We’ve rolled into December and continue to see some encouraging developments in Marcus’ therapies. 

In his dysphagia sessions, therapists continue to work on strengthening the muscles and and improving swallowing and eating. This week they have started bringing Marcus meal trays for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that we can reintroduce and encourage an eating schedule in addition to his tube feed. Right now the family is cleared to give him “0 level” liquids, things like broth, juices, etc. The Shirley Ryan staff are slowly introducing more pureed foods to him. This morning he sampled some pureed french toast with syrup, and we are eager to get some variety into his diet. We’re excited to see progress in this area because the better he gets at eating, the closer we get to his feeding tube no longer being necessary.

One of the therapies Marcus has on his schedule is with a communication technology specialist who works with him on different ways to communicate with us. They test out different methods to see which ones are easiest and most effective for Marcus to use like raising eyebrows, looking left or right, squeezing a hand, and a number of different things. As of this week, they have increased these sessions to twice a week so it will be interesting to see what methods produce the best results. 

One morning this week a music therapist came through and played some music for Marcus. His response to some of the familiar music was really positive and nice to see. Things like this are reminders of the expertise and dedication the staff at Shirley Ryan continue to show their patients.

As Christmas is around the corner, we have been getting Marcus’ room decorated and festive feeling. We’d love to continue to surround Marcus with love and reminders of friends and family. If you want to send a card, letter, favorite picture of the two of you together, we would love to put in up in his room.
The mailing address for him is:
Marcus Kennedy
355 East Erie Street, #1814
Chicago, IL 60611