OCTOBER 2007

Here is some amazing footage of the progress Damien is working so hard to get. He still has a long road ahead, but baby steps like this keep him going.

APRIL 2007

Hey everyone. It’s me. I have a confession to make. I haven’t written an update in a while because I didn’t want to. I couldn’t rally enough rah rah to be this super inspirational person like I usually try to be. I’ve really been struggling with this whole trip lately. Believe it or not the thing that digs at me the most is that I’m getting closer. I just want it to be over already. It seems like the more I get back, the harder it gets. I know that might seem a little backwards but the more normal my body feels, the more I want to jump out of this chair and go for a surf. The good news is that I’m getting better. I’ve taken steps using a walker on a number of different occasions with the assistance of numerous trainers at Project Walk. It’s not pretty but I’m moving in the direction that I want to be. I believe that I am the featured client at Project Walk this month, which means that they will be posting video of my monkey walking on their web site. So if your interested in seeing me stumble towards my goals, check it out on Project Walk’s website.

I need to address a few things in this update that unfortunately aren’t easy to talk about. I’ve come to the point in my recovery where I am approaching a level of self-actualization that involves total surrender to what is. Seeing as how everybody that is reading this has been along for the ride, I feel as though it is appropriate for each and every one of you to hear my confessions. I haven’t been the type of friend I know I am capable of being. There is a part of me that has forgotten to take the time to stop and enjoy the little things in life because I have been so focused on over coming this hurdle. I don’t want to say I’ve become a hermit because I’m always out doing things, but I have definitely grown accustom to my comfort zones. It’s funny how life works though because those co-dependent safe places that I cling to for support never seem to last unless they come from within.

For those of you that know me well, it is no surprise when I say that my family has always been of the utmost importance to me. When I got hurt it took a major blow to the unity and warmth I am used to feeling from the support system I have grown to love. I have found that my dad really struggles with issues regarding his faith and it has showed up in his ability to get things done. Though his best efforts continue to hold our family together, this experience has aged him considerably. My mom has been my pillar of strength when it comes to faith but god has also filled her plate full of life’s trials and tribulations. On top of dealing with everything that goes along with having a son with a spinal cord injury, she has also been offered the challenge of taking care of my grandpa who is in the advanced stages of dementia. For those of you that haven’t had any first hand experience with dementia, all I can tell you is that it is a very difficult deteriorating condition that has onlookers watch as there loved ones slowly fade away right before their eyes. That too has also taking its toll on my whole family. My brother Danny and his friend Jason (my brotha’ from another motha’) have been angels for me in my recovery process. They help me out every weekend for extremely low wages despite their urges to run around and be crazy teenage boys. My brother Devin comes around a little more these days but I rarely see him and my brother Derek is totally missing in action. If anyone sees him tell’em I miss our chess games and deep conversations. In an ideal world I would have expected my brothers to be like best friends while helping me through this process, but this world is only what we choose to make of it. I have found comfort in the idea that we are only given as much as we can handle and everyone deals with crisis situations in different ways. I have also learned that having expectations does nothing more then limit the possibilities for positive outcomes. I have found that my expectations of what I would like to have come out of this opportunity continue to stand between who I am and who I need to be.

This recovery process goes far beyond just healing my physical body. Through this injury I have found that the life I was living before all of this drama came about was an illusion. I saw what I wanted to see and acted accordingly. To truly do something great I must rise above all of this and I have faith that when I do I will break free of all that is holding me down. The road is long and I am struggling, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I will make good things happen. Another issue that has really been getting to me lately is my recent break-up with my long time girlfriend Jessica. She has been my night in shining armor for the last two and a half years. In the midst of being my best friend, my girlfriend, my caretaker and my soul mate, she got so caught up in the drama of what has become “our“ life that she forgot to take care of herself and her goals. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to meet this wonderful person she is a beautiful, talented, young artist that must be able to express herself creatively or she will die on the inside. Her light was growing dim and it showed in our ability to explore this journey together, so the time came for us to part ways. I pray that she finds what she is looking for because that woman’s happiness means more to me then . . . well . . . I don’t know. But it’s pretty important, I’m sure you guys can figure out what I’m trying to say. Let’s just say it’s a pretty tough situation from both sides and leave it at that.

So I’ve got another uncomfortable little tidbit to share with everyone, I’m broke again. The costs that accompany this injury are out of this world. Just to give everyone an idea where the money goes, my weekly expenses for therapy, caregivers, food and gas are around $1800. That’s just the cost of daily living and therapy. Nothing else. I am applying for financial aid to help offset some of the cost of therapy, but I’m still going to run into some serious problems with funds for all the other expenses real soon. I’m not good at this begging for help thing especially when I have already received more help then I ever expected. I am currently looking to do another fundraiser before the annual football tournament to keep me afloat. I was hoping that by this time I would be helping with the fundraising to further assist other people, but this whole God’s speed thing is really screwing up my timetable. Stay tuned for updates regarding this lil shindig I’m working on. I think there’s gonna be liquor and bands and some sort of theme like Cowboys and Indians or something. I’m bummed on asking for MORE help, but I need it and it’s truly working. I’m still getting better. I’m on my feet for the love of God. I’m getting so close.

There is one more thing worth bringing up. I’m starting a rehabilitation center in Long Beach. I figure that saying thank you to everyone who has been there for me is really just lip service. This is my best effort for the time being to pay forward the good energy that has been sent my direction. This way all the prayers and what are not aren’t only helping me, but through me I’m hoping to start a movement that will change the way people think. In turn this will help cure thousands of people and give more hope to the idea that anything is possible. It’s kinda a joint venture thing I’m doing with an amazing friend I made on my journey towards healing myself. I’ve met many unbelievable people since I’ve been hurt and their effort towards living life to its fullest has made this process a blessing in disguise. I believe that there are enough people on this earth doing the right thing to change everything for the better. This center is going to be nothing more then all of the things I’m already doing except they will all be under the same roof. The modalities will include a Project Walk style form of neurological restructuring in combination with traditional forms of functional based physical therapy. It will also include deep tissue massage, holistic nutrition, hyperbaric oxygen chambers and state of the art medical equipment specifically catered towards helping spinal cord injury victims back on their feet.

Anyway gotta give some shots out to the Farris sisters, Megan and her crew of do gooders, Jerry, Chris, Dave and Stephanie my homies from PW. Good luck Dave and Steph Colorado should treat you well. Daniel and Ezzy for dealing with my sometimes-grumpy ass on a day-to-day basis. Danny and Jason for surrendering their teenage weekends to helping me out. It’s all about the killer burrito’s guys. And everyone else that continues to pray and donate towards my cause at doing something unthinkable. Keep the faith guys it’s working, I’m getting a little better everyday.

NOVEMBER 3, 2006

Hey everyone. Just thought I’d let you guys know that I took my first few steps. Yup,  a couple of weeks ago. It wasn’t pretty. I was sort of hanging in a sling that was positioned over a treadmill while two trainers moved my legs. I felt it though, for the first time in two years. I’m not exactly ready to go out dancing yet, but I’m definitely moving in the right direction. I started to work out at Saddleback College twice a week and in addition to project walk, I’m really starting to see some significant gains. I feel things really starting to connect.

Without Dan the Magic Man (my superior massage therapist), I’m not sure I’d make it through the week. This challenge offers mental, physical and emotional hurdles that require hands on professional help to get the tension out of my aching body. That reminds me, Dan the Magic Man will be at the football fundraiser this year doing wonderful things. If you come make sure you stop by for a quick massage. Once he lays his hands on you it’s all over. Dr. Jake and his son have also arranged for a DMS station to be set up. For those of who don’t know what the DMS machine is all about I urge anyone with knots in there back to cruise over to check it out.

So here’s the deal. I’m really sorry about the fact that I don’t update this website more. I know that it’s totally lame for all of the people that love me and continually check my progress. I appreciate the faith and prayers more then words could possibly explain. The truth is that I’m incredibly focused and I at times am so driven that I forget to stop and smell the roses. The rehab portion of this challenge is the easy part. Living like this on a daily basis often has me cursing at the idea of God’s speed (sorry Homes, just a metaphor). My family is really struggling with there own slices of life and at times I take too much of my frustrations out on the people trying to help me. I am deeply sorry for those who have found themselves in this unfortunate position. I promise that I will continue to heal on the inside and out. I don’t know where I would be without you.

I am getting better and I am getting closer to my goal everyday. I’m going to try to write about a paragraph a week to keep everyone in the loop. Much love to SMCHS and everyone involved with the tournament and the Italian Lawyers association and my Mom  and chocolate chip cookies from the Hilton and to all of the prayers and thoughts and donations and all the English teachers I ever had that would fail me for a run on sentence like this one. Muahhhhh!!!!!

APRIL 10, 2006

Hello everyone, it’s me Damien.  Yup, it’s actually Damien.  I guess I’d like to start by saying that I am truly sorry it’s taken me so long to write this update.   I have been lost in an attempt to find myself.  All is well though, I assure you.  Your thoughts and prayers have been with me as I have been building a self that is filled with nothing but love.  I’ve been stumbling on my thoughts for months now, trying to come up with the perfect thing to say to a community that has been so good to me.  Your love and support have honestly changed the person I thought I once was. I’d like to start this update by thanking each and every person that has been involved in my healing process.   The journey I’ve been traveling for the last year and a half has taken me places much deeper than just the physical aspects of a spinal cord injury, and I’m eternally grateful that you all have chosen to travel with me.  Thank you! 

Before I got hurt I thought I understood a whole lot more than I actually did.  For those of you who had to put up with me, I have to say “oops” my bad.  I have come to learn that there are only a few absolutes you can truly count on: God, Love, the Power of Prayer, and Change.  All of these things have played a starring role in the drama that has become my life. All of you, and I mean anyone who cared enough to take the time out of their day to read this update, have played a crucial role in my life as well. So…I may as well get down to the meat and potatoes of what’s been going on over the last couple of months.

The readers digest version is that I’m getting better and I’m much better then I was since the last update. My physical and emotional state has improved dramatically. I have found that these two states are very closely linked. Project Walk continues to be the back bone of my physical rehabilitation process, but I have been working out two additional days a week with a friend that has wheelchair accessible weight equipment in his garage. I have seen significant results in my ability to recover faster after workouts when I visit the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. For those of you who are not familiar with an oxygen chamber, it saturates your body with 100% pure oxygen while compressing an air tight MRI like tube to a depth equal to about 2.1 atmospheres worth of pressure. The major benefits include increased blood circulation and quicker recovery after intense physical therapy sessions. The opportunity to visit the oxygen chamber fell right out of the heavens into my lap in the form of donated time from the Breedlove family and the Whitiker Wellness Center. At $215 dollars a session twice a week, this is yet another blessing that has changed the person I am and of course my ability to heal.

And who could forget Dr. Jake, ohh Dr. Jake. This quirky wonderful man has been part of my life for a good 8 months now. His DMS (Deep Muscle Stimulator) machine has not only helped thousands of athletes and entertainers, but now everyone is using it at Project Walk too.  Somehow, Dr. Jake’s numerous visits to Project Walk along with the hours and hours of free time he’s spent working with me have fit between his busy schedule of out of town conventions with the NBA, major league baseball and the NFL. When he’s not working a full schedule of clients at his chiropractic office in Newport, he’s training the therapists at Project Walk on the DMS machine he donated, or he’s working on me after his office closes for business. So I told him to retire, and he agreed…or something along those lines. Anyway after 30 plus years of helping those in pain, he is packing up ship and moving to palm desert where he can bask in the sun and enjoy some well deserved R & R. Dr. Jake, I love you man and there are not words that can explain how grateful I am to have met you. Your style and grace has made me a better person and I promise that I will pay forward the soulful kindness that you have blessed me with.

The caregiver update. Simply stated, I asked God to throw me a bone and he threw me two. After months of searching for the perfect people to put up with me, I found Issac and Ezzy. When I became completely fed up with searching dozens of agency’s, I put in a desperation plea for a special person that shared the same vision I have. I put an ad on craig’slist.com requesting someone to help me pull off a miracle. Issac and Ezzy are both very special people that have just enough sugar and spice to stand tall in an effort to defy all odds. I still haven’t figured out what proves to be a tougher challenge, getting me on my feet or listening to me complain about how sick I am of sitting still. For those of you that know me, the longest I ever sat still before I got hurt was ahh . . .  well, I don’t think I ever sat still. So include Issac and Ezzy in your prayers please. 

My family is good, thanks for asking.  I’ve been known to creep over to mom and dad’s to catch a meal and some American Idol. But were going to have to keep that on the down low (Chris the rocker is a shoe in for the title). My lovely Jess graduated from USD last semester with straight A’s, and that’s cause she’s a kick ass artist. You’re the shit babe, I love you with all my heart. As for my brothers, they are a bunch of monkey’s and I think they gave my dog fleas.  Once in a while I enjoy collecting money from my buddies playing cards when the random poker game sails through. Oh yeah, I became part of the “my space” craze. So please feel free to send me a comment or message, it’s so lame but I’m so addicted. Please don’t forget to take a second to sign the guest book on this website, it’s the first thing I look at when I open my computer.  I have to give a shout out to Mo for dropping me so many inspirational lines. 

Okay so I’m not the best at details when it comes to my actual physical progress. Let’s just say that I’m again standing and the way the world feels under my feet is all I needed to show me that the end of this journey is readily attainable. Jess wanted me to tell everyone that I just began typing on the computer with my fingers, well my index finger. I’m still working on the others. Basically, I’m still highly motivated and determined to get on my feet. I’d like to send a special thanks to my trainers at Project Walk that put up with my squaking on a daily basis. Thanks Jerry, Goose, J.J. and Jim.

AUGUST 20, 2005

If there is one thing that is constant in the lives of Damien and his family, it is change.  A lot of people fear the scary unknown, and the Minnas are not an exception in most cases.  Damien’s accident demanded all of us to change quite reluctantly, especially Damien.  He never wanted to change how he lived, how he ate, slept, walked and moved.  None of us welcomed these changes.  As the one-year mark approaches on the 21^st of this month, I think Damien has truly come full circle.  Now the one thing we pray for each night and hope to hear about all day is change.  Any change in Damien’s body is a small miracle in itself.   Accepting what has happened and deciding that he will change it is where Damien is today.

I’m ecstatic to fill you in this month on Damien’s physical progress.  His upper body strength is improving more and more each day, and with this new strength comes some functional movement.  Any new movement Damien gets back is very exciting, but when he is able to put it to use in his everyday experiences we drop our jaws in unison.  Tonight we went to Taco Tuesday at Flamingos for dinner, something the Minna family does on a weekly basis.  Some of us ordered Coronitas to drink (little Coronas) and I gave Damien a few sips of his.  Damien tried to hold the bottled three or four times while the whole table stared at his failure.  He got frustrated and embarrassed so I didn’t force it.  A few minutes later I reached up to give him another gulp and he said to me as he turned his head away, “let me do it- I don’t care if I spill all over myself in front of all these people”.  So I put the bottle in his hands, and Damien finished the beer on his own with six sets of eyes glued to him every sip, and he didn’t even spill!  I don’t think it is possible for any of us to realize the humiliation and total frustration Damien felt at that table tonight, and to think how he handled it is unexplainable.  These small successes of Damien’s have added up to one man who has overcome one of the most adverse situations a person could imagine being in.

Damien continues to do well at Project Walk.  He is doing modified push ups using an exercise ball to help support his weight.  He can consistently extend both of his legs in a seated position.  He can also balance himself in a seated position without assistance.  Most significantly, Damien can push his body weight using his legs on an incline bench (Total Gym).  Not only can Damien use these muscles to lift his body weight, he can also lift an additional 40 lbs.  He can do more than two sets of 25 reps of this exercise.  It would be an understatement to say Damien’s trainers were surprised at his strength that day.  I think everyone is in agreement that the workouts Damien is doing three days a week at Project Walk have significantly helped Damien’s recovery.  The expense is quite extreme ($100 an hour at 8 hours per week), and thanks to Ramone and Jamie Lopez’s financial support Damien is able to continue attending.  Damien would also like to thank Project Walk trainers Jerry, Lindsey, JJ and the rest of the staff for their continued efforts.

The other two days of the week, Damien goes out to Corona Del Mar to Dr. Jake Pivaroff’s office.  Dr. Jake is a chiropractor who invented a machine called a deep muscle stimulator (DMS).  DMS is used to deeply stimulate the muscles using vibration therapy with the intentions of activating the nervous system.  By stimulating the propreoceptors, Dr. Jake believes that the DMS will speed up Damien’s healing process.  Dr. Jake read about Damien in the newspaper and contacted him to offer his services.  He has been donating his time and services for three months now, and Damien claims to have noticed some positive differences such as decreased soreness, increased blood flow, less spasms, improved muscle strength and range of motion.  Dr. Jake has since met with the trainers at Project Walk and volunteered to train them with a donated DMS machine as well.

Some of the simple things that Damien can do again are perhaps the most exciting.  Things that we take for granted on a daily basis like using the television control or a cell phone are the things Damien is now able to do again.  He uses his computer a lot, and turns his own book pages when reading.  He gives especially good hugs with his newfound arm strength.  He’s eating more and more on his own, and attempting to hold silverware, though that’s still a big challenge.  He loves listening to audio books on his ipod while he’s driving to and from therapies.  Most of all Damien enjoys getting out of the house and hanging out with his family and friends.  Last month he went to the Improv to see Damon Waynes and Chris Tucker perform.  He enjoys watching the first place Angels play at the Angels Stadium twice a month. On the 25^th of August Damien will be going on his first trip since his accident to Las Vegas for a Fantasy Football League.  He’s very excited to go and get out of Mission Viejo for a few days.  The Vasiles were in town recently, and Damien was able to hang out with everyone for a couple days.  They played a big poker game one night too, and after they all left Damien said to me that the “wacko Vasile clan” hasn’t changed a bit.

A year after Damien’s accident he still swears that everyone’s thoughts and prayers get him through the tough times.  He checks his website everyday and loves to hear from all of you, so if you read this update make sure you tell him hello in the guestbook.  Or if you like you can also shoot Damien an email at damianminna@hotmail.com and he will respond himself!  Damien is really looking forward to the upcoming fundraiser events.  The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association is holding a banquet for the top trial lawyer of 2005 on October 28th.  If you’d like to donate any auction items for the fundraiser, please contact Ramone and Jamie Lopez at (949) 640-8222 (ask for Jamie).  All proceeds from the auction will go to Damien’s recovery and medical expenses.  Santa Margarita High School’s 2^nd annual Football Turkey Bowl is approaching as well on November 25^th at SMCHS.  Be there or be square!  Damien cannot wait to attend this year.  All proceeds go to Damien from the tournament.  Keep checking back for more information about upcoming events.  We appreciate all your love and support, and please know that all your prayers are working!!! 

JUNE 4, 2005

You know the phrase “slowly but surely”, or “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, or “only time will tell”?  They must have been remembered for situations such as this.  Damien is constantly saying how much patience is required of him these days, and those of us who know Damien we know that patience is not one of his innate characteristics.  For those of you who don’t know him as well, try and understand that Damien was that crazed hyper kid in your class who couldn’t sit still and who knew the route to the principle’s office a little too well.  Sometimes that crazy kid in Damien will suddenly appear and he’ll throw his rig in hyper drive and off he’ll go whisking away in the parking lot.  You see his eyes grow big and that sneaky mischievous grin reveals itself again on his face.  But a lot of the time Damien is forced to deal with sitting still in a chair inside a house, unable to do much of anything that’s functional.  He frequently feels like he wants to “jump out of his skin” as he puts it.  It’s these times when he must dig really deep inside himself to find that small portion of patience God managed to give him.  The good news is that all this waiting is paying off…”slowly but surely”.

Words on a computer screen could never give Damien’s improvement any sort of justice.  His entire body, as well as his mind, is getting stronger and stronger everyday.  What is immediately noticeable when you see him is the life in his eyes.   Then you see the movement and range in his arms.  I think every muscle in his arms is working to some extent, though still weak.  He still has very limited hand/finger movement, but he is able to grasp a small paper cup and eat trail mix and drink lemonade with his left hand.  He is working on eating with a fork that straps to his hand as well.  And in the same manner he can use the eraser side of a pencil to navigate the Internet on his laptop computer.  I remember when we were in Colorado at Craig Hospital, Damien would say he’d get excited when the day came that he could pick his nose with his own finger.  Now he does it with ease.  And not only can he just pick his nose, he has gained tremendous strength in his neck and shoulders, his torso, and he has small movements in his legs as well.  He can curl all ten of his toes now, much improved from his one left pinkie toe that he managed to wiggle one morning at Craig (at which time I nearly had a heart attack I was so happy).  He can flex his thigh and calf muscles on most days, and he can kick his legs out on a regular basis at Project Walk (as described in the previous update).  Damien’s movement is jaw dropping, and if it is telling of what is to come in the future (and I can’t help to think it is) then we are in awesome shape!

We also do lots of fun things.  Damien and I, his friends and family have gone to see the Angels play, the Lakers, the Clippers, various concerts, we go to San Diego to hang out, the OC swap meet, we all go out to dinners quite often, and the other night we all went to see Damon Waynes perform at the Improv.  I’d say Damien is pretty active for his situation.  He likes to get out and do things as much as he can, though it is frustrating for him that he always needs somebody else to find time to accompany him.  We are all very grateful that he still likes to be out of the house and social, and that he has the transportation needed.  He still attends Project Walk three days a week as well.  The time he spends there seems to really be paying off as we can assume from the improvements in his strength and movement.  The facility fits Damien’s needs perfectly.  It’s simply a big gym with a young staff and loud music playing to work out to.  They all had a pool going for American Idol, predicting who would win and in what order, and Damien went home with first prize.  Damien also started getting deep tissue massages, which he says make a world of difference for the pain he feels in his neck and shoulders and also for his range of movement.  He still is searching for an occupational therapy program that suits his needs. 

You’d think after such an accident as Damien’s that nothing extreme would happen for a while, but I guess life goes on right?  Well as many of you know, Damien needs a home care nurse to help him on a daily basis.  For a long time Jerry was that person, and he and Damien became really great friends.  We all grew to have a relationship with Jerry as he would hang out with Damien a lot, playing poker with his friends and even staying around for family dinners.  Well unfortunately a few weeks ago we discovered that Jerry had been stealing money from Damien and his family by forging in home care time sheets for social services.  When Jerry realized that we knew, he disappeared and we haven’t seen him since.  It turns out Jerry stole over $4,000.  A complaint has been filed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the licensing board for vocational nurses.  Not only are Damien and everyone who knew Jerry emotionally hurt, but also it is quite difficult to find someone to immediately resume taking care of Damien the next morning.  We were so lucky to find Ray just a couple weeks after Jerry left.  Ray has proved to be a wonderful blessing for Damien and us all.

Also, Damien’s father Dennis recently had a minor heart surgery.  An artery in his heart was partially clogged, and a stint was put in to correct the problem.  The surgery went very well, and Dennis was hospitalized overnight and told to take it easy for a couple weeks.  Everything is fine now, but the role reversal was a bit unsettling for Damien to visit his Dad in the hospital.  The fact that we as humans are not indestructible is becoming a little too evident in the Minna family.  I haven’t mentioned yet that Damien’s younger brother Derek just had his fourth ACL surgery and will have a fifth in December.  So he’s limping around the house as well.

Despite all of this, Damien is overall motivated and maintains a strong will.  He is excited about his progress and believes with all of his heart that he will significantly get better with time.  He definitely has bad days, and he would say it’s not easy to exist in this new body he’s recently been given, but he never doubts that somehow he will survive this and be okay. 

MARCH 13, 2005

It has been an amazing month for Damien, with only more progress coming his way. As many of you may have read in the OC Register article distributed on March 12, Damien has done what some never expected him to do again. This update quotes some of the wonderfully written recent article by William Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler has been kind enough to follow Damien's  injury and progress over the past 6 1/2 months. As well us writing several informative and touching articles on Damien. We are working on getting copies of all of the articles to post on this site. Many thanks to Mr. Wheeler!!

 In mid February, while lying on his back with his right leg hanging lifeless over the edge of the table, Damien's brow furled with the strain of concentration and his breath came in short, broken measures. Deliberately and unaided, he extended his left leg into the air. We are all so excited about that shocking moment, but know there is still such a long way to go. When he moved his leg last month, trainer Eric Harness sat near and coaxing him on: "Again, slow, like that" Slower muscle movements mean better muscular coordination.

Damien is still making trips to Project Walk, an experimental rehab center in Carlsbad that charges $100 an hour, four times a week. Damien says: "I try to steer clear of listening to statistics and doctors' analysis, because honestly, up to now, I have been proving them wrong, and I plan on continuing to do that. I just want to get married and have kids and have a normal, functional life.

Over the past few months, friends and family have watched Damien's body struggle slowly to come alive. He has regained some sensation in different areas of his body and limited muscle movements in his toes, biceps, shoulders and now his leg. Damien never thought he would have to push so hard just to move his leg.

Damien admits he has his share of difficult moments. During quiet times, contemplating life in a wheelchair, he gets frustrated with the pace of his healing. Those are the times when he relies most on others. He spends time playing cards with high school buddies, and watching movies with Jess and his brothers.

We are all so proud of Damien's hard work, and are thankful that it is finally showing him a little progress. Keep checking back for information on the May "Golf Tournament/Casino Night" fundraiser. Continued thanks for all of the prayers and well wishes.

FEBRUARY 10, 2005

First of all, we apologize for the delay in another update. But between adjusting to Damien's return, the holidays, rehab at Project Walk, and searching for a caretaker, the Minna's have been very busy. Damien is adjusting well to life back in Mission Viejo, as well as working his butt off to rehabilitate. Damien currently visits Project Walk 4 times a week for therapy sessions and is so pleased with what they offer him. It is definitely hard work, but it is slowly paying off. The people at Project Walk believe that with time and hard work, Damien appears to be a possible candidate for some recovery. So we are doing everything possible to continue his treatment there. Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance so it will be a very high continued expense. But the most hope found yet.

We are so proud to announce that Damien is no longer using the "Sip-n-Puff" drive for his wheelchair. He is using the "Hand Drive" full-time now. It takes a lot of concentration, but Damien is mastering it. He is also regaining movement in both of his arms. He can lift his left arm to his head, and his right arm to his nose. Now they are working on gaining muscle strength and gription in his hands. But once again, it all just takes time.

The Minna's have be searching high and low for a live-in caretaker, and haven't had any luck yet. If anyone has any suggestions, we would appreciate hearing them. Aside from the huge expense that comes with a caretaker, it is hard to find one that clicks with Damien. It is such a personal situation, so comfort is VERY important. Damien has found a caretaker during that day that he adores. But Jerry is unable to live-in. Just another thing that insurance does not cover.

Damien is socializing again, which has been so good for his spirit. He is so thankful for all of the family and friends that have come to his side. He gets "cabin fever" just sitting around, so the van has been so great to get him around town. He has been hitting malls, movies, Taco Tuesday, and best of all Poker Night every week. He enjoys the typical "Minna House Chaos"  so spend a lot of time at the family house too.

Just so you all know, there will be another fundraiser in Damien's honor coming up. We do not have the dates and exact information just yet. But keep your eyes peeled for the Golf Tournament & Casino Night soon to come. Damien will enjoy seeing you all there, as this will be the first one he can attend. Also keep a look out in the Orange County Register for another article on Damien. Reporter, Bill Wheeler, will be visiting Damien at Project Walk on Feb. 15th for his next story.

Once again, we thank everyone for the continued prayers and support!!!

DECEMBER 26, 2004

We are happy to announce that Damien has returned home from Craig Hospital in Colorado. There was such a heartwarming welcome for him at the airport when he arrived. A large group of family and friends were there to cheer him on as he exited the plane. It was so nice for Damien to finally see and feel in person, all of the love and support that has come his way. He was styling on the way home in the AWESOME donated van. He is currently residing at his Grandfather's house (Papa).  Luckily, it is a one story home that was able to be tweaked a bit to accommodate Damien for the time being. Damien is slowly adjusting to this way of life, but still has moments of frustration and sorrow. But through it all, he still remains determined and hopeful for more improvement in his rehabilitation. The family has felt very blessed to have him home for the holidays. He traveled back with a fantastic nurse from Craig Hospital, Howard. Howard will stay with Damien during his first week home to help him adjust to his new environment. The Minna's are currently searching for a caretaker to help Damien. They have yet to find one and would appreciate any recommendations. We hope to have Damien at "Project Walk" by the first of the year for some intense rehab. Damien's journey continues, and we are thankful to help him every step of the way!! 

DECEMBER 16, 2004 AT 9:45 am PST

Wow!  What progress we’ve made since the last update.  A lot has happened here in Colorado as well as at home in California.  Damien’s strength has improved tremendously, and he is almost totally independent in his hand drive wheelchair.  He can move his pinky toes on both feet, and sometimes he can slightly move his left foot!  These little improvements have uplifted Damien’s spirits tremendously, and at the same time he simply says, “see it’s only a matter of time”.  Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day right?

Meanwhile, Damien has entered the horrible world of UTI’s (urinary tract infections). Unfortunately they are quite routinely, and Damien will have to work hard to ward them off as much as possible.  Just a few days ago he underwent a surgical procedure to insert a different catheter that goes directly into his bladder through his lower abdomen.  Hopefully this catheter won’t cause as many UTI’s, but meanwhile Damien must take a heavy antibiotic cocktail which causes him severe nausea.  Lately this has prevented Damien from working as hard as he’d like to, and it’s taking a toll on him psychologically.

We are absolutely astounded at what has been happening in California the past couple of months.  I personally cannot wait for Damien to get home so that he can witness for himself all of the wonderful people that are actively supporting him.  Here in snowy Englewood, it almost seems like a dream for us.  First, the Fountain Valley Fire Department and many others get together for dinner to support Damien at the Claim Jumper, then half of southern California gathers together on a football field to get sweaty and dirty in honor of one man, and now for the Coto Christmas Tour and one anonymous angel who has given Damien the vehicle that will allow him a slice of freedom.  A thank you to all of you who have contributed and reached out to Damien is just not enough.  What you have done for him is indescribable.  When so many in his situation feel abandoned and forgotten, Damien has become quite the celebrity.  Your love is a miracle in itself, to say the very least.

As Christmas approaches, so does our return home this month on Monday, the 20^th.  If Damien could jump out of his pants and scream “FINALLY!” no doubt he would.  Living in a hospital room for four months would make anyone crazy no matter what the circumstance.  Being united again as the Minna family, and seeing his brothers on an everyday basis will do wonders for his spirit.  He especially can’t wait for little Dillon to cuddle up in bed with him and lick his face.  Until then, we will go through an intense final week of more and more education, packing, and preparing to leave the bubble that Craig Hospital provides.   

And so we will see all of you soon in California!

Jessica

November 3, 2004 at 10:00 PM PST

We are full of excitement since discovering the perfect "next step" for Damien's rehab. After doing the much needed research, it seems that Project Walk's intense treatment is proving great results. The biggest obstacle is affording to send him there. Unfortunately, Project Walk is not covered by insurance. We are so thankful for all of the donations thus far. They will greatly help in giving Damien the chance to explore this opportunity.

The upcoming fundraisers have really put a smile on Damien's face. He appreciates everyone's efforts in helping him get through this journey. He promises that while he can't be at the fundraisers, he will be working hard on his healing process.

If any of you are wondering what Project Walk is, please take a look at their website to see what it is all about!! PROJECT WALK