Care for Colin

A Night of for Care for Colin Benefit Show - MAY 22 - Howlin Wolf + The Den

2011-04-22T09:32:00.005-05:00

Benefit Show "A Night of Care for Colin" on MAY 22

Howlin Wolf + The Den

Silent Auction & Raffle Items listed below.

We hope to see you all there. I think it will be a healing experience for everyone and a way to pay tribute again to Colin through music!

Thank you to everyone involved in putting this event together.

SOME OF THE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS - and the values that they are estimated at:
Saints Jersey autographed by Drew Brees (priceless)

New Orleans Saints replica Helmet signed by Drew Brees (pricesless)

Official New Orleans Saints Helmet signed by Sean Peyton (priceless)

New Orleans Saints Commemorative football signed by Drew Brees (priceless)

Philips Sonicare sonic toothbrush with UV sanitizer ($160)

Sterling silver, pearl and gemstone bracelet from Boudreaux’s Jewelers ($310)

Dinner for 2 at Dante’s Kitchen

$50 Giftcard – Delachaise + $50 Giftcard – Salu

$50 Giftcard – New Orleans Music Exchange + Lanier Microphone with tabletop stand.

2 passes to the D-Day Museum and dinner for 2 at American Sector restaurant ($86)

Dinner for 2 at Mr. John’s Steakhouse ($125)

$100 Cochon

$100 Herbsaint

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Magazine Street: $25 CC’s Coffee, $25 Stein’s Deli, $50 Giftcard – Byblos

Dinner for 4 at Emeril’s Restaurant. Includes full tasting menu with wine pairing at the kitchen table. ($800)

Massage from Magnolia Physical Therapy

$100 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Custom caricature piñata by Christian Marie ($250)

Wedding Officiation by Rose Mortillaro ($225)

“Candy and Corks” giftbox including drinking accessories and epicurean delights imported from the outer banks of North Carolina.

Autographed Sugarland guitar ($500)

Framed signed print by Jamie Hayes ($500)

2 tickets to the 2011 Better Than Ezra Open golf tournament ($400) + Entire Better Than Ezra Catalog on CD

Vinatge Toys

X-Men Mutant Hall of Fame Collector’s Edition set of action figures, unopened.

Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Luke Skywalker’s Snowspeeder, unopened.

Star Wars Return of the Jedi Commemorative Edition Darth Vader Tie Fighter, unopened.

Lot of 4 Beetlejuice Vintage Toys including Showtime Beetlejuice with Rotten Rattler action figure, Shish Kabob Beetlejuice with Scary Skewers action figure, Creepy Cruiser vehicle and the Vanishing Vault playset with “Disappearing” Micro Beetlejuice.

1889 edition of Mark Twain's "A Tramp Abroad". It's a nice old book and is probably worth around $150. Also, it is inscribed Euclid Borland, New Orleans, LA and below that New York, 1890. I found a short bio of Gen. Borland online, and it turns out he was a Confederate veteran (three or six times wounded in the war) who went on to serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives, became a Brigadier General in the La. State National Guard and, according to one source, treasurer of the City of New Orleans. ($150)

Art

“Ice Storm”by Megan Hillerud. Steel and cast glass, wall mount ($300)

“Ridge Road Climb” by Gene Koss. Hand made glass sculpture ($300)

“Over the Fence” by Barbie L’Hoste. Acrylic and Mixed media on canvas. ($1200)

“Intrinsic Darkness” by Barbie L’Hoste. Porcelain slab, wall mount. ($200)

Untitled by John Oles. High fire glaze, tea cup and saucer. ($85)

“Railroad Gear” by Lisa Tahir. Steel and cast glass. ($500)

“Surrounded”by Sidonie Villere. Stoneware and liquid gold leaf ($250)

“Day Closing” Framed photograph by Lisa Conrad. ($1,100)

“Professor Longhair” framed raku. Linda Berman, 2010. Fame created using wood from 719-717 Gov. Nicholls salve quarters (the old fish house in the French Quarter) ($225)

“Gilbert” Face Jug by Kjell Flanagan. Stoneware, iron oxide, glaze. ($300)

Pete the Cat matted print by James Dean ($55)

Wine

1 2008 6 Liter “Size Does Matter” etched bottle of HRM Rex-Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon. Commemorating “Rex Day” 4/7/2008, equivalent to 8 bottles. ($250)

1 2008 ALBET I NOYA PETIT ALBET (PENEDAS CHARDONNAY-XARELLO)

1 2004 ALCANTRA CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO-MONASTRELL

1 2010 AUGUST BRIGGS "LEVERONI VINEYARD" CARNEROS CHARDONNAY

1 2008 AUGUST BRIGGS "DIJON CLONES" NAPA VALLEY PINOT NOIR

1 2009 AUGUST BRIGGS "OLD VINES" ZINFANDEL

1 2006 BETTS & SCHOLL (J. L. CHAVE) HERMITAGE BLANC

1 BOLLINGER "SPECIAL CUVEE" AY BRUT

1 2008 BOUDREAUX "BISHOPS & CILELO" WASHINGTON CHARDONNAY

1 06 BOUDREAUX CELLARS MERLOT

3 DE MARTINO "LEGADO RESERVA" MAIPO CABERNET SAUVIGNON

3 DE MARTINO RESERVA LIMARI VALLEY CHARDONNAY

1 2007 DUCKHORN PARADUXX

1 2009 EHLERS SAINT HELENA SAUVIGNON BLANC

3 2007 DOMAINE FAIVELEY "LES SAINT GEORGE" NUITS-SAINT-GEORGE

1 2007 FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS OLDSVILLE RESERVE OREGON PINOT NOIR

1 2007 FIDDLEHEAD HAPPY CANYON-SANTA YNEZ SAV BLANC

1 2010 FROGS LEAP RUTHERFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC (THREE PACK)

1 2008 FROGS LEAP RUTHERFORD MERLOT (THREE PACK)

1 2007 FROGS LEAP RUTHERFORD RESERVE RED (THREE PACK)

2 2007 JEAN JACQUES GIRARD "EN CHARLEMAGNE" CORTON 1ER CRU

1 2007 KRUPP BROTHERS BLACK BARTS BRIDE

1 2007 MINER STAGECOACH MERLOT

2 2008 NICOLAS CARTIER "MAS DE GOURGONNIER" LES BAUX DE PROVENCE

2 1999 PERRIER-JOUET FLEUR EPERNAY BLANC DE BLANC BRUT

1 PIPER HEIDSEICK BRUT NV

1 PIPER HEIDSEICK ROSE SAUVAGE BRUT NV

1 2001 POGGIO ALLE SUGHERE TOSCANA ROSSO

1 2009 RUCA MALEN RESERVA CHARDONNAY MENDOZA ARGENTINA

1 2009 SIERRA MADRE SANTA MARIA VALLEY PINOT GRIS

1 TATTINGER "LA FRANCOIS" BRUT NV

1 2009 TREFETHEN OAK KNOLL NAPA VALLEY RIESLING

1 2007 TRUCHARD CARNEROS PINOT NOIR

LARGE FORMAT

1 (1.5 MAG) 2008 AU BON CLIMAT "KNOX ALEXANDER" SANTA MARIA PINOT NOIR

1 (1.5 MAG) 2006 AU BON CLIMAT "HILDEAGARD" WHITE SANTA MARIA VALLEY

1(1.5 MAG) 2000 AU BON CLIMAT "XX ANNIVERSARY" PASSANT NUITS BLANCHES

1 (1.5 MAG) 2008 AU BON CLIMAT "ISABELLE" SANTA MARIA PINOT NOIR

1 (1.5 MAG) 2007 CAKEBREAD NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

1 (1.5 MAG) 2006 FRANK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

1 (1.5 MAG) 2007 HALL NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

1 (1.5 MAG) 2007 HIRSCH SAN ANDREAS SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

1 (1.5 MAG) 2009 KOSTA BROWNE RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIR (AUTOGRAPHED)

1 (3.0 MAG) STEPHEN ROSS "STONE CORRAL" EDNA VALLEY PINOT NOIR

1 (3.0 MAG) 2007 WILLIAMS SELYEM SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

1 (3.0 MAG) 2008 WILLIAMS SELYEM PEAY VINEYARD SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

1 (3.0 MAG) 2006 WILLIAMS SELYEM PEAY VINEYARD RUSSIAN RIVER PINOT NOIR

OTHER

C MICHTERS BOURBON

6 PERRIER-JOUET PAINTED GLASSES (& STOPPERS)

1 WILLIAMS SELYEM VIP PASS & MAILING LIST INVITE

Please feel free to post on your fb page. I had my settings incorrect, you can now share this on your fb page.

SOME RAFFLE ITEMS THAT WILL BE AWARDED: RAFFLE TICKETS WILL COST $5 per ticket or $20 for 4 Raffle tickets.

Westbank Getaway Package- Massage from Massage Envy , dinner for 2 at the Round House Bar & Grill and a one night’s stay at the Holiday Inn all on the W’bank Expressway!

$100 Gift Certificate - Cochon Butcher

$100 Gift Cerificate - Cochon

Lunch for 2 at Mondo ($40)

$50 Gift Certificate – Delachaise

$50 Gift Certificate – Byblos

$25 Gift Certificate - Stein’s Deli

$25 Giftcard - CC’s Coffee

Keg Party at Carrollton Station

2 passes to the D-Day Museum

4 passes to the Children’s Museum

Therapeutic massage from Magnolia Physical Therapy

Haircuts from Salon Paris

Jimmy Robinson CD pack including Twangorama, Woodenhead’s “Music From the Big Green Warehouse,” and Jimmy Robinson’s Solo album “Vibrating Strings”

Motorway CD

Saints autographed lithograph football

+ more still to come!

Please email

If you would like the electronic version of the flier, please email us and we will send you one.

Facebook Event link: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=145285495541550

careforcolin@gmail.com

Tip Jar Event at Molly's at the Market on Decatur Street

2011-04-14T20:15:00.000-05:00

We had some friends put this together. Thank to everyone!

Come tip your favorite bartender! A fundraiser in honor of Colin Brown.

Molly's At The Market
1107 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA

More Info
Come out, Friday, April 15 from 6-10 p.m. to Molly's at the Market. We'll be serving Mr. Nick's original 1-800 cocktail (or something close) for the benefit of Kelly, Lucy, and Elliot. Don't drink 1-800s? Purchase a koozie or cup in Colin's honor, with all proceeds going to the "Tip Jar."

Rumor has it that drinks will be served by a certain guest bartender from Nick's who claims to have taught Kate everything she knows.

Please "share" this event and spread the word.

(Benefit 6 till 10pm, but donations are welcome all evening, so come when you can).

A Celebration in Video of Colin Brown

2011-04-12T15:18:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who shared in celebrating Colin Brown's beautiful life on Sunday evening. The main message I heard throughout the night was that Colin had changed someone's life. He just had that effect on people. Once you met him, you knew that he was special. For those of you who could not be at the tribute, we wanted to share the video that was presented at the memorial.

Colin was so very creative, talented and inspired (by everything and everyone around him). It is such a unique talent to be able to put to music everything that you feel and experience. His wife and children being his greatest inspiration. This is very evident in his lyrics. You are able to hear him sing his music on this tribute. He is truly missed.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002107888969

Jason Villemarette (Fire on the Bayou) put together this video and we appreciate it so very much. His love for Colin is reflected in this video.

Memorial to honor Colin Brown

2011-04-02T19:04:00.003-05:00

Memorial to honor Colin Brown (1973-2011)

Sunday, April 10, 2011
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

We miss Colin dearly. Thank you to everyone who has been working so hard this week to make this memorial such a lovely reflection of such a wonderful man.
Rita Wilson

Location:
Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Directions:
They are located between Andrew Higgins Drive and St. Joseph Street in the New Orleans Warehouse Arts District, one block off of Lee Circle (and the Saint Charles streetcar line), and just steps from the National D-Day Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
Please remember that the French Quarter Festival is going on.

Colin Brown

2011-04-02T00:30:00.001-05:00

It is with deep sadness and devastation that I post tonight. This evening, (April 1), we lost a father, a husband, a brother and a friend to so many. Please say a prayer for Kelly and the kids this evening.

One of Colin's favorite songs
The Flaming Lips

You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn't go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round

Do You Realize - Oh - Oh - Oh
Do You Realize - that everyone you know
Someday will die -

And instead of saying all of your goodbyes - let them know
You realize that life goes fast
It's hard to make the good things last
You realize the sun doesn't go down
It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round

Do You Realize - that you have the most beautiful face
Do you Realize

Friday morning update

2011-04-01T09:48:00.000-05:00

Your thoughts and prayers are needed today for Colin. Thank you for continuing to keep vigil. Notes to careforcolin@gmail.com are being sent to Kelly. I am in New Orleans with Kelly and I know she appreciates all of you as do I. Rita

Thursday Evening Update

2011-03-31T18:59:00.000-05:00

I am going to be very brief this evening. Colin is having a lot of difficulties and remains on support today. Please keep Colin and the family in your prayers.

Update after Surgery - Wednesday

2011-03-30T18:20:00.000-05:00

Colin is out of surgery now and the more permanent feeding tube is in. This tube was put in place to expedite nutrients into his system. After the second surgery, the wound was taking all of the protein and so this new tube will help to bring nutrients to the rest of his body and to help heal the small hole in the esophagus and to help heal his left lung and his right one as well. The surgical wound looks good and the antibiotics seem to be working on the infection. Since his last surgery, left lung is not as strong as we need it to be so Colin remains on ventilation support. Tonight we wait as the nutrients work to heal Colin's body.

Message from Kelly

2011-03-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

Message from Kelly 3/29/11
I can't begin to express my gratitude for all of the thoughtfulness we have encountered over the past month. Thank you. Your words keep me going when I don't think I can face another uncertain morning. My babies have been protected and loved by several extraordinary women. Our home has been cleaned. Our fridge is full. I am so fortunate for this care, and I know that it comes from the goodness of Colin. I promise you all that every doctor and nurse learns about him. I tell them all about how special he is to me and to you. And I can tell you that he has touched them, too.

He will probably have surgery tomorrow for a feeding tube more appropriate for long term care. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
K.

Update: Colin will have the surgery today for the feeding tube. Keep the prayers coming. (Rita)

Tuesday Evening Update

2011-03-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

Colin is still in the ICU. We have not been able to wean him from the ventilator yet. He is being sedated so he is comfortable. He is still fighting this infection and is currently not strong enough for the surgery I spoke of in my previous post. We continue to ask for prayers during this time.

Sunday Update

2011-03-27T12:18:00.001-05:00

I want to start this entry with quick note of positive energy. Kelly needs the positive vibes sent her way. If you were thinking of sending a note of encouragement, I know she would appreciate it. All notes can be sent to careforcolin@gmail.com. Some days you just need to have people share positive messages with you.

This week has a lot in store. Over the last couple of days, Colin had surgery, was moved into the ICU and had to go back on the ventilator. A secondary infection occured and it possibly was due to the small hole they discovered in his esophagus. The infection lead to the 2nd surgery he had last week and the possible surgery he will have tomorrow once he is strong enough. I am sorry I am leaving a lot of the details. There is a lot going on right now. His brothers all all in town now as well.

Please remember to send positive notes of encouragement and keep your prayers coming. I personally pray for Colin's complete recovery, I pray for strength for Kelly and the kids, I pray for my mother in law (who is an angel and has been by Kelly's side), I pray for Lee and Nathalie (two more angels) and I pray and thank God for all of you, each day.

ICU Update

2011-03-25T11:02:00.001-05:00

We appreciate everyone who follows this blog. Thank you for your continued prayers. Today we ask that you continue those prayers. Colin had to be put back on the ventilator this morning. The infection/previous surgery has come back into the picture. There is some problem with the left of his right lung as well and there is talk of if the right lung does not fully heal in the next couple of days of removing the rest of the right lung. Colin is sedated now and remains in the ICU. As most of you might imagine, this is not the news we were wanting or expecting this morning. Please keep the prayers coming and the notes of encouragement flowing. Kelly has gotten through this past month knowing that so many people love Colin! You all are a true blessing!

Thursday evening update

2011-03-24T21:27:00.001-05:00

It has been almost a full day since the latest surgery. Colin is still in the ICU. The surgery yesterday was necessary to get more of the infection. They ending up having to remove three of Colin's ribs to get to the infection. There will be some on going care needed due to this. They were able to take the breathing tube out this morning and he is breathing on his own. Of course this is good news. Tomorrow, he will need to be put back under as they change out the dressing on the new surgical wound. This is part of the on going care that is going to be necessary. Being put under is due to the extreme pain that is experienced with changing of this type of dressing. I know I'm leaving out a lot of detail, but know that it will be better that he can't feel what they have to do to change the dressing. I will post updates tomorrow as he is in the recovery room and we know more. Please keep up the encouragement. It is still very needed. If you want to send a note, please send it to:careforcolin@gmail.com

Note from Kelly

2011-03-24T08:35:00.003-05:00

I spoke with Kelly last night. She wanted me to send out a heartfelt, "Thank you" to everyone that has been praying, sending notes of encouragement, bringing food, visiting and who have been donating to the Care for Colin Fund. She has wanted to send everyone a personal note individually and will do so as soon as she can. She just wanted to let everyone know how much all of this has helped and continues to help the family in getting through this difficult time. With the surgery last night, the recovery period for Colin has been extended, and she was just overwhelmed with appreciation to everyone who is out there that cares for Colin and for her family.
Thank you!

Out of surgery

2011-03-23T20:05:00.001-05:00

I got a quick text from Kelly that Colin was out of surgery 7:30 CT. She said he was doing well and that is the only information I have right now. I will update I'd I get more information this evening. He is currently in the ICU.

Surgery today

2011-03-23T09:45:00.002-05:00

2:45 pm CT - Colin is still waiting to be taken in to surgery.

Previous: They are saying that surgery will be at around 11am. I will post additional updates today as they come in. From what I understand, this surgery will require them to take out two ribs to get to the area of the infection. I can't even begin to think of how painful this must be or how painful the recovery will be. Just keep Colin in your thoughts today.

Colin is back in the hospital - Surgery Needed

2011-03-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

I know I ask all of you for your prayers, but please keep them up this week. Colin had been struggling and as it turns out, he has more infection. He had been coughing and it looked like the wound was infected as well. They have admitted him back into the hospital. They are going to go back in and will have to go get more of the infection. This is serious surgery again. PLEASE pray for the safe hands of the surgeons. They anticipate at least a week in the hospital. Keep all of the family in your prayers this week. I will update more as I know.

We take the Good with the Not so Good

2011-03-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

Colin was able to see the doctor and they say he is progressing well. The fever right now is not of much concern so that was good. They were able to switch up some of his meds to try to ease the intense pain. The bad news is that the pain is still so very bad. When the pain is most intense, more oxygen is needed. I wish I had better words to describe this, but none come to me right now. It is sad because you can't fully enjoy being at home or with your family when you are in so much pain. Please keep the continued prayers and notes of encouragement coming. If you want to send Colin a note, you can send it to: careforcolin@gmail.com. Thank you so much.

Please keep prayers coming for Colin

2011-03-15T21:57:00.001-05:00

My apologies for the lack of updates. I wanted to give Colin some time at home with the family and kept hoping he would be running around by the time I posted again.

Colin is having a rough night. He has a fever and chest tightness. It's so frustrating that he starts getting better and then he seems to get overwhelmed by pain and discomfort again. The doctors have been called and he has a scheduled appointment this week. The fever is of concern.

While he has had some very good moments and has felt relatively good at times, he's still struggling.

Please continue to keep Colin in your prayers.

Colin is HOME!

2011-03-11T08:24:00.000-06:00

Message from: Kelly Wilson 3/10/2011
It has been a great day. Colin is home! He'll continue on oxygen and won't be able to do too much- even talking is taxing right now- but today he was able to watch his son walk across a room for the first time. I'm practicing my nursing skills on him, so he really needs your thoughts and prayers:) He has a long recovery ahead, and it helps to know you are pulling for us. Thank you all for caring so much.

Wednesday Morning Update

2011-03-09T07:46:00.001-06:00

I know it feels a little Déjà vu:
Wednesday Morning Update - I can only imagine what it must feel like to Colin. Groundhog Day over and over. It has been several weeks now in the hospital. He is doing well. They are weaning him down off of the oxygen right now. This is a good step towards being able to go home. There is still something going on as is an indication of his blood counts. Let's keep praying that his numbers continue to move in the right direction. They have to be at a certain level before they will allow him to come home. He is a fighter! This is evident in what he has been through and how far he has come. I know he has been moved by the messages that have been sent to him. Please keep them coming. They are so instrumental in his recovery. You can continue to send them to careforcolin@gmail.com. I also want to thank you all for the donations. With Colin not working, I can not imagine the uncertainty Kelly must be feeling right now. You are giving her peace of mind and although she still has to work, she is able to focus on Colin's recovery and will have one less thing to worry about. The continued support in the next couple of weeks is greatly appreciated.

Message from Kelly

2011-03-08T09:08:00.002-06:00

3/7/11 Kelly Wilson via Carefor Colin (facebook page)
Colin had a good day. He was able to do a lap around the nurses station, which was a huge milestone. Still not sure when he'll be home, but I feel pretty confident that it will be this week. He has a long road to full recovery, but we remain thankful for our incredible friends and family who have helped us get this far. Happy Mardi Gras!

Still in the hospital...

2011-03-06T11:06:00.000-06:00

I will have another update soon, but yesterday was "okay". Colin is still in a lot of pain, but they have been able to getting him sitting up and even standing (with a little walking). Of course he is still hooked up to everything so it is not as easy as it sounds. The sitting up, standing and walking is crucial to the recovery as this helps to not let pneumonia set in. He still has the chest tube in so lets hope he can have that removed soon. This is still a very important time in the recovery as they are watching carefully for more infections and treating the ones he came in with (still overall a mystery). Please continue to keep Colin in your prayers. If you want to send him a quick note, you can send the messages to his email or to: careforcolin@gmail.com. All of the messages will be forwarded to him. I know it would mean a lot to him right now if everyone would send a note of encouragement. Thank you in advance.

Out of ICU

2011-03-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

I will have another update as I get information. I am glad to say that Colin is out of the ICU at this point. Now to identify and treat the infection and get him on the way to getting out of the hospital.

Note from the heart

2011-03-04T07:20:00.001-06:00

Good morning-

I am Colin’s sister in law. I have been maintaining the blog and the facebook site, CareFor Colin. This morning so many emotions/thoughts were rattling around my head and I just felt the need to share. Maybe it was the good day Colin had yesterday or the totality of out pouring of love and support that I have seen bestowed upon my family these last two weeks. I was thinking back to when Katrina hit… I had thoughts about why Kelly and Colin would return to New Orleans as they had no “family” there. First off, let me say, “I was wrong.” And secondly, let me say,”I was really WRONG!” Family is not measured by how much common blood you have running through your body. Colin would probably attest to that right now as he has had two transfusions this week. Someone out there was selfless enough to donate their blood so that someone like Colin could live. I have given blood many times and it truly is something everyone should continue to do throughout their lifetime if possible. Back to my thoughts though, after Katrina and Kelly and Colin were evacuated to Atlanta, I tried to support in any way possible. I saw Kelly and Colin devastated. Many of you may not know this, but at the time my sister worked for a radio station in Atlanta and we were able to get Colin on air telling his story and directing people to assist the people of New Orleans so that they could return to the city that that love and call home. Even then, I had no sense of why? During the time since they returned to New Orleans, the reasons have become apparent. First and foremost, New Orleans is home to some of the MOST precious people in my life. Although, I am not blood related, they are my family. And now through this medical crisis, I am getting to know their New Orleans family. I have truly become a believer in the sense of community that I have seen and the outpouring of love and support you all have shown. Although yesterday was a good day, Colin has a long road of recovery ahead. It is comforting to know that they indeed have family in New Orleans and for ALL of you I am truly grateful. Please keep up everything that you are all doing and know that you are now bonded (not through blood) but through something much greater!

Don't it make you smile? (PJ reference)

2011-03-03T16:25:00.001-06:00

Today was an interesting day. We started off the day back in isolation and have now come back out of isolation! Yeah! Still in ICU, but Colin is make good progress today. He is working with an occupational therapist though for his arm (IV issue during surgery). They want to be sure no nerve damage was made during surgery as his iv in the hand went rouge. He has been able to work with the doctors again to get to sit up. This is very crucial for the lungs so it is a great stride in recovery as well. I just got off the phone with Kelly and I could feel her smiling through the phone as she gave me this update! So I send a smile out to all of you as well as we continue to pray for complete healing. We also say a little prayer for the doctors to figure this out so that we can make sure this infection is completely under control and will not be a factor in his recovery.

Afternoon Update

2011-03-02T14:47:00.000-06:00

Well I am glad that I waited than to give you the details in the previous update. Colin is doing much better now. The surgery was more invasive than they had originally hoped. In one of my previous posts I referred to the recovery period as 4-6 weeks. This is probably indicative of just how serious/extent this surgery was. The doctors are still baffled as to what the infection is and are still testing the pathologies. On a lighter note, Kelly did say that Colin asked the surgeons after hearing that they were still baffled if he (his case) was going to be in some medical journal. LOL. Great sign that there is humor in the room. He is still in the ICU, but stable. I will continue to update as I hear.

Wednesday Morning Update

2011-03-02T09:26:00.000-06:00

It was a rough night last night/morning. I will wait to give additional details until after lunch, but please continue to keep Colin lifted in prayers today.

Surgery is complete - Update

2011-03-01T20:38:00.001-06:00

Colin is out of surgery now and is in ICU. He will remain there at least another couple of days. We are praying that they got all of the infected tissue from the lung. It was a little more than they expected. Now please continue your vigil and pray that the lungs heal properly. There will be a lot of recovery with this type of surgery at least 4-6 weeks. Right now is just the crucial time regarding the lungs healing properly and secondary infection. I will send another update tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support.

Still in surgery

2011-03-01T17:32:00.000-06:00

Colin is still in surgery. I will update you all when I know something. Surgery didn't start until 1 pm. Please keep the prayers coming.

Colin has just gone to Pre-Op now.

2011-03-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

Colin has just gone to Pre-Op now at 10:35 am. I will update you as I get updates. Thank you all!

Surgery Today - Updated information

2011-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is Tuesday morning. Today Colin will have surgery. I stated yesterday that it would be surgical procedure. Since that post, we learned that it is will be a more than just a procedure to isolate the pockets of fluid, they will actually try to remove the infected tissue. With this, Colin will be back in the ICU and will remain in the hospital longer than we hoped. I will update this blog as much as possible today as I get updates. We are grateful for everyone that is helping the family during this time. Your continued support and continued prayers are appreciated.

Surgical Procedure Scheduled

2011-02-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

We have just learned that Colin will have a surgical procedure tomorrow to address some of the pockets of fluid. Please pray for Colin, his family and for guidance for the doctors. Thank you.

Monday Morning Update

2011-02-28T07:34:00.000-06:00

As stated in the last post, Colin was moved out of the ICU yesterday. That was great news. However, he still has the chest tube that will remain at least another couple of days. There is still more fluid that needs to be removed from the lungs. Once they get the fluid under control, then there is the lung infection that brought him to the hospital to deal with again. There is still no talk of when he could be released as the doctors still do not know what "this" is. They are still focused on his daily progress, but at least he is no longer in isolation. More tests to conduct! He is almost a week into the hospital stay. Kelly wants to thank everyone for their continued concern and prayers. Please continue to keep Colin and the family in your prayers.

On a personal note, I also want to thank you for continuing to support them as they navigate through this medical ordeal. With two younger children myself, it is difficult to imagine what they are experiencing right now with Colin out of work and Kelly wanting to be at the hospital as much as possible. She currently has family in from Atlanta, but at the beginning of this, it was their friends who stepped up to help (and continue to step up), and for that WE are truly thankful!

Out of ICU!!!

2011-02-27T21:18:00.000-06:00

They have moved Colin out of ICU this evening. Great news indeed. Colin will still be getting another CT and will still have to get some additional fluids removed from the lungs. We are very excited though that they moved him out of ICU.

Sunday morning

2011-02-27T09:53:00.000-06:00

I just spoke with Kelly and she said that Colin will be going for another round of x-rays/CT Scans today. They are trying to pinpoint the cause of this aggressive infection. She did said that Colin was able to call her this morning - which was wonderful news. This also means he was able to take of the oxygen mask. He is still in ICU and there was no talk of when he would be moved out of ICU. She also indicated they would be doing additional procedures to try to get some additional pockets of fluid from the lungs. Keep those prayers coming!

Waiting on Additional Test Results

2011-02-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

We are hoping to have some additional information tomorrow. Colin is in good spirits even after all he has been through. Right now the chest tube is doing what is supposed to and the oxygen is also helping. There is still a lot of fluid issues with the lungs so please keep the prayers coming.