December 24, 2009 Merry Christmas!

Hello. Well . . . our home is filled with excited children today anticipating Santa's visit tonight. This year has been filled with challenges, progress, and blessings for our family. We are thankful that God has seen us through it all! The next exciting event we have ahead of us is that we have all been able to get time off work to allow is to travel to PA to visit family. Erik made this trip once when he was 6 months old. After this, he was diagnosed and it has been too risky to travel that far. The trip would have been difficult for him. This year, we are thankful that God has given Erik good health and us the peace to think that we can take this journey as a family. We will load up the car and head up North the afternoon of the 26th and return late evening on the 30th. Please keep us in your prayers during this time and we will look forward to sharing how it goes with you when we return. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all and thanks for your prayers and support this year! Erik's Family

November 16, 2009 - All is settled . . .

Hello Everyone! Well . . . things are going well for us. Erik seems to be doing well with the VNS and went almost 4 weeks with no signs of seizure activity! This was great. He has had a few VERY brief breakthroughs in the last week or so but with all of the illnesses going on around us, we are not surprised. The plan now is to stay where we are with things and see how he does over the next month or so. He is enjoying being back in school and really missed his friends. He is responding well and seems quieter and somewhat more focused/engaged in the classroom which is a great thing to see. We just want to let you all know that we are happy to be somewhat settled for the moment! HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all! In His Name, Erik's Family

October 24, 2009

Hello. What a busy week! Erik's surgery went well on Wednesday and we were able to take him home the same day. He rested well but was retaining fluid the next morning. About mid-day Thursday, he began to feel better and we were relieved. He has continued to improve as the week has passed and we seem to be settling down to a routine. We are planning on keeping him home this week since the flu appears to be running rapid around here. No need to take any chances! We have multiple follow-up appointments this week but will send an update when we can. Please continue to keep Erik and our family in your prayers. In His name, Erik's Family

October 15, 2009 - VNS Placement Scheduled!

Hello Everyone! This has been an exciting week. We met with Erik's neurosurgeon on Monday and have decided to proceed with the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for Erik. We are really excited about the possible benefits of this for Erik. Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday - October 21st. Please keep us in your prayers as we head down this path. We will send out an update next week. Love in Christ, Erik's Family

October 7, 2009

Hello All. Just a quick update on Mr. Erik. He is doing well these days. We are changing medications which initially caused him to be sleepier than normal. This week he seems to have adjusted somewhat and is appearing more alert. GOOD NEWS - Erik received a new wheelchair! It is larger than the last one and he seems much more comfortable in this version. The seat actually will move/rock allowing him to sooth himself and move around more. We are adjusting to managing a larger wheelchair but so far . . . so good! Monday (October 12) we visit the neurosurgeon to discuss placement of the VNS. Amazing how God works . . . just this week I received an email from Erik's nurse in Charlotte. Guess what? She is working with a patient who has a VNS and is experiencing success with seizure reduction. What are the chances of that? We will update you when we have more news but keep Erik and the family in your prayers. Love in Christ, Erik's Family

September 19, 2009 - Rough Ride!

Hello All. We have had a few challenging and informative days. Erik began to seize on the way home from school on Thursday. We intervened but were unable to stop the seizure completely so we called 911 and had Erik transported to Duke. He remained there overnight for observation and we returned home late Friday afternoon. This chain of events gave us the opportunity to discuss and explore some treatment options for Erik with his physicians including medication increases, adding medications, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Over the next week or so, we have decided to explore with his physicians the VNS. This device is like a "pace maker for the brain". It is a small implant under the skin near the collar bone that sends out impulses that interrupt seizure patterns. The interesting thing is that it also works with a magnet so if we know seizure activity is building up, we can run the magnet across the area where the device is and it will send a signal that can interrupt the pattern that is building up. There is quite a bit of information available about the VNS which honestly we have not had the time to fully investigate. Please keep this potential treatment for Erik in your prayers. As we have seen in the past, we are confident that God will lead us in the right direction as we consider all options. Thanks so much for continuing to pray for our family. Erik's Family

September 11, 2009 - We're Home!

Hello All. We are home now and have been steadily improving over the course of the week. I won't say much but I will say this . . . the past 2 days have been REALLY good for Erik. Don't want to "jinx" us here! Thanks for the prayers that are seeing us through this transitional time. We are excited about school starting next week for Erik and have been able to take care of most follow-up appointments and a few other annual appointments this week which has been really good. Pray that Erik will remain seizure free and that next week will be "uneventful" from setbacks for him as he rejoins his teachers and classmates. Erik does appear to be focusing better these days and is really happy to be back home with his siblings. The time apart passed quickly but being back home has been WONDERFUL! Take care and we will keep in touch! Love in Christ, Erik's Family

September 2, 2009 - Almost done!

Hello all! Can you believe it? Treatment here in Charlotte is almost complete! Erik is doing okay but we are ready to get home. Mostly because his seizure activity has increased during treatment and we want to get home and get settled. We plan for Erik to return to school on September 14th. This will give him a little time to get closer to his baseline before entering the stimulating world of school. Pray for the next few weeks to go well for him and pray for safe travel for us on Friday. We have been researching results from treatment and it appears that many patients experience changes in the 4-6 weeks post completion of therapy. Keep Erik in your prayers and we will share progress with you as we continue down this path of healing. We have met some wonderful people here - HBOT staff, nurses, neighbors - again, God has filled this challenging time with unexpected rewards! Just think about the people we have met (especially the nurses) who have learned about HBOT and can share it with the numerous patients they will encounter! God's purposes for this trip reach further than we planned! Thanks for all of your prayers and support! Erik's Family

August 25, 2009 - Update on HBOT for Erik!

Hello All. Sorry it has been a while since I sent an update but we have been busy. Erik's seizure activity has increased and he actually had a Grand Mal seizure last Tuesday (August 18th) on the way home from treatment. He had a few small ones before this that we were able to manage well but this one required several hours at the hospital under observation before we were comfortable because it took a while to get it to stop. We are not sure what this means - or if it means anything at all. There are several possible explanations including that we hope there are changes taking place with his brain tissue. This could trigger seizures. Let's pray that this is what is happening! The family came for a visit this weekend which was great. Erik and Mom were int eh chamber but when he saw his siblings outside of the chamber, he lit up with excitement! Noone mentioned their names or anything . . . he jsut recognized them and responded! This was great to see! Please continue to pray for us as we come to mind. We are half way through treatment and are praying that the treatments are making positive changes and for him to not get to the point of any additional Grand Mal seizures. Thanks for the meals for the family, cards, and words of encouragement for us during this time. We feel well supported and remain positive that we are on the right track! Love in Christ, Erik's Family

August 13, 2009 - HBOT is Going Well . . .

Hello Everyone! Well, things are moving right along for Erik. He had 1 treatment on Monday and Tuesday and then 2 treatments yesterday and today. All went well and we are learning things to do to help him with the pressure. It is like going to the mountains or flying in an airplane in that your ears close up. Erik will bite down on something or take a sip of water which releases pressure and so far, so good. The staff at the center is really nice and we have felt safe and comfortable in their hands. It has been a learning experience for us and one we hope to be able to share with many other families. Be sure to look at the photo we took today of Erik before his treatment. He is NOT in pain . . . he is actually quite the opposite in this photo! He was loudly vocalizing and engaged his whole body in the excitement (this is why his leg appears to be propped up!). Keep us in your prayers. The enemy continues to press on us as today Erik experienced a brief seizure before entering the chamber. He came out of it quickly and we proceeded with the treatment once he recovered. We continue to trust that this is the direction God has lead us and appreciate your continued prayers and support. Love in Christ, Erik's Family "Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." Psalms 2:12 NKJV

August 13, 2009

August 7, 2009 - We made it to Charlotte!

Hello. We made it to Charlotte! The home we are staying in is absolutly BEAUTIFUL! It is in a nice neighborhood and is close to the center. We were greeted with smiling faces when we arrived and were shown around town, driven to the Charlotte Metro Hyperbarics Center, and just made to feel right at home! Erik seems comfortable here and he slept until 9:30 this morning! His regular wake up time is between 7 and 7:30. Today we had our consultation with the doctor at the clinic and learned alot about the therapy that Erik will be receiving. It is a nice place and is a clean,calm environment. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and we continue to believe this is where God wants us to be. The doctor evaluated and examined Erik today and indicated that he appears to be a good candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Erik will have his first treatment on Monday at 9am. He will be in the chamber for an hour each session. The chambers look reasonably comfortable and we continue to pray for this to be successful for Erik. Please lift us in prayer as we continue to move forward with treatment for Erik. Love in Christ, Erik's Family

July 31, 2009 - What an amazing week!

Hello. What a week! You know . . . when God takes the reins . . . you better hold on tight! This week has been a total roller coaster of emotions and blessings. Some of the highlights are: - A family in Charlotte offered to let us stay in their beautiful home at no cost through the 21st of August. WOW! - We spoke with several people from the Charlotte area who are now praying for us. - We have seen an outpouring of love and support from people we know, people we do not know, and people we will be meeting in Charlotte. It is so good to see that there are still so many wonderful and loving people around! - The doctor's office indicated that they will only charge $100 per treatment opposed to $125 which saves us $1,000! - We also have had many people offer to bring meals to the family or who are sponsoring fundraisers to help cover medical expenses. - Many people have shared stories with us about how they or someone they know has had success with HBOT. Each reason for treatment was different (wound care, diabetes, etc.) but it was good to hear no harm was done and that they experienced success. - We also had a family offer their rental home less than 10 minutes from the center to us at no cost! We can stay there the entire time of our visit and there is plenty of room for the family when they come to visit. This will save us $2,000! You can see that this has been a week like no other! We have had family and friends step up to help take care of the children while Erik and nurse head to Charlotte Thursday - August 6th to get things settled. Erik's consultation is on Friday - August 7th and his first treatment will be Monday August 10th. We are so excited about the trip and feel we can't get there fast enough! Please continue to lift us in prayer through our return from Charlotte. Love in Christ, Erik's Family We were recently informed that Northwest Community Church has agreed to collect donations to help cover medical expenses for this trip. Please use the mailing address below: NWCC Benevolence Fund For: Erik Medlin 7712 Carpenter Fire Station Road Cary, North Carolina 27519

July 26, 2009 - Same plan to pursue HBOT . . . different location!

Hello. We have had an interesting weekend including an exciting change in plans for Erik’s HBOT treatments! One of our biggest concerns was that Louisiana is so far away. Making it through this separation would be hard but we have been praying about it and as God often does . . . he had a different plan for us! We had lengthy discussions this weekend with a physician from a center in Charlotte (Charlotte Metro Hyperbarics: http://www.hboinfo.com/ncarolina.htm) who can offer HBOT for Erik in Charlotte, NC. YAY! They seem to have a great program set up and solid medical supervision. We like that they are closer to home and are located directly in front of the local hospital. Also, if others in the Triangle area choose this option for their children, it is close. Another answered prayer is that since we will be in NC, we should be able to take a nurse with us or get one there for the work days. This will be a big help! Please continue to pray for us as we can see that it is working! Thanks, Erik's Family

July 22, 2009 - Louisiana Bound!

Hello All. Well . . . all is set. We will be traveling to Louisiana for HBOT for Erik the first week of August, 2009. We are so excited! We plan to leave for our trip on Wednesday - August 5th. This has happened really quick for us and we strongly feel God's hand pushing us in this direction. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS! This is happening so quickly for us and seems like an impossible or at minimum very challenging journey. Those of you who know us, know that we faced a similar trial in 2005 when we traveled to CA for surgery and through this challenge we were given the opportunity to witness and participate in God's miracle for Erik. We have found ourselves facing many of the same challenges as we move towards HBOT for Erik in LA: - Our family will be under different roofs for ~8 weeks. - Family and friends will be at home to maintain the household and keep the family in tact. - Erik and Mom will be staying in the Ronald McDonald House in New Orleans during treatment. - Insurance has indicated that they will not cover the treatment. Erik will need 40 treatments costing $200 per session. - Mom will have to care for Erik without nursing help while in LA. Erik currently receives 12 plus hours per day skilled nursing care. - We are also faced once again with totally trusting God - (challenging yet rewarding!). All that stated, we have prayed about this and continue to believe this is the direction we need to go. We ask first and foremost that you lift Erik and our family in prayer. God has extended grace to Erik many times before and we look forward to witnessing even more miracles as we proceed with HBOT. After the email was sent yesterday, we have received so much support and encouragement! Some of the needs we will have are listed on the website. It has been amazing! We are going to do as we have in the past and let God work to take care of all of this particularly because we do not have the luxury of time! We would like to ask for your prayers and for you to forward this email to your friends, family, co-workers, small groups, neighbors, and anyone else who can lift us in prayer or who you believe will benefit from participating in what we believe will be miraculous. Love in Christ, Erik's Family If you are interested in sending notes of encouragement to ERik's family or if you are able to help us cover medical expenses for this trip, please use the mailing address below: 1413 Celandine Drive Apex, NC 27502 Wendy and Erik's mailing address as of August 7th will be: Ronald McDonald House 4403 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70119 Information regarding HBOT: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00290186?cond=%22Cerebral+Palsy%22&rank=1 http://www.hyperbaricmedicalassociation.org/390/text/591/files/8_Stoller_May6_2004_Written_Testimony.pdf

July 20, 2009 - Doing well and our current exploration . . .

Hello all. Hope this email finds you all well. Erik is doing really well this Summer. We have set goals for him which he appears to be steadily working towards. He has a speech/feeding therapist who has been coming to the house to work with him on a weekly basis. This has been great and he just loves it! On the "news" front . . . recently, we have had several people ask us if we have considered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Erik. We have read some available information, communicated with physicians, and are actively exploring this treatment option for Erik. As you may know, we have also explored stem cell infusion. Stem Cell Infusion appears to have risks that could possibly be significant for Erik causing us to have many questions about this treatment option. We are now wondering if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may be what Erik needs to boost his improvement? Here is a link to a website that has information and even videos that may be of interest: http://www.hbot.com/. Here is a summary of what we understand as of now: • Treatment is safe and the risk is pressure similar to what you would experience when flying. • Erik appears to be a good candidate because he is responsive, shows emotions, and is progressing to name a few reasons. • Patients in much worse condition have seen fantastic results from HBOT. • There are indications that stem cells are generated/released during therapy from bone marrow during treatment. • Treatments are administered in “blocks” usually comprised of 30 to 40 1-1 ½ hour sessions. We would like to ask for your prayers as we continue to research this treatment option for Erik. We welcome any and all feedback from you. Although HBOT is not yet being used on a large scale for improving neurological conditions, we believe with the progress Erik is making that this could give him a needed boost allowing him to progress more rapidly. Thanks in advance for lifting Erik and us in prayer. Love in Christ, Erik's Family

June 22, 2009 - Erik keeps us busy!

Hello all! We are definitely busy these days! Erik has lost his two top front teeth in the past 2 weeks! He looks so cute! He also successfully finished his first year of public school. Note that he really seems to be missing it now that he is home for the summer! Erik appears to be getting more alert with each passing day and he is getting stronger too. We can actually hold him at his waist now and he will stand for quite a while like this. He also "catches himself" if he starts to lean too much. This is a BIG step! It is amazing to see how much he has improved. I was just sharing with one of his new nurses how we use to have to hold his head up for him to eat. We don't have to do that anymore! Today we are going to get a small pool for the back deck that he and his siblings will be able to enjoy this summer. We are still praying for Erik to walk and talk soon as well as for his seizures to dissipate for good. God is good and we know this is a small task for Him! Love in Christ, Erik's Family

April 30, 2009 - We just keep moving forward!

Hello all! I am happy to say that things are going well for us in the Medlin household. Since the last posting, we have enjoyed a long weekend at Holden Beach, NC; Erik has participated in the local Horse and Buddy Program and Special Olympics; and we enjoyed a long weekend at Busch Gardens! WHEW! It has been a year since our Make-A-Wish trip and the Busch Gardens trip was the last benefit from this program for our family. Maybe all of this activity explains the time between postings! Things are going well for Mr. Erik. He continues to progress at school and appears to be getting stronger with each passing day. We still have a few seizure episodes now and then but until he is completely healed, this is to be expected. His growth also has an impact on his seizure activity/medication levels. Erik will begin receiving speech and assistive technology services at school in the ear future. He also should begin receiving speech/feeding services at home soon. We have been waiting for quite a while for these services and have noticed Erik making several different sounds lately that we want to help him develop further! I have posted some recent photos here for you to enjoy. Notice Mr Erik standing . . . this is something the doctors said would be challenging for him! Keep us in your prayers . . . Love in Christ, Erik's Family

February 26, 2009 - Latest on Mr. Erik

Hello All! Things have been busy in the our household! Erik does seem to be continuing to make progress. Not that the enemy has given up! He has experienced 2 Grand Maul seizures (the last was this past Saturday - 2/21/2009) requiring Dyastat causing him to be non-functioning for 2-3 days this year but maybe this will be the last! He appears to be making the effort to create different sounds and is loving school too. Mom had the opportunity to share some of our trials with West Edgecombe Baptist Church February 8th (link to recorded message: http://www.webc1.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=36819&PID=578900). This was a challenge as our family has only shared maybe 2 times so far and it is emotional to "re-live" many of our experiences. Each time it gets easier and each time we are encouraged by people's interest and receptiveness. We are happy to share as it does give purpose to our trials. Please join us in prayer for Erik's seizure activity to cease completely and for him to continue to progress both physically and mentally. Love in Christ, Erik's Family