Friday, October 28, 2016

Early Registration with T-Shirt Extended to 10-30-2016


To make sure you get a Special 5K T-shirt.  We have extended the Early Registration to Sunday 10-30-2016.  Please sign up online or drop registration off at East Rogersville Baptist Church. If you have any questions you can call ERBC at 423-272-2496 or Robin MacLellan at 423-921-0207.




Help us Thank The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation for all they do!!!


J.T. Brooks and his family have been so blessed to have the support of  The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation.  They have truly been an answer to the family's prayers.  
Peyton Brooks posted 10-27-2016:
Excited to announce that I am participating in FUSAB's HAVOC! I will be raising money for The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in honor of my brother and hero, J.t. Brooks. I'll be raising money from Monday-Friday on campus. I'll take Venmo (@PeytonHAVOC), cash, or checks. I cannot wait for this competition to start.

For more information on The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, check out their website- https://www.christopherreeve.org




Thursday, October 27, 2016

Just in Hoodies and Short Sleeve Black T-shirts


Hoodies and Short Sleeve Black T-shirts
Order online www.thefightfor5.com, pick up USave Drugs, CHS game 10-28 or 5k run/walk 11-5. #fightfor5

Monday, October 24, 2016

Please continue to Pray for Healing and Understanding


Update. It's been Three Weekends since my last update.  We came home two of them and that reason alone is most likely why.  It generally takes all our efforts just to accomplish getting home and back to Atlanta. 

 

Three weeks ago after being forced to evacuate Charleston Courtney Brooks and some of her friends and fellow Track teammates at The College of Charleston brought Cracker Barrel and hung out with us.  We had a great time and Cassie even got in the pics!!!

       We came home three weekends ago and attended the Hawkins County Super Bowl.  The game was great and the Chiefs played Awesome.   We were Greeted and Treated with open arms by The whole Volunteer High School Community.  Bobby Wines, Jimmy Whalen , Chuck McClain and the whole staff were so nice and accommodating.    A former Teammate and Brother of mine Drew Bishop is on the coaching staff at VHS and he came and talked to J.T. .  We had a family get together at the house ate some Ridgewood BBQ and watched the Tennessee vs. A&M game.  The next week was Fall Break so Christie and Jacob came and stayed all week which was great family time.  It helped so much to have them here.  Ethan Crowder came down late week and stayed a few nights. He went to therapy with JT for a couple of days.  I do have video of JT, Jacob, Christie and Ethan singing Karaoke and the end of therapy one day!!!

   Last weekend we traveled home and watched the CHS vs Greenville game.   J.T got to see many friends and family and one of his good buddies Greene Devil Nash Newberry made special efforts to hangout with him.  Coach Ballard also gave him some encouraging words.  Saturday morning we headed to Knoxville to watch the Vols vs. Bama game .  Needless to say neither game turned out as we would have liked.  Peyton made it in and we really enjoyed spending time with her and Jacob.  JT had a visit from an incredibly encouraging person Stephanie McDuffie Freeman who gave him one of her Marathon Medals. 

   This weekend Christie came down and on cue we did absolutely nothing but rest.  It was much needed.  Angela Drinnon Ross made an Amazing home cooked meal and delivered it to us Friday afternoon.  Homemade Pasta, Salad, and Apple Pie made for Great comfort food and fit right into our not so busy weekend plans!!! She and her family are from our area.  It was so nice to visit with her and discuss all the connections we have.  What a Blessing!!!  

    In the past Three Weeks J.T. has worked extremely hard.  He did have the outing to the Georgia Aquarium I posted Video of. His Great Friend Dallas Dallas Jordan Disbro Graduated last week and handed the Boxing Gloves down to J.T. Most importantly he continues to improve .  The Time on the Lokomat is so Valuable.  They have increased the weight bearing, Speed and Distance.  We have had further development in his muscle movement in his lower extremities!!! This is something we are so excited about.  It is still a slow process.  He will graduate from the Day Program Friday and Transition to Beyond Therapy the following week.  He continues to do his school work with his Amazing teacher Sherry.  They attended  the Play Macbeth performed in Midtown this past week. 

   So many people continue to send cards weekly, call, text and most importantly lift him up in Prayer.   His Attitude has remained unchanged.  His resolve and determination are so evident.  I sometimes feel like a lost sheep wondering around.  My Savior, My Family, and the community support are my direction  and are what  I lean on when times get the toughest!!!   We miss Home!!! I am sorry for the lack of updates.  We just try to keep our priorities straight and plow forward!!! Please continue to Pray for Healing and Understanding.   He has come so far but has so far to Go!!! Thanks to everyone for your Love and Support!!!   #fightfor5

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Wonderful Underwater Experience at the Aquarium!

J.T. Got picked to take part in a Wonderful Experience last week with some of his Great Friends and Current Patients at The Shepherd Center!!! It was Truly Amazing to see them have so much fun!!! A Huge Thank You goes out to The Shepherd Center , The Shepherd Center Staff, The Georgia Aquarium and Staff and Home Depot who Provided them with this Unbelievable and Therapeutic Experience!!! Enjoy this Awesome Video of them Swimming with Whale Sharks and many more of Gods Creatures!!! God is Great!!!

Monday, October 3, 2016

Know that JT Fights Every Day with the Heart of a Champion


Update I finally have time to post an Update. As always is the case when we travel home. The next week we are so tired and covered up that it usually takes a week to recover.  I will try and hit the high spots.  This one goes back to last Thursday a week ago.  We went to and had an awesome time at the GT vs. Clemson game.  Navigating The GT Campus proved challenging but we were successful .  Landon and Justin came down and we had a Blast. After a late night we awake on Friday for Therapy in the Park at Piedmont Park which is kinda like Central Park but in Atlanta. The Park was beautiful.  J.T. Got to do some Fishing , The East Tennessee Tangler caught the first fish of the day on a Red Worm.  It was a Catfish.  We had a Picnic there at the Park and he got on a hand bike and peddled around.  He really enjoyed it.  We loaded up at 1:30 went to the apartment and got Cassie so we could head home in hopes of going to see the Chiefs play at Davy Crockett.  Traffic was atrocious!!! We drove straight to the house dropped off Cassie and picked up Christie, Jacob , Peyton and her friend Andy.  They had picked us up Pals and we are in the car on the way.  We made it to Crockett at 8:30pm just in time to See Japeth Curtsinger's 99yd Fumble Return for a TD.  I really was wondering if it was too much, but when J.T. Saw his Coaches and then went in the Locker Room and the reaction of his teammates it became evident that we made the right decision.  They were so fired up to see him. It was very touching.  He hungover on the sidelines , enjoyed the win.  The reception that Crockett HS, The fans, Jeremy Boskens and the Crockett Players and even the Cheerleaders gave J.T.  Was equally impressive. We met another young fellow who had been to the Shepherd Center and his family and they were so encouraging.  The next day we made our first trip back to Neyland Stadium where we saw The Big Orange Break an 11 year streak against the Florida Gators.  It was an Amazing day that JT spent with his family and friends.  River, Ryan, Huston and Eion got to sit with him.  We ended the evening at Outback Celebrating the Win with a huge group of us.  We ran into other folks from Rogersville who came over and encouraged him.  We packed up after a late Breakfast Sunday and headed back. Needless to say we were so tired and he had started facing some difficulties with a UTI and some other issues with Blood Pressure that we ended up dealing with all week.  Some of which was caused by dehydration and fatigue.  His week of therapy went well.  We had hoped to get back on the Lokomat , but the schedule is a week out so we didn't get to get on it.  That was disappointing.  He got a little frustrated with some of his issues but continued to push hard in therapy.  We were able to get in the pool Wednesday which he loves and then we attended the 4th floor SCI BI weekly dinner which is great because we just get to eat good food and hangout with other families in our situation, which is very therapeutic.  Dr. Elmers started this when JT was in the in-patient program and he was the Mayor so he still wants to go.  He likes the connection to the other patients plus he gets to see Dr. Elmers, one of his nurses Julia who was Awesome and even some of the wonderful techs that took care of him.  We ended the week with Christie arriving a day earlier than usual on Thursday.   That was awesome to get to spend extra time with her.  Peyton came over from Furman on Friday. It was Family weekend and unfortunately we couldn't go so she came to us.  We all went to the movies and saw Magnificent Seven and had Dinner.  Saturday we slept in and watched The Now Famous Dobb Nail Boot Hail Mary Pass Win over Georgia. JT had made some gentlemen's wagers with the Bulldog therapists he works with.  Now they have to wear a Tennessee shirt.   A nice Lady from Passion City Mrs. Catherine Day fixed us a home cooked meal of Chicken Pie and all the fixings for Supper this evening.  We rested some more today and he's in bed.  He already picked out his Tennessee Gear he is wearing tomorrow.  We are so Thankful for being able to come home last weekend. It was our second time and we just didn't want to leave . We are still Amazed at all the Support and encouragement that we are getting.  I am so sorry the updates are few.  Time is just so precious.  We are spread thin.  Know that we feel the Prayers and Love.  Continue to pray for Progress, for healing and for patience.  We look forward to being home full time.  Know that JT Fights Every Day with the Heart of a Champion.  At times I get down and truly hate that he is missing so much,  I often feel cheated and do not understand, but when I see JT and his determination at such small things that we take for granted I realize that he doesn't feel sorry for himself. That energizes me and makes me realize that he has Faith in God and in himself. It's a tough lesson to learn but God is in control and we have to Trust in him.  God Bless You All and #fightfor5

 

Fall is Here!! Get your Long Sleeve Fight for 5 T-Shirts

Available at:
  • U-Save Drug Center in Rogersville 9am to 7pm Mon-Sat and Sun 2-5pm
  • East TN Iron & Metal  in Bulls Gap M-F 8am-4pm
  • Online (shipping included) The Fight for 5 Website
  • Keep posted for other dates of fundraising events
  • Keep posted for new items

East Rogersville Baptist Church Awana Fight for 5 Silent Auction and Bake Sale

Come out and support ERBC Awana group in their community service project.  This week 10/3/16 to 10/5/16, they will be having a Silent Auction.  You can place your bids M-W 8am-12 and 1pm-5pm at East Rogersville Baptist Church.  On Wednesday, they will accept Silent Auction bids up until 7:00pm.  In addition to the Silent Auction, they are having a Bake Sale on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm or when sweet run out!  So proud of these children!  You can visit    http://www.erbc.org/ for more information on this Event and the Awana Program