Love To Rachael

The Day Is Here!! Tonight at 6:00pm at Roy’s in Sarasota is Rachael’s Benefit Auction and Dinner.  This is turning into quite the affair with some GREAT items to Auction and an exquisite meal!  Roy’s is a top notch restraunt … Continue reading →

As you can see from the above Flyer, there is a Benefit Auction for Rachael coming up this week at Roy’s in Sarasota.  We need your prayers for both Amy and Mandy who are putting this together, Nancy for travel … Continue reading →

A great brother in Christ and a good friend, Ross LaPointe is in need of your prayers.  Ross is not conscious in the ICU at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following emergency surgery last week.  Please check out his Blog on Facebook … Continue reading →

Those blessed folks being used by God to revive Rachael were honored today by the Sarasota County Fire Department. There is so much more to share but I wanted to get this post up for you all to see.  This … Continue reading →

Sandra Peterson of Sarasota County Fire and Rescue with Rachael at Venice Fire Station 52 on 1/1/2012.  Thanks also to Keith Peterson, Mike Kern, Scott Bertrand, Rich Nichols, Rob Rigananti all from either Sarasota Stations 21 and Venice 52 and … Continue reading →

    DING DONG THE TUBE IS GONE, THE OLD PEG TUBE IS GONE!!! The PEG Tube was removed last week!  She is now eating and drinking through her mouth only.  Even taking fish oil capsules, and you know how … Continue reading →

Rachael is resting prior to our departure.  We have lots of folks coming and lots more to meet!  Here is the map if you need it. The benefit starts at 4:00 pm. View Larger Map

  Every morning Nancy will take Rachael through a workout regimen.  It is painful but Rachael knows that it is what is going to keep her from contracture of her muscles.  Today, she was able to control her left arm.  … Continue reading →

From Nancy: Some people have asked what the gathering at the Loft Restaurant is for  We are trying to raise funds to continue her Hyperbaric treatments since they are showing improvements in both speech and movement.  These treatments are not … Continue reading →

The Rinehart family has worked hard and there will be a great benefit for Rachael on the 27th of November. To those of you that are vising this site for the first time, scroll to the bottom of the posts … Continue reading →

Just a quick note that last night Rachael was able to speak clearly, all be it very slowly and deliberately, I LOVE YOU! and then I LOVE YOU HANNA! That ‘V’ Sound has been hard for her but she got … Continue reading →

Last year our brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel School felt compelled to suggest Rachael’s story to Extreme Home Makeover.  At the time we were half heatedly enthusiastic about the idea, mainly due to the incredible weight of Rachael’s care and rehab at the … Continue reading →

There has been so much change going on at this house I thought it was a call back to the 2008 elections.  First off:  Friday, in just a few minutes, yes, October 7,  will be Rachael’s 23rd Birthday!  There is … Continue reading →

This is from Nancy’s Journaling that she edited for this blog: Oswald Chambers had a great word on September 3rd entitled Pouring Out the Water of Satisfaction He basically says that when we are blessed, we are not to horde those … Continue reading →

Rachael has not been fed via her PEG tube for 4 days!  She has been taking food via her mouth!  Tonight she ate the most I have seen her eat to date.  A H U G E helping of Lasagna!  … Continue reading →

If you know of anyone who is on the Florida Medicaid Waiver program or who is waiting to get on the Medicaid Waiver program, Please have them contact me.  This would be individuals that are in critical need of medical … Continue reading →

The Lord provided a van!  We will all be going to church together on Sundays!  The mother-in-law of a co-worker and brother in Christ was selling her Toyota Sienna LE wheel chair van that she used to transport her husband.  … Continue reading →

On Friday, Nancy and I were able to go to Lynette Haskins ?? birthday party at Kevin and Christine Sullivan’s house.  It has been a long time since we have been able so sit and enjoy an evening socializing with … Continue reading →

Just a quick note to share that Rachael began drinking from a sip cup last night! Folks, Jesus continues to amaze us through the work he is doing in Rachael. Please pray for her comfort during the headaches as doctors … Continue reading →

Quick note – Rachael passed the swallow test  with Flying Colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is huge.  Now rehab can work on her chewing and eating and the end of the PEG tube is in sight!!!   Praise be to God for answered prayer!  … Continue reading →

Be on the lookout for a beautiful girl with big brown eyes, brown hair, a smile that would light up a black hole who has yellow dye #2 on her teeth.   Rachael ate two Cheetos today.  She bit and chewed!  … Continue reading →

Rachael is doing fine. She is putting up with her headaches.  They are strong at times.  She is on her back and we are not moving her around much as the doctors have decided to let her rest for a … Continue reading →

Hey folks, please keep Rachael in your prayers.  She has developed another spinal leak at the Baclofen pump catheter site.  She is going to the doctors tomorrow and may need either a new spinal ‘blood’ patch or surgery. Next week … Continue reading →

Yes it has been a long time since the last update.  I could write pages about what has transpired over the past few weeks.  It has been a month and a day since the last update. To start with the … Continue reading →

This is the day the Lord has made for Rachael to come home.  HOME!!  She is excited, over stimulated at the thought.  She has admitted this.  It has been an emotional morning for her.   This morning at first sight she was … Continue reading →

Tonight we had a wonderfully relaxing time with Rachael.  She had a great bath that she enjoyed.  Following that we had lots of laughs with her.  She is excited to be going home and is without pain tonight.  Thanks to Jesus … Continue reading →

It was a very trying week for all of us.  After the Baclofen pump was put in, Rachael’s recovery was not fun to be a part of.  As the week progressed the issues escalated.  To do the surgery she had … Continue reading →

Rachael slept most of the night.  She really got into a deep sleep after about 2:00 am.  Dr. Simon held her night time meds until we can figure out what is going on.  To recap, Rachael vomited several times yesterday … Continue reading →

Hey folks, Rachael has been vomiting by increasing frequency each day.  Today (Saturday) she was vomiting steadily for about an hour.  At the time she is resting comfortably and we are waiting until 5;00 before deciding whether to take her … Continue reading →

One of the draw backs of being a step-dad is that you have no stake in the claim of your child’s beauty.  Nancy is striking.  I remember when I was a single Christian I use to marvel at some of … Continue reading →

Pray for Rachael today.  She is in Surgery early this morning for the installation of her Baclofen pump.  Baclofen is an extreme muscle relaxer.  The pump puts the drug directly into the spinal fluid in microgram amounts.  We pray that: … Continue reading →

Rachael Can See!!  All the Glory to our Lord!! On Thursday, May 26th Rachael was moved back to Heartland until she gets the Baclofen pump and the house is ready.  She began yelling aloud as is common for her to … Continue reading →

Just a quick note.  We have been running day and night with Rachael, resources surrounding her recovery and agencies for support.  Thanks to my fellow teachers at CCS for giving me some lunchtimes to make calls.  She is moving back … Continue reading →

It has been very busy.  Anytime Rachael is moved from one facility to another it is a pretty big weight on us all.  We arrived at HealthSouth on Monday, May 2nd at around 12:00 PM. By 1:30 PM she was … Continue reading →

Well, yes it has been some time.  We had a sleepover with Rachael on Easter eve.  It was a blast.  We all stayed up too late.  We played a few sophomoric but harmless tricks on the staff and we all … Continue reading →

Rachael has seemed down in the dumps a bit over the past two days but it has not wilted her desire to work.  She is doing some neat things.  Nancy and I, reading from different places in the scriptures have … Continue reading →

Rachael Hinkle is a lefty, a south paw, left handed.  Since the accident, there has only been one time that we saw activity from her left arm.  Her left arm has been limp since then.  Until today that is.  Today … Continue reading →

As you will see, Rachael is gaining control of her mouth and tongue.  The simple act of voluntarily controlling her tongue is huge as it is requisite to her swallowing food and speaking.  Each day brings something new. Rachael is … Continue reading →

I will make this short as we have SATs in the morn and we are zonked from a night with Rachael.  Here is what is happening: Rachael is saying Mom, Hanna, Daniel, Burt, Yes, No and K.  She is not articulate  but … Continue reading →

Today is 3 months to the day; as I look, almost to the hour of that night.  Well, today, all day, for several folks, Rachael raised her arm for yes and lowered it for no.  RACHAEL HINKLE IS COMMUNICATING! She … Continue reading →

A lot has happened over the past few weeks.  Rachael is showing that she recognizes various people and is regularly expressing emotion.  In a discussion with Valarie, one of Rachael’s most excellent nurses, it was learned that after we leave, … Continue reading →

Sorry about the delay in posts.  One or both of us have been spending most evenings down at Heartland with Rachael and by the time we get home, eat (thanks to those who have blessed us with meals) and get … Continue reading →

Yes, we are praising God for this!

With the ER Scare behind us, Rachael was blessed with several good days.  The storming of the ER night was greeted the next day with smiles and laughter.  The 16th was a busy day as Nancy, with the great help … Continue reading →

Late yesterday afternoon it was discovered that Rachael might have a problem with a fistula from her digestive tract.  Taking no chances, she was transported to the SMH ER and after a cat scan was found to be ok.  We … Continue reading →

Rachael was very relaxed today.  Normally her right arm is contracting and her right leg is bent but today she was very relaxed.  She was grinding her teeth but not with the ferocity of the ‘storms’ we have mentioned in … Continue reading →

Rachael has not been able to move to the left.  Her muscle ‘tone’ pulls her to the right.  Today, for the first time ON COMMAND Rachael moved her head to the left 3 times while sitting in her chair and … Continue reading →

Close friends and family and WOLBI – Rachael loves the visits and it helps to stimulate her which she needs.  Remember to engage her in conversation, tell her about your day, mention something you remember her doing or you doing … Continue reading →

Vocabulary Words: Trache – Tracheotomy – Placing an opening in the throat to permit air flow.   A wonderful spot in our necks that God created to save lives. Outer Cannular -The main trache tube.  This is the tube placed in the … Continue reading →

Rachael’s first go at occupational therapy starts today.  Keep in mind that our goal is to get her to respond to repeatable commands by volunatry movements.  That is what we are after.  She is not there yet.  Her level of cognition … Continue reading →

Rachael’s first full day at Heartland has gone well.  Early in the day she was crying which has in a way become the norm for her current state.  Later, she was laughing in response to something Nancy and I were laughing at.  … Continue reading →

Rachael was transferred to Heartland at around 3:00 today.  It is here that she will begin rehab.  She needs to rehab to a point that she can respond to commands consistently.  That is the goal.  Secondary to that is the … Continue reading →

Just a quick note between subject changes in class.  Rachael is clear of infection and should be moved to Heartland to start rehab today!  Thank you for the prayers, please keep them coming. Burt and Nancy

Two updates were added, please read them by clicking here.

A brother at Calvary Chapel Venice has setup an Irrevocable Special Needs Trust for Rachael’s medical needs.  His friendship and support during this time of the ‘things you don’t want to deal with’ has been a huge blessing.  The funds … Continue reading →

Rachael’s temp is under control.  Her heart rate is still a concern but if she hits 120, she is medicated to bring it down.  On Friday, another white blood count will be done to see if she has indications of … Continue reading →

Just a quick note to let you know that Rachael had a culture come back positive for infection.  Another culture is being run to see if the previous one was false positive as her white blood count is normal and … Continue reading →

Rachael’s recovery will take a long time.  She still remains in a Ranchos 3 state of cognition which is: Level III – Localized Response: Total Assistance Demonstrates withdrawal or vocalization to painful stimuli. Turns toward or away from auditory stimuli. … Continue reading →

Hello, There is more news to come following this update.  I just wanted to let you know that I have been tweaking the website for www.lovetorachael.org.  It is now the single place for entering information about Rachael’s recovery.  Here are … Continue reading →

Rachael is having a rough go of it tonight.  She worked hard today.  She was massaged and did rehab work.  Tonight around 5:00 she became quite vocal and distressed.  Her vocalizations are not decipherable yet.  Her heart rate was quite … Continue reading →

This is a quick note but last night, in the presence of a neurologist, Rachael voluntarily moved her right arm up and down 2 times and squeezed the fingers of the Doctor!  In these situations, you can witness various signs … Continue reading →

I need to get to a bed but I must share this with you.  Tonight I noticed that Rachael was audio tracking me as I moved about from side to side of her bed.  As I spoke to her, her … Continue reading →

This is succinct as I am writing it during lunch at school.  Much has happened over the past few days.  Here are the highlights.  We thank you so much for your prayers.  Please continue to pray. Rachael will be moving … Continue reading →

Updates will be found on a website that has been setup for Rachael http://www.lovetorachael.org Please forgive us for the long delay between updates. There has been much going on that demands much of our time. Here is the latest information: … Continue reading →

Last week, Nancy shared with me  what the Lord had shown her.  She journals and scribes out the Scriptures.  After sharing with me what she had to say I asked if she had written it down.  She has. I added … Continue reading →

This is two days old…. Keep Praying.  The pulmonary specialist verified that Rachael is able to swallow.  Rachael has been setup in a chair at times during the day.  Nancy noticed that while she was brushing Rachael’s hair, Rachael was … Continue reading →

Keep Praying!  Rachael still remains in a coma.  The Lord has begun a great healing in her.  She has a verifiable swallowing reflex and has started  to be weaned from the hospital oxygen.  The swallowing is a big deal for … Continue reading →

On the last post I stated that the next message would be to let you know that Rachael made a voluntary, repeatable move.  That has not happened yet.  Nancy and I want to keep the updates going and share what … Continue reading →

Well, thanks be to God for providing great discernment to a doctor who began a blood infection protocol 2 days ago!  As it turned out he saw the higher white cell count, which in Rachael’s condition could mean several things.  … Continue reading →

Just a quick note for prayer as Rachael possibly has a blood infection. Cultures are taken from two seperate areas.  One of the cultures from the other day came back positive for infection.  One did not.   Once a culture … Continue reading →

It has been a busy 24 hours.  Rachael received a Tracheotomy yesterday and it went very well.  This greatly improves her comfort and lowers the possibility of infection.  This also prepares her for her departure from ICU and into a … Continue reading →

Each day a new prayer is answered. Rachael is breathing on her own! Read that again. ON HER OWN KEEP PRAYING, YOUR PRAYER EVAILS MUCH!!! Over-breathing is what they call it when the patient is taking their own breath over … Continue reading →

In Matthew 9:5, Christ knows the hearts of the scribes and pharisees that are offended at the fact that Jesus forgives a paralytic of his sin. They believe that only God can do that and Jesus does not have that … Continue reading →

Rachael has had a couple of small issues to overcome today. First off was her fever. It rose to 102. She is under the cooling blanket again to keep it under control. We had a scare as she needed two … Continue reading →

Thanks first off to the Sullivan family. Christine has been such a huge help with communications and getting the prayer word out for Rachael. We ask first off that folks limit their phone calls to us. We will be directing … Continue reading →

7PM UPDATE on Rachael Hinkle Inbox X Reply | Kevin & Christine Sullivan Thank you all for waiting and praying! Nancy and Burt took a much needed nap … 9:01 PM (11 hours ago) Kevin & Christine SullivanLoading… 9:01 PM … Continue reading →