November 4th Election Day – Don’t forget to vote!
Another beautiful fall day, the sun is shining with a nice breeze, with the anticipation of cooler air just around the corner.
Here’s the latest update on John’s Journey:
Yesterday, we had an appointment with Dr. Steve Reintjes, Neuro Surgeon in Kansas City. To say the least, Dr. Reintjes was very impressive. Dr. Reintjes and the 5 Neuro Surgeons in his practice all reviewed the cat scans and notes from Dr. Moore’s team in Topeka. He walked through John’s injury from A to Z, answered our questions, reviewed the CT scans in detail, and provided insight.
Dr. Reintjes confirmed, based on his review of notes and observations of the CT scans, John has received excellent care. He indicated that with the type of injury John has sustained, Dr. Reintjes’ team would not be pursuing any different approach and indicated that the approach taken by Dr. Moore is the same aggressive course his group would pursue.
He was able to provide details and perspective regarding the injury, and discussed potential results of the condition. Unfortunately, Dr. Reintjes also indicated that the longer we go without much progress, the prognosis becomes dire.
Special Thanks to Bill Duncan, Annie Heffernon’s dad, for setting up the consult with Dr. Reintjes, and to the Lewis family (Kathy and Mike), for reaching out to Dr. Reintjes as well, Dr. Reintjes is a cousin of the Lewis family.
As of today, John’s condition has not improved, and with each day, a lack of progress clearly is a step backward.
Dianna was able to go back to KC last night and attend Sarah-Margaret’s volleyball banquet, with Makenzie and Aunt Annie. She was also able to be at home overnight with the girls last night, which for the girls, was much needed and very comforting.
Again, words cannot express our thanks for all of the prayers, thoughts, and assistance everyone has offered and provided over the last week. We appreciate you keeping John and our family in your prayers, and keep blogging, its a nice release to hear from others during this difficult time.
Bernie and all of the Heffernon gang.
You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. We continue to lift all of you up and please know that we are here when you need us.
Hugs to all!!
Carol Lee
We appreciate the updates on the blog very much. We want you to know that the entire Heffernon family has our support. Ask=Done.
Janice and John Hanahan
Just wanted to let you know that the Stilwell Elementary staff is watching from afar, keeping your family in our prayers, and willing to help in any way. We won’t intrude, but will be here when you need us. I hope my favorite quote about HOPE comforts you as much as it does me: When we come to the edge of the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown… of this we can be sure: either God will provide something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly.
Dianna, you are never far from our thoughts and prayers at South. I start every day with a prayer for you, John and the girls. My family is keeping you in their prayers as well as my church. I ask God to wrap you all in his love, and I thank him for the gift of friends such as you.
Dianna and girls,
I have never met you, but John talks about you every time he comes to work on our heating and AC systems at St Joseph Church in Shawnee. My family includes all of you in our prayers each night and have said rosaries for your family as well. All the staff at St Joseph love John and will continue to keep your family in our prayers. John has touched the lives of many in a most positive way.
We will keep you in our prayers.
Joe Keehn
Dianna,
I’m so glad to know what is happening. I think about and pray for you and your family every day, asking for God’s comfort and strength for you. As so many have said, I am here for you in whatever way you need…now or later.
Allison
Mary Anne, John,Dianna and family….how good to see an update today. Mary Anne you and your family are a constant prayer for me. I continue to think of you so often, as you are all precious.
Someimtes we don’t even know what to pray, but God know our hearts…..I voted today and would vote for this great weather to stay if I could. love and hugs, Sharon
God Bless you all!
Know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers throughout each and every day. The Blog/Meals contacts are wonderful…thank you for those, but please,please,please call if any of you need anything. Team Swickard is ready!
Dianna, you guys are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. We hope that you can manage strength from those that love and support you. Thanks for the “Blog” so we can keep updated, and stay in touch.
Ethan, Barb, Lindsay, & Zane
Dianna, Bernie and Lennie,
It was nice visiting with you last Friday. Thanks for taking the time to sit with us and for providing an update on John’s condition. John and your entire family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Thanks for this blog. It’s nice to be able to stay in touch this way.
God Bless all of you.
-Nick
Dianna,
I just received the news from Mark. I am so sorry to hear about John. I cannot even begin to imagine what you, the girls, and both sides of the family are going through. Please know this, you, John, and the girls are being thought of and prayed for each moment of every day. I can only hope that knowing this brings you some comfort. I am here if you need anything!
Terri Fletcher
Dianna & the Heffernon Family,
We continue to keep you in our prayers and think of you often. May you continue to be blessed with the strength to deal with this difficult situation.
Kelley, Steve, Audrey & Avery
Dianna, the girls wanted to tell Coach John about the end of their softball seasons here in Nebraska — please read to him. Lauren played 2nd for varsity every game — about a .500 team. They just had their banquet to end the season (we play in the fall here.) Paige played for a club team up here over the summer, but will have to wait til next year to play high school! (Scott coached both of them on his 16u team.) Jill was our main pitcher (I coached 10u) this year. We found a good pitching coach, Miss Stephanie, & she has taught her a drop, fast, change-up & just started the rise ball at the end of summer. She took a couple months off & is getting ready to start again. L & P say hi to Sarah Margaret and J says hi to Kenzie — what did you used to call her when she was batting all the time? Take care. Love, Clare
We continue to hold all of you in our hearts and our prayers. Thank you for the updates on the blog as we have John and your family in our thoughts 24/7. Thank you for the meal website and allowing us to help in anyway….we all feel so helpless and we will do whatever is needed to be done. As you can see by this site, John and your entire family are so loved.
Bruce and Denise Swickard
We are thinking of you daily, and praying for you often.
Katie Gaylord
Hope our love and prayers are coming through loud and clear. You are all so special to us and we love you so very much. (Obviously, so do countless others—-what a blessing!)
A Jane & U Floyd
Dianna and girls,
I wanted to let you know that all of you, John and the rest of the family are in our daily prayers. Please let me know if there is anything you need. I would be happy to help with any errands or running the girls around.
Dianna and girls—You are all in my thoughts and prayers every day. Dianna, you are so strong and John and the girls will draw from your strength!! Family is your focus at this difficult time, but many, many members of your extended family are thinking about all of you! Nancy
Dianna,
We have been at a loss of words for over a week now. Like everyone else, we are praying constantly for you and your family. I spoke to Gus; he and his church family are also holding you in their prayers. Think positive, believe, and stay strong in your faith.