Andrew is out of icu and settled in the rehab wing. The feeding tube in the
throat has been replaced with a PEG tube that puts the nutrition directly
into the stomach. That has many advantages for him, and we are happy with
progress. Tomorrow, he will begin with all of his therapists, and we believe
he is ready to move forward. Thank you for your love and prayers, and please
continue to lift him up to our Lord.

The peg tube is now in.

Out of ICU

Andrew is now moved to the rehab floor of the hospital! He slept through the whole thing and most of the day yesterday since he's on Benadryl.
This morning, he will be receiving a different kind of feeding tube, a PEG tube that goes straight to his stomach through the side. This will allow doctors to begin removing objects from his mouth and throat, a step toward allowing speech to occur. The procedure is relatively quick, and the tube is easily removed once a patient is ready to eat normally again. Please pray that everything runs smoothly.

Today's most exciting bit of news was Andrew's movement on command. When asked to move his arm, he was able to do so after a few moments. For the past three days, his sporadic movements have increased slightly. He moves his left arm (the stronger of the two), his legs, his neck to turn toward sound and his feet (for the first time today) in response to tickling. Smiles and other facial expressions have become more frequent. It is like seeing a bit of his personality once again. He has a long way to go, but each little thing is an encouragement. Movement from ICU has been delayed by paperwork only, so he will be moved to the rehab floor of the hospital very soon. Please pray that this move will be seamless and comfortable for Andrew as he is unable to communicate with us. Pray also that the Lord would strengthen him as physical therapists and family begin more direct and intense stimulation for his recovery.

Our hope is in the Lord

Andrew's terrible rash is better, as well as the pneumonia. His fever is down to a manageable number. Today, he moved his arms and hands for the first time since Jan. 10. Of course, we are bombarding him with words of love and encouragement. Our next step is to move to the rehab floor where he can receive more visitors and therapy of all sorts. Our family and friends mean so much to us.

Dear friends and family,
Taking Andrew off the antibiotics did not relieve his fever, but it could also be caused by the medication he's on to prevent seizures. As of today, he will be off of that medication, which we hope will also lessen his sluggishness.
He is now first on the list to be moved to the rehab wing as soon as his fever is gone, which may take the weekend.
Thank you for your continued prayers.
~Sarah (Hilleke) Richey

Dear friends and relations,

Andrew smiled twice yesterday at someone or something. You can imagine how
that made our day. Doctors believe his fever and rash are due to 30 days of
very strong antibiotics. May that be our hope and prayer so that he can move
to the rehab wing soon.

Love you all,
Laura

As of Right Now:

We spend our time at the hospital. We talk, pray, sing, read and start over again. I'm still standing and functioning, so the Lord, indeed, is holding me upright. In a few days, Andrew is moving to the rehab floor. There will be a variety of therapists, and weaning off of the respirator will be an important goal. . . .One of my comforts is that I know Andrew's hope is in the Lord. . . . He is resting in the Lord, and he knows we all love him tremendously.

--Laura Hilleke

Hilleke Family Photo Christmas 2006

This photo was orchestrated and taken by Andrew right after our Christmas gift exchange.