Yesterday was a long day, mostly because there was no therapy. We encouraged Jilly to rest a lot, and brought up fewer visitors than on past days. Gina Kourias, who interviewed Jillian for Time Out New York before the showing of Mothership at Dance Theater Workshop this spring, visited. Though they had only met a few times, Jilly recognized Gina, which encouraged us. Amber and Zari napped and meditated with her late in the day to ease the transition to nighttime.
No therapy again today, so we are planning a day of beauty, with a few simple games as well. We're sure the condition of her nails would shock her, and hope that the games will help maintain the ground gained in her attention span by the exercises the therapists do.
Raymond and I have fallen into a routine of stopping at the Lyric Diner on 22nd and Third, just a few blocks from where we are staying, for a light supper each night. It's pretty much simple comfort food, which is what we need these days. We were able to catch high points of the Democratic Convention last week; I guess the Republicans are up next.
I'll talk to you all tomorrow.
All our best,
Ingrid & Ray
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
A special visitor...
Yesterday we had a visit from Theresa Sereo, a singer/songwriter who was involved in a serious accident in 2006 just blocks from Bellevue. She was treated in the trauma clinic, then SICU, on the same floor as Jilly, then underwent her entire rehab period on the sixth floor, where Jilly is now. As you can see on her Web site (http://www.theresasareo.com/), she was able to resume her performing career with great success after this major trauma and now volunteers as a counselor for families of traumatic injury victims.
Theresa gave us valuable advice and heartfelt encouragement. She is living proof that an artist can bring herself back to a full and rewarding career after severe trauma. She also talked to us about Bellevue's art therapy program and sent the head of it to meet Jilly immediately. One problem with an institution the size of Bellevue is that it takes time and savvy to learn about resources that may be just down the hall, so hearing about and understanding the scope of this one so early is a real blessing.
Thank you, Theresa!
Ingrid & Ray
Theresa gave us valuable advice and heartfelt encouragement. She is living proof that an artist can bring herself back to a full and rewarding career after severe trauma. She also talked to us about Bellevue's art therapy program and sent the head of it to meet Jilly immediately. One problem with an institution the size of Bellevue is that it takes time and savvy to learn about resources that may be just down the hall, so hearing about and understanding the scope of this one so early is a real blessing.
Thank you, Theresa!
Ingrid & Ray
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hi, this is Ingrid.
I think I've finally learned how to post on this blog! When we get back from the hospital at night, I am usually just worn out--too tired to figure it all out. This morning Raymond has gone to be with Jilly, so I am able to concentrate for a few minutes.
After a rough first day or two, Jilly is settling into the routines of the Rehab floor. Weekdays she has several therapy sessions per day: speech, occupational, physical. Her ability to concentrate has risen a bit each day, and after a physical therapy session, her oxygen level is high enough to allow her to go without that "hose" thing for the rest of the day. Next week they will be weaning her off the trach, improving her comfort level and, we hope, allowing her to begin speaking.
We have been trying to determine how best to "manage" her visitor schedule, and she is beginning to participate in this task. Yesterday she wrote a note that said, "Tell everyone they have 5 minutes." We have allowed more than that, but are being careful about the two-at-a-time rule. The two of us have 24-hour passes.
On the lighter side, Jilly has been trying to implicate her friends when she wants to ignore instructions or rules. The other day a nurse put ointment in her eyes and said, "Now don't wipe that off." As soon as the nurse was gone, Jilly grabbed Zari's hand and used it to get rid of most of the ointment. Zari says, "I was framed!"
Jilly is also imploring some of her friends to help her bust out of Bellevue. I think she knows who might be a soft touch, and she tells them "Let's just go!" She has asked for "delicious beverages" and "milky substances," and keeps thinking someone will bring us all a beer soon.
While they are pleased with Jilly's progress, her doctors are still saying four to six weeks in Bellevue. We are putting our ducks in a row to facilitate and support this as best we can.
On a few occasions I have had to be a bit of a troublemaker (there was an unpleasant moment involving an intimidating security guard), and I want you all to know that the support we are feeling from all corners of Jilly's world have given me the strength to behave in ways to which I am not generally accustomed. You are all angels in my eyes.
Many thanks,
Ingrid
I think I've finally learned how to post on this blog! When we get back from the hospital at night, I am usually just worn out--too tired to figure it all out. This morning Raymond has gone to be with Jilly, so I am able to concentrate for a few minutes.
After a rough first day or two, Jilly is settling into the routines of the Rehab floor. Weekdays she has several therapy sessions per day: speech, occupational, physical. Her ability to concentrate has risen a bit each day, and after a physical therapy session, her oxygen level is high enough to allow her to go without that "hose" thing for the rest of the day. Next week they will be weaning her off the trach, improving her comfort level and, we hope, allowing her to begin speaking.
We have been trying to determine how best to "manage" her visitor schedule, and she is beginning to participate in this task. Yesterday she wrote a note that said, "Tell everyone they have 5 minutes." We have allowed more than that, but are being careful about the two-at-a-time rule. The two of us have 24-hour passes.
On the lighter side, Jilly has been trying to implicate her friends when she wants to ignore instructions or rules. The other day a nurse put ointment in her eyes and said, "Now don't wipe that off." As soon as the nurse was gone, Jilly grabbed Zari's hand and used it to get rid of most of the ointment. Zari says, "I was framed!"
Jilly is also imploring some of her friends to help her bust out of Bellevue. I think she knows who might be a soft touch, and she tells them "Let's just go!" She has asked for "delicious beverages" and "milky substances," and keeps thinking someone will bring us all a beer soon.
While they are pleased with Jilly's progress, her doctors are still saying four to six weeks in Bellevue. We are putting our ducks in a row to facilitate and support this as best we can.
On a few occasions I have had to be a bit of a troublemaker (there was an unpleasant moment involving an intimidating security guard), and I want you all to know that the support we are feeling from all corners of Jilly's world have given me the strength to behave in ways to which I am not generally accustomed. You are all angels in my eyes.
Many thanks,
Ingrid
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Generosity
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to help Jillian and her family during her recovery. We have been so touched by the enormous response to our request for help. Jillian's friends from all over the world, people who have been inspired by Jillian's work and others who just heard Jillian's story and felt compelled to give have sent in donations and loving messages to aid in her recovery. The great news is that Jillian is improving every day. She even began to write yesterday and the first thing she scribbled down was her name, "Jillian."
More than 75 people have sent in gifts, some giving large sums and others giving only what they can. We know that Jillian and her family are so grateful for each and every dollar (or Euro!) that you have contributed.
Thank you again and please keep sending Jilly your love and good thoughts.
Love,
Friends of Jillian
More than 75 people have sent in gifts, some giving large sums and others giving only what they can. We know that Jillian and her family are so grateful for each and every dollar (or Euro!) that you have contributed.
Thank you again and please keep sending Jilly your love and good thoughts.
Love,
Friends of Jillian
Monday, August 25, 2008
Jillian Pena Family Fund
Dear Friends,
As you all know, on Monday August, 11th, Jillian Pena, was hit by a car while crossing the street in Brooklyn, New York. For those of you who don't know, Jillian was in New York this summer working on several dance related projects. In the fall she was planning to return to her PhD program at Goldsmiths at the University of London where she was studying practice-based fine arts. Previously, Jillian had received her MFA in Studio Art & Performance at the Art Institute of Chicago.
She was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan where she underwent emergency surgery to manage bleeding in her brain. Jillian is currently stable but not completely responsive. The next step is for Jillian to undergo intensive rehab in New York.
Like many artists and students, Jillian is uninsured. Her parents, Ingrid and Raymond Pena, are in New York managing Jillian's recovery and organizing the details of her care. They will be staying indefinitely. On their behalf, we will be accepting donations to go towards Jillian's family's expenses.
PayPal donations can be made by logging into your own PayPal account at www.paypal.com (if you don't yet have one, you can sign up there as well,) going to the 'send money' tab and entering the email address donations4jillian@gmail.com.
Any help you can give during this difficult time will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Friends of Jillian
As you all know, on Monday August, 11th, Jillian Pena, was hit by a car while crossing the street in Brooklyn, New York. For those of you who don't know, Jillian was in New York this summer working on several dance related projects. In the fall she was planning to return to her PhD program at Goldsmiths at the University of London where she was studying practice-based fine arts. Previously, Jillian had received her MFA in Studio Art & Performance at the Art Institute of Chicago.
She was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan where she underwent emergency surgery to manage bleeding in her brain. Jillian is currently stable but not completely responsive. The next step is for Jillian to undergo intensive rehab in New York.
Like many artists and students, Jillian is uninsured. Her parents, Ingrid and Raymond Pena, are in New York managing Jillian's recovery and organizing the details of her care. They will be staying indefinitely. On their behalf, we will be accepting donations to go towards Jillian's family's expenses.
PayPal donations can be made by logging into your own PayPal account at www.paypal.com (if you don't yet have one, you can sign up there as well,) going to the 'send money' tab and entering the email address donations4jillian@gmail.com.
Any help you can give during this difficult time will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Friends of Jillian
moving on down!
Dear Friends,
Jillian is being moved out of the ICU! She will be moved to the 6th floor at Bellvue. This is great news. :))) (big smile)
So, the visiting situation on this floor is a bit more regulated. They enforce a two person only policy. The visiting hours are as follows:
Monday - Friday 4pm to 8pm
Saturday - 2pm to 8pm
Sunday - 11am to 8pm
We will know more about the specifics of this floor soon. In the meanwhile Amber Bemak will be coordinating a sign up sheet so we do not all overlap and get turned away. She can be reached here: 413-687-8107
Also, Ingrid has requested that people send fun pictures of people/places/things that Jillian loves to put up around her room. You can email me photos that I can print out if you are far away - flockofsiegelproductions@gmail.
Thanks to everyone. XO.
Jillian is being moved out of the ICU! She will be moved to the 6th floor at Bellvue. This is great news. :))) (big smile)
So, the visiting situation on this floor is a bit more regulated. They enforce a two person only policy. The visiting hours are as follows:
Monday - Friday 4pm to 8pm
Saturday - 2pm to 8pm
Sunday - 11am to 8pm
We will know more about the specifics of this floor soon. In the meanwhile Amber Bemak will be coordinating a sign up sheet so we do not all overlap and get turned away. She can be reached here: 413-687-8107
Also, Ingrid has requested that people send fun pictures of people/places/things that Jillian loves to put up around her room. You can email me photos that I can print out if you are far away - flockofsiegelproductions@gmail.
Thanks to everyone. XO.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday 8/23 morning update
FROM INGRID:
They’re starting to do some therapy with Jillian. They did quite a bit yesterday, and someone is anticipated to come in this weekend (although the weekend schedule may be less regular than the weekday arrangement).
Jillian enjoys a few minutes at a time sitting in a chair, and stands up every once in a while with the help of nurses.
Sometimes Jillian will point and flex her foot repeatedly when asked to do so.
-Yve (11:15am)
They’re starting to do some therapy with Jillian. They did quite a bit yesterday, and someone is anticipated to come in this weekend (although the weekend schedule may be less regular than the weekday arrangement).
Jillian enjoys a few minutes at a time sitting in a chair, and stands up every once in a while with the help of nurses.
Sometimes Jillian will point and flex her foot repeatedly when asked to do so.
-Yve (11:15am)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Friday Morning
Jillian had a wild night. She was moving around quite a bit and, with the help of her nurses, was able to stand up briefly early this morning. All this activity has subsided somewhat and now Jilly is having a quiet day. She's been spending more time in a near-sitting position and the swelling in her left eye has gone way down.
The constant stream of fans who are showing up to play Jillian music or read to her or talk to her about the genius of Party of Five are trying to keep our theories to ourselves, as Jillian really seems to need sleep today.
She is not responding to commands as well today as she was yesterday but this doesn't concern Jilly's doctors. Her progress is slow but steady.
We're looking forward to Jillian having a quiet, restorative weekend.
Yours,
Lizzy and Ariel
The constant stream of fans who are showing up to play Jillian music or read to her or talk to her about the genius of Party of Five are trying to keep our theories to ourselves, as Jillian really seems to need sleep today.
She is not responding to commands as well today as she was yesterday but this doesn't concern Jilly's doctors. Her progress is slow but steady.
We're looking forward to Jillian having a quiet, restorative weekend.
Yours,
Lizzy and Ariel
Thursday, August 21, 2008
From Ingrid & Raymond
Thursday August 21, 9 AM
Doctors came in this morning and asked Jillian to hold up 2 fingers which she did on command.
She also nodded appropriately to questions.
She is sitting up in a chair. Ingrid is working on making it a throne.
-Erika
Doctors came in this morning and asked Jillian to hold up 2 fingers which she did on command.
She also nodded appropriately to questions.
She is sitting up in a chair. Ingrid is working on making it a throne.
-Erika
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wed Aug 20 Night
Jillian has been moving in new and exciting ways.
Jesse commented today that the way she is moving looks so "Jillian." Her everyday gestures as well as how she dances all combined into one.
I experienced for the first time today (although some people experienced this yesterday) Jillian opening her right eye. She locks her focus on you if you are in front of her. My reaction was sort of like, "Hey! Jillian, it's Erika. I love you!" It is so breathtaking. It is so beautiful to see her blink.
Last night those who were in her room all night said that she was REALLY moving her body all around. Grabbing onto sides of the bed and pulling herself in various directions sometimes looking like she wanted to sit up. Also they said that she was running her hand through her hair and also feeling her face. At one point she actually opened her own eyelid with her own hand! Donna Faye asked her to do it again (amazed), and she did!
Sometimes she furrows her brow.
Some people have suggested that we play lots of music for her.
Does anybody have any comfortable, over-sized headphones we could borrow? At the moment, we play music from iPhones, computers, iPods with those little hard white headphones.
As you can tell, everyone has their own reading on what Jillian "means" by the way she is responding/communicating. I like hearing everyone's interpretations.
Ingrid has a theory. Most people come out of comas mind first, then body. She thinks that Jillian is waking up with her body first and her mind will follow. Pretty cool, huh?
Erika
Jesse commented today that the way she is moving looks so "Jillian." Her everyday gestures as well as how she dances all combined into one.
I experienced for the first time today (although some people experienced this yesterday) Jillian opening her right eye. She locks her focus on you if you are in front of her. My reaction was sort of like, "Hey! Jillian, it's Erika. I love you!" It is so breathtaking. It is so beautiful to see her blink.
Last night those who were in her room all night said that she was REALLY moving her body all around. Grabbing onto sides of the bed and pulling herself in various directions sometimes looking like she wanted to sit up. Also they said that she was running her hand through her hair and also feeling her face. At one point she actually opened her own eyelid with her own hand! Donna Faye asked her to do it again (amazed), and she did!
Sometimes she furrows her brow.
Some people have suggested that we play lots of music for her.
Does anybody have any comfortable, over-sized headphones we could borrow? At the moment, we play music from iPhones, computers, iPods with those little hard white headphones.
As you can tell, everyone has their own reading on what Jillian "means" by the way she is responding/communicating. I like hearing everyone's interpretations.
Ingrid has a theory. Most people come out of comas mind first, then body. She thinks that Jillian is waking up with her body first and her mind will follow. Pretty cool, huh?
Erika
update aug 19th nite time
today Jillian was showing signs of improvement. i spent the day with her, and saw her roll over on her side and hold the side of the bed and pull on it a number of times as well as open her eyes both on command and not on command a bunch of times to! her movements are also getting more delibrate, for instance she scratched the place where there is tape on her face a couple of times. All of these things are so exciting and really beautiful to be there to see.
she was pretty active (meaning moving around a lot) for a part of the day, and her brow looked kind of furrowed a lot of the time, as if she is uncomfortable. All though this is difficult to see, it is also a good sign, because it means that she is registering her body more.
please keep sending her love!!!!!
p.s. the post about the oracle (a couple posts back) was kind of like a private email that accidentally got published.
love,
amber
she was pretty active (meaning moving around a lot) for a part of the day, and her brow looked kind of furrowed a lot of the time, as if she is uncomfortable. All though this is difficult to see, it is also a good sign, because it means that she is registering her body more.
please keep sending her love!!!!!
p.s. the post about the oracle (a couple posts back) was kind of like a private email that accidentally got published.
love,
amber
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday 8/19 update. 8:45am
FROM INGRID:
Jillian scored some points with Dr. Kang, which is not easy to do. She opened her right eye at his command while he was on morning rounds. Dr. Kang is no pushover, so the fact that he’s impressed is quite significant.
Jillian had her trach put in yesterday, so now the risk of infection will be significantly reduced. Having the ventilator through her mouth, exposing her airway to bacteria, presented this risk.
Jillian’s infections seem to be under control.
(via Yve Laris Cohen)
Jillian scored some points with Dr. Kang, which is not easy to do. She opened her right eye at his command while he was on morning rounds. Dr. Kang is no pushover, so the fact that he’s impressed is quite significant.
Jillian had her trach put in yesterday, so now the risk of infection will be significantly reduced. Having the ventilator through her mouth, exposing her airway to bacteria, presented this risk.
Jillian’s infections seem to be under control.
(via Yve Laris Cohen)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday August 18
Things with Jillian seem a little better today. She's clearly fighting. People say she's looking better every time they come to see her.
She will have few procedures in the next couple days including a tracheostomy, which is scheduled for today.
She was very active last night.
Doctors made their usual rounds this morning and reported that her most recent CAT scan looked great.
We have to give her time and continue to be patient.
She seemed a little more tired this morning during ballet barre and I told her that she is not off the hook. When she wakes up we are resuming class right away.
-Erika Hand w/ Donna Faye
She will have few procedures in the next couple days including a tracheostomy, which is scheduled for today.
She was very active last night.
Doctors made their usual rounds this morning and reported that her most recent CAT scan looked great.
We have to give her time and continue to be patient.
She seemed a little more tired this morning during ballet barre and I told her that she is not off the hook. When she wakes up we are resuming class right away.
-Erika Hand w/ Donna Faye
Ballet Barre- 7pm Sunday
It started when Christy and I asked Jillian to do a Graham contraction, which she responded to. Then I walked Christy through how to do a contraction and we practiced at the foot of Jillian's bed. One thing led to another and the next thing you know we were playing one of Christy's favorite classical pieces on her iPhone and I was giving Jillian ballet barre.
We started with plies, then tendus, then degages, then ronds de jambes, then frappes, then fondus, then stretch at the barre, then grand battements, then a tendu exercise in the center with pirouettes.
I don't want to draw conclusions that may be false and give people information as if it is fact but my experience and my feelings told me that Jillian heard every word I said and was really excited to dance.
Donna Faye switched places with Christy and helped encourage Jillian to keep moving. I would say plie 1 & 2, lengthen 3 & 4 and she really did bend her knees. I said find your rotation and I swear she turned her legs out. We talked about port de bras a lot and she did raise her right arm above her head many times. I asked her to feel the stretch of her psoas and she reached her hand in the direction of her psoas. There was a lot going on and Donna Faye grabbed the nurses on duty who came and observed. One of them said to Jillian, "Now do that tomorrow when the Dr. comes by!"
So, I am going to the hospital at 7:30 am at Ingrid's invitation to give Jillian Day 2 of Ballet barre for the Doctors to see. Ingrid has been saying all along that she thinks Jillian needs to have ballet class. So, here we go. I think what's important is that we do it every day.
Also she opened her mouth really wide in a way that looked like a yawn during the dancing. She also coughed.
Her heart rate went way up during our ballet barre. It only went down once, but everyone needs a little rest.
More to come,
Erika Hand
We started with plies, then tendus, then degages, then ronds de jambes, then frappes, then fondus, then stretch at the barre, then grand battements, then a tendu exercise in the center with pirouettes.
I don't want to draw conclusions that may be false and give people information as if it is fact but my experience and my feelings told me that Jillian heard every word I said and was really excited to dance.
Donna Faye switched places with Christy and helped encourage Jillian to keep moving. I would say plie 1 & 2, lengthen 3 & 4 and she really did bend her knees. I said find your rotation and I swear she turned her legs out. We talked about port de bras a lot and she did raise her right arm above her head many times. I asked her to feel the stretch of her psoas and she reached her hand in the direction of her psoas. There was a lot going on and Donna Faye grabbed the nurses on duty who came and observed. One of them said to Jillian, "Now do that tomorrow when the Dr. comes by!"
So, I am going to the hospital at 7:30 am at Ingrid's invitation to give Jillian Day 2 of Ballet barre for the Doctors to see. Ingrid has been saying all along that she thinks Jillian needs to have ballet class. So, here we go. I think what's important is that we do it every day.
Also she opened her mouth really wide in a way that looked like a yawn during the dancing. She also coughed.
Her heart rate went way up during our ballet barre. It only went down once, but everyone needs a little rest.
More to come,
Erika Hand
Sunday, August 17, 2008
From Amber
There will be 5 pujas prayer ceremonies (rituals) at a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery called Nagi Gompa which is located in the Shivapuri National Forest just above Katmandu in Nepal. The pujas were suggested by Phakchok Rinpoche (sp? A Tibetan Llama) “Mo” (divination) to determine which pujas would be best for Jillian. More information to come.
From Ingrid + Raymond
Prayers are being offered by the church group of the kind costumer service representative at Verizon Wireless.
The Brotherhood of Christian Woodsmen is praying for her.
The Brotherhood of Christian Woodsmen is praying for her.
Sunday August 17
12:30 am Dr. Gupta tells us that Jillian has a urinary tract infection (UTI) and also bacteria in her phlegm. She also has a fever of 100 (she had a fever last night also). They are giving her Tylenol and broad spectrum antibiotics to treat theses things.
I've noticed that today she's started breathing really fast and her heart rate goes up and her face turns kind of red. This has been happening throughout the day.
Dr. Chang says quicker breathing and elevated heart rate are responses to discomfort because she's had no sedation for about 2 days.
Sunday Morning Dr. Kang says that Jillian seems slightly more responsive but is not consistent yet. It's nice to have them validate what we've been thinking, that she feels more present.
Breathing tube will be changed tomorrow for a tracheotomy.
10am Jillian's fever is 100.7 after taking Tyllenol. They are giving her a water pill to bring the liquid down from her lungs into her urine and will give her water pills all day. They are hoping she urinates a lot.
The current feeding tube is beeing switched tomorrow for a PEG tube which will be inserted in her side.
Also switching catheter tomorrow for another kind of catheter that will be more comfortable for her.
***This information was scribed by a combination of Amber and Zari (sp?) and blogged by a combination of Christy and Erika. Bare with us as we are trying to get the information out as fast as possible and there is no wireless internet access in the ICU waiting room and neighboring parts of the hospital.
I've noticed that today she's started breathing really fast and her heart rate goes up and her face turns kind of red. This has been happening throughout the day.
Dr. Chang says quicker breathing and elevated heart rate are responses to discomfort because she's had no sedation for about 2 days.
Sunday Morning Dr. Kang says that Jillian seems slightly more responsive but is not consistent yet. It's nice to have them validate what we've been thinking, that she feels more present.
Breathing tube will be changed tomorrow for a tracheotomy.
10am Jillian's fever is 100.7 after taking Tyllenol. They are giving her a water pill to bring the liquid down from her lungs into her urine and will give her water pills all day. They are hoping she urinates a lot.
The current feeding tube is beeing switched tomorrow for a PEG tube which will be inserted in her side.
Also switching catheter tomorrow for another kind of catheter that will be more comfortable for her.
***This information was scribed by a combination of Amber and Zari (sp?) and blogged by a combination of Christy and Erika. Bare with us as we are trying to get the information out as fast as possible and there is no wireless internet access in the ICU waiting room and neighboring parts of the hospital.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Quiet Hours and Flowers
INFORMATION FOR JILLIAN'S VISITORS:
Ingrid requests that from
10pm-8:30am
all visitors observe "Quiet Hours" while in Jillian's room. During these hours Jillian can get that much needed rest and calm.
Let's make an effort to direct medical questions and concerns to Jillian's family first rather than approaching doctors and nurses on our own.
Nurses have mentioned that technically no flowers are allowed in the ICU b/c they attract bugs. While we enjoy the flowers that have already been sent please hold off on sending anymore as we cannot accept them.
-Ingrid, Donna Faye, Christy, Erika
Ingrid requests that from
10pm-8:30am
all visitors observe "Quiet Hours" while in Jillian's room. During these hours Jillian can get that much needed rest and calm.
Let's make an effort to direct medical questions and concerns to Jillian's family first rather than approaching doctors and nurses on our own.
Nurses have mentioned that technically no flowers are allowed in the ICU b/c they attract bugs. While we enjoy the flowers that have already been sent please hold off on sending anymore as we cannot accept them.
-Ingrid, Donna Faye, Christy, Erika
Early Saturday 8/16 Morning Update
After watching Jillian all night, Donna Faye and I have a strong sense of when Jillian is "asleep" and "awake," and it seems to be connected to her heart rate. That is, her heart rate seems to be a good indicator of when we should talk to her and try to wake her up versus lay off and let her rest.
Heart rate in 60s and low to mid-70s seems to mean Jillian is "sleeping."
Heart rate in high 70s, 80s, and 90s seems to mean Jillian is "awake."
Jillian will often go between these states in short, short cycles. One or two minutes, for example. Sometimes they're longer--and not always balanced evenly (i.e. she doesn't always "sleep" for as long as she's been "awake" and vice versa).
All this, of course, must be confirmed by doctors. This update is purely a product of strong intuitive reasoning.
Also, naturally, there are marked differences in Jillian's physicality in these two states. Jillian will often engage the muscles in her lower arms and hands as if she is pulling reins (along with minimal leg movement) when she is "sleeping;" the mere presence of movement does not necessarily mean she is "awake."
Jillian also seems to be moving her head more frequently than she did Friday afternoon/evening. Again, this mostly occurs when her heart rate is in the high 70s, 80s, or 90s.
-----
As of 7:15am, no new updates from doctors or nurses.
-----
And now for a lighthearted story from the middle of the night:
At a little after 2am two nurses came in to take Jillian's routine (3 times per day) chest x-ray. I was puzzled to see one of the technicians washing his face after the procedure. "She spit in my eye!" he said. "I've been doing this for three years and never once has this happened." Apparently Jillian sent some projectile saliva onto his cheekbone and eye. "I guess she doesn't like me," the nurse joked.
-Yve Laris Cohen
Heart rate in 60s and low to mid-70s seems to mean Jillian is "sleeping."
Heart rate in high 70s, 80s, and 90s seems to mean Jillian is "awake."
Jillian will often go between these states in short, short cycles. One or two minutes, for example. Sometimes they're longer--and not always balanced evenly (i.e. she doesn't always "sleep" for as long as she's been "awake" and vice versa).
All this, of course, must be confirmed by doctors. This update is purely a product of strong intuitive reasoning.
Also, naturally, there are marked differences in Jillian's physicality in these two states. Jillian will often engage the muscles in her lower arms and hands as if she is pulling reins (along with minimal leg movement) when she is "sleeping;" the mere presence of movement does not necessarily mean she is "awake."
Jillian also seems to be moving her head more frequently than she did Friday afternoon/evening. Again, this mostly occurs when her heart rate is in the high 70s, 80s, or 90s.
-----
As of 7:15am, no new updates from doctors or nurses.
-----
And now for a lighthearted story from the middle of the night:
At a little after 2am two nurses came in to take Jillian's routine (3 times per day) chest x-ray. I was puzzled to see one of the technicians washing his face after the procedure. "She spit in my eye!" he said. "I've been doing this for three years and never once has this happened." Apparently Jillian sent some projectile saliva onto his cheekbone and eye. "I guess she doesn't like me," the nurse joked.
-Yve Laris Cohen
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday Number Four
The afternoon is young but it's already been pretty exciting (12:50pm). Jillian isn't sedated at all anymore. Lauryn played her George Harrison's, 'I've Got My Mind Set On You' and Jillian got to really moving around, stretching her arms all the way over her head, twisting her body and legs around. She bopped Lauryn on the head twice with her mitt pretty hard. And most importantly she was closing her fingers lightly around different people's hands when we told her to squeeze our hands.
Other news is that she is not digesting the feeding tube food very well and she'll have to get a peg put into her stomach to insert food directly.
She has felt really present today, more so than any day and we've all been really excited.
This has been the best moment so far aside from being told that she was going to live.
-via Amber
Other news is that she is not digesting the feeding tube food very well and she'll have to get a peg put into her stomach to insert food directly.
She has felt really present today, more so than any day and we've all been really excited.
This has been the best moment so far aside from being told that she was going to live.
-via Amber
Friday Morning 3-Encouraging
The following information is coming from friends who are in the room with Jillian. Not from doctors. Sara Marcus wanted me to say that so that we aren't getting too excited about information that we can't substantiate.
Moving around a ton.
Moving around in ways that the motions seem stronger than it has been.
Playing George Harrison song "I've Got my Mind Set on You" &
Jillian responds by opening her arms above her head. Circling her arms too.
Can close her finger around your hands when asked to "squeezed my hand." Not a strong squeeze but definitely a response.
Moments where she's "sleeping" and times when she's moving around. Sometimes it seems like she doesn't have enough energy to sustain the movement.
Very encouraging 15 minute period of her being super active.
Obviously she is moving around more now off sedation.
Seems to Sara Marcus that she's trying to figure out how to respond to stimulus.
Nurses are saying "Yeah she hears you. Tell her it's time to wake up. She's had 4 days of rest, encourage her to wake up."
No question that she hears you.
Lauryn says:
Jillian's moving around when we play music.
Eyes not focusing on anything.
Things are improving.
Needs to gather strength.
Appears to be able to hear.
Feels like she's stuck in mud and trying to find her way out.
Not able to respond to commands. Still waiting for her to do this. Might take 3-4 more days?
Lauryn is leaving the hospital now to go to an internet cafe and write a more detailed post.
-Erika
Moving around a ton.
Moving around in ways that the motions seem stronger than it has been.
Playing George Harrison song "I've Got my Mind Set on You" &
Jillian responds by opening her arms above her head. Circling her arms too.
Can close her finger around your hands when asked to "squeezed my hand." Not a strong squeeze but definitely a response.
Moments where she's "sleeping" and times when she's moving around. Sometimes it seems like she doesn't have enough energy to sustain the movement.
Very encouraging 15 minute period of her being super active.
Obviously she is moving around more now off sedation.
Seems to Sara Marcus that she's trying to figure out how to respond to stimulus.
Nurses are saying "Yeah she hears you. Tell her it's time to wake up. She's had 4 days of rest, encourage her to wake up."
No question that she hears you.
Lauryn says:
Jillian's moving around when we play music.
Eyes not focusing on anything.
Things are improving.
Needs to gather strength.
Appears to be able to hear.
Feels like she's stuck in mud and trying to find her way out.
Not able to respond to commands. Still waiting for her to do this. Might take 3-4 more days?
Lauryn is leaving the hospital now to go to an internet cafe and write a more detailed post.
-Erika
Friday Morning 2
Jillian is 100% off sedation for right now. She's moving her limbs a lot more.
Sometimes she opens her "good" eye (right eye) a quarter of the way but she's not tracking motion.
Her eyes sweep from side to side like a search light but they don't tack onto anything.
Until she's tracking motion it's hard to tell if her brain is making sense of what she's seeing.
The optimologist came by. The intraocular pressure of her "bad" eye (left eye) is at a good level. Surgery has succesfully relieved the elevated intraocular pressure from the hematoma behind the left eye. The pressure around her left eye is almost as low as the pressure around her right eye.
Won't know until she wakes up what kind of damage, if any, has been done to her left eye.
Keep standing-by. Even more information to come shortly.
Sometimes she opens her "good" eye (right eye) a quarter of the way but she's not tracking motion.
Her eyes sweep from side to side like a search light but they don't tack onto anything.
Until she's tracking motion it's hard to tell if her brain is making sense of what she's seeing.
The optimologist came by. The intraocular pressure of her "bad" eye (left eye) is at a good level. Surgery has succesfully relieved the elevated intraocular pressure from the hematoma behind the left eye. The pressure around her left eye is almost as low as the pressure around her right eye.
Won't know until she wakes up what kind of damage, if any, has been done to her left eye.
Keep standing-by. Even more information to come shortly.
Friday Morning
Jillian was taken off sedation this morning and didn't respond to commands.
Her brain is firing and her limbs are moving.
Doctors are trying to lower the sedation in general.
The cell phone reception in the ICU waiting room is spotty. We are trying to get more details now.
Stand-by.
Her brain is firing and her limbs are moving.
Doctors are trying to lower the sedation in general.
The cell phone reception in the ICU waiting room is spotty. We are trying to get more details now.
Stand-by.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Medical Timeline Mon 11-Thur14
MEDICAL TIMELINE:
Monday, August 11
~11:20 AM Jillian is hit by a car at the corner of Myrtle and Marcy Avenues in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and is rushed to the hospital. The detective will later report that she was semiconscious at the scene. (Can we confirm this? Does it matter?)
11:50 AM JP is checked in to Bellevue Hospital.
1:20 PM JP goes in to surgery to remove lemon-sized epidural hematoma on the left side of her brain and smaller hematoma by her left eye.
~4:40 PM JP is moved to the recovery room.
~7 PM: JP is moved to the neuro ICU. Her intracranial pressure (ICP) elevates to the mid-twenties, and a CAT scan shows another hematoma and additional bleeding.
~11 PM or midnight: JP returns to surgery to remove the bleeding and second hematoma.
~2 AM: JP returns from surgery. Her mid-cranial pressure drops to 8. She is given a coagulation aid to help her blood clot.
Dr. Kang reports that while the surgery has removed the clots, there are many bruises on her brain, contusions on the right side. The rest of her brain looks ok, although more bruises could show up later. Her skull had been fractured in the accident, which sounds obvious but hadn’t been stated outright yet. Diffuse axonal injury is still a possibility, but no devastating deep-in-brain-tissue injury is visible. Dr. Kang reports that there are no signs yet of severe neurological damage (things like pupils, gag reflex, and posture). He explains, “In some cases, we’re fighting just to keep the person alive. That’s not the case here; it’s not a salvage operation. We’re trying to maximize neurological function.”
Tuesday, August 12
around 6 AM JP goes for a CAT scan to check on the post-surgery state of her brain.
8:10 AM JP returns from CT. Doctors report that the scan looks really good. Bleeding looks good. No more operations foreseen.
8:45 AM Frangos, Stapleton, and three other docs go in with a half dozen nurses. They tell her, “Wiggle your feet.” Stapleton asks, “Why isn’t she in a Miami J?” (a soft cervical collar as opposed to the rigid one she’s in), expresses concern about her eye and asks that ophthamologists be called in to check it out.
2 PM Briefing with the doctors. Dr. Kang says she’s stable but “not out of the woods yet.” Doing really well neurologically; all her vitals are good. Being monitored in the ICU for things like electrolytes and blood pressure (sedation makes her blood pressure go down, so this has to be monitored in order to make sure it doesn’t go down too far). Some things that might happen to her in terms of effects on her brain: The hematoma was near the language section of her brain, so language stuff might be difficult for her—she might mix up words for a while. Short-term memory might be affected. She might have some dizziness for the next year. The right side of her body might be weaker for a while. He says basically it’s a matter of time and we have to wait and see what happens.
2:45 PM Marissa, a witness, comes with her son Mahleek and tells their story: They were stopped at a light on Myrtle at Marcy—heading west, it seems necessary to me—and from what I can tell, JP was waiting at the SE corner when the driver came up heading north on Marcy, a one-way street, to turn right (east) onto Myrtle. He swerved to avoid hitting Marissa’s car and hit Jillian. Marissa states that JP was not talking on her cell phone.
Afternoon—JP is changed into a soft cervical collar. Two ophthamologists come to check out her eye and say it looks OK.
Evening—JP’s ICP fluctuates between 13 and 28, occasionally dipping above 30. The nurses say these fluctuations are normal. An orthopedic team comes to check out JP’s right ankle, which had looked abnormal but that could just be because she’s a dancer. X-rays at some point today show that her ankle is fine and there are no broken bones in her legs or feet.
Around midnight: JP’s ICP is up around 30 for twenty minutes. Amber asks nurses and a doctor whether this is OK, and why it should be OK now when the same ICP the previous evening meant additional surgery was required. A physician finally says, “Fine, I’ll order a CAT scan.” She goes for the CAT scan, which comes back normal. The next day the nurse explains that the elevated ICP is now not due to any more clotting in her brain, only due to anxiety or disturbance in her brain.
Wednesday, August 13
around 8 AM JP is removed from sedation, kicks her feet and moves her arms.
around 9 AM Frangos, Stableford, and the rest of the team come by on their rounds. JP does not respond to commands. Dr. Gupta explains that when people don’t respond to commands, they aren’t ready to be extubated (have their breathing tubes removed) because they can’t be depended upon to clear their throat, cough, etc. And as long as a person has a breathing tube, they need to stay sedated because the breathing (and feeding) tubes are very uncomfortable and may trigger a gag reflex. JP goes back on sedation.
1 PM Jeremy and Raymond go to the 79th Precinct and to the accident scene. Jeremy picked up a copy of the initial accident report at the precinct. Christy Raymond, and Jeremy visited the scene of the accident. Christy took pictures from various perspectives.
~2:45 PM JP goes down for an angiogram to check on whether there’s a blockage in her carotid artery, the big artery that runs up the side of the neck bringing oxygenated blood to the head and neck.
~4 PM Update from doctors: Everything in her brain looks really good. The bruises on her brain have already peaked and are beginning to heal—this is occurring earlier than the average of three–four days. Docs will remove sedation again Thursday AM to check command following, etc., and are hopeful that they will be able to remove breathing tube sometime Thursday or Friday. After they take out the tubes and pressure monitor they will do an MRI which will give more information about the long-term prognosis, but until then the only available information about neuro functioning comes from things like the commands that are being given.
~5:30 PM Christy and Jeremy took pictures of Jillian in her bed.
Dr. Elliott will be on all night. Dr. Elliott showed images from the CT scans and the CTA (CT Angiogram) which show no further clotting. The CT showed the skull fracture, which extends from the outer corner of her left eye deep into her head right next to the carotid artery, which is why the doctors were concerned that the fracture might have disturbed the carotid artery. Very, very slight midline shift to the right.
Thursday, August 14
8 AM Doctors remove sedation and Jillian coughs, so they resume sedation for a while. When they remove it again a few minutes later, she is still unresponsive to commands. The doctors reiterate that this is not a cause for concern; her brain has been through a lot and still needs to heal before it’s ready to regain consciousness.
On another CT scan later this morning, everything looks fine.
3 PM Doctors removed the monitor off the top of her head that was the main data source of her intracranial pressure (ICP). The main reason for this is because her CAT scans have been consistently coming back "clean." Jillian’s mom Ingrid affectionately called the monitor a “top-knot” or “a Martian fashion statement.” Those who have seen Jillian can tell you that it looked like a looped tube sitting on the top of her head.
Doctors also removed one of the drains that was on the left side of her head.
She is being gradually, bit by bit, taken off of the sedative.
She is probably not coming off the respirator until Monday.
Doctors continue to hold the perspective that it is still very early in her process to expect more than what we’re already getting from her.
-Erika Hand and Sara Marcus
Monday, August 11
~11:20 AM Jillian is hit by a car at the corner of Myrtle and Marcy Avenues in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and is rushed to the hospital. The detective will later report that she was semiconscious at the scene. (Can we confirm this? Does it matter?)
11:50 AM JP is checked in to Bellevue Hospital.
1:20 PM JP goes in to surgery to remove lemon-sized epidural hematoma on the left side of her brain and smaller hematoma by her left eye.
~4:40 PM JP is moved to the recovery room.
~7 PM: JP is moved to the neuro ICU. Her intracranial pressure (ICP) elevates to the mid-twenties, and a CAT scan shows another hematoma and additional bleeding.
~11 PM or midnight: JP returns to surgery to remove the bleeding and second hematoma.
~2 AM: JP returns from surgery. Her mid-cranial pressure drops to 8. She is given a coagulation aid to help her blood clot.
Dr. Kang reports that while the surgery has removed the clots, there are many bruises on her brain, contusions on the right side. The rest of her brain looks ok, although more bruises could show up later. Her skull had been fractured in the accident, which sounds obvious but hadn’t been stated outright yet. Diffuse axonal injury is still a possibility, but no devastating deep-in-brain-tissue injury is visible. Dr. Kang reports that there are no signs yet of severe neurological damage (things like pupils, gag reflex, and posture). He explains, “In some cases, we’re fighting just to keep the person alive. That’s not the case here; it’s not a salvage operation. We’re trying to maximize neurological function.”
Tuesday, August 12
around 6 AM JP goes for a CAT scan to check on the post-surgery state of her brain.
8:10 AM JP returns from CT. Doctors report that the scan looks really good. Bleeding looks good. No more operations foreseen.
8:45 AM Frangos, Stapleton, and three other docs go in with a half dozen nurses. They tell her, “Wiggle your feet.” Stapleton asks, “Why isn’t she in a Miami J?” (a soft cervical collar as opposed to the rigid one she’s in), expresses concern about her eye and asks that ophthamologists be called in to check it out.
2 PM Briefing with the doctors. Dr. Kang says she’s stable but “not out of the woods yet.” Doing really well neurologically; all her vitals are good. Being monitored in the ICU for things like electrolytes and blood pressure (sedation makes her blood pressure go down, so this has to be monitored in order to make sure it doesn’t go down too far). Some things that might happen to her in terms of effects on her brain: The hematoma was near the language section of her brain, so language stuff might be difficult for her—she might mix up words for a while. Short-term memory might be affected. She might have some dizziness for the next year. The right side of her body might be weaker for a while. He says basically it’s a matter of time and we have to wait and see what happens.
2:45 PM Marissa, a witness, comes with her son Mahleek and tells their story: They were stopped at a light on Myrtle at Marcy—heading west, it seems necessary to me—and from what I can tell, JP was waiting at the SE corner when the driver came up heading north on Marcy, a one-way street, to turn right (east) onto Myrtle. He swerved to avoid hitting Marissa’s car and hit Jillian. Marissa states that JP was not talking on her cell phone.
Afternoon—JP is changed into a soft cervical collar. Two ophthamologists come to check out her eye and say it looks OK.
Evening—JP’s ICP fluctuates between 13 and 28, occasionally dipping above 30. The nurses say these fluctuations are normal. An orthopedic team comes to check out JP’s right ankle, which had looked abnormal but that could just be because she’s a dancer. X-rays at some point today show that her ankle is fine and there are no broken bones in her legs or feet.
Around midnight: JP’s ICP is up around 30 for twenty minutes. Amber asks nurses and a doctor whether this is OK, and why it should be OK now when the same ICP the previous evening meant additional surgery was required. A physician finally says, “Fine, I’ll order a CAT scan.” She goes for the CAT scan, which comes back normal. The next day the nurse explains that the elevated ICP is now not due to any more clotting in her brain, only due to anxiety or disturbance in her brain.
Wednesday, August 13
around 8 AM JP is removed from sedation, kicks her feet and moves her arms.
around 9 AM Frangos, Stableford, and the rest of the team come by on their rounds. JP does not respond to commands. Dr. Gupta explains that when people don’t respond to commands, they aren’t ready to be extubated (have their breathing tubes removed) because they can’t be depended upon to clear their throat, cough, etc. And as long as a person has a breathing tube, they need to stay sedated because the breathing (and feeding) tubes are very uncomfortable and may trigger a gag reflex. JP goes back on sedation.
1 PM Jeremy and Raymond go to the 79th Precinct and to the accident scene. Jeremy picked up a copy of the initial accident report at the precinct. Christy Raymond, and Jeremy visited the scene of the accident. Christy took pictures from various perspectives.
~2:45 PM JP goes down for an angiogram to check on whether there’s a blockage in her carotid artery, the big artery that runs up the side of the neck bringing oxygenated blood to the head and neck.
~4 PM Update from doctors: Everything in her brain looks really good. The bruises on her brain have already peaked and are beginning to heal—this is occurring earlier than the average of three–four days. Docs will remove sedation again Thursday AM to check command following, etc., and are hopeful that they will be able to remove breathing tube sometime Thursday or Friday. After they take out the tubes and pressure monitor they will do an MRI which will give more information about the long-term prognosis, but until then the only available information about neuro functioning comes from things like the commands that are being given.
~5:30 PM Christy and Jeremy took pictures of Jillian in her bed.
Dr. Elliott will be on all night. Dr. Elliott showed images from the CT scans and the CTA (CT Angiogram) which show no further clotting. The CT showed the skull fracture, which extends from the outer corner of her left eye deep into her head right next to the carotid artery, which is why the doctors were concerned that the fracture might have disturbed the carotid artery. Very, very slight midline shift to the right.
Thursday, August 14
8 AM Doctors remove sedation and Jillian coughs, so they resume sedation for a while. When they remove it again a few minutes later, she is still unresponsive to commands. The doctors reiterate that this is not a cause for concern; her brain has been through a lot and still needs to heal before it’s ready to regain consciousness.
On another CT scan later this morning, everything looks fine.
3 PM Doctors removed the monitor off the top of her head that was the main data source of her intracranial pressure (ICP). The main reason for this is because her CAT scans have been consistently coming back "clean." Jillian’s mom Ingrid affectionately called the monitor a “top-knot” or “a Martian fashion statement.” Those who have seen Jillian can tell you that it looked like a looped tube sitting on the top of her head.
Doctors also removed one of the drains that was on the left side of her head.
She is being gradually, bit by bit, taken off of the sedative.
She is probably not coming off the respirator until Monday.
Doctors continue to hold the perspective that it is still very early in her process to expect more than what we’re already getting from her.
-Erika Hand and Sara Marcus
Medical Personnel
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
Dr. Spiros Frangos—trauma surgeon. Comes around in the mornings, 8 AM.
Has been working on JP's case since she was admitted.
Dr. Jennifer Stableford—trauma chief resident. Also has been on JP's
case since the beginning. Comes around in the mornings with Frangos.
Dr. Kang—another chief resident.
Dr. Gupta—around during the day. Friendly and encouraging.
Miriam—head nurse during the day. Good-humored and totally on top of things.
Dr. Elliott--Great at explaining. Very forthcoming. Showed the family
the CAT scans.
Dr. Spiros Frangos—trauma surgeon. Comes around in the mornings, 8 AM.
Has been working on JP's case since she was admitted.
Dr. Jennifer Stableford—trauma chief resident. Also has been on JP's
case since the beginning. Comes around in the mornings with Frangos.
Dr. Kang—another chief resident.
Dr. Gupta—around during the day. Friendly and encouraging.
Miriam—head nurse during the day. Good-humored and totally on top of things.
Dr. Elliott--Great at explaining. Very forthcoming. Showed the family
the CAT scans.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
from Erika Hand
Doctors met with Ingrid, Raymond, Jeremy, and Amber around 4pm today, Wednesday August 13th. The overall report was optimistic.Jillian had an angiogram test which revealed that she has no clotting in her arteries. She is "100% clot-free." This is great news!There is a fracture at the base of her skull that will eventually heal on its own.Jillian is presently in a medically induced coma. They will take her off sedation at approx 8am tomorrow (Thursday morning).At that time she will be asked to follow simple commands (e.g. "Squeeze my hand" or "Hold up 2 fingers")Ingrid and Raymond were very relieved to speak directly to the doctor (Dr. Robin Elliot sp?) and see detailed images the epidural hematoma.The doctor has been very forthcoming with information. Doctor Elliot conducted the first surgery and will also be the doctor on duty tonight.The pressure from the swelling caused a slight mid-line shift of her brain.After Jillian comes off sedation she will be given an MRI test which will reveal more about her cognitive abilities.Bruises on her brain are healing quickly!Jeremy, Raymond, and Christy visited the site of the accident as well as the nearby police precinct.Jeremy is following up in the morning with the officer who wrote the supplemental report of the accident.Marissa Brown was a witness to the whole accident.She helped Jillian at the scene.She has visited the hospital where she met the family.Ingrid wold like to find a way to contact the paramedics who handled Jillian from the scene of the accident to the hospital.Ingrid and Raymond are now resting at the hotel nearby. The family will take turns resting so that there will always be at least one family member on site at the hospital.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
From Lauryn Siegel
Some of you might know this information, and other might be hearing of it for the first time, but I just wanted to send something out for all --
On Monday morning around 11:20 AM, Jillian was struck by a car while crossing the street near her sublet in Bed-Stuy (she had the right of way) to get to the train on her way to work. Fortunately, several good Samaritans were there to help, and the police came within moments. The driver who hit her remained on the scene. He was driving on a suspended license; he is now in custody and is facing charges.
Jillian was taken by ambulance to Bellevue hospital where she was rushed to the operating room. Here the doctors evacuated a lemon-sized epidermal hematoma from her brain and another blood clot from below her left eye. A CAT scan later Monday night found additional bleeding in her brain and she went back into surgery to have that removed. Since then she has been resting in a medically induced coma and is now in stable condition. The good news is that she is alive -- this easily could have been a fatal accident.
Her family arrived this morning. The doctors at Bellevue have been fantastic. They are also largely young and attractive -- I know that Jillian, as a big fan of Grey's Anatomy, will be pleased when she wakes up.
She is taking some visitors right now and will likely take many more when she gets out of a coma. Many people have expressed interest in sending flowers. She is currently in room 59 of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Bellevue (NICU), in Building H on the 10th floor. But depending on what happens with her condition, she could be moved, so please call or check in with me to double check in a few days.
Also, for those of you interested in doing something a little more personal, Jillian is a great lover of crystals large and small. East/West Books, a metaphysical shop on 5th Avenue between 13th and 14th in Manhattan, has a great selection.
Thanks to everyone I have spoken or texted with. And, to everyone else, I know you will keep Jillian in your prayers and thoughts. Whether you met her once for 10 minutes or know her well, she is a bright light in all our lives and I know I am not alone when I say that I'm eager to see her spark out in the world again soon!
Love,
Lauryn
Friends of Jillian
Dear Friends of Jillian,
Jillian's family, Ingrid, Raymond and Jeremy Pena left New Mexico at 6:00 last night and arrived in New York City at 7:00 this morning. They have been by Jillian's side at Bellevue hospital ever since.
The family will need a place to stay in the Manhattan area until Jillian's condition stabilizes. If you or someone you know has an extra room in the city (preferably somewhere near 1st ave and 27th street) and are willing to provide temporary lodging for them, it would be an immense help during this difficult time!
If you can help, you can contact Ariel Ashe at arielashe@gmail.com.
Thank you to everyone for your love and support. We will keep everyone posted on Jillian's recovery.
Jillian's family, Ingrid, Raymond and Jeremy Pena left New Mexico at 6:00 last night and arrived in New York City at 7:00 this morning. They have been by Jillian's side at Bellevue hospital ever since.
The family will need a place to stay in the Manhattan area until Jillian's condition stabilizes. If you or someone you know has an extra room in the city (preferably somewhere near 1st ave and 27th street) and are willing to provide temporary lodging for them, it would be an immense help during this difficult time!
If you can help, you can contact Ariel Ashe at arielashe@gmail.com.
Thank you to everyone for your love and support. We will keep everyone posted on Jillian's recovery.
From the NY Post
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08122008/news/regionalnews/promising_dancer_hit_by_auto_124057.htm
PROMISING DANCER HIT BY AUTO
By JOHN DOYLE and LARRY CELONA
Posted: 3:52 am
August 12, 2008
An accomplished dancer, choreographer and artist was struck and critically injured by an unlicensed driver as she crossed a rain-slicked Brooklyn street yesterday.
Jillian D. Peña, 28 - a doctoral candidate in fine arts in London who got her MA at the Art Institute of Chicago - was in critical condition after getting hit at around 11 a.m. at Myrtle and Marcy avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Sources said Peña was talking on her cellphone when she was crossing the street.
Her body was slammed against the windshield as the Dodge skidded 75 feet, and she rolled onto the pavement. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital.
Walter Drumgo, 54, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle and driving with a suspended license. He has 11 previous suspensions and has not had a valid license in three years.
Peña's parents, Ingrid and Raymond, of Albuquerque, NM, were en route to New York last night, said neighbor Abe Nickerson.
Peña is a National Merit Scholar who is pursuing a Ph.D. in performance studies, according to her online profile. "Mothership," which she choreographed, was performed at the Dance Theater Workshop last spring.
Writing about her National Hispanic Merit scholarship, she says on a foundation Web site that "although I had always identified myself as Hispanic, this was the first time it had been thrust towards me from the outside as something that set me apart."
"I am a female Hispanic/Scandinavian performance artist, but simultaneously, and more simply, I am an American artist."
Additional reporting by Cathy Burke
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