Rage Against The Minivan

Today was an exciting day for Mark, with some huge milestones that we have been praying for. He started the day with physical therapy, and was able to sit in his wheelchair for two hours! He was begging us to wheel him around, of course, but several IV chords were standing between Mark and the open road. They removed his stomach tube, which was a huge relief, and started him on clear fluids – his first meal since Friday night.. The big news today was that Mark graduated out of Intensive . . .

What happened to Mark:Mark Howerton was in an accident late Friday night, March 12. He and his wife Kristen were driving home with friends when they witnessed a two-car collision. Mark pulled over to the side of the road to offer assistance. The cars were in the right lane of the road. Mark was standing in the shoulder trying to calm the driver when a third car came speeding by and did not see the cars in the road. This car braked quickly and fishtailed into the shoulder, hitting Mark and . . .

Mark is continuing to recover at a rapid pace that is amazing both us and the doctors. He has officially been cleared of any chronic injuries and his prognosis is full recovery after rehab! It’s hard to believe that a little over a week later, Mark has been recommended to enter the “acute rehab facility” here at UCI. This was great news for us, because it is a wonderful program and very difficult to get into. Our caseworker did a little insurance miracle-working and Mark got the green light! . . .

Mark had a great day today. He had his first session of physical therapy, and was able to sit up in bed for the first time. He was also fitted for his leg and pelvic brace, which he’ll be wearing for several weeks. Mark’s lungs have passed the critical stage, and he will not require a ventilator. He still needs oxygen because of the swelling, but the doctor anticipates that going down over the next week.His blood count is still low, but not low enough for another transfusion yet. We’re . . .