Here is Tori by a Christmas tree.

Wishing a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Tori and her loving family. God Bless you all!

Update on the Brain Injury Network:

Michael Mobley from www.justiceformichael.com is currently in China undergoing his second Stem Cell Therapy treatment. Please pray for him.

Chris Barnes is going for his second Stem Cell Therapy treatment in China in March of 2008. Please pray for him as well.

Kathleen Davery's family continues to push for stem cell therapy and treatment.

Perhaps Tori will go for second Stem Cell treatment in China someday. It might very helpful to communicate with these families to see how the stem cell treatments go.

My mom who is hospice nurse has told that stem cell research is just beginning and in the next 10 to 15 years, radical new medical developments will occur because of it and other things as well. It is just a matter of time.

God Bless,

James

http://www.sheppro.com/ - Linda Evans Shepherd lives in Colorado which not far from Utah.

She is a Christian speaker who speaks about Christian things.

Linda Shpeherd is special because she has a daughter named Laura that she has cared for many years who similiar to Tori.

www.LindaAndLaura.com

Perhaps you might someday contact Linda to see if she would like to offer support for Tori. Perhaps Tori and Laura may want to meet someday.

Pray for Tori.

God Bless,

James

Dear Schmanski Family,

I know you receive suggestions constantly about what to try for Tori and I actually suggested this over a year ago and just wanted to give you the info again in case you feel it is something you are open to for Tori now.

This website www.newdimensionsinhealing.com is the site of Melinda Lee. She uses the energy healing technique called Theta Healing and it is changing and improving peoples lives. On her site there is a Fox News story you can see for more information. I have witnessed incredible benefits for people with everything from MS to Migraines to emotional stress and depression to chronic pain. The treatment sessions can be done over the phone, in her office or she could probably come to you, (she lives in Orem as well). If you have any questions you can email her or call, that info is also on her website.

I am sure you, more than anyone, would love to see Tori 100% again and I feel this could be great assistance to you.

Best Wishes Always,
Alicia Green

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/technology/technology.html?in_article_id=490646&in_page_id=1965

Perhaps you may wish to investigate this further to see it this is feasible for Tori.

Hope All is well with Tori.

God Bless,

James

Here is Tori taking a nap in Ryland's bed.

Hello again,

I apologize in advance for yet another long overdue update... Tori is currently in dire need of the next round of botox and phenol injections as her arms, shoulders and upper back are very, very tight and uncontrollable at times. Thankfully she is scheduled for the injections on October 5th. As I mentioned in the the last update, Tori has the tendency to raise her left arm and hand over her head when she is agitated or uncomfortable which is now quite often. Many times she lifts her poor left hand right into her mouth which where her teeth continue to cut up her hand of course... Primarily her left pinky finger which is now constantly bandaged as we try and heal it up. We have resorted to placing and sometimes taping an oven mitt on that hand to prevent further damage. She can raise it and get it in her mouth faster than you can imagine... Maria also had the unfortunate experience of getting her finger caught in Tori's mouth during an agitated phase and Tori clamped onto it and wouldn't let go. Thankfully Whitney was home at the time and heard Maria screaming then helped calm Tori enough for her to let go... Not really fun times...

Another issue we are closely watching is the fact that since Tori's tendon release surgery on her ankles her feet are now both twisting and almost laying flat towards the right. It seems to be originating form her hips and her left knee continues to be hyper extended. We will need to get some guidance on those issues from the Orthopedic physicians and the Shriner's Hospital. We also need to get her AFOs resized and refitted during that visit aas she cannot wear them in their current state.

Alright, that is enough of the bad news... On the good news front, Tori has a new PT (Physical Therapist) named Cari who is visiting twice per week for just over an hour. She works very well with Tori and focuses on Tori's entire body. She is certainly the best PT we have had in the home working with Tori. Sure, she makes Tori scream at times much more than Maria and I would but it is dearly needed. She has already improved Tori's range of motion in many problem areas like her shoulders, elbows and knees. Tori's wrists are still very tight and she resists the stretching of her fingers and thumbs the most... Tori is exceptionally strong. If she doesn't want you to move anybody part she can halt it as needed. That is why it is so important to get her interaction and hopefully relaxation during the stretching.

Here is Tori with her brother and cousins at the Olive Garden.

Hello,

Just a quick note to send our love and prayers your way. I'm praying that Tori is doing okay and that you've just been too busy to post a new update in a while. I have to admit, I get a little worried when a lot of time has passed in between updates. Tori grabbed my heart from the moment I read her story in 2006 and she is with me and in my prayers all the time.

Love and positive thoughts for all of you,

in His love,
Diana Palumbo

Don't give up on the Stem Cell therapy. Michael Mobley from www.justiceformichael.com is going back to China for his second stem cell treatment. That appears to encouraging news as according to the father, the stem cells are have some improvement. Perhaps he should compare notes on the matter and pool your resources. You both share the same situation. Hope all is well with Tori.