No miracles ….. just lots of hard work
Just a very quick update for any people viewing the site for the first time.
For those of you who have not visited the site before – welcome and feel free to have a look around …. the posts track Mike’s progress from the time of accident last year thru to now. It gives details of his ups and downs thru the very bad times and then tracks his hard work to be where he is today. You will see from this view how long and hard the work has been and the huge support that Mike (and we) have had thru our journey. Have a look thru the photo’s – particularly the Rainbow Journey presentation which is a pictorial version of his journey to now.
The website was created by some of our wonderful friends and is used primarily as a communication tool to keep friends and family from far away up to date on what we are doing. The website has grown to incorporate some fundraising initiatives to help Mike be the best he can be.
The money raised to date has been used to assist with the trip to Project Walk, to purchase the FES bike and a recumbent bike which have helped Mike get where he is today. Now we are trying to raise funds to help build a house with space for Mike to move and exercise! He also wants some special equipment:
- total gym – to improve leg strength and arm strength and mobility;
- cable machine – to isolate particular leg movements to allow functioning of not working or incredibly weak muscles working;
- exercise bike – for cardio fitness;
- crawling machine – to retrain co-ordination to separate messages to arms and legs.
As well as helping as helping Mike, we have and are looking to do further work with wheelchair sports for kids and purchasing a recumbent bike for use at re-hab for other patients.
The current fundraising that we have going at the moment is the cycle kit and of course donations always help us keep Mike on a very busy schedule to regain as much function as possible - refer to the donations pages if you are interested in this (it is tax deductible, just follow the instructions on the page).
June 21st, 2009 on 8:09 pm
I just saw the segment on Sunday. What an amazing journey you have been on. Your achieveements that you have made are amazing to see. It bought me to tears seeing you take your first walk. And yes you will get to walk Ash to school and walk her down the aisle when she gets married.
Its your strong will and the love and support that you have around you that is got you to where you are. Keep on with the great work.
June 21st, 2009 on 8:21 pm
Mike, Just viewed your story on Sunday Night. My father Costa fell in his bathroom in Oct 2007. He also had a C5 injury which was defined him as a complete quadreaplegic. A very determned and fit 69 year old he has continued like yourself to try and do whatever he can including stem cell treatment in India, use of a Viataglyde machine daily, an in house Yoga trainer (Indian) and is considering further stem cell treatments. He has alsso attended many hyperbaric chamber and Lokomat sessions at Dr Mal Hooper’s Melbourne city offices. If anyone has the determination to imrpoive or even walk again he has. I would honor the opportunity to meet you and for you to meet with my father. I would like to learn more about Porject Walk and also the Brisbane facility mentioned on the show. Great story, Good luck.Its importnat to have a strong family like yours.
Regards,
Perri
June 21st, 2009 on 8:42 pm
It has been such a long time since we have seen each other but I watch over your progress since your accident. I watched tonights show and it touched my heart to how strong you are. The Forbes Family has always been strong, we have battled through so many tough times but you alone have shown all of us how powerful a ‘Forbsey’ can be. I take my hat off to you Mike, your family and your mum and dad. You have shown alone tonight to thousands and thousands of people how you should never ever give in. Keep strong and keep going !!!! Our thoughts are always with you. Cousin Stu, Raelene, Caity, Cooper and Mattea.
June 21st, 2009 on 9:35 pm
Awww, the camera loved you Mike. You’re a deadset legend and we’re all cheering for you
June 22nd, 2009 on 9:54 am
I was pleased to see Channel 7 give such an honest documentary. I was thrilled that Mon was recognised as such a pivotal element in Mike’s recovery. However, I was saddened that the show did not pay homage to the many people who have supported both Moni and Mike, as well as Bruce and me in so many ways: in kind and financially. I can only say that we had hoped that some of our conversations about this would have been taken up and used in the documentary. We are eternally grateful to so many people.
June 22nd, 2009 on 5:06 pm
Mike, Moni and Ash,
We were all a bit teary , but we thought the show was very respectful to your family and the ordeal you have been through.
We continue to congratulate you all on the amazing work.
Keep it going. Look forward to maybe seeing you up at the beach for New Year with the family. You are proving anything can be achieved.
The Congdon Family
The Congdons
June 22nd, 2009 on 6:31 pm
After seeing your story on Channel 7 I was saddened by what you and your family have had to endure but amazed and in awe of your strength and determination. The Michael I knew at school was always determined to excel and that smile of yours never fades! I wish you and your wonderful family all the very best in your recovery and know you have what it takes to prove so many people wrong. May your road to recovery be filled with many small victories leading to the ultimate achievement. Our thoughts are with you.
June 23rd, 2009 on 10:51 am
Well Mike, All I can say is that I am just so darn proud of you. I saw Sunday night and didn’nt know wether to cry or smile so I did both. You are so determined and courageous and we knew being a Forbes you wouldn’t give up and you havn’t. The support of mon and ash and everyone around you is just so beautiful. you really are an inspiration to us, and another reason I am so proud to be a Forbes. Keep up the good work! Love to all, Cousin Megan, Simon, Bailey and Tanner. xxx
June 23rd, 2009 on 4:01 pm
Hi Mike, You may not remember me but I grew up in Wagga and my younger brother Jarrod (Twitt) played footy with Peter. I also believe our families bumped into each other around the sporting fields of Wagga Wagga many years ago! I just wanted you to know that I watched your story on Channel 7 on the weekend and was absolutely amazed at the courage shown by you and your remarkable family. It’s fantastic to see that the strength and determination you have shown since your accident is well and truly paying off. Now that I know of your website I will be checking in often to see how you’re going. I sincerely wish you and your family all the very best.