On Tuesday, (Sept. 4) we had some very special visitors from the UK. Stu and his brother, Iain Mackinnon, made a stop in McGehee on their way down to New Orleans to meet the canoe guys.  Stu started the Mississippi Challenge with Dan B. and Dan H. He broke his heel (very bad) while on a layover in Memphis. Stu and Iain were just as adorable and charming as the other British guys. Iain flew over from Germany to take care of his big brother while the others are finishing the Mississippi River adventure. We had a lot of fun with them and of course…loved the way they talked! We just wish we could have had more time with Dan B., Steve, Dan H. Stu and Iain. I think they were exposed to the real southern lifestyle…ya’ll!! I have the best friends as they loaded the guys with homebaked goodies. They also fell in love with the cute Brits! Potlatch was gracious again for letting the guys spend the night in one of their apartments.  Dan B. has kept us up to date daily on the progress down the Mississippi. They should reach mile marker 0 tomorrow or Saturday. We were promised a picture to post on the webpage of all of them completing their challenge. Stu’s pictures told the story as they begin this adventure back in June. These guys are truly awesome and have inspired all who come in contact with them. Dan Hopwood is a remarkable person. I can not tell you how much John, Matt and I admire him. What a book they could write about this trip! They do have some stories!! I have felt like their “American Mom” as I have worried about barges and all sorts of dangers that they could face in the Mississippi. Oh, I want to thank Rachel for the great article on the front page of the paper about the Mississippi Canoe Challenge. Hopefully, this will bring spinal cord research and awareness to others. Matt has been blessed to meet some inspiring and couragous people with a SCI–Mike Schlappi, Pat Rummerfield, Congressman Jim Langevin and numerous guys and girls from PW to KKI and now Dan Hopwood. All do not let their disability keep them for pursuing their dreams. All have impressed on our hearts to not give up and keep pushing forward.

Matt has been fitted for KAFO braces. They will be ready soon. I know he is excited to be able to get around in braces. He uses the Swiss Stim daily. That is something new that he responded well to while at KKI. We go back to Baltimore (Kennedy Krieger Institute) right after Thanksgiving for 3 weeks this time.

Thank you for your prayers and support. The prayers are being answered as we have so much hope and encourgement. Please keep praying for Matt…

God Bless,

Sancy