Getting stronger one day at a time

Gary had good reason to be grinning ear to ear this past Thursday - he got a surprise visit from Gayle and Raphael. He's also been working hard on getting stronger and stronger as each day passes. So far, staff at the hospital have him exercising on a machine similar to a bicycle, and he has been constantly pushing the limits on how long he can breathe on his own without the ventilator. Gary's also been following the massive outpouring of support he's received from Muskoka and on this blog. He has been floored by the sheer volume of generosity and kind words that have flooded in from his friends from up north, and wishes to extend a thank you to all those who have kept him in their thoughts and prayers.

Progress!

Gary's continuing recovery has been coming along steadily. Recently, he celebrated an amazing milestone - he was able to sit up mostly on his own and hold his head up by himself!

A very special concert

Gary was far from alone when Thanksgiving Day rolled around this year. A special concert was put on for him in his hospital room by his loving family, some of whom traveled to Barrie from as far as Owen Sound.

Here Quinn plays the violin for Grandpa G. Earlier that day nephew Andrew played Bob Marley tunes while Gayle, her sister Kathie, brother-in-law Carm and niece Vanessa sang along. Gary even joined in with the help for an respiratory therapist to sing Redemption Song. It was charted as a "session!"

January fundraising concert to bring Gary home

It has been almost half a year since Gary started his long road to recovery, and he has made remarkable progress. He has regained movement in his fingers and toes, and can now mouth words. Here is Gary with his sisters, his mother, his partner Gayle and Raphael at his side on his birthday, October 27.

From left to right: sister Judy Simpson, Gayle, Raphael, sister Linda Gruntke, sister Penny O'Neill and Gary's mother, Violet Froude. 

Though Gary, Muskoka's 2012 Citizen of the year, is not at home at the moment, Muskoka certainly has not forgotten him. In true small-town spirit, Gary's friends are organizing a fundraiser for him at JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka on Saturday, January 4. 

The highlight will be a concert featuring Juno-winning singer/songwriter Ian Thomas. A silent auction will also be held, offering valuable original works of prominent local artists. An afternoon of folk music at the fireside will round out the day.

More details are available on the events page.

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates on Gary's recovery.