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NEWS ARCHIVE
Jennifer is doing an amazing job keeping the
CaringBridge.org blog
updated, so rather than duplicate those entries
here, I will make an effort to keep you up to date on Team news
and reserve this space for that and critical updates on Alan.
Please continue to read the
CaringBridge.org blog.
9 Sept. 2008
I had an
opportunity to visit Alan over Labor
Day weekend. He is in good spirits.
His progress continues to grind
along slowly, but little bits of new
recovery show up regularly. I
brought McAllister's lunch to Jen
and Alan, saving them from the
processed chicken the hospital was
serving.
-
Alan moved his toes and is getting more
e-stimulation to see if they can keep that going.
-
His Physical and Occupational Therapy
sessions are going well.
-
He is undergoing a lot of muscle spasms
in his lower body.
-
There is feeling in his toes and legs,
but no voluntary movement yet.
-
He is very slowly recovering more of him
arm functions. The left is much stronger than the right,
although the right is progressing very slowly.
-
He is now able to cough - a big help when
he gets a little fluid in his lungs.
-
He has been fitted with a wheelchair and
goes out for his therapy sessions.
-
He is able to spit a baby carrot several
feet! He is not a fan of these....
-
He is able to talk normally, and the
trache tube is out. his trache hole is bandaged and healing.
12 Aug, 2008 8:43 PM CDT
Alan is making good progress. He still has a
few breathing issues, but they seem to lessen daily. A report
came through from a friend that he was feeling some tingling in
his knees, and he continues to eat and get stronger. He was able
to talk on the phone to his good friend Brian Norris today.
Brian made a gesture of true friendship and caring after his
mother lost her battle with cancer. He requested that in lieu of
flowers for his mom that friends should send contributions to
Alan's foundation. Please keep Brian, his wife Devan, and their
family in your prayers as well.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11TH, 7:43 AM CDT
Breathing issues and the return of Alan's fever
are the latest problems. Alan does seem to be getting very
slowly stronger, but the recurrence of these nagging issues is
very hard. A few more photos have been added to the left column
below; scroll down to see the whole list.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 11:59 PM CDT
Alan got to visit with his children, Skylar and
Brandon today for a while. He has begun eating some limited
normal foods and is getting regular Occupational and Physical
Therapy. While not under his own power yet, the therapists have
been sitting him upright and even sitting him up on the edge of
the bed. Heart rate and blood pressure continue to be of
concern, but he has been relatively stable for the last few days
- a good sign.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 9:12 PM CDT
The Team had a successful week. Alan got to see
part of the show yesterday via Skype, and visited for a while
with around 20 or so airshow friends and family via that amazing
technology. Alan enjoyed the visits, and the time he got with
his friends seemed very therapeutic. Jen has been visiting with
Alan yesterday and today, and had made more posts. Look for
another post in the morning with some photos from the show and
visits with Alan.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1ST,
7:10 AM, CDT
More notes from Oshkosh
The Team flew again yesterday, and felt great
about the flight. Alan is still very much missed, and the guys
are doing a great job filling the void while he gets on the road
to recovery. Several nice things are going on to help speed him
along from his friends at Oshkosh. Hero cards are being signed
and collected, a big photos of all the performers is being taken
today after the briefing today by David Carlson of Canon, USA
and printed out poster size so all can sign. Everyone here is
just as determined as Alan to see him fly again, so when he is
ready, he will have all the help he can take and more!
We have been able to establish an internet
connection in the Airboss tower at show center, and will try to
broadcast the show to Alan and Jen live on Skype Saturday when
the team flies again.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2008 1:45 PM, CDT
Notes from Oshkosh
I thought everyone might like to know how things were faring
up here at EAA AirVenture. Naturally, Alan is missed, and
concern and curiosity on how he is doing are on the forefront of
everyone's mind. We have made contact with pretty much every
news organization here at the event, and they are proliferating
Alan's story to the rest of the world. I did an interview with
the Birmingham News via phone this morning, and they agreed to
forward it to some of the bigger news organizations out there.
The EAA News director gave a good overview of Alan's situation
and the Foundation in his briefing this morning. The performer
briefing each day includes an update on Alan. A detailed story
appeared in EAA Today about him.
Mark Magin has made a DVD of some candid video from all of
the people he could get on film wishing Alan well and doing all
the goofy things we do when someone points a camera at us. I
want to thank Mark for this wonderful idea and effort on behalf
of Jen and the Team.
The Team performed well in the show yesterday. They were the
crowd pleasing headliners that everyone came to see, and the
crowd got their money's worth. Of course, the boys were very
critical of their own performance, but pros like that want
perfection. They are holding together well, doing their jobs and
focusing on keeping things in line with fans and sponsors.
I had a fan come up to me today and ask for as many flyers as
he could carry so he could post them all over the venue. Several
celebrities like Harrison Ford and David Ellison have given me
well wishes to send to Alan and his family. We have flyers about
Alan and his circumstances posted at every sponsor's booth, and
also at the entrance and every available bulletin board.
The team website is getting visited by over 1000 people a
day, up from a normal flow of 80 to 100, and over 60% of these
folks are visiting for the first time.
I have to say that I watched the guys fly yesterday with a
confusing mixture of pride and sadness. There they are, doing
the thing they love most, for the friend that isn't there, at a
time they'd rather not be doing it. It is a strange, ironic
situation. But I know they do it out of determination, love, and
the unimpeachable fact that Alan would do it for them and really
have it no other way.
Alan is more than just an injured friend. The aviation
community is a lesser place without him in it. There are
thousands of people pulling for you, Alan, and we miss you.
Greg Gibson
Editor
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2008 12:02 AM, CDT
Today has been a very long day. Alan made it
through the bronchoscopy and they found a lot of fluid on his
left lung which they were able to remove. They also had to
readjust his halo due to a lot swelling around one of the
surgery sites. Needless to say, there were a lot of x-rays and
CT scans along the way so he was poked, prodded and placed in a
lot of uncomfortable positions all day long. I just spoke with
his nurse and he is still fighting the high fever. He is also
becoming very aggitated. He is unable to talk due to the trache
and he's confused about what is happening and he is very scared.
He mouthed that he couldn't speak and tears rolled out of his
eyes. I tried to assure him that this is only temporary and just
one step to getting him better. He mouthed something about not
being able to fly. I told him that bull*&(. Of course he is
going to be able to fly, he's just going to have to fight with
all he has to get back into that cockpit. I know the doctors are
only giving him a 5% chance of ever walking again but I just
feel that I am about to be a witness to God's miracles and
grace. I feel the Holy Spirit in my heart tonight. I may have
waivered some today but I just feel as if my heart has been
shattered. I am trying my best to rely on God and trust Him and
I do, it still just hurts more than I ever thought possible.
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008 04:27 PM, CDT
Surgery took a little longer than we expected
but he is out now and they feel that everything went exactly how
they wanted it to. He has the trache and feeding tube put in and
he is still heavily sedated. He still is struggling with a high
fever so we are praying that they will be able to find the
source of infection soon. I got to go see him and it was so
great to see without the breathing tubes in his mouth and neck.
We get to go back in at 5:30 so I hopefully know a little more
then. I continue to be awe of all of the prayers that people are
sending towards Alan. This is what he needs the most. Love, Jen
MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008 9:00 AM, CDT
A foundation for Alan has been established to
allow concerned friends to make contributions to assist in this
difficult time. Any amount is welcomed, and the family wishes to
express their appreciation for all the concern and gifts that
have already been made.
Make checks payable to:
Lake Crest Presbyterian Church - Alan
Henley Foundation
Mail to:
Pastor Thomas Joseph
Lake Crest Presbyterian Church
560 Lake Crest Dr
Hoover, AL 35226
Attn: Alan Henley Foundation
No credit cards are being taken at this
time, but check back often for updates.
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2008 05:08 PM, CDT
I come to you all by asking for prayers. Alan
made it through the surgery and is doing well. He is still
sleeping but when I told him I loved him he started moving his
left hand. I asked him if he heard me and he did it again. I
asked him if it was too hard to open his eyes and he shook his
arm again. Rest is what he needs. The prayers that he needs is
for another surgery that he will have to go through tomorrow. He
is on a breathing tube and being ventilated. That is only a
temporary thing to do. They believe that Alan will have to be on
a ventilator a lot longer so they are going to do a trache on
him. He will not be able to talk but he will be able to move his
mouth and hopefully we will learn to read lips. I pray for God's
continued strength for Alan, for Skylar and Brandon, and all of
our wonderful friends and family that are helping us out in more
ways than imaginable. I do know that God has a plan and it is
perfect. I don't like it right now but I am doing my best to
trust and have faith that He will send the Holy Spirit to help
hold my heart together so I can hold it together for Alan and
make good decisions for him.
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2008 05:32 AM, CDT
Alan is still doing about the same. I have a
request...we are currently trying to figure out what
rehabilitation hospital we are going to send him to when he gets
to the point. I want to find the best spinal cord rehabilitation
center in the country. There is so much being done with stem
cell research and new technologies. I don't want him to learn to
be successful paralyzed...I want him to be successful by not
being paralyzed. HE WILL WALK AGAIN!!! Please pray that God will
give him the strength to do that and give me the strength to
keep fighting for him and the knowledge and ability to know
where to do send him in order to make that happen. Love, Jen
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008 04:29 PM, CDT
He finally opened his eyes!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!
They had to replace his central line. He still has fever and his
white blood cell count is still high so we are praying that both
of those things will come down. He is still on the ventilator
and there is a chance that he will have to remain on that
indefinitely so we are also praying that will not be case. He is
still packed in ice and they are keeping his room cool.
Hopefully we'll know more in a few hours.
I want you all to know that I am reading
every guestbook entry and email and I'm listening to every phone
message. I'm sorry that I can't return them all. But it does
warm my heart and helps to keep me strong to hear all of your
thoughts, love, prayers and laughter! I try to read some to Alan
when he is able to hear. He got a big kick out of his brother
Mark's entry, (read it if you get a chance). Alan wants everyone
to know that next year is our team's 25th season and he plans on
leading them through the season from the cockpit of N3267G!!!
Smoke ON!!!!!
- Jen
SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008 07:47 AM, CDT
Alan has been put on a ventilator because his
blood saturation levels dropped. They drew the fluid off of his
lungs as well. He is fighting the ventilator, which is normal
for anyone, yet I told Jenn, Alan is a fighter. He has spiked a
fever, and we do not know where it is from. He has been put on
triple antibiotics and they are putting off the surgery until
Monday on the Vena Cava filter. No call from the nurses through
the night is a good sign. (you have to find the good wherever
you can) While we know God is wrapping his arms around Alan and
Jenn, we need to continue to storm the heaven's with prayer. All
you pilots will be in the air at Oshkosh, up in the clouds
looking down on the Earth our Lord has made for us, send our
prayers, may he hear us a little faster with you in the air
above us?! Hey, I am willing to do anything, we need drastic
measures. We are also praying for safe flying for all. I told
Jenn that when she is too weak to have hope, we will carry the
torch. Friends are to pray for us when we cannot pray for
ourselves. I must add a note about Alan and his family. Whenever
he travels to Dallas he always stops off at the American Girl
store to get Skylar a little something for her doll. He has even
called Jenn and asked if my girls want anything!!!! He has even
been known to "drag" fellow air buds with him to do this task!
Do you have this mental image!!!! ???? Not because Jenn asks him
to go and do this, but b/c he loves doing this for his little
Skylar. I have given him a hard time about not going to Oshkosh
b/c we had planned to talk to him as he is in the store shopping
to load up!!!!!!!!!!!! What a dad!!! One of Alan's fist comments
out of his first surgery was about his new "crown" .....the
halo. This scripture is for him today: "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO
PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL, BECAUSE WHEN HE HAS STOOD THE TEST, HE
WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE THAT GOD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE
WHO LOVE HIM"
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008 07:48 PM, CDT
The hits just seems to keep on coming. They
have decided to put filter in his vena cava to prevent blood
clots from going towards the lungs and hearts. The procedure did
not go well and they decided they were going to have to do
surgery. Meantime, his saturation levels in lungs has severely
decreased so they are intubating him right now. TBICU does not
allow visitors after 9:00 pm, no exceptions. They did ask if I
would stay in the hospital over night in case they had to do any
other procedures that would require consent forms. Alan and I
prayed together and I can hope that the Lord hears our prayers.
He is going through so much and he just can't seem to catch a
break.
Jen
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008 05:33 PM, CDT
Alan is stable with little change in his
condition. He continues to be able to feel some sensation in his
legs, however the doctor cautions that although this is
positive, it may still be some time before any real progress, if
any shows itself. Alan, on the other hand, is very determined!
He said today, " I am going to get out of
here so I can kick this thing in the butt and get better!" He is
awake and talking, and still manages to crack a smile and and a
joke now and again. His brother Mark and his kids visited today,
along with friends and family. He will likely remain in ICU for
a few more days before being moved to an adjoining ward for more
treatment, then he will be moved to a dedicated rehabilitation
facility to continue treatment there. The Henleys know this will
not be an easy road, but they are determined to make the best of
it and be strong!
Please continue your prayers and messages of
support for Alan, Jennifer, Brandon, and Skylar.
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008 04:38 PM, CDT
It's been a busy day so I'm sorry for
updating sooner. Alan is doing about the same. He's had a few
things come up that they are checking into. They did a CT scan
of his chest and stomach because he had an elevated white blood
count. So they are checking for infection and pneumonia. He also
has an irregular heart rate. Doctors here...more later.
Jen
FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2008 09:28 AM, CDT
Good morning. I haven't been able to see Alan
this morning. He took a little turn for the worse by having some
insulin issues and breathing problems but they said they have
all that stabilized now. I just talked with his doctor and he
said that he sees no change from what he saw last night.
(Personally I find him extremely pessimistic), but he's
wonderful at what he does so I just ignore the dismal outlook he
gives and try to send as much positive energy his way. He is in
God's hands and I pray that God will give him the strength to
keep fighting and I know that he will. As soon as I able to be
let back I'll post more. Please, pray, pray and pray more....it
means the world to us.
We love you all! Jen
7/24 - 10:30 PM CDT
Alan is resting and recovering from his surgery.
He was able to have a few visitors, and although he is not at
his best, he still has his sense of humor! He has been able to
move his arms some, and some good news came a little while ago
that he was able to feel some sensation in his feet and even
identify which foot was being touched. While his outlook is
still uncertain, this small progress was encouraging, and every
prayer is for these small steps to continue. Jennifer is holding
together like the trooper we all know her to be, and she will
need everyone's strength and support as Alan begins his road to
recovery. Every phone call and e-mail means a lot, and Alan and
Jen appreciate them very much.
Please e-mail often, and use the
CaringBridge.org site, as it has been set up as an
archive so that Alan and Jen will be able to see them all and
enjoy them. While the phone calls are much appreciated, please
use e-mail and refer to the website and blog for updates. We'll
try to keep it as up to date as possible.
7/24 - 3:53 PM CDT
This is
Jennifer...Alan is out of surgery. What was supposed to take
four hours took more than seven. The went in through the back of
his neck to fuse the vertebrae and they felt they need to go in
through the front of his neck to put an additional graft to
strengthen the spine. He is back in TBICU right now and is
sleeping well. I got to spend some time with him just laying in
the quiet and he looked so peaceful. The next 24 hours are
absolutely crucial in his prognosis. We do know that the spinal
cord is severely damaged and we are going to have a long road
ahead of us, so I ask for your prayers that God will pick him up
and help him regain feeling in his legs so that one day he will
be able to walk again on his way to getting inside the cockpit.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate every call, every email.
Even though I had not had enough time to return every one, I
have friends reading them to me and we are reading them to Alan
and relaying messages to him as well and that has meant a lot to
him. There is a quote and I'm not sure if I'm getting this
right, 'Friends are angels who help us when our wings forget how
to fly.' Thank you all for being our friends.
Love, Jennifer
7/24 - 2:30 PM
CDT
A CaringBridge.org blog has been set up for Alan. Please
visit
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alanhenley. From there
you can view the latest, as well as register for the guest book
to send and receive updates on Alan's condition.
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008 11:25 AM, CDT
Jenn just spoke with Dr. Tice, they have
completed the vertebrae fusion through his back, are sewing up
the incision, and will turn him back over and go into his neck,
on the front part of the spine to fuse the other side for more
support. Please pray for the doctors hands and for them all. The
kids are at home with some friends, ally and Neal from Navarre
Beach , FL. I am at the hospital with her, Vicky from her
church, Her dad, and another friend of hers, Melinda. We are on
the 7th floor waiting room. -kathleen
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008 08:36 AM, CDT
We are at the hospital, Alan is in surgery as we
write this. Jenn is holding up ok. Her minister just left after
praying with us and visiting. They are fusing C4-C7 in his
vertebrae using bone from his hip. They halo will remain on to
stabilize C1 and C2. This will allow Alan to have range of
motion in the future. He had a little more feeling in his
forearms this morning. Still no feeling from the chest down.
Surgery may be finished by noon. Alan is blessed to be in the
hands of the best in the field. We will update throughout the
day. Please tell folks about this site and to email jenn instead
of calling. She is saving all the emails and reading this site
to Alan as well.
7/24 - We
truly appreciate the outpouring of love and concern for Alan,
and thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. A
CaringBridge.org blog is being set up where you can see updates
and send messages. This blog will be updated regularly, and will
be the best place to see the latest information available. It
will also minimize the number of times Jennifer has to repeat
this information, and will free up her phone for the many
important messages and conversations she needs to get to during
this time.
7/23 - 4PM EDT
- Watch for a blog soon that will have Jennifer's updates on
Alan's conditions. You will be able to post comments and wishes
there as well as the e-mail address. above.
7/23 - 7AM EDT
BIRMINGHAM, AL –
AeroShell
Aerobatic Team Lead Alan Henley was injured Tuesday night in an
accident while playing with his children at his home in
Birmingham, Alabama. A chin-up bar gave way while Henley was on
it, resulting in a fall which caused
severe injuries to
his neck and a cut to the back of his head. He was taken to the University of Alabama
Birmingham Hospital’s trauma unit, and remains there in ICU in
serious but stable condition.
“Our prayers are
with Alan and his family, and we are hoping for him to have a
speedy and full recovery”, said Steve Gustafson, Left Wing for
the Team.
The AeroShell
Aerobatic Team is scheduled to fly at EAA’s AirVenture in
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, next week, the largest aviation exposition
of its kind. “The show must go on,” Gustafson said, “Alan will
be missed terribly, but we will be there flying for him until he
recovers.”
Gustafson went on
to say that the Team will fly a three-ship routine, with Alan’s
brother Mark in the lead, and himself and Gene McNeely filling
in the Wing positions. All Team appointments and autograph
sessions will be attended, and although Henley’s absence will be
felt, Gustafson noted that the Team was obligated to their fans
and sponsors to give them what they came for.
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