Dear Friends,
Fall is here, the weather is getting cooler, daylight savings time has just ended, the days are getting shorter and Thanksgiving is approaching. Many of you have been e-mailing me since my last update on March 1 asking how Melissa is doing. I am more than happy to share with you all the joy we have in her progress.
HEALTH
Melissa continues to receive physical therapy (“PT”) and occupational therapy (“OT”) three times each week and acupuncture treatments twice each week. Her physical condition is stable. Two weeks ago she began walking with a cane unassisted and can walk upstairs about 5 steps. We are so thankful and joyful for these amazing improvements. Her appetite is good and she can eat almost anything now.
Melissa visits her cardiologist once a quarter. Her heart has enlarged a bit, but the good news is her cardiologist believes it’s probably due to her walking rather than relying so much on a wheelchair.
On Friday, July 31, her Mickey Button G-tube was removed. Praise the Lord, no more tubes are attached to her body. In past 8 months she’s visited her pulmonary and otolaryngology specialists several times for follow up examinations of the open hole in her trachea (this hole is referred to in medical terms as a “cutaneous trachea fistula post tracheostomy”). Though the trachea tube was removed on December 15, the hole still has not yet closed. On Monday, October 19, at her last visit to her otolaryngology specialist, it was decided she would need to be re-admitted to CHOC for surgery to close the hole. This will be done as soon as we can schedule it.
Power Chair
After waiting more than 3 months, Melissa finally received her power chair on Wednesday, October 21. She is so excited! This improves her mobility so much that she’s able to ride her power chair from home to the therapy unit located at University High School! Last Saturday, November 7, she even rode her power chair to school to attend some activities.
School
During the spring semester, Melissa was able to increase her time at school from 3 to 4 periods. She loves math and photography and is eager to learn. She is an aggressive learner and is determined to improve in all areas. By June she was finally able to write all 26 letters of the alphabet with no mistakes. She spends a lot time doing homework and studying, and is very serious about studying every subject. Her new photography class presented a challenge with a really heavy assignment. Melissa needed to take a lot of photos, so we spent a lot of time taking her to the park, mall, shopping centers and other places. It was so much fun for all of us.
Melissa’s Story TO AIR on Radio and TV!
GOOD TV is a 24-hour television station in Taiwan. In early September the station sent a team from Taiwan to Irvine to film Melissa’s story. The program is scheduled to air in April, 2010 in a “Real Story Blog” broadcast. On Friday, November 6, Los Angeles local radio stations AM 1300 and AM 1600 interviewed me to share Melissa’s story. This program will air on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 pm. Both of these programs will be broadcast in Chinese. Our prayer is that Melissa’s true story will touch many souls, and give encouragement and hope to families and patients. May God be glorified!
Prayer Requests
1. That Melissa’s heart can tolerate her increase walking, and her damaged heart valve can be repaired.
2. That Melissa will be able to walk without assistance more and be able to walk upstairs to her own room by the end of the year.
3. That the surgery to close the hole in her trachea can be done by December.
4. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to improve daily.
5. That her transition from high school to college will be smooth.
YOUR Prayers ARE Working
With the help of your faithful prayers for Melissa, we are experiencing how God works to answer prayers for Melissa. Let His power continue to overflow in her life to shine for Jesus. We all dare to ask this without ceasing.
In this Thanksgiving season, I would like say thank you sincerely and humbly with all my heart. Without your prayers, love, and support, we don’t know how we could have made it this far through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. May God bless and empower you and continue to enrich your life.
In Him,
Michael
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Update from Michael: Sunday, November 8, 2009
Dear Friends,
Fall is here, the weather is getting cooler, daylight savings time has just ended, the days are getting shorter and Thanksgiving is approaching. Many of you have been e-mailing me since my last update on March 1 asking how Melissa is doing. I am more than happy to share with you all the joy we have in her progress.
HEALTH
Melissa continues to receive physical therapy (“PT”) and occupational therapy (“OT”) three times each week and acupuncture treatments twice each week. Her physical condition is stable. Two weeks ago she began walking with a cane unassisted and can walk upstairs about 5 steps. We are so thankful and joyful for these amazing improvements. Her appetite is good and she can eat almost anything now.
Melissa visits her cardiologist once a quarter. Her heart has enlarged a bit, but the good news is her cardiologist believes it’s probably due to her walking rather than relying so much on a wheelchair.
On Friday, July 31, her Mickey Button G-tube was removed. Praise the Lord, no more tubes are attached to her body. In past 8 months she’s visited her pulmonary and otolaryngology specialists several times for follow up examinations of the open hole in her trachea (this hole is referred to in medical terms as a “cutaneous trachea fistula post tracheostomy”). Though the trachea tube was removed on December 15, the hole still has not yet closed. On Monday, October 19, at her last visit to her otolaryngology specialist, it was decided she would need to be re-admitted to CHOC for surgery to close the hole. This will be done as soon as we can schedule it.
POWER CHAIR
After waiting more than 3 months, Melissa finally received her power chair on Wednesday, October 21. She is so excited! This improves her mobility so much that she’s able to ride her power chair from home to the therapy unit located at University High School! Last Saturday, November 7, she even rode her power chair to school to attend some activities.
SCHOOL
During the spring semester, Melissa was able to increase her time at school from 3 to 4 periods. She loves math and photography and is eager to learn. She is an aggressive learner and is determined to improve in all areas. By June she was finally able to write all 26 letters of the alphabet with no mistakes. She spends a lot time doing homework and studying, and is very serious about studying every subject. Her new photography class presented a challenge with a really heavy assignment. Melissa needed to take a lot of photos, so we spent a lot of time taking her to the park, mall, shopping centers and other places. It was so much fun for all of us.
MELISSA’S STORY TO AIR ON RADIO AND TV!
GOOD TV is a 24-hour television station in Taiwan. In early September the station sent a team from Taiwan to Irvine to film Melissa’s story. The program is scheduled to air in April, 2010 in a “Real Story Blog” broadcast. On Friday, November 6, Los Angeles local radio stations AM 1300 and AM 1600 interviewed me to share Melissa’s story. This program will air on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 pm. Both of these programs will be broadcast in Chinese. Our prayer is that Melissa’s true story will touch many souls, and give encouragement and hope to families and patients. May God be glorified!
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. That Melissa’s heart can tolerate her increase walking, and her damaged heart valve can be repaired.
2. That Melissa will be able to walk without assistance more and be able to walk upstairs to her own room by the end of the year.
3. That the surgery to close the hole in her trachea can be done by December.
4. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to improve daily.
5. That her transition from high school to college will be smooth.
YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING
With the help of your faithful prayers for Melissa, we are experiencing how God works to answer prayers for Melissa. Let His power continue to overflow in her life to shine for Jesus. We all dare to ask this without ceasing.
In this Thanksgiving season, I would like say thank you sincerely and humbly with all my heart. Without your prayers, love, and support, we don’t know how we could have made it this far through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. May God bless and empower you and continue to enrich your life.
In Him,
Michael
Fall is here, the weather is getting cooler, daylight savings time has just ended, the days are getting shorter and Thanksgiving is approaching. Many of you have been e-mailing me since my last update on March 1 asking how Melissa is doing. I am more than happy to share with you all the joy we have in her progress.
HEALTH
Melissa continues to receive physical therapy (“PT”) and occupational therapy (“OT”) three times each week and acupuncture treatments twice each week. Her physical condition is stable. Two weeks ago she began walking with a cane unassisted and can walk upstairs about 5 steps. We are so thankful and joyful for these amazing improvements. Her appetite is good and she can eat almost anything now.
Melissa visits her cardiologist once a quarter. Her heart has enlarged a bit, but the good news is her cardiologist believes it’s probably due to her walking rather than relying so much on a wheelchair.
On Friday, July 31, her Mickey Button G-tube was removed. Praise the Lord, no more tubes are attached to her body. In past 8 months she’s visited her pulmonary and otolaryngology specialists several times for follow up examinations of the open hole in her trachea (this hole is referred to in medical terms as a “cutaneous trachea fistula post tracheostomy”). Though the trachea tube was removed on December 15, the hole still has not yet closed. On Monday, October 19, at her last visit to her otolaryngology specialist, it was decided she would need to be re-admitted to CHOC for surgery to close the hole. This will be done as soon as we can schedule it.
POWER CHAIR
After waiting more than 3 months, Melissa finally received her power chair on Wednesday, October 21. She is so excited! This improves her mobility so much that she’s able to ride her power chair from home to the therapy unit located at University High School! Last Saturday, November 7, she even rode her power chair to school to attend some activities.
SCHOOL
During the spring semester, Melissa was able to increase her time at school from 3 to 4 periods. She loves math and photography and is eager to learn. She is an aggressive learner and is determined to improve in all areas. By June she was finally able to write all 26 letters of the alphabet with no mistakes. She spends a lot time doing homework and studying, and is very serious about studying every subject. Her new photography class presented a challenge with a really heavy assignment. Melissa needed to take a lot of photos, so we spent a lot of time taking her to the park, mall, shopping centers and other places. It was so much fun for all of us.
MELISSA’S STORY TO AIR ON RADIO AND TV!
GOOD TV is a 24-hour television station in Taiwan. In early September the station sent a team from Taiwan to Irvine to film Melissa’s story. The program is scheduled to air in April, 2010 in a “Real Story Blog” broadcast. On Friday, November 6, Los Angeles local radio stations AM 1300 and AM 1600 interviewed me to share Melissa’s story. This program will air on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 pm. Both of these programs will be broadcast in Chinese. Our prayer is that Melissa’s true story will touch many souls, and give encouragement and hope to families and patients. May God be glorified!
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. That Melissa’s heart can tolerate her increase walking, and her damaged heart valve can be repaired.
2. That Melissa will be able to walk without assistance more and be able to walk upstairs to her own room by the end of the year.
3. That the surgery to close the hole in her trachea can be done by December.
4. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to improve daily.
5. That her transition from high school to college will be smooth.
YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING
With the help of your faithful prayers for Melissa, we are experiencing how God works to answer prayers for Melissa. Let His power continue to overflow in her life to shine for Jesus. We all dare to ask this without ceasing.
In this Thanksgiving season, I would like say thank you sincerely and humbly with all my heart. Without your prayers, love, and support, we don’t know how we could have made it this far through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. May God bless and empower you and continue to enrich your life.
In Him,
Michael
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Update From "Uncle" David - 5/19/2009
Dear Friends,
On the road home tonight the light turned red at the corner of Campus and University approaching UCI. Sitting on the bridge over the Santa Ana creek there is a momentary respite watching the water fowl play in the placid waters of the creek. You can almost hear the deep throated chirping of the bullfrogs, except for the air conditioner, the country music station playing Willie Nelson, and the intrusion of the white van pulling up on the right side of my car.
A square faced, jutting jawed and cheeky smile of a Chinese man resting his chin on the door frame starring in my direction jolted me back to reality. It was my friend Michael Yu, and his 15 year old Melodie with a Cheshire grin waiving at me. Behind them, a wheel chair was bolted into the middle row: Melissa was waiving as if with pom-poms to get the attention of her "Uncle David."
They were on their way home from an acupuncture appointment after a full day of high school classes. Next it was gas for the van, feed the kids, then off to Awana Girls Club at the church. Life seemed almost normal.
The light turned green and a waft of fresh cool air blew through the window, along with wonder and amazement at the events of the last year and a half.
On the evening of Good Friday, 2008, Melissa Yu was struck with the first of two grotesquely debilitating brain aneurisms. That evening, life changed forever in the Yu family. The doctors said she would not live. Michael and Marlene clutched steadfastly to their faith and hope that God would bring their daughter back to them. Every minute of every day, Michael and Marlene were at the her bedside, never flinching, never failing in their belief. Not only has Melissa recovered, she returned to her high school classes in mid-March, 2009.
Life has seemingly returned to normal at the Yu household. Except that Melissa's bedroom is now in the family room just off the dining room and next to the kitchen. It is the only room in the house large enough for the hospital style bed and medical equipment necessary for Melissa. It is also the social and emotional center of life for the Yu family now. Not only is it Melissa's bedroom it is still the family room with the big screen TV and X-Box for everyone to come and play, including Melissa.
Each morning after washing her face and arms, Melissa wheels herself to the breakfast table, feeds herself and talks to her sisters. Bah-BAH then piles everyone in the van, locks the wheel chair into place and its off to school. At the end of classes Melissa clamors for more. She loves school and her friends.
In the evening, Melissa demands that she help with dinner, and sets the table from her wheel chair. I spoke to her in Chinese, and she immediately responded in English. If you Listen intently you can discern through her slurred speech that she is quick, bright and articulate.
Doctor Louden calls Melissa his miracle girl. There are many miracles of which to tell, not the least of which is the steadfast love and devotion the Yu family has for each other.
Thank you for your prayers and concern for Melissa and the Yu family over the last year and a half. Please continue to pray for them as the next stage of their new journey unfolds.
- David Hosmer
On the road home tonight the light turned red at the corner of Campus and University approaching UCI. Sitting on the bridge over the Santa Ana creek there is a momentary respite watching the water fowl play in the placid waters of the creek. You can almost hear the deep throated chirping of the bullfrogs, except for the air conditioner, the country music station playing Willie Nelson, and the intrusion of the white van pulling up on the right side of my car.
A square faced, jutting jawed and cheeky smile of a Chinese man resting his chin on the door frame starring in my direction jolted me back to reality. It was my friend Michael Yu, and his 15 year old Melodie with a Cheshire grin waiving at me. Behind them, a wheel chair was bolted into the middle row: Melissa was waiving as if with pom-poms to get the attention of her "Uncle David."
They were on their way home from an acupuncture appointment after a full day of high school classes. Next it was gas for the van, feed the kids, then off to Awana Girls Club at the church. Life seemed almost normal.
The light turned green and a waft of fresh cool air blew through the window, along with wonder and amazement at the events of the last year and a half.
On the evening of Good Friday, 2008, Melissa Yu was struck with the first of two grotesquely debilitating brain aneurisms. That evening, life changed forever in the Yu family. The doctors said she would not live. Michael and Marlene clutched steadfastly to their faith and hope that God would bring their daughter back to them. Every minute of every day, Michael and Marlene were at the her bedside, never flinching, never failing in their belief. Not only has Melissa recovered, she returned to her high school classes in mid-March, 2009.
Life has seemingly returned to normal at the Yu household. Except that Melissa's bedroom is now in the family room just off the dining room and next to the kitchen. It is the only room in the house large enough for the hospital style bed and medical equipment necessary for Melissa. It is also the social and emotional center of life for the Yu family now. Not only is it Melissa's bedroom it is still the family room with the big screen TV and X-Box for everyone to come and play, including Melissa.
Each morning after washing her face and arms, Melissa wheels herself to the breakfast table, feeds herself and talks to her sisters. Bah-BAH then piles everyone in the van, locks the wheel chair into place and its off to school. At the end of classes Melissa clamors for more. She loves school and her friends.
In the evening, Melissa demands that she help with dinner, and sets the table from her wheel chair. I spoke to her in Chinese, and she immediately responded in English. If you Listen intently you can discern through her slurred speech that she is quick, bright and articulate.
Doctor Louden calls Melissa his miracle girl. There are many miracles of which to tell, not the least of which is the steadfast love and devotion the Yu family has for each other.
Thank you for your prayers and concern for Melissa and the Yu family over the last year and a half. Please continue to pray for them as the next stage of their new journey unfolds.
- David Hosmer
Friday, April 17, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Update from Michael, Sunday, March 1, 2009
Dear Friends,
We have been so caught up with Melissa's constant progress, we just haven’t been able to update you sooner. Thank you for the love and concern you have shown for Melissa.
Melissa is now able to voluntarily lift her right foot up off the ground, and to move her right arm upward a little. It is wonderful see her be able to begin moving the right side of her body because this demonstrates that that her brain is adjusting to the damage caused by the aneurism and is shifting functions to other areas of her brain. Melissa is also starting to learn to walk again! For all of this we praise the Lord.
On Wednesday, February 25, we had second IEP (“Individual Education Plan”) meeting with her school. We did not know how long it would take before she could return to school as there were endless forms to fill out, and release statements from doctors to be obtained. Much to our surprise and delight, we have come to an agreement with the school and Melissa will be beginning part-time schooling on Monday, March 2.
This is not the only great news. Her therapy organization will be opening a new facility at University High School also on March 2, so now Melissa will be able to both attend school and receive therapy at the same place. We thank God for intervening to enable us to have this wonderful plan. University High and the Irvine School District have been very kind to Melissa, and are providing her with a special assistant when Melissa arrives campus. They also have made arrangements for transportation for her. Starting this week, Melissa needs to get to sleep early, so she can get up and be ready for the school bus to pick her up at 6:58 a.m. every morning. This is so exciting, so we’re pretty sure she’ll be too wired to get to sleep early the first couple of days!
Melissa has also returned to her weekly small group Bible study, which she really looks forward to. Being able to look forward to something is also a breakthrough because it means that she is beginning to remember more things in her routine schedule. She has been working at this during her therapy sessions and it appears to be paying off well.
On Friday, February 20, Melissa received a Bible and notebook from Becky Tirabassi. Mildred started reading book of Luke to Melissa. We can feel Melissa's faith being regained and revived. God's Word with all the stories of healing, miracles, and parables, have fed her Spirit.
We are also excited for another new milestone. She has been out of school for almost 13 months and during that time has become very fond of her home-hospital teacher Sharon Curl. Sharon is such a wonderful teacher and friend, and she will be missed.
Prayer Requests:
1. That Melissa will adapt to her daily routine at school, her physical capability will continue to improve, that she will be able to learn and retain what she is taught, and that the high school students will accept her.
2. That Melissa’s damaged heart valve can be repaired.
3. That Melissa will be able to walk by the end of March.
4. That her trachea hole can be closed.
5. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to grow daily.
In Him,
Michael
We have been so caught up with Melissa's constant progress, we just haven’t been able to update you sooner. Thank you for the love and concern you have shown for Melissa.
Melissa is now able to voluntarily lift her right foot up off the ground, and to move her right arm upward a little. It is wonderful see her be able to begin moving the right side of her body because this demonstrates that that her brain is adjusting to the damage caused by the aneurism and is shifting functions to other areas of her brain. Melissa is also starting to learn to walk again! For all of this we praise the Lord.
On Wednesday, February 25, we had second IEP (“Individual Education Plan”) meeting with her school. We did not know how long it would take before she could return to school as there were endless forms to fill out, and release statements from doctors to be obtained. Much to our surprise and delight, we have come to an agreement with the school and Melissa will be beginning part-time schooling on Monday, March 2.
This is not the only great news. Her therapy organization will be opening a new facility at University High School also on March 2, so now Melissa will be able to both attend school and receive therapy at the same place. We thank God for intervening to enable us to have this wonderful plan. University High and the Irvine School District have been very kind to Melissa, and are providing her with a special assistant when Melissa arrives campus. They also have made arrangements for transportation for her. Starting this week, Melissa needs to get to sleep early, so she can get up and be ready for the school bus to pick her up at 6:58 a.m. every morning. This is so exciting, so we’re pretty sure she’ll be too wired to get to sleep early the first couple of days!
Melissa has also returned to her weekly small group Bible study, which she really looks forward to. Being able to look forward to something is also a breakthrough because it means that she is beginning to remember more things in her routine schedule. She has been working at this during her therapy sessions and it appears to be paying off well.
On Friday, February 20, Melissa received a Bible and notebook from Becky Tirabassi. Mildred started reading book of Luke to Melissa. We can feel Melissa's faith being regained and revived. God's Word with all the stories of healing, miracles, and parables, have fed her Spirit.
We are also excited for another new milestone. She has been out of school for almost 13 months and during that time has become very fond of her home-hospital teacher Sharon Curl. Sharon is such a wonderful teacher and friend, and she will be missed.
Prayer Requests:
1. That Melissa will adapt to her daily routine at school, her physical capability will continue to improve, that she will be able to learn and retain what she is taught, and that the high school students will accept her.
2. That Melissa’s damaged heart valve can be repaired.
3. That Melissa will be able to walk by the end of March.
4. That her trachea hole can be closed.
5. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to grow daily.
In Him,
Michael
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Help Me Help Yu
Here is the video of the slide show used during the Help Me Help Yu benefit concert.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Update from Michael - January 19, 2009
Dear Friends:
Thank you for prayer and support. The benefit concert in Mariners Church, “Help Me Help Yu,” had a huge turnout, with the majority of those attending being teens. Many of those in attendance were undoubtedly not church-goers and had probably never attended a concert in a church building … particularly one as spectacular as the Mariners Church Student Center. The Student Center offers two indoor basketball courts, two game rooms, two auditoriums and a large reception area. Outside there is a food island surrounded by a stream and water falls along with a cool skate park.
Melissa had lots of fun and was quite busy greeting visitors and having her photo taken with everyone. Tina and Taneen, two high schoolers, organized this event with a zero dollar budget. Amazingly, they were able to accomplish their mission.
The Orange County Register newspaper published a big column about the event on Sunday, January 11, and the Irvine World news published a cover story on it on Wednesday, January 14. Many young people who attended are hoping Tina will put on a second concert!
This evening (1/19), Mom came back and asked Melissa if she had had any visitors during the day. Surprisingly, and for the first time, Melissa remembered all of her visitors’ names (without help)! This is the first time since this all began that she has been able to recall a current event all by herself and this is a very positive sign that her memory is improving.
Tomorrow (1/20) will be first day for the home-hospital teacher to come and teach Melissa at home. Melissa has already made herself flash cards to help her with her spelling. Today, she told Mom that it is still very hard for her to spell. This is her first major challenge before going back to school. Please pray for her to maintain a good, positive attitude toward overcoming these and future obstacles.
Prayer Requests:
1. Melissa has 3 times per week out-patient therapy.
2. Melissa has 2 times per week acupuncture therapy.
3. Melissa start home-hospital teaching program.
4. Melissa can resume going back to school in February.
God Bless and happy Lunar year!
In Love,
Michael
Thank you for prayer and support. The benefit concert in Mariners Church, “Help Me Help Yu,” had a huge turnout, with the majority of those attending being teens. Many of those in attendance were undoubtedly not church-goers and had probably never attended a concert in a church building … particularly one as spectacular as the Mariners Church Student Center. The Student Center offers two indoor basketball courts, two game rooms, two auditoriums and a large reception area. Outside there is a food island surrounded by a stream and water falls along with a cool skate park.
Melissa had lots of fun and was quite busy greeting visitors and having her photo taken with everyone. Tina and Taneen, two high schoolers, organized this event with a zero dollar budget. Amazingly, they were able to accomplish their mission.
The Orange County Register newspaper published a big column about the event on Sunday, January 11, and the Irvine World news published a cover story on it on Wednesday, January 14. Many young people who attended are hoping Tina will put on a second concert!
This evening (1/19), Mom came back and asked Melissa if she had had any visitors during the day. Surprisingly, and for the first time, Melissa remembered all of her visitors’ names (without help)! This is the first time since this all began that she has been able to recall a current event all by herself and this is a very positive sign that her memory is improving.
Tomorrow (1/20) will be first day for the home-hospital teacher to come and teach Melissa at home. Melissa has already made herself flash cards to help her with her spelling. Today, she told Mom that it is still very hard for her to spell. This is her first major challenge before going back to school. Please pray for her to maintain a good, positive attitude toward overcoming these and future obstacles.
Prayer Requests:
1. Melissa has 3 times per week out-patient therapy.
2. Melissa has 2 times per week acupuncture therapy.
3. Melissa start home-hospital teaching program.
4. Melissa can resume going back to school in February.
God Bless and happy Lunar year!
In Love,
Michael
Friday, January 9, 2009
Help Me Help Yu Concert Tonight!
Dear friends,
Melissa's high school friends are holding a special concert "Help Me Help Yu" to help raise funds for Melissa's needs. The concert is tonight, Friday January 9th beginning at 6:30 at the Student Center at Mariners Church in Irvine. Mariners Church is located at 5001 Newport Coast Drive. The Student Center is actually right off of Turtle Ridge Drive which intersects Bonita Canyon. For directions you can go to:
www.marinerschurch.org/pages/gettinghere.html
There will be five bands performing: Ready Set, Down for the count, The Jakes, Polaris at Noon and Sun From Shadow.
There will be a raffle of signed merchandise from Switchfoot, OneRepublic, Cobra Starship and other bands, coupons from In-n-Out and Sprinkles cupcakes. Cookie Lee Jewelry will be selling merchandise and will be donating 50% of the profits to Melissa Yu's family.
The concert is free, but donations to the Yu family will be greatly appreciated!!
You may get more information from Irvine World News at www.ocregister.com/articles/concert-school-set-2275743-bands-night
God bless you and we'll see you there!
In Him and In Love,
Michael
Melissa's high school friends are holding a special concert "Help Me Help Yu" to help raise funds for Melissa's needs. The concert is tonight, Friday January 9th beginning at 6:30 at the Student Center at Mariners Church in Irvine. Mariners Church is located at 5001 Newport Coast Drive. The Student Center is actually right off of Turtle Ridge Drive which intersects Bonita Canyon. For directions you can go to:
www.marinerschurch.org/pages/gettinghere.html
There will be five bands performing: Ready Set, Down for the count, The Jakes, Polaris at Noon and Sun From Shadow.
There will be a raffle of signed merchandise from Switchfoot, OneRepublic, Cobra Starship and other bands, coupons from In-n-Out and Sprinkles cupcakes. Cookie Lee Jewelry will be selling merchandise and will be donating 50% of the profits to Melissa Yu's family.
The concert is free, but donations to the Yu family will be greatly appreciated!!
You may get more information from Irvine World News at www.ocregister.com/articles/concert-school-set-2275743-bands-night
God bless you and we'll see you there!
In Him and In Love,
Michael
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Update from Michael - Tuesday, 01-06-2009
Dear friends,
Happy New Year! Life has calmed down a bit for us after the holidays. No more big shopping trips and feasts. Melissa has gained her appetite back tremendously. Last night she said to us, "I am not hungry, but I feel like I want to eat." She smelled Aunt Sheue-Ling's delicious food being prepared in the kitchen. It's more good news because her sense of smell is sending the right signals to her brain.
Since school is out and her two younger sisters are hanging out in the house more often, we often hear Melissa instructing them. They love Melissa so much and do everything she says without complaining, just like before. After all, she is their "big sister" and they do obey her.
On New Year's Eve, Melissa reminded us to stay up late for the count down, but none of us made it to midnight that night.
Melissa has returned to IM-ing (instant messaging) and Facebook and we hear her laughing all the time in front of computer. Her sister, Melodie, is her "on-call computer go-to" person.
We do see more of Melissa's frustration at not been able to express herself verbally. Just imagine what it’s like for a teenage girl not to be able to communicate everything she wants to express. This is very difficult to us to see as well.
We are meeting with school staff at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, January 7, to begin developing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for Melissa. We are looking forward to this big day. We pray that the Uni. high staff and teachers will be able to develop a wonderful plan to help her in continuing her education and in her recovery process.
Melissa is now done with her in-home therapy program and will be starting outpatient therapy. This requires a lot of traveling and the weather has been kind of cold. Please pray for her health and her fighting spirit.
Prayer Requests:
1. We will be able to attend outpatient therapy in Mission Viejo 3 times per week.
2. Melissa will resume going back to school this month, that her Individual Education Plan will meet her needs and that she will not be discouraged and will continue to have a desire to learn.
3. Her No.6 and No.7 facial nerves will not fully function causing double vision. Pray for her brain to continue to recover from its injury and that these facial nerves will recover their full functionality.
4. Continue to pray for her right hand and right leg to gain strength, our goal is that she will be able to walk by March.
In love,
Michael and Marlene
Happy New Year! Life has calmed down a bit for us after the holidays. No more big shopping trips and feasts. Melissa has gained her appetite back tremendously. Last night she said to us, "I am not hungry, but I feel like I want to eat." She smelled Aunt Sheue-Ling's delicious food being prepared in the kitchen. It's more good news because her sense of smell is sending the right signals to her brain.
Since school is out and her two younger sisters are hanging out in the house more often, we often hear Melissa instructing them. They love Melissa so much and do everything she says without complaining, just like before. After all, she is their "big sister" and they do obey her.
On New Year's Eve, Melissa reminded us to stay up late for the count down, but none of us made it to midnight that night.
Melissa has returned to IM-ing (instant messaging) and Facebook and we hear her laughing all the time in front of computer. Her sister, Melodie, is her "on-call computer go-to" person.
We do see more of Melissa's frustration at not been able to express herself verbally. Just imagine what it’s like for a teenage girl not to be able to communicate everything she wants to express. This is very difficult to us to see as well.
We are meeting with school staff at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, January 7, to begin developing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for Melissa. We are looking forward to this big day. We pray that the Uni. high staff and teachers will be able to develop a wonderful plan to help her in continuing her education and in her recovery process.
Melissa is now done with her in-home therapy program and will be starting outpatient therapy. This requires a lot of traveling and the weather has been kind of cold. Please pray for her health and her fighting spirit.
Prayer Requests:
1. We will be able to attend outpatient therapy in Mission Viejo 3 times per week.
2. Melissa will resume going back to school this month, that her Individual Education Plan will meet her needs and that she will not be discouraged and will continue to have a desire to learn.
3. Her No.6 and No.7 facial nerves will not fully function causing double vision. Pray for her brain to continue to recover from its injury and that these facial nerves will recover their full functionality.
4. Continue to pray for her right hand and right leg to gain strength, our goal is that she will be able to walk by March.
In love,
Michael and Marlene
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Thank You From Michael and Marlene
Dear all meal planners,
Thank you for faithful support and for providing delicious food for our family during the past year. Lur family would like to thank all of your love and kindness. Melissa has now been back home for 3 months, and we are slowly but steadily re-establishing our daily routine. Starting 2009, we will pick up our "normal" family chores, including cooking and packing school lunches. We just want to tell you how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness in taking care of our family.
May God bless you and reward your labor.
Happy New Year.
In Him,
Michael and Marlene
Thank you for faithful support and for providing delicious food for our family during the past year. Lur family would like to thank all of your love and kindness. Melissa has now been back home for 3 months, and we are slowly but steadily re-establishing our daily routine. Starting 2009, we will pick up our "normal" family chores, including cooking and packing school lunches. We just want to tell you how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness in taking care of our family.
May God bless you and reward your labor.
Happy New Year.
In Him,
Michael and Marlene
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