About My Little Buddy,

Michael Standiford

I met Michael while volunteering at the Toledo Children's Hospital.  Michael had a near drowning experience on April 27, 1999, a week before his second birthday.

    On May 25, I saw Michael's dad on the news being interviewed about the accident.  The interview brought me to tears, and the next day at the hospital, I asked to see Michael.  Meeting him changed my life.  Life is so fragile and things can happen so fast.  Over the next several weeks, I came into Michael's room 4 or 5 times a week and held him.  The accident had damaged his brain making his muscles extremely tense.   This effected his legs so bad that his knees appeared to be on backwards.  All of this caused a lot of pain for him.  Holding him and massaging his arms and neck seemed to ease the pain a little.   I was told that Bear in the Big Blue House was Michael's favorite show, so I made sure that I turned it on everyday that I was there.  He seemed to recognize the music.

    Throughout the day the nurses would come in to give him his medication, the physical therapist would work on him, and the respiratory therapist would give him breathing treatments.  They would leave with tears in their eyes.

    Over this time, I was able to meet Michael's family, and I knew I was going to miss him an awful lot when he finally went home.  Toward the beginning of June, Michael's dad asked me to baby-sit for them.  I was very happy that they thought of me and quickly said yes.  I've been able to see Michael at least once a week now since he went home on June 14, 1999. 

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    Now, thank God, Michael's muscles are much more relaxed than they were, but he still has far to go.  His awareness is amazing, and its obvious that he understands every word spoken to him.  He still has no speech, but he tries harder every time I see him.  Stimulation and ROM exercises are the key, and that's what he needs.  I try to especially stimulate and encourage him to make sounds and am very excited about his progress.  He is very determined -- we encourage each other! :-)  

    I've met several families online and we've been comparing treatments and other things we've tried.  Its very helpful!  If you would like to share any advice, or if you'd like advice, please e-mail me! Thanks for visiting the site.  

    Please keep Michael in your prayers!

    I'm praying for you, Michael!  Love ya, Buddy! Get well soon!

-Chris

This page © Tuesday August 31, 1999 by Chris Hipsher