thoughts as I can, & will continue to do so.Doug your comments made me smile...a typical British reaction to adversity.
I am one of the lucky ones...I have met you at the Toronto meet-ups. Real life or cyber world...it says a lot abiut our terrific BE community that we rally round when one of us is in need.
I'm not a religious person by any means...but I have said a word or two in 'his' ear. Stay strong...all of us here are rooting for Rosie and her wonderful family.
I am one of the lucky ones...I have met you at the Toronto meet-ups. Real life or cyber world...it says a lot abiut our terrific BE community that we rally round when one of us is in need.
I'm not a religious person by any means...but I have said a word or two in 'his' ear. Stay strong...all of us here are rooting for Rosie and her wonderful family.
My (adult) kids had a whip-round & chucked a bit in the GFM pot: quote: " get her one of those FOAD sporty wheelchairs" /unquote
Dec 11th 2016, 10:39 am
#83
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Italy
Posts: 2,669
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Only just found this thread. Fingers crossed that Rosie makes a quick recovery.
A bit of money sent. x
A bit of money sent. x
Dec 11th 2016, 2:57 pm
#84
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, Super Natural British Columbia
Posts: 2,071
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Well. This had me in tears. Twice.
Please send my best wishes to Rosie and her family.
I think the idea of saving the fund for a sports chair and similar life enhancements is very good one.
For the other stuff, hopefully the insurance companies and the bus driver's employer will do the right thing without needing to be forced.
Please send my best wishes to Rosie and her family.
I think the idea of saving the fund for a sports chair and similar life enhancements is very good one.
For the other stuff, hopefully the insurance companies and the bus driver's employer will do the right thing without needing to be forced.
Dec 11th 2016, 3:48 pm
#85
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
On the practical side: Tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities
The registered disability savings plan might be a good home for the GoFundMe and RBC donations.
You might also want to explore a Henson Trust. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henson_trust
The registered disability savings plan might be a good home for the GoFundMe and RBC donations.
You might also want to explore a Henson Trust. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henson_trust
Dec 12th 2016, 3:44 pm
#86
Slob
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Ottineau
Posts: 6,342
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Over 20k now.
25k not impossible.
25k not impossible.
Dec 12th 2016, 4:28 pm
#87
Concierge
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Oakville, ON, CA
Posts: 8,320
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Absolutely loved the comments from Doug. They made me smile, I love the bits of Rosie's personality, and totally wanting her independence.
The fund is now over $20k. Tons of BE names, so nice to see. And lots of people-who-know-people and... yeah.
They made me smile, I love the bits of Rosie's personality, and totally wanting her independence. The fund is now over $20k.
Tons of BE names, so nice to see. And lots of people-who-know-people and... yeah.
Dec 12th 2016, 4:33 pm
#88
Slightly Canadian
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 10,129
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
Fantastic response.
Incidentally, Google tells me that GFM takes 8% of donations. That's less than I feared.
Incidentally, Google tells me that GFM takes 8% of donations. That's less than I feared.
Dec 12th 2016, 5:08 pm
#89
Professional Cat herder
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: TORONTO- yay!!!
Posts: 5,707
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
I think with her attitude and that of her parents , she couldn't hope for a better chance.
Dec 12th 2016, 5:23 pm
#90
Concierge
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Oakville, ON, CA
Posts: 8,320
Re: Some difficult news from Oakvillian
The comment about the Connect 4 wage absolutely cracked me up. I hope she won.