Ava Update - February 2010

Several people have asked for an update on Ava and I apologize that it has taken me a while to do so. Besides the fact that it has been a busy couple of weeks, it has been emotionally draining as well. Sometimes I think when I am having a difficult time it is just better that I not write. To others, writing is therapeutic and I am hoping today’s outcome is just that because for some reason I can’t seem to get out of this funk!

Ava started her vision school almost two weeks ago and is adjusting beautifully. To say that she is a super star is an understatement. The class provides her with a security that she will need to get her thru the next stages of her recovery. There are 5 children in the class, three legally blind and two with severe visual impairment. Our hope is to learn how “severe” Ava’s impairment is so that we can develop a plan that best fits her needs. While our hope was to be able to mainstream her next year, it looks like Ava will spend time in a PPCD program or another way of explaining it a “special needs” classroom. A family that we never thought we would be a part of but we are truly blessed.

As mentioned in a previous post, Ava started wearing glasses a few weeks ago on a full time basis. We were told that the glasses will hopefully correct the eye crossing the she is experiencing. If it does not then she will require surgery. Something we may not know for a while.

Within the next few weeks Ava will begin what is called “Orientation and Mobility” therapy. In addition to Ava’s left visual field cut and limited vision in her right eye, there is now concern that she may have a lower visual field cut as well. For those of you around her frequently you may notice that when she walks she looks straight ahead. Because of this she often runs into or over things. With the new therapy they will be able to work with Ava in training her to be aware of her surroundings. One way of doing this is with the use of a cane. The hope is that Ava will not need to use this on a continual basis but the possibility exists. I also just learned that long term there may be a possibility that Ava may never read due to the disorganization in her brain. I was then told that the teacher may start to introduce Braille. Another kick in the gut. My eyes started to tear as I listened once again to the aftermath of a careless woman out of control.
Ava saw the neurologist a few weeks ago. While he is optimistic that her stability will continue to improve he is concerned that she is at risk of injuring herself. She is now wearing a helmet to protect her head and will continue to do so until he sees enough improvement to say that it is safe to take it off.

AS for the legal side of this that unfortunately exists….the trial date was reset by the defense attorney. We have been told that we may not have a new date for several months. It truly amazes me that this is the way the legal system works. Fortunately all the time in the world can pass by but this will never be forgotten or forgiven. I maintain my confidence in our legal system and am hopeful that this case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It would be a shame to send the message that it is okay to drive while intoxicated, plow down a family and flee the scene of an accident. Not only has our family suffered because of this but people, young and old, all over the country have also been affected. Thank you to all those people that have written letters to District Attorney Susan Reed. I ask that you send another letter and this time in addition to sending the letter to Susan Reed also send a copy of the letter to State Senator Jeff Wentworth and State Senator Leticia Van de Putte. The contact information is listed below.

The Honorable Jeff Wentworth
925 N Frost Center
1250 N.E. Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78209

OR

P.O. Box 12068
Capitol State
Austin, TX 78711

Leticia Van de Putte
Texas Senate District 26
700 N St. Mary’s Street, Suite 1725 A
San Antonio, TX 78205

OR

P.O. Box 12068
Austin, TX 78711

District Attorney Susan Reed’s fax number is
(210) 335-2884

Sorry if this sounds a little redundant….. it is just that when Ava continues to fight for what was taken from her on a daily basis, I feel the one thing I can do is to continue to be her advocate. Continue to be an advocate for all of my children, friends and family that believe this person needs to take responsibility for her actions. We live day to day knowing that this woman is still living right up the street, able to come and go as she pleases. It is gut wrenching when I run into her at Target and she stares at me blankly. And then to have my four year old daughter say is that the lady that hit us and Mommy why isn’t she in jail?...I have no words for her just pain and all I can do is hug her!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. Traci