Some more updates on Mark

Monday at 1:30pm: Debbie got to talk with the doctor while visiting Mark here just a little bit ago. Mark has broken his T4 & T5 in his neck as well as his nose, back, the back of the skull, and facial fractures. It is going to be a lllloooonnnnggg road back to recovering. At this point, the key is to get him out of the woods. Please... continue to pray for his full healing and the family!

Jocelin sharing an update on Monday afternoon: A special fund for the Pitrone family's financial needs has been set up by the congregation. You may donate by going to the following web page...http://www.webdesignbyjb.com/markpitrone.htm. Please pass the word around! Thank you for your generous giving!

Monday night about 9pm: Update from Jocelin: They have removed the complete head wrap and replaced it with a smaller bandage. They have also put on a back brace. Hannah (Mark's daughter), her husband Matt, and Daniel (Mark's son) are in route to Ohio from Colorado. Please pray for a safe flight for them. Please don't forget the special financial fund.

Tuesday Update about 1pm: Update on Mark from Jocelin: Got an update from Teresa as well as just talked to Hannah (Mark & Debbie's daughter). He looks far better then he did on Sunday night. He is opening his eyes and responding to as well as recognizing people. If he continues to improve, he may get his tubes removed later today.

Tuesday about 2pm: Teresa just gave me (Jocelin) an update (she's there at the hospital with the family right now) "Mark's breathing tubes have been removed. He is speaking a few words."

Breaking news on Monday about 3pm: Mark is not only alert and beginning to talk...He has now asked for coffee!!!!!!!!

Update from Jocelin on Monday about 9:45pm: Mark continues to do well; however, we have a specific request. The CAT scan was done again, and it showed some bleeding in the brain. They are not doing anything medically at this point, but please pray for 100% healing and stopping of the bleeding. Also, key updates will be posted soon after the 12noon to 1pm Eastern ICU visiting hours each day as that is when the doctor rounds and speaks with the family for their daily update. Any urgent updates will be posted in between.

Wednesday Update on Mark from Jocelin about 1:45pm! I just talked with Hannah. Mark is still sleeping quite a bit, but when he is awake, he is talking some. He knows everyone and his long term memory is fine. He currently has no short term memory, but the doctors say that is normal for the first couple of weeks with a brain trauma. He has eaten some applesauce and drunk some water. There is one concern at this point. He is loosing more blood than he should be, so they will be doing a CAT Scan of his stomach shortly to see if there is anything going on there as well as a blood transfusion. Please pray that all internal bleeding would immediately stop! Please continue to pray for the family as well.

Breaking Thursday Update on Mark from Jocelin about 2pm! Just talked to Hannah, Debbie, and Teresa. Mark is doing super! The doctors went so far as to tell Mark they thought he was going to die when he came in, but now look at him. His short term memory is returning! Assuming everything continues as it has, he will be moved to a REGULAR ROOM later today! The bleeding has apparently slowed as since the transfusion his blood count has slowly dropped but not by much. Also, if you want to send cards, please send them to following address: Mark Pitrone c/o Akron General Medical Center, 400 Wabash Ave, Akron, OH 44307. They would love to hear from you! Also, don't forget the financial fund which can be found at www.webdesignbyjb.com/markpitrone.htm.