Captain Blake survived an October helicopter crash in Afghanistan. He has suffered major injuries, including the loss of one of his legs, many broken bones and internal injuries. His family needs you to pray that he recovers.
Update: Nov. 5. 2009 They're weaning Blake off sedation and are going to try to take him off the ventilator today! He is following commands, nodding his head appropriately, and signaling with his hands right now. He has more surgery planned today to clean his many wounds.
Update: 11/20/2009 A friend posted that after many attempts, "Blake was extubated today (taken off the ventilator) and is breathing on his own! He's also sitting more upright which is helping him to clear his lungs and help him breathe. Three squadron members arrived today and were a great morale boost for him too. Today was the first day that we saw a glimpse of the real Blake and it was wonderful! He told the guys that he'll be "outta here in 6 months" so the perfect warrior attitude is finally starting to shine through the pharmacological haze!"
Update: 11/23/2009 Blake's family reports that he is out of ICU and has been moved to a regular room. He can't move his head so he had them move the bed around so he could check out his new digs. He's not able to eat yet but with some more healing that should come soon. You are doing a great job of uplifting this Marine. Keep up the good work!
Update: November 25, 2009 Another bump in the road. Blake has a pulmonary embolism and was put back into ICU until mesh can be inserted to stop it from advancing. His family considers this a temporary setback and hopes to report good news in a few days.
Update: 12/18/2009 Blake is progressing. His friend says he's transferring (with the aid of 4 people) to a motorized wheelchair and they go on excursions throughout the hospital. His physical and occupational therapists have been working with him daily, which will continue 5 days/week for 16 weeks at the rehab center, then he goes back to the hospital for further work.
Update: 2/21/2010 Very recently on Blake's website, his girlfriend and sister have posted entries. We are so thankful to report that Blake is making good progress and is determined. His sister wrote "I am happy to say that he looks great! A bit like skeletor, but putting on some weight thanks to all of our fantastic new friends who've been gracious enough to bring him food! (Thank you!)." She also wrote that Blake's girlfriend "Did a great job decorating the walls with photos and letters that people have sent. There are some very cute ones from elementary school kids." Blake now has back a lot of motion in his left hand/arm and has improved grip strength and he's doing bicep curls with low weights as well using an arm bike. He also is able to bend his right leg to about 60 degrees. Physical therapy includes becoming re-acclimated to being vertical after almost 4 months horizontal. Once he is able to stand, he will start bearing weight on his right leg. Blake will be transferring hospitals very soon, putting him much closer to a large number of family and friends (and their home cooked meals - word has it that he is not fond of hospital food!!) Please keep this Marine in your prayers, he and his family are grateful for everyone's support.
Update: 4/6/2010 Blake has been moved to a new hospital and upon arrival his sister fulfilled his wish for a taco. Isn't it great that food is on his mind? We think so.
He also is very adept at using his new wheelchair - calling it "my new ride" and proud that he can now push it himself. Way to go Blake!
Update: 5/13/2010 Blake himself wrote today to say that he's out of the hospital and going to do out-patient therapy for a while. That's great news Blake. Keep up the good work!
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Date added to program: 11/4/2009
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