Stephen Murray Update - October 1st

[murray]

Hi folks, from Stephens dad Jeff ,




Cynthia and Martin have been keeping you updated on stephens position since the days back in baltimore cos dear old dad JEFF could not turn a computer on let alone use one.

To help take the weight off Stephens mam and brother I have finally taken the time to learn this art of computer literacy and am now ready to post my own update for all you kind,generous,caring and compassionate friends of the Murray family.

First and foremost, my deepest thanks to all of you, for everything that all of you folks have done for us over the last 3 months --- yes--- it is 3 months since Stephen had his upset in Baltimore---we will always want to remember all of your magnificent support which has come to us in many different ways. THANKS TO YOU ALL AGAIN AND AGAIN.

I have just returned to the U. K.from staying with Stephen for my 3rd time and I must say that boy of ours keeps me amazed with his resilience and cheerfullness.Stephen has some lousy uncomfortable periods with his medical condition and physical disabilities,which are so so annoying to witness.He wont give way to badness and keeps on bouncing back time and time again so I am tempted to call him BOUNCER.

Stephen is battling to get rid of his life support machine {ventilator is the posh name},he is now able to breathe by himself for half each day and if he manages to exhale his CO2 blood gases to a better level than has been able to previously---fingers crossed, he will then try to breathe by himself 14 hours at a time then 15 hours then 16 hours----his right diaphragm has no movement,his left diaphragm only about a third of normal movement so he has to try and use his upper chest muscles to help his left diaphragm do the job of moving air around his lungs ---an enormous task.

Visitors keep on flying in to Denver to keep Stephen in good spirits,last week his U.K.BMX racing friend of 21 years Marco del Isolla arrived to spend 5 fun and humourous days with Stephen ---the second time Marco has crossed the atlantic to see Stephen,this time with his lovely girlfriend of 9 years,Heather,newly appointed neck massuese to Stephen---at last able to have his neckbrace support removed---picture to follow hopefully next week as Stephens brother Martin is flying in for his third visit and unlike his dad ,knows how to e.mail photos back for our BMX timelord Scottie Dick to publish online for you folks.

Another milestone was reached by Stephen last week during my stay with him;he managed to have his long reach throat traech changed for a shorter one---next big step is to have this shorter traech changed for a narrower steel traech and if all goes well Stephen will continue to change a steel traech downsizing the guage of it until it is finally removed sealing up the hole in his neck and finally saying goodbye to his life support machineand breathing totally by himself---fingers crossed everybody.

A riding legend from California, Tara Llanes, is now rehabbing with Stephen in the Craig hopital after breaking her back and injuring her spinal cord; they are both helping each other during this difficult period and both are comitted to an exhaustive physical and mentally trying time, no matter how long it takes---Taras mam Barbara has been by her side since day one and deserves a big medal for her absolute comittment to easing the huge anguish of her totally likeable daughter.

Thats all my news for now folks Thanks again for all of your support.

,More news from Martin next week and fingers crossed for Stephen

in his battle to get rid of that life support machine .

[Scottie]

good to hear things are improving Jeff he deserves a few breaks. please pass my regards to Stephen and family.

I am going out Vail on the 2nd Nov to work for the season. however I fly to denver on the 31st and will be staying a couple of days. how far is it to the hospital and would it be possible to go visit him.

If its cool and you want anything taking out to him, cynthia, etc please let me know and I would be happy to. as long as its nothing illegal. lol

p.s. if marco reads this pm me so I can find out directions, etc from ya. its scottie from alliance

cheers for now scottie

[CH28]

Jeff,
Thanks for the update, myself and my girlfriend are flying out on Friday to spend 6 days with Stephen. I will do an update on my return.
Chico

[Ivesy]

Positive news, thanks for the update.
Stay strong Stephen.

Thanks Jeff, Ives family

[dh.com]

Thanks for the update Jeff.

[gossa]

Nice one Jeff, had Cynthia on the phone yesterday looking to get ahold of Shirley, what a year we're all having eh, bloody brutal.

Chin up mate, he's a proper survivor your kid.....love to you all.

Clive and Carole

[Ross' Mum]

Lovely to get an update on Stephen from you Jeff even in the time of grief for my Ross.... have told Cynthia that all donations at Ross' funeral will be to the Stephen Murray Fund - something we know Ross would want for his old mate. Times are hard sometimes but we must find a positive outlet eh? Live goes on.....
Shirley

[Uncle Buck]

Well done Jeff, its much easier than cutting down trees at euro races

Great News and good to see small improvements being made for Stephen which will spur him on and yourselves.

Love to you all and the family

From Scott, Margaret, Alex, Ryan and Elise..

[kuwahara]

Great News Jeff, he's getting there Slowly one step @ a time were all thinking of him.

I'll See Martin @ PIP in November and have a Pint For him.

My thoughts also go Out to Shirley & Family at this very Sad Time
Stay Stronge.

From Andy, Claire, Charlotte & little Harry Restall

[Joey]

Thanks for the updates, always thinking of you Stephen. Was really good to see your bro in Fort William and hear first hand about your progress.

The Goughs

[BoomBoom]

Cheers for the update Jeff.

Same as Joey, we had a good chat to Martin about Stephen's progress a couple of weeks ago at Fort William

Stephen is always in our thoughts.

All our love Scott, June and Mike Beaumont.

[leather jacket]

Thanks for the update Jeff, it just shows that you are never too old to learn new tricks!!!!!!!!!!

Good to hear that Stephen is improving slowly.

Jim & Kath Batey x

[mike-at-dialledbikes]

Great to hear that Stephen's condition continues to improve.

[Lee Dell'Isola]

Thanks for the update Jeff we all like to know whats happening out there
STAY STRONG Stephen
Love
Lee & Mimmo

[bmxchick]

Check out Tara Llanes myspace page for her and Stephen chilling out and having a BBQ, pics and stories to see and read.

Ria

http://www.myspace.com/mtbtara

[zrim]

Hey Jeff, old schooler from the NE Tom Bell here, hope your well, great to hear the reports, they are getting better everytime... slowly slowly catch the monkey Ste... love to all...

[Pagey]

Thanks for the update. It must be so hard for you all. I bet Steve is so greatfull to all of you. Its great that Steve and Tara can both help each other out a little. She is such a nice girl!
All the best and keep getting better Stephen and Tara.

Nige Page