SCATCH UPDATES

UPDATE: 27 April 2009
Scatch has come leaps and bounds in his improvement. He is now at the VA in Denver, seems to have a very good setup there, and they are working to help him with further transitions. His sense of humor and flirty demeanor are back, and we're so happy to see all this change. His personal property has been taken care of, and waits in storage, and Scatch still has a very long way to go. But we're all here for him, and he knows that.

UPDATE: 18 March 2009
Yesterday was the best I've seen him yet. Some family of his arrived yesterday, and he just lit up - when we walked in he was sitting in his chair, he's talking coherantly and knows and calls us by name; he says he is not in pain; and he was in a good mood seeing everyone. Dewey and Red Dog were also there, what a tremendous difference those guys make. I'm wow-'ed!!

UPDATE: 16 March 2009
Scatch is talking with his own voice for over a week now. It's amazing. The trach has been removed, he is capable of swallowing (pureed) food on his own. He is speaking in complete sentences. He's in speech and physical therapies that are more challenging now. While a good bit of this is following suit we were told about what may happen with traumatic brain injury, he is definitely getting better and surprising everyone. He even asked that we wheel him out because he (paraphrased....) didn't like one nurse.... (she's a real sport, they know not to take things personally when their brain is waking up.)
I'm not sure what else to say; our Brother's coming back. Wow.... and I mean WOW.....
Ruffian.

UPDATE: 1 March 2009
FROM OUR TREASURER:
All,

An update on Scatch and the benefit held last night. First, I just retuned from seeing our Brother Scatch. When I entered his room the therapist had Scatch sitting on the edge of his bed. She was stabilizing him but he was using his own power to sit up. This is a first I have seen. She then asked if he recognized me. He shook his head yes and mouthed "YES". Amazing. Today was the first day that I have seen a hint of Scatch. So wonderful to see.

Second, The benefit that was held last night was outstanding. The Gringo's MC opened their clubhouse for us. At one point we had 10 different clubs present. From 1%er's to Christians Associations. Not one issue. Just a good time with my Brothers/Sisters, friends, family, and the motorcycle community. We raised nearly $4000 for Cliff. I can't say thank you enough to my Brothers and Sisters for all of their hard work and dedication. I have never been so proud to
be a part of this special Brotherhood. Thank You to All!!!

Dewey
Colorado 3-1 Treasurer

UPDATES: 25 FEB: Scatch has someone with him all the time, because he's becoming more agitated, or active may be the better word :-) They want him to stay in bed, but they don't want to actually restrain him. He is still on the trach. EVENT THIS WEEKEND: We're trying to make sure we're prepared for a whooolllle bunch of people!

New fundraiser item!!!
This is a 12" unfinished steel CVMA logo disc. You can chrome it, or paint it or just do what we're doing and just hang it.....
They are $50. We have a HUGE BREAK on these from a local artisan who just loves Veterans. All profit goes to Scatch. Hey you CVMA chapters out there you can and should get these things for award ceremonies!! Have them mounted on plaques! Weld them to your truck! email cvmafundraiser@yahoo.com and we'll take care of you!

Remember Our Heroes PATCH

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/combatvets_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ

This patch is DESIGNED BY A CVMA MEMBER, STITCHED BY ANOTHER CVMA MEMBER. The patch is $10, but you can also purchase directly through paypal. Please email for more details at ruffiansride-patch@yahoo.com .

SCATCH'S BENEFIT IS THIS WEEKEND!

Don't forget the event on the 28th, this coming Saturday - it looks like we could have an incredible turnout at this benefit. The latest update is the Denver West location has donated another BIG flat panel HDTV toward CVMA Colorado's efforts. We are so, so grateful for their support. This TV will go home with SOMEBODY. Will it be you?????

The flyer for that event is here http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/gringos.pdf
Please print it and distrubute as much as possible between now and then. I know there's a spot on your workplace corkboard!

Scatch is still in the long term intensive rehab facility, and I'll be there this afternoon to bring back an update. His improvement is remarkable, given the severity of the accident, but he's got a long way to go and every little bit helps.

Scatch's family continually extends their gratitude for everyone who is helping. They live in Arkansas and it would have been far more difficult if he didn't have his CVMA family here. They have a lot of relief knowing that there's always someone looking in on Scatch, and we are in regular close contact with them to help with any and all arrangements.

Rolling Thunder Salute to America's POW's

Come to this event to raise awareness to the plight of POW's, MIA's, and families; this is a heavily attended event every year. More details will be available on the calendar about where CVMA is to meet to ride in.
You can download the flyer at http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/POW.pdf

UPDATES

CVMA Northern Chapter has a meeting coming up on 21 January. View details at www.localendar.com/public/CVMACO

Scatch has been moved to another room - for those of you who have been to see him recently, he is now in the room first off the elevator to the right. (closest to the nurses station.)

Scatch IS MOVING HIS LEFT SIDE A LITTLE, VOLUNTARILY. This is huge news folks. He is still in for a long, difficult recovery, but to all of us, every little step is a light year.

DON'T FORGET THE BENEFIT COMING UP ON THE 28th. Also on the calendar. Here's the flyer http://co.combatvet.org/pdfs/gringos.pdf please print it up and distribute at your convenience!

GOOD NEWS!

While Scatch is still "in and out" of his awareness (which is our best guess), he is stable enough to be moved to a long term rehab center. He gave me a half hug and messed with my hair a lot the other day, which is a good sign. I was joking with him about taking advantage of the ladies' compassion. He has his moments, folks, and this is very encouraging.
His mom had to go back to Arkansas to deal with the ice storm situation that happened while they were here looking after Cliff, and she will be returning soon to reevaluate Cliff's needs.
I'm so proud to be in this organization. What a family to be in.
Ruffian.

Photos from Benefit

http://s452.photobucket.com/albums/qq248/RuffianCVMA/