Turns out that some fun electronics have serious application for stroke survivors. Both the Wii and iPad have been shown to aid in rehabilitation, and thanks to the generosity of friends we now have one of each. How cool!
A friend and co-worker of Dad's hooked us up with the Wii. The minute I saw the girls playing with it (they have claimed it until Joanne is ready to take it over) it was instantly clear how this could be of huge benefit to Joanne's rehab in terms of hand/eye coordination and muscle movement, etc.. I can't wait for here to regain her title as the Wii bowling champion which she proudly claimed at the Franklin's on their Wii system a few months back. And she has the trophy to prove it.
Another group of dear friends decided that an iPad would be just the thing for Joanne to have as she recovers, allowing her access to the e-world from bed (I can't wait for her to be blogging and twittering again). So they put the money together and I was able to purchase the iPad for her a week ago. I got it all set up with her email, blog, twitter, facebook and other apps that she likes so that when she is able she can plug back in. I was also able to active the 3G on it so that Joanne can have access whether or not she is in a wi-fi hotspot. So far both hospitals have had them, but the 3G will guarantee that she will never be out of touch.
Here is the cool thing: the nice young guy at the Apple store asked what we were getting the iPad for and I told him that we planned to use it for Joanne who is recovering from a stroke. Without missing a beat he said, "We have an app for that." I almost laughed because it seemed like such a random thing, like a total cliche. But he took me to the app store and sure enough, there is an app to help people with brain trauma or other speech communication problems communicate.
Its called Proloquo2go and it looks amazing! Joanne wouldn't be able to use it just yet because her motor control isn't quite up to speed yet, but over the next few weeks, with the approval of her speech therapist, we will be downloading it and putting it into use. It is one of the most expensive apps out there, but thanks to the generosity of these friends we will be able to purchase it for Joanne too. I can't wait for her to get to use it.
Until then I have been using the iPad to manage Joanne's email account which contained 3200 messages when I finally got logged into her accounts last week! I have sifted through and gotten the spam out, and then have been reading her emails from friends that have come through. I can guarantee that the iPad is going to be the perfect tool for her in her recovery--much lighter and easier than her laptop.
So, many, many thanks to the friends that made the Wii and iPad possible! We feel so loved and supported in both of these creative gifts.
Toben
Dear Toben,
When I read that the Ipad has and App for Stroke Recovery, I started to cry with happiness! What a blessing!
People are so good and so kind. Thank the good Lord above!
Posted by: Maribeth | February 06, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Toben,
We are thankful for the continuous progress in Joanne's recovery. The Lord has been so faithful in answering our prayers. Praise the Lord! We pray that the Lord would provide Joanne with a great rehab facility so that she may be completely healed. We have an invincible hope that Joanne will be fully well soon. "It is well, it is well with my soul..." AMEN.
In-Kyung & Sung Wook
Posted by: Sung Wook Chung | February 06, 2011 at 03:27 PM
I have been following your updates on Joanne and praying for all of you. I have wanted to write how amazed I have been how God began working in this situation last summer long before anyone would have thought something like this could happen. God led you to move back to Colorado at just the right time so you would have all your family and friends right there to help all of you when Joanne had her stroke; where your girls could easily return to school when their Mom was not able to teach them. Best wishes to you all and keep us posted on the prayer needs.
Posted by: Diana | February 06, 2011 at 03:41 PM
God is in the APP business! You are so loved! Continued prayers for your sweet family!
Posted by: Rachel | February 06, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I am so glad to see how the body of Christ is ministering to all of you! I can't wait to hear of her using her new gadgets.
Still praying in Atlanta,
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel Pate | February 06, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Wow! I can't believe how quickly therapy has progressed even in the last 7 years. The app sounds awesome and the Wii has been fantastic for helping me improve my balance and hand/eye coordination. What generous, fun and perfect gifts for Joanne.
We'll keep praying every day for Joanne's recovery.
Posted by: Jen Abbas de Jong | February 06, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Our God is so good....He knows just how to love us in the most perfect way!
I am blessed because He has blessed you so perfectly. :)
Still praying in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.
Posted by: Sharon Brumfield | February 06, 2011 at 03:58 PM
Ok, I have read every update from you and Kristen and have been touched....but this one has me in tears. From the kind friends who gave you these devices, to the Apple guy to the 3200 emails, to "seeing" Joanne on her new "toys" some day getting better...Well it just got to me!
God and His people are good!
Posted by: Melana Cummings | February 06, 2011 at 03:59 PM
I love when technology is used for good! We're ready to hear from you Joanne!
Posted by: Cathy Davis | February 06, 2011 at 04:27 PM
God is in control - of course there's an app for that! Laughing with job. Still praising and praying.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | February 06, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Yay what great gifts! The Wii has great tools (games) for therapy. When I was in the hospital rehab we used Wii Fit games along with Wii Sports Resort (which we had at home) to work on different areas. The basketball game on Sports is one of my favorite ones. We had to move the controller to point down and then move up and forward to throw the ball. Tennis table helps move the arm, wrist and hand motions. Repetition is the key with learning, re-learning. To me, one of the best tools in recovery is doing things you like to do. The iPad can also help with finger movement, reading focus and probably more. I am so glad that you were helped! Praise God!
Posted by: Sara G | February 06, 2011 at 05:35 PM
WOW, God even works thru Apple! AMAZING! Have a blessed evening! HUGS from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | February 06, 2011 at 05:45 PM
"We have an app for that." Awesome--great story! Don't forget the Kindle app for all her favorite books when she's ready to read. Also, there is a stand for the iPad; it can be propped in front of the user so that they don't have to actually hold it. I have a feeling you already know about this, but I wanted to toss it out, just in case. Blessings ~K
Posted by: Kristin | February 06, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Continuing in prayer and praise!
Posted by: Betsy | February 06, 2011 at 06:43 PM
That is so neat that they have an app for that! We were on a vacation in the mountains since Friday, I my lost my iPad connection. But I didn't lose my connection to God, ( may have even had a better connection up there) so my prayers for Joanne continued. But as soon as we got back into a service area, I had to get my updates on Joanne.
I love your positive attitude in such a difficult time. I wish everyone in the LTAC had the prayer support going for them that Joanne has. If you give us some of theirs names, we can send up extra prayers for them and their families.
Posted by: Shasta | February 06, 2011 at 07:45 PM
What an awesome update!! Love the iPad and the Wii!!
Just letting you know Im still praying and believing for a total recovery!!
Our church has a "Miracle Service" on the 1st Sunday of the month and I went up for prayer for Joanne and others that are needing miracles today. My Pastor asked if I believe that they can be healed and I said yes!!! God just continues to amaze me in everything he does! He is Faithful with His Promises!!! Just reminding you that He IS the God who performs miracles!!!
Thank you for the awesome updates!!!
Still praying for your girls too, especially Emma! Hoping she can see her Mom very soon!!!
P.S. The Talking Tom App is very fun! And it's free!!! The girls will get a kick out of it!!!
Posted by: Colette | February 06, 2011 at 09:50 PM
Okay, I am officially, positively giddy with praise for all God has done...is doing....and will do in and through Joanne, you, your family. Thank you Toben for generously sharing this journey with us...it has been an unspeakable privilege to give our Lord praise and honor as He continues to reveal His Amazing Grace & Mercy!
Sending praise & prayers without ceasing on your behalf and for the residents at the LTAC.
Posted by: Ann Berg | February 06, 2011 at 09:59 PM
P.S.S
I forgot to tell you the "Words with Friends" app is really fun too!! :-)
(also free!)
Posted by: Colette | February 06, 2011 at 10:03 PM
I read your updates every day, and although you don't know me, I am getting to know your whole family through your story telling and your introductions.
Many prayers still coming your way from all over the world.
Has anyone mentioned the book "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor? She is a Harvard trained brain researcher who had a massive stroke in her late 30's and actually, because of her education, was/is able to describe the moment of the stroke, the recovery phases and what felt good (and what didn't) and what she wishes providers of care for stroke patients knew about how the patient is feeling (such as how light and sound were painfully magnified so greatly!) I am a nurse and found the book to be very informative and committed to telling everyone I know with stroke issues about it because of what Jill feels is important info for caregivers and family about the recovery stages.
Praying.........praying.........for recovery, peace, joy, relief.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | February 06, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Toben,
That is super news for this Super Bowl Sunday!
I must tell you that I have been looking into the IPad because I still have difficulty sitting at my laptop for any length of time.
I was in an awesome rehab...LifeCare off I225 but even they were behind the times with WiFi so this sounds like is just what the LORD ordered!
God is healing her inside and spiritually and you seem to have her outside/physical needs under control. Bless you.
I have a feeling that this week is going to be an amazing one...after all, as we sing in the song...OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!
Blesssing to the whole family!
Jerri
Posted by: Jerri G...Catersavvy on Twitter | February 06, 2011 at 10:20 PM
Ok one more thing and then I'm done!! I forgot, Beth has the LPM/SMT app and it is also FREE!!! Ok Good Night!!
Posted by: Colette | February 06, 2011 at 10:34 PM
As with Maribeth on the first comment I just sat and cryed on the GOODNESS of GOD how He CARES so much to PROVIDE the practical tools for Joannes recovery...
What a WOW GOD we serve.
Posted by: Ruthy :o) | February 07, 2011 at 01:44 AM
I stumbled across this blog via a few different 'crafty' blogs and became entranced by your family's story. What a strong, beautiful couple you both are! To support each other at times where you both needed it, without falter. As an ICU nurse myself (although for children), nothing makes me happier than seeing small milestones achieved by my patients. Remember that these are not small milestones, they are huge and exciting for Joanne - a cause for celebration. Whilst rehabilitation can be slow.. it's a chain of small links that eventually become bigger and more prosperous. It can be an arduous and emotional process watching a loved one's body heal from such a traumatic event. But it does heal, with time and most importantly, great patience. Keep positive and remember to look after yourself Toben. I can't stress that enough. It's ok to take time out for you, in fact, it's crucial for the well-being of you and your family. All the best. Erin.
Posted by: Erin | February 07, 2011 at 04:02 AM
Praising our Lord for the love and blessings sent from Above through people who have giving hearts. Praying for you Joanne from Bryan, Tx
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | February 07, 2011 at 07:16 AM
I'm a brain aneurysm survivor in North Carolina, and I continue to cheer Joanne on, go Joanne you can do it. Blessings to the whole family. Take care of yourself Toben, this is mentally very hard to deal with. Best wishes.... Carol.
Posted by: Carol | February 07, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Hi! We have that app for our 11 year old non-verbal son with autism...it is great!! Right now he really just uses it to let us know "I want French fries". Been following you since stroke and have to tell you what a blessing Joanne's words have been to me in her previous blogs. God is using her even in this time. You have a precious beautiful family. Will be keeping you all in my prayers!
Posted by: Nymom2my3sons | February 07, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Hi! I followed one of the "Praying for Joanne" buttons on someone's blog. So glad I did, as I will be joining you in prayer for her. I posted it on my blog, as well.
"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." James 5:16.
We serve a Mighty God who is the Divine Physician! May the Lord comfort you, your daughters and the entire family during this time and may He restore your wife to her fullest!
Posted by: Gail | February 07, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Toben - do not "Twitter" but have been following your tweets - just read your comment on J mouthing the word "black" ---- absolutely bawling - have been praying for her since day one - I work in rehab in nursing administration and God is truly performing a miracle - one day at a time! Yeah God!
Posted by: DigiNee | February 07, 2011 at 05:55 PM
I stumbled upon your blog from a friend. I am praying for you wife. I have special needs twin two year olds and we do lots of ST/OT/PT. I just recently got them an Ipad.
I really like this app:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/choiceboard-maker/id414362446?mt=8
Its customized so you can put your own pictures in to make choices. Its very simple and doesn't require a lot of fine motor skills.
I just wanted to share. We will also be getting Proloque2Go when the boys get a little older. Right now, they just enjoy simple apps like a piano, story readers, and "mood apps" where they choose how they feel.
Posted by: Vtabbey | February 09, 2011 at 08:37 AM
I heard about Joanne from Beth Moore's blog and have kept up ever since. You all are in my prayers and thoughts daily!
After reading your post about the ipad I wanted to write. I'm a former homeschooler/spec ed teacher and my 13 yr old son has severe dyslexia and we use ours like crazy. The ipad will be a phenomenal resource for Joanne.
I belong to a list serve of Assistive Technology professionals(I'm a lurker). They will be a great resource for you if you would like to join the list. Go to [email protected] as well as 2 other great resources on Facebook "Assistive Technology" and "iTeach Special Education-iDevices in Special Education". This is an amazing time to be in need of Assistive Technology it is just exploding with possibilities for those in need.
Also the book "Stroke of Insight" is a good book written by a young Dr.s journey after her stroke. Also the book "Spark:The revolutionary science of exercise and the brain" is interesting as well.
It is such a privilege to go to the Lord for you and your family in prayer!!
Posted by: Diane Conner | February 09, 2011 at 02:27 PM
This is something extraordinary. I can not used it for this purpose. But anyways it is genuine information.
Posted by: eyelift | February 28, 2011 at 02:17 AM
Wow! I can not believe how therapy has progressed rapidly, even in the last more then 5 years. The application looks awesome and the Wii has been great for helping me improve my balance and hand / eye coordination. I love this gift. Thanks!
Posted by: Lipo | July 06, 2011 at 06:02 AM