Dillon Terry, North Texas #624

[track_momma]

My son, Dillon was at Oak Hill for the Ponca qualifiers June 27th when he went down. He was coming up the finish line jump and cross rutted, flew about 15 feet and landed on his right temple side of his head. He was Careflighted to Ft. Worth and we stayed there for four days. Then we were transferred to Dallas to a children's rehab center. He has a closed head injury. It it weren't for his Leatt brace, his neck would hav been broken and killed immediately. We are so lucky to have our son here with us. Sometimes when he talks to people, he can have a good conversation. The docs say he is automatic responsive, so it sounds like he is understanding everything, but alot of times he is not. His mentality is of an 8 year old with no concept of safety awareness, consequenses or discipline. The part of the brain that controls his blood pressure was injured and his bp will shoot up incredibly high. I have had to quit my job to take care of him, and the docs say he will have a full recovery, it will take 1-2 years though. If RiderDown hadn't come in to the picture, we would be in a severly bad situation financially. Thank you for all you have done for us, and are continuing to do for us. With prayers and God's healing touch, my son will heal. With RiderDown, I can may some bills and keep our home. Thank you so very much.
:roost:

[Tatonka]

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dillon and your family. We have a number of riders and families who have gone through brain injuries of different magnitudes - hopefully some of them will visit the forum and respond with some words of wisdom based on their personal experience.

RDF is glad to be able to help in your time of need! :)

[track_momma]

We are having a benefit fundraiser at Stadium Yamaha in Irving this coming Saturday. RiderDown will have an area set up there with their safety products and information. We will be doing a silent auction for Dillon's YZ 85 and some other donated items. If you are in the area, we would love to see you come by. It will be from 11-2. Thank you RiderDown!!!

[track_momma]

For pics of Dillon, check out muckstick.com. The front page is dedicated to Dillon. They did a great job!!!

[track_momma]

We made it to Ponca and home. Dillon enjoyed seeing the races and some of his racing buddies. He was pretty worn out yesterday when we got home and his blood pressure was pretty high. After resting, he has done well. Today we went for a 3 hour outpatient evaluation for rehab at the centre for neuro skills. From what I was told, he definitely will be in therapy for quite some time. The lady was concerned about what our insurance will cover, and I told her I would sell everything I have to make sure he had his therapy and not to plan his therapy around that. She kind of laughed, but I was serious!!!

Dillon can talk about motocross, rc cars and street bikes.There isn't much else for him other than that though. She asked him lots of questions that he didn't have answers to and it really frustrated him. He started crying at one point, so she walked out and he told me that he feels stupid and didn't want to be dumb anymore. I told him he wasn't stupid or dumb and that things would get better. I tried to explain to him that the therapy would help him, but he really doesn't understand.

He still has no true memory of life before the accident. He just has glimpses of who some people are and the specific surrounding of that moment with them. He doesn't remember his sister before she died. He looks at her picture and tells me he knows she is his sister, because that is what we tell him, but he tells me "I don't know who she is. I don't remember her at all." That is really tough for us. They were so close before she died, and now he has no memories of her.

If you see Dillon, if he doesn't say your name, please introduce yourself to him like it is the first time you have met him. For him it is. This helps him and keeps him from being so scared of people coming up to him.

We have a long road ahead of us, but we are truly thankful he is alive. Knowing the loss of a child is horrendous, healing one is a blessing.

[canthony626]

You all will get through this!!!! Hang in there Kiddo thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family....

[fastlearner]

Thanks for the update. Sending best wishes.

[track_momma]

Thanks for all the support!!! Dillon is slowly progressing. We are fighting the insurance company to allow the therapists to bill under "medical" instead of "outpatient" services. If we go cash, it is $500 a day and we have about $1600 saved up from riderdown and benefits/donations. That will give us 3 days worth of therapy though. So, I am hoping to win this battle with the insurance company. If we go cash, I will schedule one day a week for three weeks until we have more to give them. Through God, I will find a way!!! Through prayer I will keep my sanity!!! Through Christ my son will heal!!!

[688MOM]

I am so sorry you are having to deal with the Insurance... It just completely frustrates me to no end. Just remember; FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT ( you have to hold your fist up when you say this) It makes you feel powerful and you need that now. Just remember that many people are holding their fists up too, to support you in your time of need.

My prayers are sent your way too. Things will get better.

[CDixon]

It is so difficult to wrap my head around the fact that in times like these, finances kick and scream their way up to the top of our priority list... Apply for EVERYTHING that is suggested you apply for, even if you think you will not qualify. Every penny counts. Let the insurance companies know that you are ready to do everything in your power to fight for your family. In the post-injury words of my dad, "I don't care if we're living in a shipping container on the side of the street, as long as we're together." I hope and pray for a speedy recovery and, by some grace of God, for the financial aspect of this process to become easier for you. I wish I were closer in location so that I could be of more assistance; we need all the support we can get!

[Amanda688]

I just have to say it broke my heart to read about Dillon. But as I read on Much of that faded because it sounds like you guys are such a wonderful family. Track momma , just reading your posts and hearing the way you speak about Dillon reminds me so much of my Mom. And that is a wonderful thing. My Mom fought for me and still is fighting; I have no idea where I would be without her. She means the world to me. Dillon is VERY lucky to have you. Please don’t give up. My boyfriend sustained a head injury about four years ago and lives a normal adult life. He struggles with some things and has some residual from his injury but he is a wonderful adult. I also know Josh, he is good friends with my boyfriend; I was not really friends with him before his injury and I have not spent tons of time with him. But from the time I first saw him in the rehab hospital, to taking him bowling and such, to now, the difference is night and day. Josh is an amazing young man. I don’t know tons about brain injuries but I know people overcome them, I have seen two young men do it. Dillon is young and definitely has that on his side. You guys probably have a long road ahead of you but I am sure you will overcome it. Have faith and keep pushing through no matter what obstacles are thrown your way. My prayers and thoughts are sent your way.

[track_momma]

Thank you for all your support. I will continue to fight this all the way. We are applying for every benefit that I find out about. I look online to find more, and sometimes I find them. The therapy center has told me they will fight to the end to get the insurance company to uphold their contractual end to us.
Dillon is going to get home bound education through the school system, and I am so grateful for that. His blood pressure is regulating out, but is in the 150's/90's. The doctor is happy it has come down, and she is hopeful it will continue to come down to more "normal" levels. We are going to go to my parent's house this weekend, for the first time for Dillon!! They are in the country, and I think it will be good for him.
This Sunday would have been my daughter's 22nd birthday, and I hope Dillon will have some memories of her. So far, he does not. Maybe something will trigger for him, and he will remember how close they were before she died, and how much she loved him.
Thanks again for ALL the support and words of encouragement!
Love to all!!

[track_momma]

We start outpatient therapy on Wednesday!!!! We have raised enough money for 4 days of therapy!!! Praise God

[track_momma]

Still fighting with the insurance company, but there is talk about them paying for some of the therapy Dillon needs. That means we would have to cover the rest, but that is better news!!! He is showing some improvements with talking with other people, but regressing on age appropriateness. I think therapy will help this. Today we paid for two weeks of therapy. Thanks for All the help and donations...$3096 for 18 hours of therapy.(3 times per week @ 3 hours per day) He will be needing cognitive, physical, occupational, speech, educational therapy and neuropsych. The insurance company is considering covering the cognitive, physical and occupational therapies. I pray they will. We will have to cover speech, educational and neuropsych. This program is amazing!! Luckily they have a center here close, because there are only 3 in the US. They do only brain injury, and come highly recommended by the dept. of human resources and the dept. of rehab services.

[track_momma]

Our insurance has approved 10 visits for physical, occupational and cognitive therapy. We are responsible for educational, speech and neuropsych. This is going to help us tremendously!!! I am hoping that after the 10 visits, they will decide to help with some of the other therapies, as he probably will not need much physical therapy or occupational therapy; but his need for the rest are tremendous. (I didn't even know they did educational therapy!!) Dillon says this one is hard as is speech therapy and cognitive therapy. He really doesn't have much more memory from before the accident, and really hasn't shown a tremendous amount of improvement, but I believe with therapy, he will get there. It just shows that he needs it so much.

[1151map]

Wow, I am sad to here Dillon's story. It is very heart breaking but as a mom who's son, has also suffered a life altering injury all I can say is never give up.....There is always hope around the corner. Look into this website "Dr Amen", he has a few listing on how to recover from a tramatic head injury. We took our son to Germany for stem cell treatment, they also have treated patients with head injuries. If you need to talk, please feel free to contact me by email. I will try my best to help you out any way I can.
Stay strong and never give up!!
tammy potts

[track_momma]

Thank you Tammy. We are slowly making progress with getting therapy. I will definitely check out the website. All information is so beneficial. The response I am getting for support is so encouraging and helpful. Thanks to everyone who has given me help, I can't tell you how much that means to me.
Dillon is showing improvement in some areas, and regressing in others. It is so strange. The therapists said this would happen due to changes in the brain and trying to heal. She said this should slow down and eventually stop.
Thanks again. Going to bed.

[1151map]

Hey Track Momma,

I posted an update on our son Kenny....................please check it out. There is hope out there, and in time Dillon will be on his way towards recovery. Patience is what it takes, rest and sleep help the body heal faster...........Remember that it only took a second for the accident to happen, but time heals all wounds. Dillon will need time to overcome the trauma that has occurred in his body, so be patient and if Dillon says he needs to rest, please let him rest. We learned that from all the set backs that Kenny occurred. But once his acupuncturist said, do you want to continue to battle all the wrong that is occurring during physical therapy or would you like Kenny to heal by resting. Once we heard those words, we slowed down with the fast past PT, and opted for acupuncture and home PT, that's when we seen changes in his swelling happen.

Small words go along way,

stay strong and believe what your heart is saying,

tammy

[joshmorros351]

Track Momma,

I am reading all the postings and it seems like yesterday I was in your shoes. My son is Josh Morros and he had a severe brain injury and was in a coma for 24 days. You can see his story on the RiderDown forum, youtube.com and destryabbott.com. Our journey has been hard but very rewarding, along the way it has brought us all closer to each other and to our lord. I too have lost another child, a girl and each situation has special place with us. Our insurance shut us off in rehab as well. We shut down two businesses to care for our son. August 16th was two years and the son we were told "IF" he woke up would be severly disabled is now back on the bike riding and working his way back to do what he loves. Yes, it is really hard on us and he is dealing with the fact he remembers who he was before and struggles withn not being that rider......YET!Currently we are starting an organization to help with awareness and a portion of the cause is exactly what you are going thru. I really want to help you and I believe I can, please call me directly at 775-771-1540. Look forward in hearing from you, Teresa Morros

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing better. The therapy is definitely helping. He is better at conversations and actually started one the other day with a kid at therapy who was in a street bike accident. He is using words more appropriately, but then will ask what the word meant, which is kinda funny. We had a good weekend in Crockett with his dad. (That's where Charlie is working for now) Dillon seems to be a little happier also. I took him to his school today and he did recognize several people and remembered some of his teachers from last year which is wonderful!! He also was overwhelmed by how many people were there in one small hall way, and commented on how he was glad I was with him because he was a little scared. I think it was a good thing to do, and the teachers and coaches were real cool about him visiting and coming to see people. We are working on remembering what has gone on through out the day and trying to focus on learning instead of memories from the past. It is frustrating to him that he can't remember much of anything. He is having seizures more frequently, so I am keeping a close eye on that. They are not big seizures, but real small ones.
Still working on the benefit race, and have some help there now, so it is going much easier. Thanks for all the encouragement and help we are getting. It is so appreciated!!

PS Also my mom sold her car so we have more money in the bank to help with bills. This is going to help greatly with covering what insurance isn't covering. As you all know the bills are piling up and everyone wants their share. I can't thank RiderDown enough for doing what they do to help!!! We aren't in the clear yet with finances, but we have a light at the end of the tunnel at least.

I am just so glad Dillon is getting what he needs most!

[track_momma]

A couple of things have been going on since I posted only 2 days ago. Dillon is having more small seizures, and his short term memory is really showing deficits. He will be doing something or talking and then stop and not know what is happening or what was going on. His left leg is showing more considerable weakness and instability at times. The therapist at the center are telling me that this is all probably due to "waking up" areas of the brain and the signals are not completing their circuit. I have been told not to worry, that this is part of the injury and that he will show progress and also show deficits as his brain heals. I was told he definitely has frontal lobe injuries, which I kind of knew, but that was hard to hear. A reality check. The good news is that his intelligence is showing in some of the tests he has had. He does real well on multiple choice, to trigger knowledge. Verbal questioning isn't so good. More of a 3rd grade level. That is telling us he is processing in writing. He doesn't seem to think so. He says he guesses alot, but he scores high. He just isn't realizing that he does know this stuff!!
Dillon is designing a t-shirt that he wants to sell at his benefit race coming up in October. He is super excited about it and feels good about what he is doing. Our friend is going to sell them on themotomarket.com so we need to get some made quickly and get pics of them up!!
Thanks for the continued prayers and support. You all have been so wonderful. I pray for each of you daily.

[track_momma]

Dillon has had a memory of before the accident. It was being at Oakhill the day before and racing. He didn't have alot of detail, but it was the first memory he has had!!!! He has done real good since the last time I posted. We have been laying low and his seizures have decreased drastically. Two therapist and I are meeting with the ARD committee at his school on Tuesday and we are looking at him going to half days at school with modified work. He will have a hall buddy to get him back and forth from classes before the bell rings so people won't be crowding the halls and freaking him out. He is excited to go to school to see his friends, but not about the school work. Sounds normal, huh?? The therapy has been wonderful, and I never thought we would be in this place so quickly. He will continue therapy 3 times a week from 1-4 like we have been doing. Case meeting next week also to see what is in store for us from here on and we will really have an idea of what all the therapists that work with him have to say, besides he is doing really good.
Still working on his race and getting flyers out. Hope to see everyone at Lucky's Landing on Oct. 2nd. Dillon is super pumped about it and seeing everyone!!

[joshmorros351]

Josh's mom again: I am so glad Dillion is coming along. It is a tough road but the steps forward make it completely worht it. God Bless you and stay strong. Teresa

[1151map]

Keep up the good work....................It's hard right now, but it will eventually get easier. Patience is hard earned, but well worth the outcome.

stay strong, big hugs,

tammy

[Tatonka]

That's great news Diana, I'm so glad to hear of his progress. You all are doing a fantastic job - keep it up!

:Powerslide:

Bruce

[track_momma]

Thank you for all the support!! The encouragement keeps us going, along with all the prayers. We took Dillon to Sea World this weekend in San Antonio. We have amazing family there. Dillon was able to do an interaction with a beluga whale. I posted a pic and a small video of him with the whale on the group, prayer for dillon terry and family in facebook. If I were computer savvy, I would post them here too, but just not that good. After sea world he was real exhausted, but he said it was the most fun he has had since his accident. We went out on my cousin's boat the next day and he got to swim in the lake for the "first time". We were lucky the lake was so calm. He didn't get too far from the boat though. He was pretty exhausted and didn't have too much energy. Tomorrow is the ARD and wednesday is the case meeting at CNS, so lots to look forward to this week. Once I have more info from these two meetings, I will let you know what the plans are.

[track_momma]

Dillon starts school half days!! There are alot of things his teachers need to learn about how he responds, but I think this will be good. If he does well, he will continue this year at half days at school. We had his case meeting at the therapy center and he will need 4 more months of therapy. He is showing progress each day and doing so good. His blood pressure is a little high again, but we are monitoring it close. It is probably due to all the changes going on and he is excited. These are good times.
Brian Flemming, "The Blown Up Guy" is going to come out to Dillon's race, Oct 2nd and speak. He was blown up twice while fighting the in the war and is taking his recovery and story on the road. I think it is awesome he is coming out to support Dillon and share his story. (See www.blownupguy.com for more on him.)
Thanks for the continued support and prayers. :)

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing well in school. He doesn't always remember what happened and is taking his homework to do in educational therapy. We are hoping this will work for him. We will see how he continues with it. We had a good time at RV for the cancer benefit and Dillon got to meet Jason Langford, who signed a jersey for him and said he would try and get a couple of pros to give some for auction at the benefit race. He helped me pass out flyers on Saturday and met alot of people. I want to thank Liz and everyone at RV for really making a great weekend for Dillon and donating practices and giving Dillon jerseys, etc. He really loved it and hasn't stopped talking about it. We face new challenges all the time, but the progress Dillon shows is so very awesome!!

[track_momma]

Dillon is happy to have some freedom to ride his bicycle with friends. He is supposed to wear a bicycle helmet, but he chooses to wear a motocross helmet instead! hehe.. fine with me, more protection. He is doing good in therapy and at school. He got his report card and is passing everything. (He is taking the 4 core c...lasses for 8th grade). We still need to work on his apathetic nature and behaviors, but these are things that change with healing. Frontal lobe injury isn't fun

[track_momma]

Dillon has been busy with Dr appts, school and therapy. He went for an EEG this morning that he had to stay up all night for. The one night he is allowed to do that and not for fun..hehe..They are determining if he needs meds for seizures. He says he is still guessing on most of his school work and we are working on short term memory. I am also trying to educate him on decision making, which isn't going too well. We just have to keep on trying and hope he remembers. We are having a party for him on Saturday for his b-day! He is excited about that. Still no memory of past, but his social skills are so much better. He can socialize, just may not remember what was discussed!

[fastlearner]

Thanks for the updates!

[track_momma]

Dillon had a great party for his birthday. We continue to work on his short term memory each day. Not seeing much improvement though. Therapy is continuing and we are having to play around with the schedule due to finances. The neurologist said that even though Dillon is having seizures, it isn't something he wants to put him on medication for at this time. We will see him again next month. Please keep Dillon in your prayers. He is doing well, but still needs alot of recovery to be safe and make good decisions. Life lessons aren't sticking so we have to go over them constantly. Social skills are good so people don't realize what his true disabilities are. Now I understand why they call TBI an "invisible disease or disability".

[track_momma]

Dillon is having a good week so far. Nothing too exciting going on. Which is good since last Friday we were in the ER with a severe headache that took major drugs to get rid of. Luckily the CT scan they did was ok. Just a scare! We keep fighting with insurance to pay for what they agreed on paying and I am going to have to do more fundraising to continue therapy services for Dill. With holidays coming up, I can't think too well on what would be good. If any of you have ideas, ...please let me know. Thanks for the continued prayers and support!!

[track_momma]

Dillon will be doing 5 hours of therapy a week and we are focusing on how to assist him to stay focused and on task. He is doing real well with his socialization skills!! That is why most people don't even realize his limitations. The best way to describe it is he has a hard time processing tasks and safety issues are ...still a concern. He is doing so well though in most areas. I am so proud of him for working so hard. I know it is hard for him sometimes though. We are going to continue to pray and work with him for all his success!!
Planning on a fun week for Thanksgiving and working on his rc car track at Gran and PawPaw's. Hope everyone has a Blessed Holiday and be safe

[track_momma]

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Dillon showed the first sign of reasoning thought processing!! There were two occasions that he was either trying to figure out how to do something and come up with a plan (working on AC with his Paw Paw) or helping out his great grandmother on the 4 wheeler (she tipped it over and needed his help). He did both of these on his own which was GREAT!! He is also showing his mechanical skills are progressing well with working on his RC car. I am so happy to see his mind really working and that therapy has been doing its job!! Yea!!

[Tatonka]

Excellent news!! Keep after it Dillon! :thumb

[joshmorros351]

We are glad to see Dillion is progressing. Well worth all the hard work in the end. Have you worked on his nutritions and the B-1 to see if it helps with his short term memory? Merry Christmas and blessings,

Josh and Teresa Morros

[track_momma]

We are glad to see Dillion is progressing. Well worth all the hard work in the end. Have you worked on his nutritions and the B-1 to see if it helps with his short term memory? Merry Christmas and blessings,

Josh and Teresa Morros
Yes the nutrition and B-1 have shown to be very important!! His short term memory is getting better. We usually see a deficit when he is very tired or excited now. Thank you so much for the advice!!

[track_momma]

Dillon has been doing very well in therapy and has come to a point where they really need his brain to continue to heal. He will continue with 1-2 hours per week for a while and see how he is doing. School continues to be somewhat of a challenge for him though. He isn't retaining what he is reading and he struggles with trying to write his thoughts. Those processes just aren't there yet. His short term memory has gotten better, and we see the struggles when he is tired or excited. Long term memory is still not there. We don't know if he will regain any memories of before the accident, but, we are developing new memories with him all the time. Dillon is excited about his 1st Christmas!! We are going to take him to Colorado in the rv and do some sledding and build an igloo!! Vacation on a shoe string budget! Hehe. I didn't realize how many things you can do for no cost!! Also I want to get him in the hot springs that are said to be healing. I think that might help. I start work in Jan. while Dillon goes to school. I want to thak God my manager and DM held my position for me. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. May you all have a blessed Christmas!!

[Tatonka]

Colorado! When and where? Maybe we can meet up! :thumb

[track_momma]

We are going to Pagosa Springs. We should be there the 24th thru the 30th weather permitting us to get there. We are staying at Happy Camper rv park. It would be wonderful to meet you!! My number is 817-296-1255!!

[Tatonka]

That's quite a ways from where I'm at (west of Denver) but you never know. Where do you plan on sledding?

[track_momma]

I think we will go up toward Wolf Creek Pass. We heard there's some good sledding there. It is quite a ways from you though. We made it here around 10 this morning, very long drive with the rv. People here said we were crazy for bringing it due to the snow that's supposed to hit. Oh well, it was the only way we could do it!

[Amanda688]

I haven't been on RD for months now and I just have to say I am so excited to hear about Dillon's progress. It is absolutely amazing to read how he is doing! I have kept him and your family in my prayers. I hope to keep hearing more great news about all the new wonderful things Dillon is able to do and the progress he is making. I hope 2011 brings your family much healing and better times. My love is with all of you...Happy Holidays!

[wolfiepup557]

the progress hes making is amazing i really hope 2011 is so much happier for you
dillion and you will be in my thoughts and prayers i hope that he can regain some of his old thoughts and memorys.
Thanks for updating its good to know how things are going
keep at it track momma

mikey
x

[track_momma]

Thank you all so very much! We had a Great Time in Colorado. Dillon loved the snow and playing with his dog in it. He said sledding was alot of work, which it was due to the depth of the snow. We ended up staying a bit longer due to the storm that came in early! Made it home safe and sound. Now back to school, work (part time for me, while Dill is in school) and therapy.
I can't tell each of you how much I appreciate the support and I want you all to know I read all of your stories. I pray for all riders, families and people who volunteer their time for RiderDown. I am just in awe of how this community works. I have submitted in my request to volunteer and have worked with two of the members here in North Texas raising money for a couple of riders who have been injured. Again, thank you for everything!!!

[track_momma]

It has been a tough couple of weeks since I last posted. Dillon started having terrible headaches that got progressively worse. The doctor put him on 850 mg of motrin a day to keep them where he could tolerate them. We had a ct scan, which was normal, several dr visits and also to the opthomologist for new glasses prescription. Finally, he got some relief after the last headache (5 days) went away. The neurologist believes it was due to stress??? He can't be sure though. We are going to have to do an ARD at school to make some changes and try and get it where Dillon is getting a little more help there. At home we are really trying to keep things low key for his stress to stay down. He can't tell what is stressing him though. That is the hardest part. The neuro also put him on some high potency vitamins for assistance in memory and brain healing. Hopefully they work. He is still complaining about headaches starting and we get the motrin out immediately. If anyone knows of something more natural that would work for headaches, I sure would be interested. I don't really like him having to take motrin all the time. Hopefully we can avoid doctors, hospitals and ct scans for a while!!! They sure do add up quickly. Thanks to RiderDown for the support. It came at a time when needed most!!!

[joshmorros351]

Hey Track Momma, if the doctor has him on vitamins he is probably missing something in his diet and with a brain injury we burn calories differnt and sometimes faster. if he is depleted it would cause the headaches. My mom did everything with feeding the brain and I was able to side step alot of these things that effect us survivors from TBI's. When I ride and use extra calories i deplete myself and can get a headache. In order to eliminate this we have had to increase the way I have storage even more so than before. I know for me when I go to school it is worst than riding for 3 hours because my brain gets more tired than my body. I recently just added something else along with the other natural supplements I do to my diet and in a short time I have hit another level in my recovery and short term memory. I give my mom a bad time ALL THE TIME about making me eat properly, but her natural approach has been successful for me. It might be worth a try for you guys, we have help others overcome issues they have after their accidents just by changing their diets. Anything is better than having to rely on drugs. Hope this has helped.

[track_momma]

Thanks Josh!! I have talked with your mom and she has definitely helped me with this! I will look at what he is eating and missing. You are right, the school is much more depleting. Don't give your mom such a bad time... she loves ya man!! Ya'll have been great with helping me and I hope Dillon recovers as well as you have.
Thanks for the reminder though... haven't really looked at what he is eating, especially when I am not around! hehe

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing better with the headaches. We are trying to alleviate alot of stress at school and had another ARD to set up more accomodations for him. Hopefully this will help and also allow him to feel he is doing good in school. I hate hearing him say he is "retarded" or "stupid". We are working on this in counseling also, so that he can one day realize it is due to his disability vs. being "stupid.
The headaches are less frequent and less severe than they were for a while. Physically, he is in great shape and wants to work out daily! We are ensuring his diet is good and nutritious, thanks to Josh and his mom for helping with that!! Amazing what the brain needs to work correctly. What we take for granted daily!!
Dillon has had no memory of anything "long term". There are still no memories of before the accident. His short term memory is better with decreased stress. He has to take several hours to decompress from school before he is wanting to spend time with anyone. He will finish this year out with just the basics, math, history, english and science. However, he can really talk to you about motocross and the riders. This passion in him has not decreased what so ever!!
I hope everyone here is well and my prayers are with each of you. Stay safe!!

[Tatonka]

Thanks for the update Dianna. I'm glad to hear that Dillon's headaches are getting better and that the school is working with him more closely. Diet & exercise are so critical during recovery - keep up the great work.

Dillon has to be loving this SX season, there's definitely been some exciting racing....and they're coming to Texas this weekend!

[track_momma]

Today, we went to I-35MX for the races and saw alot of our friends. It was amazing that Bryan Jackson was there with his wife and Vertical Adrenaline!! It was so nice to finally meet you and have Dillon there to speak with you! Thank you so much for the prayers and well wishes to everyone out here in the motocross world. Dillon also got to meet Amber and made a deal with her to ride I-35 first when he is able to get back on a bike. That will be a while though.
It is an adjustment from scheduling races to not participating. Dillon is kind of funny when it comes to races. He really enjoys going and seeing all his friends, even though some may have to reintroduce themselves to him. (sometimes more than once) He was able to express to me today that it is hard for him because he misses something when he is watching races. He can't tell what that something is, but he knows it is there. This is an improvement, last time we tried to get him to races, he said he didn't want to go, but he didn't know why. I know it is very different for a racer to go and watch vs. race and participate. It is just a little harder when you know you should be doing something, and can't remember ever doing it. (I hope this makes sense...hard to express)
Dillon had a real good time today and I want to thank everyone that came up and spoke with him. If he seems a little quiet or bland to you, please do not let this discourage you from coming to him again when you see him. This is a side effect from the brain injury and even though he may not seem really interested or show alot of emotion, he is happy to be there, talk and share experiences. He may not always remember what was said, or who he saw, but the more he has that with each of you, the more it will stick with him.
Overall, it was a great day!!

[track_momma]

I have a little bit of bad news. Dillon has gone down hill and will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow for 1-2 days for them to give him DHE through IV due to consistant headaches that we can't get through. He has had heavy meds today and they are manageable, but due to some pressure building in his brain, they want to get this taken care of. Please keep him in your prayers. I will be staying with him during his stay at the hospital and have my phone with me. I will try and keep everyone posted best I can.

[wolfiepup557]

track momma sorry to hear that dillons gone down so fast its bad news after he was doing so well
i hope that everything goes well while hes in hospital and that he gets better real soon,
you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

mikey
x

[Tatonka]

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dillon as he works through this! Stay strong. Please keep us updated.

[ycdirtrider]

My thoughts and prayers are with Dillon and his family.

[wildwest]

Dillon is back home as of last night and resting comfortable. He underwent some testing and they found it was his blood pressure causing the headaches. They have him on medication for it and so far so good. They are going to monitor him for a few weeks to see that it is working. Keep them in your prayers, they have had a very rough time with this.

[track_momma]

We are having to pull Dillon out of school. We are planning on home schooling him, hopefully starting in May. His blood pressure has been causing pressure in the brain and therefore causing headaches. He is now on blood pressure medication 2x/day. We tried going back to school and his pulse rate becomes too high. I have put in my notice at work, and will be back at home with him. (I tried to go back part time while he was in school) He needs close monitoring until he is stable on a regular basis. He just needs time to recover from this setback he has had. We seem to never be at home, doctors, hospitals and therapy. It has been very busy and we are all ready to slow down for a bit.

[fastlearner]

Sending Dillon and your whole family positive thoughts!

[Tweetysd]

So sorry to hear this. Know your doing the right thing. Prayers are going your way. Love you. Call if you need anything.

[track_momma]

Dillon seems to be doing better since I withdrew him from school. He hasn't had any headaches lately and the bp and pulse are ok. We have had to make the decision to move also. So much for my little guy to handle, and I just keep praying he will handle everything ok. Moving isn't what we want, but we can't afford to keep our home. We will be moving in with my grandmother, who we help care for also. I plan on bringing Dillon here to see his friends as often as I can. We are moving about 30 minutes away. Please keep him in mind for all these hard transitions.
Thanks so much!!!

[Tweetysd]

Diana,
So sorry you are having to go through all of this. But I underdstand why. Bless you and Dillon and Charlie in your new endeavors. Hope everything works out ok. I know you have your plate full already and now it's overfull.
If you need to talk I'm here anytime day or night. Love you guys.
Sue

[joshmorros351]

Glad you guys are doing better. If you need anything, please let us know and as always we are praying for you.

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing much better since he has been out of school. He is stabilizing out and seems much happier. He had a wonderful time out at TMX yesterday and at River Valley today. He has such great friends at the track!! Couldn't do without them! Thanks RD for the money for Dillon's homeschool!! What a blessing!

[joshmorros351]

Diana,

This is Josh's mom, Teresa. I have been doing some research and consulting with some out patient facilities I work with regarding what Dillion has been going thru from the beginning to where he is right now. I only have what you have posted and information form the one conversation we had last year, so I am sure I am missing some information. I would love to talk with you and get more information to see if I may help. My number is 775-771-1540, Hope to hear from you.

[track_momma]

Dillon got to see the beach for the first time!! My two best friends paid for us to go to Galveston for spring break with them. He loved swimming in the ocean and catching waves on the boogie board. His blood pressure and pulse have been good, and he has one more day of physical therapy! He will continue once a week for neuro rehab for a while though. I am hoping when he starts the homeschool in May he will continue to do as well. He is having to adapt to moving 30 miles from his friends, but I will bring him over here as often as I can.

[track_momma]

Dillon will be an honorary team member of Team Violation at Dallas Supercross this weekend. He will be at the Violation rig most of the day Saturday, so if you are out, please stop by. Shea Racing and National Switchgear are making this a huge event for Dillon. They have done a press release about Dillon, and are also reaching out to educate people about brain and spinal cord injuries. Hope to see you there!!

[Tatonka]

Diana - that's fantastic, what an opportunity for Dillon! Take some pictures and post them on here for the rest of us non-Texans! :thumb

Please tell everyone that RiderDown.org is out here and needs their help to continue supporting riders and their families who have suffered life altering injuries!

[track_momma]

Will do!!! I was hoping they would mention RiderDown in the press release, but I will make sure he mentions it in the interviews he is supposed to do on Saturday. They didn't mention all of his sponsors either.

[Tatonka]

:thumb:Powerslide::awesome:!-!

[track_momma]

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kodakgallery.com%2Fgallery%2Fsharing%2FshareRedirect.jsp%3Ftoken%3D359551082311%253A1320249923%26fbTitle%3DSupercross%2B2011%26fbDescription%26fbThumbURI%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.kodakgallery.com%252Fimaging-site%252Fservices%252Fdoc%252F632012082311%252Fjpeg%252FBG%252F.jpg%253Fp%253D5546&h=67ff2

Here is a link to pics of Dillon at Supercross. There is a great one with Garret in there, so please be sure to check that one out!

[track_momma]

https://files.me.com/greenteevee/pwmexf

copy and paste in your browser or right click and open up to see the interview Jim Holley did with Dillon at Supercross!

[Tatonka]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/100_0489.jpg

I think they had fun!

[Tatonka]

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/KTM-DillonTerryRace-GrahamArenaCross036.jpg

Dillon & Cheyenne......

!-!

[track_momma]

Thanks for putting up the pics! They look great!

[Tatonka]

No problem! You and the boys all look great! Will you be going to the Outdoor National at Freestone?

[track_momma]

Yes, we plan on going to Freestone. Do you think you will be there? I am trying to get Cara to go with us. I would like to set up a booth for RiderDown there. I think it would be a great opportunity to share what the foundation is about and spread the word!!

[Tatonka]

I'm probably not going to make it to Freestone but I really want RDF to be there and have been discussing it with Tony M. Last year we did the whole Blood Drive thing but that's probably not going to happen this year. I've got a group of volunteers that would be perfect for this.

[track_momma]

Just wanted to update everyone on Dillon. He has started his homeschool working on pre-algebra and biology. He has had several days here lately that he hasn't felt too good, but seems to be doing better. He is excited about going to outdoor nationals at Freestone, where I will be flagging Saturday. Several of his friends are racing on Sunday for amateur day. Things are going well with rehab. The plan is for discharge on the 19th of this month!!! YAY!!! I am working with The Brain Institute to see if he will qualify for 8 weeks of additional rehab to work with training on teaching him and training his brain for easier learning. I hope this goes through!

[Tatonka]

That's great to hear! RDF will have a booth at Freestone for the Nationals and would love to have you & Dillon hang out for a while. Let us know how things work out with the Brain Institute.
:bounce:

[track_momma]

We definitely will hang out at the RDF booth and share our experience with others and help educate people about brain injuries. I will be flagging on Saturday for the races, so we can be there Fri nite, Sunday and Monday throughout the day. I can't express enough gratitude to RDF for everything you have done for Dillon and our family.
Dillon is continuing with about an hour a day with school. We are really trying to figure out how to have him process what he is thinking to paper. This is something that is really hard for him and hopefully will come in time. So, we compromise and do alot of discussion instead. I think this homeschool program will be a great success for Dillon to obtain his education, and only through RiderDown has it become a possibility! Thank you!!

[238dad]

We are sending our prayers and best wishes for you and your family.

[joshmorros351]

Since my accident I have to read things two to three times and my brain gets tired fasster. It has gotten alot better and continues to get better. Now, when it comes to visual learnm I am all over it and kind of a genius if I say so myself. Saw my buddy Dillion's supercross video he looks amazing! I love that you guys are not willing to ever settle and he has all your support. One day it will click and watch out....Here comes Dillion. BELIEVE!

God Bless,

[track_momma]

We had such a great time at Freestone. Dillon saw alot of people and had a good time with all his friends and new friends. Thanks to those of you who had to reintroduce themselves to him. I know that is hard. Dillon had to take a couple of rests throughout the weekend, but I think did real well. He stayed in his room all day yesterday, pretty tired. Hopefully today he will come out!

[track_momma]

Since my accident I have to read things two to three times and my brain gets tired fasster. It has gotten alot better and continues to get better. Now, when it comes to visual learnm I am all over it and kind of a genius if I say so myself. Saw my buddy Dillion's supercross video he looks amazing! I love that you guys are not willing to ever settle and he has all your support. One day it will click and watch out....Here comes Dillion. BELIEVE!

God Bless,

Thanks Josh!! It really helps that you let me know what is going on and I see that Dillon is following a pattern of similarities. Yea, the video is awesome!!
Thanks,
Diana

[track_momma]

Well, it has been rough since the last post (with much regret). Dillon's blood pressure dropped drastically and stayed dangerously low for 4 days. His heart worked really hard to keep it up with resting rates between 108-115. All of a sudden, yesterday his blood pressure spiked very high and he took his meds and it has seemed to bring it back to normal. Going back to the doc tomorrow am for another check and see what they want to do. He is in good spirits though and says he is feeling better.

[track_momma]

The doctor visit was very informative and helpful. We are going to adjust his blood pressure medication and continue to monitor him. Dillon is very apt to get dehydrated quicker than normal and the heat affects his ability to maintain focus. He also is showing a hum in his heart, that does go away when he lays down, but that could have been playing a part in his blood pressure. The doc said to really back off activities during the heat of the day, especially if Dillon has to focus on what is going on. His brain is trying to keep up the processing of information but when he is hot and dehydrated (any at all), the brain can't perform all its functions. He is showing signs of stabilizing out though which is a blessing!!

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing ok. He is starting to remember some of his memories and this has him very confused and scared. We are all so excited about this, but he really isn't. We are trying to get him approved for more therapy/counseling to deal with all of this and help him process everything that is flying through his brain. Please don't ask him questions about what he is remembering though. This really throws him and he gets upset. If he wants to tell you, he will share what he is able to remember. This is all very hard for him, but he is doing the best he can with it.

[Tatonka]

What a rough road he's been on - I hope it smooths out soon!

[688MOM]

Track Momma, unfortunately as a mom of an injured rider we hold many roles and the most important is to be the “pit-bull with lipstick”, you will not be the most liked or the one with the greatest humor to some; your main goal is to get your son better with or without the so called “friends”. You will also find who is a true friend and those that are just as bad as “ambulance chasers” wanting a look at someone else’s trauma and gory details.

I was considered the biggest you know what at the hospital; didn’t break my heart, I was there to get my daughter better, no matter what it took. I got mean when I needed and loved harder when I could. My heart goes to you; I assume you have been told every injury is different (true), but the families seem to go through the same mental and financial torture. The ups and downs of good news to the bad news; then back in forth. Reading your posts I see your strength and determination in your words and that makes me smile as I know Dillon is in the best arms around.

Keep strong Momma and know there are so many sending prayers and wishes your way. Give Dillon a big hello and hug from Amanda and myself.

[Tatonka]

Track Momma, unfortunately as a mom of an injured rider we hold many roles and the most important is to be the “pit-bull with lipstick”, you will not be the most liked or the one with the greatest humor to some; your main goal is to get your son better with or without the so called “friends”. You will also find who is a true friend and those that are just as bad as “ambulance chasers” wanting a look at someone else’s trauma and gory details.

I was considered the biggest you know what at the hospital; didn’t break my heart, I was there to get my daughter better, no matter what it took. I got mean when I needed and loved harder when I could. My heart goes to you; I assume you have been told every injury is different (true), but the families seem to go through the same mental and financial torture. The ups and downs of good news to the bad news; then back in forth. Reading your posts I see your strength and determination in your words and that makes me smile as I know Dillon is in the best arms around.

Keep strong Momma and know there are so many sending prayers and wishes your way. Give Dillon a big hello and hug from Amanda and myself.

Beautifully said Mona!! :thumb

[track_momma]

Thank you for your words of wisdom!! Yes, I do believe all families go through the same struggles and the same emotions as our children are on the road of recovery. I have faith that some how, we become stronger than we ever thought we could be for sure. After loosing our daughter 5 years ago, I never would have thought we could do this for Dillon. I honestly think it has given me the fight and strength to go on even tougher for him. I know that may sound crazy, and maybe this morning I am, but oh well. We have to have our moments.
Alot of things and changes have gone on in our lives once again. (Soap opera??)
They are good changes though. We did decide to move out of my grandmother's home. We had drive by shootings, my husband's truck stolen out of the driveway, and random gun fire on a regular basis. The last one sounded right outside of Dillon's window. I have my parents to thank for helping get us out of there. They helped us move with the great help of a friend, and they paid for our first month rent at the apartment. Dillon is happier to be back closer to his friends and has seen them just about everyday this last week. The stress is not so severe on Charlie and I due to we are in a much safer place.
Dillon tested last week with the Brain Health Center, and we found out he did qualify for the therapy sessions for one month! They will work with him on "getting the big picture" and focusing on the important issues in long stories, etc. These are the areas I have seen him struggle with in his school work, so I am so grateful this came through for him. His "working memory" is doing very well, and they said he was very intelligent. I tell him this but it sure helps coming from someone else for him.
Dillon isn't showing the signs of depression he was when we were in Grand Prairie, and so I am really thinking the counseling to help him process these memories he has recovered will be sufficient. I am still working with CNS to see what they want to do. They are really trying to get our insurance to assist as this is all new for him to process, but the waiting is so hard. Dillon has remembered his sister, and the time that she was in the hospital prior to passing away. He really won't discuss it with me. He said he didn't know what to say about how it made him feel. He didn't have words. I don't want him to grieve like he did when he was younger, so I am really going to push this week to get him in to his counselor. I don't want him to go backward at all, and when we lost Lacy, he really had a super tough time with it. Right now, he says he doesn't want to remember anymore, because it's too much. I get that for sure. He's a tough kid though, and we will help him prevail!!
Lots of good things going, some tough. Things are looking up though!! YAY...I don't like drama, but it sure has followed me for a while. Kinda tired though. Ready for some calm. At least long enough to catch my breath!! haha
Lots of love to all the RDF family!! Without your support, help and guidance, I don't know if I would have kept my sanity and strength. Thank you so very much.

[TwinTurbos]

We're wishing you some "soap opera" free time and we'll continue to keep you all in our prayers.

[track_momma]

Dillon has done real well with this last session of therapy for learning. He will continue with counseling everyother week for the next 6-8 weeks. He doesn't really talk to us about what his memories are. He struggles with the loss of his sister and her memories. He also lost a very dear friend a couple of weeks ago and is struggling with that also. He is doing better since we have moved back closer to his friends. He does lots of peddling on his bicycle to see them, since we are further away than we used to be, but it is really getting him in shape and working on his endurance. I want to thank each of you for following Dillon through this recovery. It has been long and we still have a ways to go. Dillon will be home schooled for quite some time as his learning has to be modified quite a bit still and he really does better with focusing on one subject at a time. He is also studying motorcycle mechanics with a great friend of ours. This will go toward his high school degree and his career choice. That's all for now. Thanks for your support.

[Amanda688]

Im sorry to hear about the sad things and set backs that have happened. Life seems so unfair sometimes but the great part is Dillon sounds like he is getting so much better. Sometimes we just have to focus on our blessings to get us through the tough. You guys are all so strong, don't ever forget that. I think about Dillon and all of your family all the time.

[track_momma]

Thanks and we think of you often. I haven't been on the computer much over the last few weeks, so I am just getting caught up. This weekend Dillon actually was talking to others about his injury and some of the affects it has on him. It was good to see him explaining some of the side affects he has and how his brain "stops working" when it is tired. This was the first time he has done that. I was proud of him for being able to really talk about it and explain how he feels sometimes. We had a wonderful time at Oakhill this past weekend with our mx family and friends. Dillon had lots of good times Saturday. Sunday he didn't feel too well and he missed all the races, but he did have a better afternoon. It was nice for him to meet some of the people that have been following his recovery. He is really liking learning moto mechanics with Jesse and being part of the team. We have therapy today, and that is going good for him as well. It has surely paid off with where he is in his recovery. Biology is the course for now for education. We have learned that one class at a time is best for him, so that is how we will do things. Thanks for the support and prayers! It definitely makes a difference!

[track_momma]

Dillon is doing well in school. He is more than half way done with biology. He has written two papers that were a half page in length by himself. It takes him a while, but he is doing it! He finished his rehab yesterday at Centre for Neuro Skills. They have officially discharged him. He will follow up with one of the doctors at the Brain Health Center for additional educational therapies. We have... him off his blood pressure meds and have for a while, but he is going up and down with it, so now we are monitoring his bp and may have to start back with meds. Dillon had a wonderful time with us at River Valley this past weekend. He got to meet alot of people who have been in his life in the past and some that have followed his recovery since his accident. We keep on going and continue to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers. It has been a long journey which we continue on successfully. Love to all!

[Tatonka]

Keep rockin' it Dillon! If you guys come through CO on your trip let me know when & where and let's see if we can hook up this time! :thumb

[wolfiepup557]

its awsome that you and dillion are doing so well im so glad that hes making a good recovery even though its a long one, but it will be worth it in the long run
thanks for keeping us updated so often its awsome
take care
mikey

[Jay#14]

I Love hearing about the recovery process and how many doctors count us out so quick and we recover none the less. Yes it's a long road but it's a possible road. Keep at it Dillion and Track momma, if you ever need us we are here for you both!!

Keep us updated when you can!!

Jay

[track_momma]

Thank you for the encouragement and words of wisdom!! Dillon was interviewed on our local channel 8 news for some brain rehab. I am going to try and get more info from them to post here on it. Please copy and paste the link to see the interview...

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/Brain-therapy-134438238.html

[Tatonka]

Thanks Diana, the video was excellent! We look forward to more info and of course....the progress updates!! :thumb

[track_momma]

It has been a while since I have posted. Dillon is doing well and has finished his second class for his freshman year. We had a scare right after Thanksgiving and saw some strange blood pressure issues with seizure activity. There are some slight changes in his personality and expressions that indicated a change in his recovery. There was a small bleed in the frontal lobe. He was having difficulty with remembering discussions afterward also. He seems to be back to improving and we try to monitor him without alarming him or aggitating him. Happy New Year and thank you all for your continued support!!

[track_momma]

Thank you for the care package that was just sent to us. It couldn't have come at a better time. Now I can schedule our next appointment... was waiting on a prayer to be answered, and it was. Thank you RiderDown!!!

[track_momma]

Dillon has been doing great in the BMX novice class. He has raced 4 times and taken 1st on each one. He has posted the videos on youtube under Dillon Terry. He is going for the 8 wins to move to novice class. He has been so happy and we are seeing some of the "old Dillon" in his attitude and emotions. First time to really see some of that. He is still working on English for his homeschool, which is extremely frustrating and hard for him. I am trying to work with him and help as much as I can, but there is so mucn that is abstract in that...coming up with fill in the blank and writing. It is so hard to see him struggle so hard. His health has been good these past few weeks, which we are so happy for. We continue to pray that continues on the path it has. Don't like the going back and forth like we did between T-giving and New Years. ...Well go on youtube and check him out. We are really proud of him!