Zack Pensak Blog

He’s home!!!!!!!

The Pensaks — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:40:56 +0000

Sat, 2/13…Z is home and happy and catching up on his tv, texting, etc. In other words, getting back to normal. We are grateful, thrilled, exuberant (and tired), and are cherishing every minute of his return and the return of our normal life here in Westport. We were able to make it through this stressful and scary time because of the outpouring of love, support and prayer from all of you and we will never forget your kindness and caring when we most needed it. Love, Eve

Wed 2/10 – The Snow Day

The Pensaks — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:04:33 +0000

I am happy to report that Zack is making amazing progress here at Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital (in Wallingford CT). Yes we switched. Hard to find the words to describe our profound relief at seeing him “clear” from the injury and be able to talk and laugh and joke around with us. Soon he will be home and will ease his way back into Staples life. That is the update for today. Have fun in the snow!
Love, Eve

Feb 6 Zack progress

The Pensaks — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:03:30 +0000

Today’s update: It is 13 days since Zack’s accident and he is making amazing progress in rehab at Hospital for Special Care in New Britain (2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053, for those who want to send cards, etc.). He is working hard in speech, occupational and physical therapy. His doctors are really happy with his recovery so far and think he will be home in a few weeks. Then he will have outpatient therapy and get back to school. For now, just the family is visiting and we will let you know when we think he is ready for friends to come (It gets a little overwhelming at times….) We are told the nurses and therapists all want to work with him because he is really motivated, fun and works hard. Recovering from brain injuries requires lots of determination, time and patience as the brain recovers differently, and at a different rate, in each person. Please keep sending Zack your prayers and encouraging thoughts – It really helps! Love, Eve

To Send Cards to Zack…

Karen-GoLowCholesterol — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:33:11 +0000

Eve just forwarded the contact info for the rehab facility. Please use this address for sending cards to Zack:

Hospital for Special Care
2150 Corbin Avenue
New Britain, CT 06053

Just FYI: Phone and web address of the facility:
(860) 223-2761
www.hfsc.org

Tues, 2/2

The Pensaks — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:28:01 +0000

Happy to say that Zack is moving to inpatient rehab tomorrow (Wed, 2/3). He will be brought to Hospital for Special Care in New Britain CT (near Hartford) and will start the hard work of occupational, speech and physical therapy to continue his recovery. Once that is well in hand, he will even begin tutoring to catch up with school (ugh!). It is a great facility with a large pediatric rehab unit and wonderful doctors and therapists. Not sure how long his stay will be but Steve, I and Gabriel will be spending a fair amount of time there giving moral support, encouragement and lots of love. Again, we can’t adequately express our gratitude for all the prayers and kindnesses and help. We are so blessed and we look forward to Zack’s sharing his recovery with you in days to come. Eve

2/1

The Pensaks — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:10:21 +0000

First, thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts, it really helps. Zack is starting to eat everything in sight and with room service he’s thrilled. He’s definitely cracking jokes and has pretty good awareness. His physical mobility imptoves daily. Thanks again, it looks like we can get him to rehab in a few days. Sent on the Now Network from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Sun 1/31 Zack Update

The Pensaks — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:07:54 +0000

1/21/10 Here’s the latest word on Zack’s progress. Saturday night for the first time Zack watched a basketball game on TV with Steve and was basically doing color commentary on all the players and the coaching. There was some trash talking as well. He is definitely getting back his gift of gab! He also returned to his old ways by scarfing down my chicken casserole dinner and my piece of chocolate cake. He is pretty much ready to go to inpatient rehab and that will probably happen this week (wow). We are hoping he goes to a facility near here so he can have visitors when he is ready. Thank you everyone for all your love and support. It has made such a difference for us. Love, Eve

Jan 30 Update

Karen-GoLowCholesterol — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:04:13 +0000

Zack walked with assistance to the bathroom a few times, has made a few jokes, ate ice cream and recognized that it was French vanilla and is listening to Eve read to him. He is still mainly asleep, but sounds like he makes slow progress daily.

Eve & Steve are starting to explore rehabilitation facilities for when Zack gets discharged.

Jan 27 update

The Pensaks — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:34:50 +0000

Thanks everyone for all of your prayers and kind wishes and love. Zack is benefitting from it all – today (1/27) he spoke for the first time and stood up, only to exceed that by recognizing Steve and me and even remembering our 90 pound behemoth – Izzy. We are beyond happy and are feeling like Zack is working so hard to make progress. Tomorrow he moves to pediatric floor (more good news). We love you all and feel unbelievably lucky to be wrapped in so much love from you all.

Love, Eve, Steve, Gabriel and Zack