We have just observed the fifth anniversary of Ross's calamitous injury. As we reflect on the last five years and the tremendous gains Ross has made, despite a dire prognosis of a permanent vegetative state with no improvement, we are reminded that Ross could not have done this without your support. Ross continues to progress in all areas: cognition, speech, fine motor skills and gross motor skills.

Ross recently said, “I am in the world now.” Indeed, it seems that Ross has moved from the stage of being primarily aware of only himself to a sense of himself in his relationships. Ross has been telling us that he is a man since March, when he emphatically yelled, “No women! I am a man!” while Betsy and a female caregiver were taking care of his private needs. One day recently, when Rusty wiped Ross's mouth (without first asking), Ross said, “Ah, Dad. There is something you need to understand, I am a man!”

Another area of growth is Ross's ability to control the new power chair. One night recently, Ross and his dad took the garbage can to the street for pickup. Rusty pulled the garbage can and Ross traveled alongside, expertly negotiating the curves, turns and halts. Rusty was pleased because it was something they used to do together.

We recently discontinued one of Ross's medications because it was causing him to be combative. About ten days after we had cut the dosage, a calmer Ross said to his mother, “It is such a relief to finally have a family that loves me.” This gives us a glimpse of conversations to come when Ross can talk about his perceptions, concerns and hopes.

Ross is progressing in his ability to open bottles with screw top lids to find a gummy bear inside (he even works without a food incentive at times). Not only can he feed himself with a spoon, fork or his fingers, but he pulls up a napkin or towel to his chin with the first two fingers of his right hand. He sometimes points the index finger on his left hand, a new skill. He is also beginning to hold his own cup for drinking.

In December, a new Occupational Therapist who is certified in Neurodevelopmental Training started working with Ross. Her emphasis has been to have Ross crawling, standing and walking since those skills are developmentally basic. (It is important to note that she has been able to do more with Ross because she has the assistance of Jeremiah, who is big, strong and has become an exceptional therapy assistant.) Ross is combat crawling on his stomach with the therapist helping his left foot and leg. He is also standing and walking on his knees, again with assistance. He rolls from his stomach to his back and from his back to his stomach with ease. When lying in bed, if the railing is down, he moves both legs off the bed in preparation for standing. When seated on the edge of the bed, he is able to sit while the caregiver puts the chair in position. On the plinth (therapy table), Ross sits dynamically (normally) for a long time by himself and even moves his right foot for more stability. But the really exciting thing is that Ross can stand up with someone holding his hands and is now walking from his bed (about four feet) to his chair with Jeremiah's arm around him. Ross's right foot moves normally at these times, but the left foot requires cueing; Ross even initiates turns in order to sit down in the chair. He has a long way to go before he can walk easily, but even Ross says, “I'm walking.” You may remember that a year ago, it took five people just to help Ross stand.

Ross has a full schedule five days a week. He works with the Physical Therapist for three to four hours a week, the Occupational Therapist for two hours a week, the speech therapist one hour a week, and sees the chiropractic neurologist once a week. He sees the medical neurologist every two to three months, the neurosurgeon once a year and just started seeing an endocrinologist. His two visits a year to the dentist require sedation by an oral surgeon.

Ross also pedals sixty to ninety minutes every day, stands in his wheel chair, drives around the driveway, plays kick ball in his chair and writes and draws daily. He still requires around the clock care and now that he is on the verge of standing by himself, his caregivers and family need to be even more vigilant.

The Dillons continue to be a resource for other families who are caring for their brain injured loved ones. Betsy is continuing to research nutrition that promotes healing and is sharing that information with others. The Dillons have also been able to help other families find neurologically trained therapists. Ross's accelerated growth five years post injury, something the medical profession believed to be impossible, is an encouragement to his family and to others around the world. The Dillons have also been helped by networking with other families. For example, the information that the anti seizure medication might cause combativeness came from a family whose loved one had experienced the same side effects.

You who have supported Ross's rehabilitation were extremely generous last year. The total unreimbursed expenses for 2006, excluding the power chair, were $130,032. Contributions of $121,925 came from 361 donors. An additional three donors contributed $39, 396 designated for the purchase of the new power chair. There are no plans for more equipment purchases this year, but therapy and caregiver costs will be greater. I am asking you to continue your generous giving so that Ross can continue his inspirational journey toward independence. Without your help, the Dillon Family would not have the resources Ross needs to continue his rehabilitation. Contributions are tax deductible in partnership with WaterStone Support Foundation.

You can make a tax-deductible contribution for Ross's rehabilitation by sending a check made payable to WaterStone (please write Go Home Foundation #7528 on the memo line). WaterStone Support Foundation will send you a receipt for your charitable gift. You can also call WaterStone with any questions you have or to make a credit card donation (719 447-4620; calling hours 8:30-4:30, M-F, Mountain Time). If you are considering other ways to contribute, such as direct withdrawal from your bank, gifts of appreciated assets or donations in kind, call WaterStone directly and they will walk you through the process. They are very friendly and helpful. (WaterStone Support Foundation is the new name of the organization previously known as National Foundation, Inc.)

The Go Home Foundation is a Ministry Charity Project of WaterStone Support Foundation, Inc., TID# 84-1430063. All contributions are irrevocable gifts under the direction and control of the WaterStone Board of Directors, but will be restricted for the general purposes of the Ministry Charity Project.”