7/5/2000 12:48 p.m.
Please pray for Keith-Ann Wagner. She was in an automobile accident last night (7/4) and has 2 broken vertebrae (4 & 5). The doctors are replacing one vertebrae and putting in a plate to stabilize her neck. Last night she was paralyzed. They just told me each time the doctors come in, the prognosis gets better. I have been praying and the devotion group prayed this morning. Please send to all the prayer warriors on your list. Please pray like it was your daughter--expect the best just like what you would want for one of your children!
7/6/2000 5:25 p.m.
I just returned from the hospital, but I didn't get to see her today. They were letting only family go in. She is tired but is improving. She can move her arms and has feeling in her feet and legs. After the surgery, they put on a big, heavy "halo" to keep her immobile. She was having some difficulty breathing today, but her mom said possibly because of the weight of that thing resting on her chest! Since she hasn't coughed or sneezed or done any of that stuff we all have to do, there is some congestion there. No pneumonia or anything like that though. They will begin rehab today, and as soon as there is a bed available at Baylor in Dallas, they will move her there. The doctors said it was the BEST place for rehab. It could be Friday or possibly next week sometime when they move her. Keep those prayers going up in behalf of Keith-Ann!
7/8/2000 11:30 a.m.
Yesterday was pretty rough for K.A. She started coughing a little, but then it got stronger. The coughing is good to get up stuff, but of course, it hurt a lot. I got a call today that she had developed a fever (infection) last night during the night. They have also found a bone chip in her neck that has to be dealt with. Another doctor is coming in today to look at the results. I don't know where he is from or anything, but pray that he will have the wisdom of God to do whatever is necessary to get her "up and outa' there" as soon as possible. They started therapy yesterday, too, so a lot is going on. Lots of people have been visiting and taking food, etc. And even more that that are praying, so keep it up. The doctors say now that she will probably be at Harris Methodist for about another week, then at Baylor for about 2 months.
7/9/2000 6:00 p.m.
She is doing better. They are getting her out of the bed - about a 45 minute ordeal to get her into this "chair" and another 45 minutes to get her back in bed. It is tiring for her, but part of physical therapy which she is into now. The fever is still there, but they are giving her antibiotics, and Shirley is not too worried about that. She and Roll noticed that she wasn't able to feel her feet very much anymore when people touched her. They hadn't mentioned it, but said something to each other. Then a nurse told them that was what hapens. It gets worse and worse until the 8th day, then afterward the feeling starts coming back. (Because of the swelling of the spinal cord, etc.) It was good for them to find that out! The other doctor came in and evaluated everything and said that another surgery would not be necessary! Praise the Lord! Shirley thinks that she will probably be at H-M until maybe next weekend and then be moved to Baylor Medical. That is not official, of course.
Shirley went home last night and slept. She is staying at the hospital tonight again. She said when she went home, she finally broke down - which she needed to do. She is so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in visits, calls, prayers, and food that she cannot contain her gratitude. She is just overwhelmed. Keep praying! One particular thing to pray about today is that KA will be comfortable. She hasn't been able to get to a complete rest state yet, because she is so uncomfortable all the time. They are keeping medication to a minimum (which is good), so ask that the Lord give her comfort.
7/11/2000 6:02 p.m
KA still has fluid on her lungs. She needs to be rid of that so she can move on to the next step. Please join with me and pray for a BREAKTHROUGH for her tonight - or as soon as you get this!!! She is ready to get out of ICU and on with her therapy. She was very tired today and no one could go back to see her. I know she is ready to get going, but that fluid has to be clear first.
7/12/2000 10:38 a.m.
She had a good last 12 hours. She was moved to another room in ICU. The fever is down to about 100. Her appetite is back, so she is eating now. Continue to pray. I am going to the hospital this afternoon, so I will let you know any further information later.
Her dad said that many prayers were being answered, so keep praying!
7/12/2000 P.M.
Just got back from the hospital. I got to go in and see her. She is doing much better. They're thinking it won't be too long before they move her to the floor. KA looks really good. Keep praying for her.
Shirley said there have been so many answered prayers! KA became comfortable and was able to sleep!!! We prayed for breakthrough and her temp was normal then up and down a bit. We prayed that she be moved - and she was - keep praying for a move to the floor! Isn't the Lord good!
7/13/2000 6:23 p.m.
As of 3:45 p.m. KA is dong better :>) Her chest x-ray is looking MUCH better. They moved her to another room at Harris, and it looks like she will be going over to Baylor tomorrow! (Now isn't that what Shirley said last week - that it would probably be next Friday.) Shirley asks that everyone continue to pray (does she need to ask - Well, NO!!!) We will continue to lift them up until we see total victory!
7/14/2000 Friday night 10:46 p.m.
KA had a good night last night, and this morning about 10:30 a.m. they moved her to Baylor Rehabilitation Center, 3505 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX. She is in Room 204. Shirley said they are putting up pictures, cards, e-mails, inspirational cards, posters, etc. in the room. The facility is very comfortable and family-oriented. Roll was walking down the hall when they first got there and a patient said "Welcome to our family." They know it will be very good. Three of Keith-Ann's sorority sisters flew in from Kansas (I believe that is right) and stayed quite a while. KA was laughing with them for about an hour or so. That was really good for her.
Shirley said they encourage visitors until 10:00 p.m. They want people to come in, and if there is a therapy session going on, they want you to stay and participate--become a part of the healing process! They will do a few things tomorrow, but the therapy will really begin on Monday. Pray that the BEST doctors, the BEST therapists, the BEST nurses, the BEST nurses-aides, the BEST everybody will be assigned to KA. Pray that they will all have the wisdom of God in treating her! They will know just what to do and just when to do it!
The Lord is answering so many of our prayers - and it seems nearly instantaneously. He is so faithful. Remember, we are believing for the VERY BEST for Keith-Ann. Be BOLD when you pray! Remember to thank the Lord and praise Him for what He is doing.
7/17/2000 Monday 12:43 p.m.
Good news!
Keith-Ann got dressed today - T-shirt and scrubs - got in a wheelchair, had physical therapy and occupational therapy, took a drive around the floor - and all before 12:00! She is doing better; her spirit is high, and she appreciates SO much all the prayer support, e-mails, cards, etc. Shirley said they are still overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and love. I John 3:18 says, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; BUT IN DEED and in truth." All of you who continue to pray and support the Wagner family are showing your love by those deeds that you are doing. The Lord sees all of this - keep up the good works! He hears and answers.
Specifically pray for KA to be able to move her fingers more and more. Pray for more strength for her. Also pray for her to have more feeling in her legs. The feeling is coming back, and we give glory to God for this! I have also already begun to pray for her to be able to move her toes (first), feet, then legs. Continue to pray for the doctors, therapists, nurses, etc. to have wisdom and "healing in their hands."
7/19/2000 Wednesday 9:47 p.m.
Yesterday was the first time that the spirit of discouragement raised its ugly head in Keith-Ann. Shirley said she was a little down, because the progress wasn't farther along. However, today (2:00) KA's spirit-man is taking over again!!!!! (Psalms 42:5 Amp. Bible--Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope you in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my help and my God.) She is better. We have to keep our eyes on Jesus-the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Only He will get this wonderful family through this - to the other side victorious! They met with the team of doctors, nurses, therapists, etc. today. They have given a release date of September 28. KA is continuing to have physical/occupational therapy each day.
7/21/2000 Friday 12:29 a.m.
KA had a good day. She is doing a lot of things - therapy, feeding herself fried okra and ICE CREAM!!! (Not at the same time :>) She gets really tired keeping such a busy schedule and is resting much of the time after 5:00 p.m. She is right back in there keeping her eyes on Jesus.
Shirley is getting some rest, coming home some nights, and spending some time with Kara shopping for school clothes. She is trusting the Lord one step at a time. That is all we have to do!
Thank you for continuing to pray and for continuing to forward these e-mails along. We need as many people praying as possible. (I would love to know how many are - wouldn't you?)
7/23/2000 Sunday 7:09 p.m.
Keith-Ann moved to Room 211 at Baylor Rehab Center. I am sure that took quite some time because she has a LOT of stuff in her room - stuffed animals, cards, notes, e-mails, letters, posters, pictures! Yesterday, her dad took her out on the deck in the sunshine. That was a real treat!! She is working so hard in therapy. She is doing about 3 times the repetitions she was doing. She is gaining strength in her arms and having more feeling in her legs! Praise the Lord!
I went by to see her on Friday. There were 7 of us there visiting at the same time! I will be sending a picture of her as soon as I get one from Shirley. KA is so sweet and beautiful.
7/25/2000 6:26 a.m.
(This e-mail was from the Wagners to everyone on the list.)
Many thanks.
It is hard to know where to start to send thank-you notes for the many prayers, calls, e-mails, food, and visits that each of you have expressed to us in the past three weeks. In fact, there is no way. Each day brings us joy to feel the love that is expressed through you and to the people you have informed of Keith-Ann's accident.
Tonight, I left the hospital early, because I had an inner peace, after a hard Monday. Baylor Rehab is the best place we can be, but it is also a face of reality, seeing others in the same physical shape as Keith-Ann. The doctors and therapists deal with Keith-Ann on her daily condition. That is, being as independent as she can be with the capacities she has now. We, of course, want a prognosis that she will be completely healed--and soon!! This takes patience, which we must pray for each day.
What the doctors don't know is that we have a fabulous, uncountable source of great believers who know that Jesus is the Great Physician. We pray daily and want you to continue that Keith-Ann will have full recovery. Each day we see progress!! Today she brushed her teeth and fed herself a pancake. She sweated in therapy doing everything she could to make herself more independent. It will be a long, hard toll for her. She works hard in therapy and then needs lots of rest.
I think of what we can do for her--and it is mostly what you are all doing--praying, sending cards, bringing food, flowers, inspirational notes. We must all remember some of her favorite lines of movies she loves to watch over and over again--COWBOY UP!, I feel the need for some speed, talk to me Goose, there is no crying in Baseball, I eat breakfast 200 yds. from Cubans . . .I'm not talking about dying, I'm talking about living!!! and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Keith-Ann is living the life at Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation as we all knew she would. She is growing everyday in her upper body strength, she can feel more each day in her legs. She smiles at everyone, and is very strong. She is very concerned about a young boy who just finished his freshman year at Texas and is in a coma.
Although we don't e-mail regularly, we read all e-mails to her. We don't answer many calls, but check Caller I.D.
Please continue to pray for her full recovery. This week please pray for more strength, patience for God's healing, and movement in her fingers and some added feeling in her legs and organs. Each day we see progress!!
YOU are all dear to our hearts. God is listening, working, and healing. Please pass this on to everyone you know that is a part of Keith-Ann's prayer team. The blessings we have received from your expressions of love, faith and sharing will never be repaid but by the testimony that each of us can share through Keith-Ann and her works.
Thank all of you and please KEEP PRAYING!!
Love,
The Wagners
Roll, Shirley, Keith-Ann, and Kara
7/27/2000 10:28 a.m.
Good morning, everyone!
KA had an exciting day on Tuesday! Mark Dodd from Dallas Burn (goal keeper) went by to see her, and the professional golfer, John Dailey (sp?) called and spoke with her. She was feeling pretty special, Shirley said. Well, she IS pretty special.
I have attached a picture of her, so you can see what she looks like. Sometimes it helps when you are praying for someone to have a face to go along with a name.
Isn't she just beautiful? She is as sweet as she is pretty. She is also a very determined, faith-filled young lady. Continue to keep her in your prayers each and every time you go before our Father!
8/01/2000 1:26 p.m.
I am indeed blessed to join with you in praying for Keith-Ann. She is a very special young lady! I will not give up lifting her before the Father. I will never say, "that is as far as she can go." I WILL NOT LIMIT GOD!! Our Lord wants only GOOD to come to His own, but it is the devil who wants to kill, steal, and destroy. (John 10:10)
I know Keith-Ann is working so hard. As I told Shirley, God does His thing, then KA does her thing. Then God does His thing, then KA does her thing. And so on . . .
8/9/2000 4:04 p.m.
I know it has been some time since my last update, and I am very sorry! However, I know you still continue to pray as I have. There is a WONDERFUL article in the Star Telegram about KA.
Last week Keith-Ann began therapy in the pool and went to the movie. Roll said they are going to take her for a visit to TCU this weekend. That will be quite an ordeal (quite tiring for Keith-Ann), so really, really pray for her this weekend!
I chose the eagle for this e-mail because that is exactly where Keith-Ann is - soaring with the eagles!! She will rise above obstacles which come her way - and she will not let these things get in the way of her goal! She is going for the GOLD! As in any tough event, it isn't easy going sometimes, but you just have to keep working! I know all this is easy to SAY, but all we can do is encourage and PRAY!! (Well, I shouldn't really say "all we can do is pray"-that is a LOT. Actually it is the BEST thing we can do.) If we each could take just a little bit of the struggle for her, I am sure each one of us would do it, but we can't, so please remember to keep praying!
8/16/2000 9:26 a.m.
Here is a copy of the e-mail sent from KA:
Say a prayer of thanksgiving! CAUSE I MOVED MY LEFT TOE TODAY!!!
Love, KA
THAT IS SO EXCITING! I talked with Kara and Roll - when I found out I was JUMPING FOR JOY!!!
They went for an outing to TCU last Friday. KA saw her teammates, went to eat in Fort Worth, went by to see her apartment - boy, what a lot!! Roll said they probably did too much. KA was exhausted (I can imagine!) After realizing how hard everything is right now, THEY NEEDED A LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT! And guess what? The Lord saw that and said, "HEY, DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T LOSE HOPE!!! I AM NOT THROUGH WITH YOU YET, KEITH-ANN!! MOVE THAT TOE!" (quote mine, but don't you think that is probably what He is saying!!!)
This is only the beginning. When she starts moving ALL her toes (and fingers, for that matter), they will change the direction of therapy. I can hardly wait! But all of us will continue to pray, offering up prayers of thanksgiving (as KA said), and GLORIFYING GOD for what He is doing in her body and spirit!
Well, I don't know about you, but I AM TRULY BLESSED AND EXCITED FOR KEITH-ANN, SHIRLEY, ROLL, AND KARA.
8/17/2000 11:02 p.m.
Well, praise be to God!
After our breakthrough with the big toe, guess what happened today???
Keith-Ann moved the fingers on her left hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am jumpin' and shoutin' again!! This is truly amazing, when you think how far the Lord has brought this young lady in just about 6 weeks. Well, I'm thinking this is pretty close to a miracle . . . how about you? I know it has been hard work for KA, but I know she is willing to work hard -- she has always been willing to work hard for the things she wants most in life. Keep praying for her - because, as the scripture says, "The Lord will perfect those things which concern me; Your mercy and lovingkindness, O Lord, endure forever; Forsake not the works of Your own hands.": Psalm 138:8 He certainly does not forget about His children; He certainly continues to confirm HIS WORD! Say ANOTHER prayer of Thanksgiving!!
8/30/2000 2:33 a.m.
I just had to pass this along to everyone else. This is from my cousin Becky whom I have never met:
Climbing the Mountain . . .
There are the "Can't Doers"-- they start at the base of the mountain with everyone else, but they never even attempt the climb. Then there are the "Campers"-- they begin climbing the mountain but as soon as adversity comes their way or things don't go quite the way they planned, they sit down and settle for second best. Then there are the "CLIMBERS"-- they start at the base of the mountain with everyone else, but they are determined to make it to the top. They find strength in adversity and desire to taste fully the goodness of God.
Keith-Ann is a climber, and she will climb to the top of the mountain!! And when she gets there she is going to taste of God's goodness and His presence in a way she has never experienced before but has until that time only heard others talk about. What a testimony she is going to have!!
Love and prayers,
Becky
8/30/2000 6:31 p.m.
I talked with Kara on Tuesday evening. They had taken KA to a TCU game on Sunday. The team made her the captain. They were all wearing TCU-KA ribbons in their hair. She got to watch the game, too.
She also went to another game at the beginning of the week! Regular gad-about! She has to be back "in" at Baylor Rehab by midnight! haha Good going, KA!
Please continue to pray. We need to ask and thank the Lord for MORE movement in total body. WHEN this happens, she will have to stay longer at Baylor so they can get everything working then. And this is what we want! Keep on keepin' on . . .
9/1/2000 8:38 p.m.
This is from Shirley:
Thanks for updating KA's progress. She is doing better each day, but we need another one of those "breakthroughs." She has a busy weekend planned--a surprise party for one of her roommates and the Cowboy game on Sunday.
9/19/2000 9:30 p.m.
I spoke with Shirley tonight. They moved into a "transition" room at Baylor today. This is in preparation for their departure home on the 28th. It is much harder here, because the nurses only come in if there is an emergency. They have to do everything themselves. Shirley said KA is very strong in her upper body and is able to help tremendously in any "transfers" from bed to chair, etc. They found out she will have to have the "halo" longer than expected. I think she said for another month or so. And you know, hey, if that is what it takes for KA's neck to become stronger, then they will be able to DO IT!! Of course, KA was disappointed. This is a real test of patience and endurance! (I am NOT saying that the Lord is testing her, because the Word says that "God is not tempted with evil, nor does He tempt any man." I know the Lord, her faith, and all the prayers going up for her will strengthen and sustain her.
Keith-Ann has movement in all the fingers in her left hand!!! That is very good!!! She can take her socks off, put her shoes on, and tie her shoes (but not when they are on her feet.) She can also turn her left ankle, and she can now "squeeze her bottom" on the left side. Shirley said she had prayed with someone that KA gain control of bodily functions, and found out from the doctor soon after that when the muscles in her bottom were "awakening", that those are the muscles that have to "kick in" for that to happen. Pray for that in particular.
Now the right side of her body needs to WAKE UP! Right now about every 3rd or 4th day, she has movement in her toes on the right side. Pray for that in particular, also.
Shirley and KA come home every Tuesday and Thursday, but have to leave about 10 p.m. to get back into Baylor and be settled by midnight. It has been eleven weeks since July 4th. It will be 12 when she goes home. It has been a lot of hard work for the entire family, but especially KA.
Please pray that the Lord touch her with encouragement and renew her faith and hope. Please continue to lift her up to the Lord, Jesus the Healer, Matthew 8:17.
Shirley said they still get about a card a day. Please be a big blessing and send a little note or e-mail and let them know you have not forgotten them and will continue to pray!
12/17/2000 12:06 a.m.
I typed this on 11/1/00 but for some reason never sent it. Read this, then the new one below.
Well, it has been quite some time since I sent out an update. I am sure all of you are continuing and persevering in your prayers for the Wagner family. They are home (since Sept. 28) and quite busy. KA is taking 6 hours at TCU. Shirley takes her back and forth to school. They still go back to Baylor in Dallas twice a week for rehab. They found out last week (or so) that the halo will have to stay on for another 3 months. That was pretty disappointing news for them, since it is so heavy and bulky. The bones in KA's neck haven't fused together like they are supposed to yet. That could be a problem because of the use of certain drugs for such a long time, but doctors are disagreeing on that. There was talk of another surgery, but I think that isn't being discussed right now. She is still in the wheelchair for now. Continue praying that He will keep His hand upon her. Please give thanks and praise for the victories we have seen and for the ones that He will bring in the future. He is so awesome and such a loving father. We couldn't do anything or have anything without Him!
12/17/00
I know all of you still have been praying for KA all this time . . . I know you have, because she improves some each day (or nearly every day). I just talked to Shirley today. They found out a couple of weeks ago that KA would have to have surgery again on her neck. The neck bones are not healing like they should, so they need to do a little more in there. She will have to wear the halo for a little while longer, and this was disappointing news. The surgery is on Wednesday, 1/3/2001, at 11:30 a.m., so please keep her in your prayes. Please pray that the doctors will have the wisdom of God, and that Jesus will be right in there with them (I know He will).
Also, please pray that all their needs are met. (Shirley took a leave of absence from her teaching job.)
They had some very exciting developments on last Thursday. KA STOOD between parallel bars in rehab. She did it briefly with a little help from her therapist. Shirley wasn't in the room at the time, so when she got back in there, they told her, and KA did it again for her. Shirley said that was probably the most emotional that she had been since this whole thing started. WHAT A VICTORY!! I asked her tonight to think about how they will feel when KA starts walking again. It will be fantastic. Glory to God!! Feeling and movement are coming back gradually to both sides of her body. Continue to lift them up and give thanksgiving to the Lord, for He is GOOD! It's not over until we see complete victory in this!! Hang in there!
1/15/2001 11:49 p.m.
I received this from Shirley tonight. I knew each and every one of you would love to read this. This family is so special. Keith-Ann is truly an example of "amazing grace." Continue to lift them up.
Keith-Ann is staying in Ft. Worth tonight, and will start class tomorrow. She will take 9 hours. She had her sutures taken out today, and the doctor said everything looked good. She wears a bone stimulator, that should help in the healing of her neck. Her movement and strength seem to be as strong as before the surgery. She will start rehab again next week.
God has already done great things, and I know with each day, Keith-Ann will continue to improve. She told Carrie and Heather after the surgery, that she used to be a sprinter but now was going to be a long distance runner. I feel she will someday run a marathon, or 10k race someday soon, just to show us what God is really capable of doing.
Love, Shirley
2/7/2001 10:46 p.m.
Today, while Keith-Ann and Shirley were at the Baylor Rehabilitation Center Keith-Ann took 5 STEPS with her left leg!! They had a brace on her right leg, and after each step she took with her left leg, the therapist moved her right leg up, another step, another step, another step, another step!!! this is her left side, but you know, her right side always follows her left side . . . so just wait and SEE!!!!
2/15/01 10:29 p.m.
Great news! I got this e-mail from Shirley!
Oh, yeah, for the Wednesday morning prayer group -- Keith-Ann's therapist took off the right leg brace today because KA said it felt weird. So, they just put on an ankle support type brace on both legs and Keith-Ann could take steps with both the right and left feet!! It was very hard but she walked the length of the parallel bars twice!
Love, Shirley
If that is not wonderful enough, yesterday (Wednesday) when I spoke with Shirley, she said Keith-Ann walked twice as far - for a total of 30 minutes!! Praise the Lord! I know she is working so hard! Thank the Lord with me for all the miracles we are seeing and the ones we are about to see!
Keep praying.
2/24/01 3:30 p.m.
Keith-Ann worked for an HOUR on walking!!! They found out she will get the halo off on April 4!!!!! Keep praying!
3/23/01 1:30 p.m.
Keith-Ann got the halo removed today!!! It only took a few minutes - what a LOAD off! I will add more information as I get it!
4/17/01
Keith-Ann threw out the first pitch at the Ballpark for the T.C.U./Texas baseball game
4/28/01
Hope Relay - over $60,000 raised. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
5/1/01
Received William Koehler Academic Achievement Award at T.C.U. Athletic Banquet
5/2/01
Presented Janet Perry Award at TCU Leadership Luncheon
5/25/01
Completed 12 hours for Spring semester at TCU with 4.0 grade point average!
5/31/01
Began new therapy at Gait Lab of University of Texas Southwest Medical Center (a type of therapy where Keith-Ann has part of her body weight suspended by a harness she wears, then with help walks on a treadmill)
6/14-18/2001
Vacation to Boston, Cape Cod, and Providence, R.I. with family
6/17/01
Presented N4A Student Achievement Award at National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics convention in Providence
7/1/01
Underwent day surgery for bacterial infection that formed in neck close to first surgery incision
7/6/01
Began 3-hour Geology course at Tarrant County College
7/31/01
Took 103 unassisted steps with her left foot on treadmill, then walked 20 feet and 12 feet (with help) using a walker
8/2/01
Keith-Ann moved fourth and fifth toes on right foot independently. This is the first measurable movement on right foot since accident!!!
These past two gains have given Keith-Ann renewed hope. She has had a busy summer but is very anxious to get back to school and see her friends who have been gone for the summer. Although many days are still difficult, Keith-Ann continues to wear her great smile!
4/28/03
Hal Harbuck Community Service Award
Chancellor's Award
The previous two awards were received at the TCU Athletic Banquet.
MORE GOOD NEWS TO COME LATER - KEEP PRAYING FOR HER!
