The last graft is complete!

(Here is Ethan at the beginning of this school year... we can't wait to see that smile here at school again!)

On Thursday, January 11th, Ethan had his 7th surgery which completed the grafting process. All of his burns have now been successfully covered! For this most recent surgery, grafts were taken from his upper back area to cover his neck and chin. Since it was critical for there to be no movement in this area, Ethan was heavily sedated and a "paralytic" was used to keep him from moving. He was kept on a ventilating machine during this time. After 4 days in the Pediatric Critical Care Unit, they began reducing the medication that was keeping him sleeping... it didn't take long for Ethan to begin moving parts of his body and squeezing his mommy's hand to let her know that he could hear her.

Ethan is now back in the Adult Burn Unit at Vanderbilt. He is such a little fighter. The day after he woke up from his long "sleep", he got up and walked by himself into the hydrotherapy room. Way to go "E"! Today he walked all the way to the nurses station! All of the nurses have been so fantastic and they love Ethan just like we all do!

Ethan's arms and hands are healing really well! The sites on his thighs where the last grafts were taken for his chest is also healing slowly, but nicely. His newer grafts on his chest, neck and chin have a way to go... but they will get there.

In the next week, Sara and Ethan will begin the next phase of their journey of healing. They will be going to the Shriners Hospital to begin a 3-4 week physical therapy program. There Ethan and Sara will learn all of the stretches and procedures that Ethan will need to be doing for some time to regain his mobility. Since they will be leaving soon, it will be best not to send any more items or notes to the Ronald McDonald House location.

As they have been doing up until now...they will continue to take things one day at a time... Please continue to strengthen them with your prayers. Specific concerns are for the speedy healing of the new grafts on his chest, neck and chin... also for a good transition for both of them as they go to a new place. God has provided for them each step of the way, and He will continue to provide for their needs. They have been so blessed through the people that they have met in Nashville. Let's pray for God's continued provision of His people to stand by their side.

Go ETHAN!!!