LCpl. Colin was shot in the head while on patrol in November 2006.
Update: 12/01/2006 Colin was taken off the breathing machine and had opened his eyes. God Bless Our Marines!
Update: 12/12/06 Even though he was initially thought to be brain-dead, he recognizes his family, has regained some use of one arm and even plays tic-tac-toe with his father, according to his mother.
Update: January 2007 He is doing well but is expected to be in the hospital for a few months yet. Please keep Colin and his family in your prayers and keep those cards coming.
Update: 12/12/2007 Colin wears a helmet to protect part of his skull that had to be removed. Colin has lost much of his ability to speak or understand spoken or written language. He will need to relearn the most basic functions of everyday life. He can walk with the assistance of someone who holds on to the back of a belt wrapped around his waist. Colin does not have use of his right arm or leg, but luckily he is left-handed and the right leg can be used for balance.
He understands what people are saying, but has difficulties finding the words to respond. He uses verbal cues from those around him to get to the words. Each phrase Colin says on his own is added to a list. Every day he recites the phrases to restore them to his memory bank. The list has grown considerably over the last few months. He carries around an index card that explains his injury and the resulting condition. When he can't find the words fast enough, he simply hands the person the card. Colin has two goals for his recovery: To be able to read and to be able to drive again.
Colin will always need special care but continues to progress.
Update: 1/30/2009 from Mom "Colin has made a lot of progress. He can walk very well and he can talk also. He still has some deficits but is contiuously working to overcome them. We are so thankful for all of the cards and letters from well wishers, as well as all of the prayers. I firmly believe in the power of prayer. Colin has come so far and is so determined to see his progress continue. His progress is very inspiring. Thank you again for all that you do. Melissa"
Update: 7/17/2010 from Mom - Colin is still doing well and had just come from visiting with him. He loves to play MarioKart, Uno, and watch movies. He has to play Mario using only one hand as they are still working on getting his right arm working. He's in really good spirits though. She takes the envelopes of cards over when she visits and he loves them all. "They make the day special.....and he always gets a kick out of the ones from kids." His Dad says the cards and letters are "a wonderful thing to receive in this impersonal day and age." The family thanks you for keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. Even though he is very limited in what he can do and wears a helmet to protect his 'new' skull, when Mom stops to think about it, he really has made amazing progress.
Keep working, Colin. We will keep sending encouragement so you can continue to give "thumbs up" when asked how you are!
Message Board
Date added to program: 11/15/2006
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