Now an outpatient for several months, 18-year-old Derrick Redcay is making continuous improvements on his road to recovery.
After facing a rare, paralyzing spinal stoke in April of this year, Redcay, of Muhlenberg Township, is now able to move both of his arms. His left is now strong enough to feed himself with little assistance - even more so than when 69 News last followed up with him in the Fall.
"Just trying to stay strong through the whole thing, during therapy, giving it all I have," the teen told 69 News.
Derrick has also had his tracheotomy downsized, after months of breathing on his own. Come the Spring, family expect it to close completely.
"He still is improving each day. He's doing baby steps, but for us, they're huge steps," said mom, Deb Redcay.
When 69 News sat down with him most recently, just before Christmas, he was hanging in his living room, watching TV with family and his girlfriend, Alexis.
Derrick was also busy getting used to his new voice-activated tablet, which allows him to once again surf the web and go on Facebook.
"Missed it a lot," he said.
"It gives him another step of independence," Deb told 69 News.
Online access also opens the door to earning college credits, although Derrick is determined to someday attend classes on campus.
Before the stroke, Derrick had been accepted to the University of New Haven to study Fire Science, and he still hopes to go someday.
"With every little gain he gets, that just gives him more motivation and spirit to get it done and hopefully, somewhere down the road, with time, maybe he could get out of the chair and walk," said dad, Brian Redcay.
Thanks to the family's van, Derrick has made it out and about often.
While not all days are great days, family members work hard to build one another up.
"It's incredible. When he's down, we pick him up. When we're down, he picks us up," said Brian.
The family also credits the community's enduring support for its ability to remain so strong.
"Even now, nine months later, it's still continuing and it's not fading away. It's still like it was in the beginning and that really means a lot to us… we really appreciate that," Deb said.
Deb told 69 News that the family is working on planning a 5K run to benefit the family.
On Jan. 3, people can also support the Redcays at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show at Santander Arena. A portion of ticket proceeds go to Derrick and Keystone Wounded Warriors.
from 69News:Home http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-berks/most-memorable-2014-derrick-redcays-road-to-recovery/30467906
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