Monday February 28th

Good Morning everyone.  Keith is continuing to make progress and he is starting to get a routine.  Today he begins the serious physical work.  3-4 hours a day of training/occupational therapy/speech therapy and I know its going to be hard.  I am seeing the the physical work helps him stay calm.    Because of the type of brain injury he has he is very hypersensitive to sound/and light for what I can tell.  He gets upset very easy.   Yesterday was awesome we had family and a few close friends come by and the kids really hung out most of the day.  He seems to enjoy just watching them interact.  It is good for them too because they all really want to help him.  Dennis shaved him up because he was really getting quite the beard.  Too bad it isnt stachtober...He was happy being smooth again.  I cleaned his teeth and finally put his braces back in and that was a relief to him.  Thank you for your continued prayers and help and support.  Now I am off to visit with my guy.

A Story for History

what I have learned from this experience is that Gods hand is on every motion that we make in life. From the littlest things like the cat that moves your heart at the shelter to the pictures that are stored in your phone.  He brings people to your life that will guide you to where you need to be.  Many times you don't feel him.  But He is there.  When you need him the most you are so week yet you still find the strength to fall to your knees and pray.  At those times Jesus takes over your body and begins to tell you exactly what to do.  Who to call, what to say, what to do, who to fix, how to heal, who needs to be saved how to save them.  Sometimes you get very tired and you need to rest. You close your eyes for what feels like hours but in only a few moments you wake up with incredible power to go on.  If you cant find the energy something wakes you up, if you can't see something He helps you find what you need.  That something is the Lord Jesus Christ brought into your body by the Holy Spirit through the prayers of the  people and animals that have been placed there before the event that brought you to your knees. In the beginning I was scared, not for me but for you.  I knew that you would not recognize me and that some of you would be worried.  That was the time for believers to come together to show the non believers the way.  How we connect, how we love so openly. How we pray and share and let down the walls so that support can come down from the Lord. I know that Keith's journey is different but I look forward to the day when he and I can walk again together hand in hand speaking clearly so that I may tell him this story.  Thank you God for this experience and for Placing all of these wonderful special specific people in my life to guide me on this path.  Thank you for their prayers that were so specific in nature that they could be delivered to me by the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for the animals that provide comfort and healing and support with their gentle mysterious ways. My Gratitude is immense because you are an AWESOME GOD.

Prayer and fellowship...

Good evening RFD,
 
Today Keith was moved out of Loma Linda Hospital and into the rehabilitation center that was mentioned in yesterday's e-mail.  The rehabilitation center is located at 25333 Barton Rd. Loma Linda, CA. Visitation is still suspended until the rehabilitation doctors assess Keith and his current situation. This excludes our overnighters: Jeff Larson, Ron Rondero, Tom Kleveno, and Pat Gabler. Special thanks to the previously mentioned individuals for helping Hallgren and me with the Anderson situation. Additionally, the Grove Community Church is hosting a prayer/fellowship gathering tomorrow at 3:00pm in the chapel with a 5:00pm service to follow. All are welcome to attend.
 
Fraternally,
Firefighter Vanderhorst

Continued progress...

Hello All,

Today was a step in the right direction. Keith has been moved out of ICU. Last night the big guy even chowed down a plate of food. I guess he could only take that puréed stuff for so long. He was evaluated by two doctors today and was selected as a candidate for a special rehabilitation center. Apparently, Keith meets certain criteria and shows good promise for a strong recovery. Doctors want him to begin as soon as possible. We are still unsure of visitation at this time. Thanks to all for continuing to step up and help out our brother.

Respectfully,
Firefighter Vanderhorst

Updated diagnosis

Good evening RFD,
 
The official terminology for what caused Keith's stroke is: carotid artery disection. Keith is continuing to make progress and should be moving out of ICU soon. He had his first session of physical therapy today and was really strong. The doctors are going to place him in neurology at Loma Linda to begin rehab. Once he is there, we will figure out the visitation hours and establish a list if visitation is allowable. Anthony Frausto will be the visitation coordinator. Anthony can be reached @ 714-606-5358 or Fire Station #2 @ 951-351-6102. It is my understanding that Odie has established a blog at http://prayforkeith.blogspot.com/  Feel free to post comments and show your support! Keith's facebook is also being updated. Thanks again for all your prayers and continued support!
 
Sincerely,
Firefighter Tim Vanderhorst

Sorry for the late update!

Latest update...

Good evening RFD,

Keith is continuing to make slow progress. He spoke a few words this morning. He looks much better and is looking around more. This afternoon he had a cerebral angiogram to see if a bypass type surgery might be an option. With injuries of this nature, the plan for care is constantly changing. If Keith does have surgery, he will remain in ICU longer. The family is aware that people really want to visit Keith and show support. Unfortunately, as long as he remains in ICU, visitation will not be an option. I know not being able to visit our brother is very difficult, but please respect the doctors' and family's wishes. As soon as Keith is more stable, a visitation list will be established, and RFD personnel will be  notified. Additionally, please direct all phone calls to either Steve Hallgren or me. The family is very overwhelmed. I have passed along all your kind words and offers. As many families have experienced, the Andersons are truly moved by our department's outpouring of support!

Thanks again,

Firefighter Vanderhorst 

Good evening,

The tear in Keith's carotid artery caused a blockage, resulting in a significant stroke on the left side of his brain. Doctors have recently discovered that there is partial flow in the area of the blocked artery. Surgery is not in the cards right now due to the location of the blockage. Keith is making progress. He is eating puréed foods, moving his left side, and reacting with emotion to loved ones. Doctors believe if Keith continues this type of progress, he could be released from ICU within the next day or two. We are still asking that visitation be suspended, as Keith is still in a fragile state and requires rest. The family thanks all of you for your continued prayers and support.

Again we anticipate there will be staffing issues in the near future. Any FF/PM willing to assist Keith Anderson with shift coverage, please call or e-mail Steve Hallgren directly. shallgren@riversideca.gov We will be establishing a list of those individuals willing to assist.

Lets hope Keith continues to make strong progress!

Respectfully,
Firefighter Tim Vanderhorst

Keith's progress...

We all continue to pray for Keith and his family.