Washington Ave Updates

Hi Hegarty Clan!
First of all a super congratulations to Tommy for running and finishing the Marathon for Dana Farber and your mom. You did us all proud and made the heavens a little brighter. A special "WooHoo" to Tim for beating the odds and finishing the Marathon in a respectable time. For the record, I had no doubt he would. The most he had run was 12 miles if I am correct, but when your heart is in it, there really is nothing you can't do. Well done mi amigo!

Well I am home from the hospital and today I have my first physical therapy session at New England Rehab. I have been staying on my mom's side of the house because of her pull-out sofa and proximity to the bathroom, etc. The numbness in my feet and hands continues to bother me, but I have been moving alot more at home and now am able to walk short distances with the assistance of a cane. I will burn the walker as soon as I find a way to burn metal. I am in good spirits and try to maintain a positive attitude, but this syndrom is so rare and bizzare that the road ahead is unclear. I don't know how long it will take to get back to 100%, but the good news is that I will most likely achieve it. Sim Piergentili and my sister Nancy are going to start training me for the Edinburgh Marathon in May of 2010. Hey, just another chance to wear my kilt! Emotionally, I have no early warning system. I am often flooded with all kinds of feelings...mostly grateful that I have the support I have around me. Family and friends that have been unbelievable. Tim brought by a couple of teddy bears to the hospital that were passed among the congregation of his church and filled with good wishes and prayers. Tim, I cannot express in words how much that meant to me. One teddy bear was for my kids and the little brown one was for me...it has not left my side and I sleep with it every night. Someday I want to come to your church and address the congregation to let them know there truly is power in prayer. Speaking of power in prayer, this experience has been life-changing. During my lowest points, when I was unsure of what I had and my body was breaking down I prayed like I never have before. I leaned heavily on Auntie Marie to hold my hand and guide me through...I know she is new to the heavens, but I have a feeling she has made her presence known. I started receiving communion while in the hospital and have a tremendously stronger connection to my Creator. So now I have a mission. To spread the word about Guillian-Barre Syndrome through a new blog I am developing, a Public Service Announcement I will produce with my video production company, and I recently reached out to the Serge Payer Foundation. He is an NHL start that was struck with GBS and has a foundation to raise funds and awareness. Additionally, I am making myself available to Winchester Hospital as an advocate for anyone that comes to the hospital with GBS. I want to be able to provide some relief to those struck with this. Oh, and I am going back to church on a regular basis..I mean He came to me when I needed Him most, and I will never forget that.

So that's the latest for now. My mom has been amazing through this and I could not have done this without her. She says she loves the company, and I love being able to talk with her over a cup of tea...so it works for both of us. My dad remains confused by it all, but we are making progress with his situation as well and have already had an appointment with a neurologist. Oddly enough, the same doctor that diagnosed my GBS. I will post again with more and update you on my progress as well as my dad's. Thanks again for your prayers, thoughts, and calls. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing clan. Never forget it, life is too short and unpredictable.

Live and Love,
Richie