Olga Reyes Granados

2014-06-28T20:46:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for Marathon #3 August 31 2014

Instead of summarizing what all happened since the last post, we will briefly tell you what is going on now.

Olga continues with her physical and occupational therapy. Her parents and siblings continue to care for her on a daily basis and we are proud to say she continue to make small improvements every day. Attached are a few brief videos that show her in action. She continues to make small progress and look forward to hearing her voice.

Blowing and getting ready for a party... :-)

This one she is working on her musical skills. Coordination and dexterity...

What about brushing her teeth....

A little hand writing and I must say it looks better than mine :-(

She also ran her 4th race (2nd Marathon)

As she gets ready for her 3rd marathon, we will selling t-shirts with all proceeds to continue supporting her rehab and recovery. T-shirts are $25.

Core members of TEAM OLGA saying thank you for all your support.

Until next time.

Good Bye to 2012 & Welcome 2013

2012-12-27T13:26:00.003-06:00

2012 was a great year for Olga and we are hoping that 2013 continues to be positive for her recovery. Her health has been stable pretty much year round and several small steps towards her recovery were accomplished. Her tracheostomy cannula was removed; she is now able to eat soups and purees through her month; her right side is much more active and at the same time sensitive. She is also able to maintain focus for longer periods of time with her sight and starts showing signs of independence (wanting to do things herself). Her interaction with others has continued to improve and her needs and desires are more clear every day.

As you can read from previous posts, in 2012 she was able to participate in two running races. One in May (Mother's Day 5K) run and the second one in September (Mexico's City International Marathon). Back in November 2011, we decided that Olga would participate in a marathon to hopefully enhance her life and motivate her recovery. We believe these two races did help not only her, but also others in her support team. At the time, we also partnered up with The University of Alabama College of Engineering to design and build a robust racing stroller customized for Olga's future participation in upcoming races. Again the purpose of her participation in running races is to enhance her quality of life and to get her out of her small home. A team of senior mechanical engineering students at UA was put together in the spring of 2012 and after many months the concept became a reality. The team is shown below and also their 3-min video that better describes the stroller and design.

Crimson Stroller Design - (back row) Corbette Davis, Patrick Godsay, Wesley Low,
(front row) Jordan Mathews & Arturo Stenger

We thank everyone who has helped Olga in one way or another. We recognize that Olga requires all types of encouragement to aid in her recovery. Again thank you to all of you who have shared your love for her.

CONQUERING MILESTONES

2012-09-30T10:42:00.004-05:00

Olga completed her first marathon on September 2 2012. 5hrs and 26minutes later, she claimed one more milestone in her new life. She had many supporters and thanks to everyone around her she is doing better than ever and continues to move forward.

5hr 26min 53sec Olga's First Marathon Sept 2 2012

Since then, Olga continues to focus on her therapy and she continues to need your support. During the month of October, our dear friend Grizel Flores (Director of Sales for Mary Kay Cosmetics) will be donating 40% of her sales towards Olga's recovery and we ask that you help us by considering purchasing items from her catalog (never too early to purchase xmas presents). If you are interested in helping by purchasing items and if you have any questions related to the products in the Mary Kay line, please contact Grizel Flores via email (grizel08@yahoo.com.mx).

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CATALOG - THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR THE SUPPORT

Unfortunately, this is only for Mexican City residents. Donations can be made via the donate button below.

Thanks again for your support and for the many prayers we have received for Olga's Recovery.

Step by Step = RECOVERY

2012-08-25T17:24:00.000-05:00

Olga continues positively with her recovery and fortunately she continues to receive support from many people including friends and family. Since March to today, the cannula has been removed, she started to have more mobility on her left side and continues forward one baby step at a time. All of you who have supported and helped Olga emotionally, economically, religiously, etc, should feel proud that your support has truly helped Olga progress to where she is today. She could have not done it without your support.

Olga has participated in Mother’s Day 5k Race in Mexico City. In less than two weeks, (September 2^nd), Olga will join thousands of national and international runners at the XXX Maratón Internacional de la Ciudad de México. There will be around 20,000 participants. We are asking for your support along the 42km. This will be one more step towards Olga’s recovery. The course for both ½ marathon and marathon are listed in the following link. < COURSE>

She will participate in the Marathon with 3 objectives. The first one is to raise awareness on TMB (Tuberculosis Meningitis). The second is the personal challenge to complete a Mexico City Marathon. Finally, the third objective is to raise funds for Olga’s rehabilitaion and recovery.

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. TBM a medical emergency, is still a major cause of serious illness in many parts of the world. TBM remains difficult to diagnose, and it is usually due to hematogenous dissemination of the tubercle bacillus. The exact incidence and prevalence are not known. The clinical spectrum is broad and may be non-specific making early diagnosis difficult. Improved outcome requires early recognition and treatment of these conditions. TBM is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and is the most common form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB). TBM is associated with a high frequency of neurologic sequelae and mortality if not treated promptly.

Please help us with a donation so that we continue to raise TBM awareness and to continue help Olga with her recovery. 15% of all donations will be to continue raise awareness about TBM and to help other families under our current situation. Your contribution will help many.

Thanks for your support and hope to see you on September 2. Greetings from Olga.

WE = OLGA + Support Team

2012-03-31T09:09:00.000-06:00

It has been a while since we posted any progress on Olga. Since last post in November, Olga continues to make positive progress in small increments. Most recently, her interaction with everyone around her has been increasing in both accuracy of conversation (signs from her) and time. She has her routine "training" physical therapy, learning how to eat, how to talk, etc and she is doing great. We are hopeful that in the next month the tracheostomy is 100% removed. For sure it has been quite journey and on Olga's behalf we thank all the people that have supported her on this journey. This has been a life learning event for several of us and Olga and we take a day at a time.

So what is next or what is coming?

As mentioned back in November, we are planning to participate in the Mexico City Marathon on September 2.

As listed in the title of this blog WE = OLGA + Support Team (friends and family). For this to happen we need to get medical clearance for her to participate (we have gotten a preliminary verbal clearance but it will depend on how Olga feels the day of); we also have to get clearance and permission from the Race Director as normally only first aid support is provided during the race. We would have to organize all the logistics for the race and along the 26.2miles (42km). Along the course, OLGA will be needing you to cheer her on to complete the race so mark your calendars and start getting ready. Lastly, pray that God allows for this to happen. We have three main goals with this marathon. One is to raise awareness of TBI. Two is allow Olga to get out of her mundane routine of therapies and small rooms. And the third one will be a fund raiser to continue cover her daily medical, and basic needs. We will provide more information as it becomes available and closer to race day.

In support and preparation for this race, several of us have started to get ready (see the pictures below). Until next post, God Bless and dont forget to start making your signs and mark your calendar Sept 2 2012.

Just Over a Year and PUSHING forward...

2011-11-24T10:36:00.001-06:00

Looking back . . .

On the night of October 22, 2010, Olga was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with meningitis possibly lupus and the search for the cause began. She suffered from short term memory loss and began to loose control of her body.

On November 2, Olga's brain suffered hydrocephaly coupled with an enhanced edema and vasculitis which in turn caused several strokes in multiple areas of her brain, but in particular her brain stem that bridges the brain to the rest of the body. A stint valve was installed and her fight to stay alive became most evident on that day. She was in a comma.

During the next few weeks, Olga's condition was questionable and was far from stable. She was given 30% then 10% then 5% chance to live and finally in mid November 2010, her preliminary diagnosis was brain dead and doctors were preparing the family for the worst. They were wrong.

Just over a year later now, Olga is doing quite well considering her condition and damage to her brain and brain stem. She is now able to have some level of communication, her range of motion has improved in many areas, she is working on standing up among many other things.

Below are a couple of short videos showing Olga's progress. She is currently working on eating through her mouth to hopefully remove both trach and gastrostomy tubes to enable her recovery to progress faster.

Playing Ball in September

Speech Therapy In October

Many of you probably have heard of Team Hoyt, but in case you have not click on this link to get more info TEAM HOYT. We were inspired by the love shared between Dick and Rick, but mostly we were motivated to continue our support for Olga and to raise awareness for individuals with TBI. We decided that Olga will be participating in a marathon (most likely the Mexico City Marathon) in 2012. At this point we are in the planning stages and Olga has to get clearance to participate. The dates are not yet set but the intent and motivation are there. We look forward to your support and motivation during our training and in particular during the race. More to come on this event.

Until next post, God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving to those in the US.

PS we invite you to leave comments for Olga and to share this page with others.

- OLGA Welcomes Fall 2011

2011-09-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! Its been just over 4 months since we published an update. We apologize for the delay.

Olga has been focused on her journey and several milestones have been accomplished. Today, Olga is receiving speech and physical therapy. She has her miscellaneous follow up appointments and in general she is progressing positively. Her sensitivity has increased as well as her interaction with people around her. She is now able to communicate with others more constantly and maintain focus for longer periods of time and she is spending as much time as she can sitting rather than laying down. She is also now able to make very small sounds and starting to eat through her mouth. It has been a slow process and here she is P.U.S.H.ing forward.

September 2011 - Working on new positions

We know we have not reached our fund raising goals; however, we remain hopeful that at some point she will be able to benefit from a program like TIRR. In the meantime, we, with the help of many people, have been able to identify the right therapists to come help her at home. They are aggressively motivating and stimulating Olga in many different ways. She is doing great. Closing on a year since the incident and we are all looking ahead together with Olga for her recovery.

September 2011

We thank everyone who has been by Olga and our side through out this challenging but rewarding journey. We also thank the many supporters that continue to provide not only funds but also the many prayers and words of encouragement.

Until the next post, God bless.

- Olga P.U.S.H.ing at home in May

2011-05-14T07:30:00.003-05:00

Home for almost a month and many questions come to mind. Now what? Is Olga making progress? When is she going to her next location or is she home for good? Can she communicate? Over 6 months ago in October, back when Olga was conscious and trying to understand what was happening, many of the same questions also came to mind. Today, Olga has been remarkably stable and making improvements. As perviously mentioned, TBI recovery takes time and patience and much dedication from many people - in particular the patient. We have exhausted the efforts to identify a rehab facility in Mexico that could provide any help in her condition. Many of you have suggested and recommended many other places, but her condition prevents her from both being admitted to a facility and from benefitting from those programs. At home Olga receives routine physical and sensorial therapy among other rehabilitation exercises that we have been able to do ourselves and when possible bring specialist to see her and make recommendations.

In the past week, Olga had a series of follow up appointments at the Neurology Institute in Mexico and are waiting for results and so far everything seems to be positive. In the next couple of weeks she will continue with supplemental appointments like the eye doctor and dentist. Our family and closest friends are amazed at the progress Olga has shown since she was discharged from the hospital. Here are some comments made.

"You know, I saw my cousin last Sunday, on her birthday, and she recognized me!! I would even say she smiled to me!"

"Every time I visit you i see progress ... take it easy and keep going...."

"every time we cover her body, she knocks the cover over and ends up with her gown open"

Our focus continues to provide Olga a more specialized or medically advanced rehabilitation opportunity as we are convinced that is what she needs to progress even further and give her the opportunity for a better recovery. The first year following a brain injury, it is essential to help the patient with stimulation to aid with their brain plasticity. (click here to high level understand brain plasticity) All of our efforts in the past month have been with the transition from the hospital to home. Our two biggest show-stoppers as you can imagine are money and time. With your help, we have done remarkably well with all the fundraising activities (see picture gallery). We have raised over $23,000 in just over two months and the activities will continue. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTIONS with our fundraising activities.

Please continue to have Olga in your prayers as she continues on her Journey to Recovery. We are so thankful to the great support she has been given from all over. Her story has reached over 15 countries and we hope that somehow her story contributes to other families with TBI patients. We would be happy to answer questions you might have. It is a long journey and we are just getting started. Please continue to P.U.S.H. (pray until something happens) as God has given Olga the challenge to bring people together. We are faithful that Olga will continue to be one of his biggest miracles.
Until next post, God bless and continue to P.U.S.H.

- HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLGA

2011-05-08T07:47:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

THANK YOU TO ALL HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED OLGA IN HER JOURNEY TO RECOVERY. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HER RECOVERY.

Wish Olga a Happy Birthday by posting a message on the blog or her FB page.

Olga continues to show progress. In addition to her regular physical therapy, she is now getting sensory therapy. It has been almost a month since she was discharged from the hospital and is now at home together with her husband Ivan. The transition has been very positive. It is hard to describe the positive changes she exhibits. We are excited of the challenges ahead and look forward to her recovery and rehab in the US.

Our family cannot find words to express the HUGE sense of gratitude we have for all of her supporters and everyone else who has been by her side since her journey began. It has been 2 months since we started the blog and we have passed the 10,000 visits; we have followers from over 15 countries, we are nearing the 20% mark of our fund raiser goal and most importantly, Olga is moving forward one baby step at a time.

Please continue to share the blog. Should you have any questions please feel free to post them on the blog.

Thank you again for your support. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the DONATE button on the right hand side bar.

Until the next post, god bless.

- OLGA's FACEBOOK-THON

2011-04-26T22:13:00.014-05:00

On May 8, Olga would have liked to blow her candles, exchange hugs, and dance in celebration of her 39th birthday, but unfortunately, this year she won't be able to. Almost 7 months ago, she suffered an unexpected TBI due to tuberculosis meningitis.

Olga Reyes is a human being like you and I; she worked for Canal 11 (Channel 11 in Mexico); she is married to Ivan Olvera and is a great wife; she is a good hearted and humble individual; she comes from a big and caring family; Olga, Ol, Olgiux, Buru, is a great friend.

Olga has not given up. She is a fighter, great Warrior, and will not let down on this challenging test life has brought to her. We, family & friends, would like to honor and celebrate her birthday. Together we can help Olga get her rehabilitation in Houston. Please help us during Olga's Birthday FACEBOOK-THON starting tonight by donating what you can afford (suggested $8 USD donations).

Today help us do this for Olga as tomorrow it could be for you or me. Our wish is that next year we celebrate her birthday exchanging hugs just like you will celebrate your birthday.
More to come...

DONACIONES EN MEXICO

BANCO: BANAMEX SUC. 7001 CTA. 456132 CLABE: 002180700104561320

Share it on Facebook by clicking below

- OLGA is ready for MAY

2011-04-25T21:23:00.000-05:00

May is coming and Olga is ready to continue.... Stand by for more to come

Mayo ya casi llega y Olga esta lista para continuar.... espera porque hay mas

- OLGA IS HOME

2011-04-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, Just wanted to share that Olga is out of the hospital and she is now home. Wish her luck in her next stage of recovery. Send her a message Thanks,

Hola a todos, solo para compartirles de que Olga salio del hospital y se encuentra en casa. Deseale suerte en su nueva etapa de recuperacion. Mandale un recado. Gracias.

- 10% & P.U.S.H.ing

2011-04-07T23:30:00.006-05:00

This post is dedicated to the many people not only in Mexico City, but also, in other countries that have helped Olga in many ways. Since the blog was first published back on March 3, we have had viewers from 11 countries and nearing 6,000 hits. The countries are Mexico, Germany, USA, Japan, Spain, France, Canada, Norway, Netherlandas, United Kingdom, & Nicaragua. It is impressive to see how many people Olga has touched with her story and from a family member perspective, how many people are willing to go the extra mile for her. On behalf of Olga and her family, T H A N K Y O U! We have just passed our 10% mark in this effort, and as you know this is just the beginning. Please keep promoting Olga's blog.

In the past few weeks, we have (again with the help of many of her close friends & key family members) organized several fund raising activities and a few more coming up. If in the past you have participated in any charity event as an organizer, volunteer, coordinator, team lead, or simply just a showing up for support, you know and realize the amount of work that goes in the planning and executing these types of events. It requires BIG effort, sacrifice and dedication. There are few words to express our sincere appreciation for the great efforts that so many people put in to help Olga. Again, T H A N K Y O U!

A 7 day sale of miscellaneous 20th Century FOX merchandise. Everything started with a small idea of auctioning some key items, but instead a sale was put together at the speed of light at 20th Century FOX facilities. See pictures click here. This was put together to help both Olga and Francisco. Both in need of funds for medical treatment. Unfortunately, Francisco lost his battle against cancer in late March and he is now in better hands and free of pain. Francisco enjoyed life to the fullest; he was a scuba instructor; loved mountain biking; and, enjoyed and respected nature. RIP.

Francisco

Casa Lamm Centro de Cultura had an auction benefiting both scholarships for prospective students and Olga's medical needs. The articles auctioned included art, antiques, coins and documents. Olga received her Masters of Art from Casa Lamm. Pictures

A premier of the movie Rio was shown to a private audiences in two shows also at 20th Century Fox facilities. Again the shows were to benefit both Olga and Francisco. A big thank you to FOX for their support, understanding and help. Pictures

ON GOING until April 30, 2011, there is an ongoing raffle for an iPad2. Tickets are 12USD (150 pesos) each. All details are listed in the picture below. In case you need help translating here it is. Win an iPad2 and help Olga with her rehab. The winning ticket will be the one that matches the last 3 #s of the winning Zodiac Lottery (Mexico) on May 1 2011 ticket. (Drawing #1066 Mexican Lottery). For more information please contact Liz at email below:

For more information contact: Liz at lizvalenciareyes2002@hotmail.com

These are just a few of the activities we have completed and a few more are coming up so keep checking back as often as possible. Every visitor is potentially $1, $5, $10, $100 or whatever they can afford to help Olga and if not, we are sure they know someone that can. So keep passing this on.

Continuing with the appreciation for the great help Olga has received, we want to also thank individuals that have come out to help us in many different ways such as offering their homes, services, contacts, advice, BLOOD, etc. Some of these may seemed overlooked overtime, but in reality, these are the ones that together with other efforts including the donations make the difference and change many things for the good of Olga along her journey to recovery.

Lastly (for this post), we want to thank all of you who continue with their 8:45pm prayer, positive energy, good karma, positive thoughts and get well wishes for Olga. She will be praying with us soon. Keep them coming. Until next post, peace, blessings, & thanks.

- P.U.S.H.

2011-03-25T10:57:00.001-06:00

Every TBI is unique. Olga is moving forward one baby step at a time. After the emotional roller coaster in November and December and after Olga clearly stated I am not leaving without a fight, God answered our prayers and began leading Olga to recovery.

Through John Keller story and many others, we have learned a lot about hope, faith, patience, ambition, inner peace, and the list goes on. But one thing that stands out is P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Somehing Happens). Most of us do not think much of a person's blinking or breathing pattern, coughing or eye movement. After the hemorrhaging incident in early December (I call it hitting rock bottom) Olga began to show small indications of progress. I remember saying to my family, "I have never been so excited about someone coughing." Have you? For some of us this is exactly what P.U.S.H. means and then you build up from there and continue praying until the man upstairs decides what is next. Among Olga's first baby steps was coughing then blinking then opening her eyes. A baby's devlopment is somewhat expected based on thousands of years humans have been around. For some of us, Olga is a born again baby. We are always excited to see what she is going to do next. She moved her pinky 1/8 of an inch. Woooooohooooo! We took a victory lap. Oh! Next day she moved her other finger 1/4 of an inch. Woooooohooooo! And we took another victory lap and so on. In retrospect, the baby steps are big leaps. For the most part, everyday is a celebration.

Christmas eve (December 24, 2010)
Nine days after being discharged from ICU

In January, as expected she had good and bad days. Vital signs are stable but with show stoppers here and there; yet, she moves forward: 5 steps forward and 2 back. Now a promising trend.

February...

March/today Olga continues to be stable. She tries to follow commands and is more alert. We are glad we see her in pain. Why? Because she can feel it. Pain is a great sign. She is telling us I am here and I need to get out of here.

Again, we get excited and continue to P.U.S.H. into April.

Special thank you to John Keller and his team for the great deal of inspiration and what they do for TBI survivors.

http://www.johnkellersmiracle.com/blog/olga-reyes-granados-mexico-city

- March 13

2011-03-13T19:34:00.001-06:00

As mentioned on the March 4 post, Olga continues to make progress. Since Olga was given the challenge to live a normal life back in October 2010, she has overcome many obstacles. We call her "La Guerrera" (The Warrior) as she held on to God for her life. While in ICU in November 2010, Olga's condition was everything but stable. Olga was given 30%, 10% and 5% chance of living, all within days of each other. It was not a promising trend. Olga's story is just one of many people that are in a similar condition. In the USA, "TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths." (http://www.cdc.gov/) We could not find similar statistics for Mexico.

Source: Center of Disease Control & Prevention, Injury Prevention & Control: Traumatic Brain Injury

We are told that every brain injury is unique and we deep down know that Olga's condition and recovery is also unique. Olga was under an induced a coma for a couple of weeks to help an edema subside. In mid November, I wrote the following note to my wife the day I was to return to Houston after spending a few days with Olga and our family.

"Health condition is about the same now both pupils are dialated. Will check if sedation is not the cause else things wont go very good from here on. We are all very hopeful god will shine on her and heal her from the illness. This is a test of faith and we are all putting her in His hands to do with her what she was here to do. I will get on the plane and continue to pray and be with her until SHE tells us is over. A little down, but keeping my chin up."

On the night of December 5th, Olga developed internal bleeding and ultimately the family was called to the hospital to basically say our good byes. I belive her nickname La Guerrera fits her very well and the above proves her will to live.

In March, Olga continues to push forward. Soon she will be discharged from Long Term Accute Care (LTAC) and move back home with her husband Ivan. As previously mentioned, in Mexico, the medical & rehabilitacion recovery programs in regards to TBI are not as advanced as in the US. The few locations/facilities where she could get help cannot admit her due to her medical condition.

We hope this begins to clarify some doubts you may have about Olga and our current situation. We look forward to have Olga begin her rehabilitation at TIRR MH soon. Thanks again in advance for your prayers and donations. Until the next post. Be safe and God Bless.

- My Journey To Recovery

2011-03-04T05:02:00.001-06:00

Hi!
My name is Olga Reyes Granados and I suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) starting October 2010. On Feb 22, 2011 I completed 4 months in the hospital and I am looking forward to continue with my recovery. God has been guiding me along the way and I pray that I become another one of His great miracles.

October 1, 2010 Alexa's Birthday Celebration

I have made some progress since I was first admitted to the hospital. TBI recovery takes time, dedication, lots of praying and patience. I will be discharged from the Instituto Nacional De Neurologia y Neurocirugia Manuel Velasco Suarez in the next few weeks as I have maxed out my recovery opportunities in Mexico due to medical advancements. I have come a long way and tried so hard thus far. I have overcome the 5% chance they gave me back in November and I am not willing to accept that my chances for recovery stop here.

Together with my family, we have identified TIRR Memorial Hermann as the best place for my recovery. However, due to my TBI and its economic impact on my family, I am unable to get to TIRR at this time. I need your help.

I am 38 years old and married to Ivan Olvera. I live in Mexico City. I am the youngest of 5 sisters and have 3 brothers. I studied graphic design and work at Canal 11 in Mexico City. I am a new blogger with the purpose of sharing my story and increasing awareness of TBI. I invite you to follow me on my Journey to Recovery. Please follow future posts to learn more about my progress and learning to live with TBI.

My family is campaigning on my behalf to raise $30,000 to cover both transportation costs from Mexico City to Houston and $125,000 for six weeks of rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. My insurance is unable to cover the transportation cost since we have reached the maximum coverage and the rehabilitation expenses are out of the country. At this point, I am strictly dependent on support of my family to cover these expenses and on your donations. Please click on the "Donate" button below to help me continue with my recovery. I will be posting progress to ensure you know how I am progressing and how your contribution has benefited me. Thanks in advance.