From cappuccino to pureed food

Earlier in the week, we brought you news of how Gary had his first taste of coffee in six months. Since then, he's moved on to eating pureed food. This photo, taken yesterday, shows Gary enjoying a prime rib dinner in the company of his loving wife Gayle.

He also good a bit of early Christmas cheer this morning, when hospital staff brought him down to see the hospital's Christmas Party. The wonderful staff at the hospital shot this video:

Some of the hospital's leadership came down as well to wish Gary a merry Christmas. 

And last but not least, his good friend and fellow Rotarian Greg Hammond also stopped by to say hello.

A very special coffee date

It was a coffee date half a year in the making. 

Left paralyzed by a mysterious virus since May, Gary Froude celebrated yet another milestone in his recovery this week when he had a few sips of a cappuccino with cinnamon and chocolate sprinkles. It was the first time in six months that he was able to have a hot cup of coffee together with his loving wife Gayle.

Just a few days prior, Gary also had his first taste of real food in six months, consuming a simple meal of applesauce and pudding as part of tests by hospital staff. Until now, hospital staff had Gary hooked up on a feeding tube. 

Given the remarkable progress of Gary's recovery, Gayle already has her sights on another special date. In a few days time, she is looking forward to sharing a special Christmas dinner of mashed potatoes and turkey gravy with him. 

And then there was two...

Generosity has doubled for Gary Froude's fundraiser, with news that Canadian singer Marc Jordan will be joining the musical lineup alongside his band mate, Juno-winner Ian Thomas.

Thomas, who was originally supposed to be the only performer from the band Lunch at Allen's, said Jordan jumped on board instantly when he heard of Gary's ongoing recovery. A local newspaper, What's Up Muskoka, broke news of the repertoire change this week:

And now a special announcement...

Gary continues to grow stronger each day. On Saturday, he was speaking with his friend John Wright and his wife Pam, and was asked to do a quick shout-out to the fundraiser committee. Of course, Gary was more than happy to oblige:



A special thanks to David Bradstreet for helping bring Gary's voice to Muskoka. Bradstreet also worked with Mike Kirby to produce a radio PSA for the Bring Gary Home fundraiser on Jan. 4. You can hear them below:

This first version is the "just the facts" version:



The second one features the voice of Ian Thomas, the Juno-winning singer who will be performing on Jan. 4.

Hey Muskoka - Gary's got something to say!

After almost six months, Gary's has something important he'd like to say to all of his friends and well wishers:

Hospital staff had been making various adjustments to Gary's ventilator over the past few months which allowed him to speak. But yesterday was the first time that Gary has been able to speak this clearly in his own voice since the mysterious virus first hit.

And as if that wasn't impressive enough, here's another clip from yesterday showing just how far Gary has come:

Yesterday was a big day for Gary. Staff at the hospital took him out for a spin, making a stop at the hospital's Christmas tree along the way.

There was also an opportunity for Gary to get some fresh air:

Many thanks to everyone who helped make Gary's little excursion yesterday a success! Below is the team of nurses, speech occupational and respiratory therapists who celebrated Gary's remarkable day.