patients on the same floor as Steven. I got to know them in both the home and hospital environment.”
together and we rejoice together,” Kelly said. “You have your own space, but yet there is plenty of area to come together and develop relationships with the others.”
Kelly has become Steven’s caregiver; she is trained to do just about anything Steven needs. She went through a fast track program at the VA that trains the family member to become a caregiver.
Just shy of her third anniversary at the Fisher House, Steven and Kelly were able to go home. Steven’s new VA hospital is the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. They went back home in June 2013.
In a minimally conscious state, Steven is still aware of his surroundings. When Steven’s children came to visit, a daughter Sienna and son Asher, it was Sienna who was able to get the most out of her dad. “Sienna is Steven’s little princess,” Kelly said. “It was when Sienna walked into Steven’s room in the hospital and said, ‘Hi Daddy’ that Steven turned his head.” Although separated from his wife, Steven’s children still visit regularly. “I’ve met other families that are also dealing with stressful times. We share in triumphs and trials – we’ve done it all. We pray
Steven is still suffering from TBI and requires constant care, but Kelly and Mark are hopeful that being home will help Steven progress even more. He is closer to his children and lives near the hill country he has always dreamt of. Through it all Kelly has been by her son’s side. “That’s my job as his mom,” Kelly said.
SUPPORTS FISHER HOUSE The Pantry, Inc. the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, held their third annual summer-long Kangaroo Express “Salute Our Troops” fundraising campaign. Throughout the summer, Kangaroo Express invited their guests to make donations to their campaign and to share special messages of gratitude to the military. Donations from the campaign will directly support several military support organizations, including Fisher House.
Thank you to Kangaroo Express and your patrons for your support. We can't wait to announce the fundraising total! THE PATRIOT • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 2 • 2013
13
