MARC-ANDRE BELLIVEAU RECOVERY UPDATE
May 22nd, 2006 - Earlier this month, Marc was transported from Vancouver to Quebec City. Although still hospitalized one month since his accident, it was sure he would soon be released to a rehabilitation center. Marc spent a little over one month in two different hospitals before his release to rehab.
Once in rehab, Marc began to lead his own life again. Although still weak from his injury and his hospital stay, he was slowly gaining more comfort in his wheelchair. He continues to stretch and exercise his legs daily but tires easily. As Marc continues his progress, so does his freedom.
Marc’s latest highlight was spending Sunday night (5/21) with his family at his own home with no complications. Marc experienced a warm and tearful welcoming by his family as it was the first time he’d been to the family home in several months. Although his visit was short, he grew into the comfort of his friends and family. Marc reported he spent some time singing with his guitar to his family and friends in the backyard while home.
The family has begun to anticipate his arrival home for good. The process of planning and designing the home to accommodate Marc’s arrival has begun. The family is also planning to have Marc’s car modified soon so he’ll be free to travel to visit friends with the use of hand controls. This is the first step in getting Marc back on his own and Stand Strong Again will be there working with the family to help fund these modifications with the donations received to date.
Marc will maintain his strict rehabilitation schedule and strive for the day that he’s back home with his family and friends full time. Marc has remained as passionate as ever with his music. He’s currently working on completing an album from his live show in Jackson Hole, which will soon be available for purchase at: standstrongagain.org.
Stand Strong Again is excited to announce its first ever benefit concert, arranged by TGR, on June 3rd in Owen Bircher Park, Wilson, Wyoming. We encourage everyone to come and participate in our biggest fund raiser to date. All proceeds of the admission, raffle and Stand Strong MAB merchandise will go to the foundation to further support Marc’s ambition to Stand Strong Again. Marc will not be able to attend but would like to thank everyone again for their support. He swears he will get to the emails soon.
We encourage everyone to keep sending e-mails of support to Marc at: marc@standstrongagain. As always, donations are welcome at Marc’s foundation:standstrongagain.org
Check out the site for additional details on Marc, merchandise and next event nearest you.
5/2/06 - It has been one month since Marc-Andre Belliveau was paralyzed in a backcountry skiing accident. His family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for all the donations made to Marc. He is doing exceptionally well, all things considered. He has had a very busy four weeks.
The first week for Marc was obviously the most difficult. When he arrived at the hospital, he was immediately prepped for surgery to stabilize his broken back. This surgery led to the confirmation of his spinal cord injury (SCI) near his T12 vertebra. Throughout this period, Marc remained very positive, as usual, with his friends and family at his side.
Marc worked hard toward his recovery throughout the second week, and for the first time, he was able to get out of his bed and into a wheelchair. He again showed incredible strength and enthusiasm throughout the week.
The highlight of Marc’s third week in Vancouver General Hospital was when he was honored at the K2 Back9 awards ceremony. Marc was awarded 2nd place for his performance in the competition, which took place in late March. In true fashion, Marc taped an acceptance speech from his hospital room, which aired during the party as he gave a toast to the crowd and sang to them while playing his guitar.
After three weeks in Vancouver General Hospital, Marc was successfully transported by air ambulance to Québec. He will spend another week there before heading to a rehabilitation facility. Marc is spending about three hours a day in a wheelchair.
Marc continues to stay positive and wants to thank everyone who has helped him through this. Marc still does not have access to the Internet or a phone. He loves receiving letters, though, and his brother Bruno will print and forward all e-mails sent to marc@standstrongagain.org. Send letters to:
Marc-Andre Belliveau
3232 De La Paix
Ste-Foy, Quebec
Canada
G1X 1C4
As soon as he can, Marc will reply to the messages. Check out Marc’s SCI foundation, standstrongagain.org for updates.