Congratulations Faith! Faith underwent swallow study and the test results were perfect. there is no neurological damage to her ability to swallow food, beverages, etc. Way to go Faith!

Everybody agrees - Faith is having a fantastic day with lots of progress.

When Lorraine asked her, "Have I told you that I love you today?" Faith replied, "Yes, 129 times." She had a really good visit with Julia and Olivia. They walked her around the halls in her stander.

"Faith had a great day today! She walked all around the therapy room in a walker that is nicknamed the "blueburu" like Peter's Subaru. She also did a lot of hand eye coordination with a ball and swung on a swing with the therapist. She held on to the swing ropes with her hands. She was so happy!" - Kathy Sheola

Faith had a very encouraging Memorial Day Weekend with lots of wonderful progress. Where at first we had great concern for her eyesight, Faith has now identified four different colors - a clear indication that she can see. She is sitting up for short periods of time. She has managed to pick up food and place it in her mouth unassisted. She has finished sentences for her mother while reading from one of her favorite books. She continues to improve daily!

There will be a Golf Outing to Benefit Faith on August 25th - so Save the Date! We will be playing at Mine Brook Golf Club in Hackettstown, NJ. Individual players and foursomes are welcome, event and hole sponsorships are available.

Faith has begun her physical and neurological therapy. Her team of doctors and specialists are knowledgeable, positive, and patient. Unfortunately progress was slow yesterday. We are hoping for a better day today. Please pray for Faith.

Today, Faith was moved to Children's Specialized Hospital in South Brunswick. This move means that Faith is in stable condition and able to begin active recovery. Children's Specialized is a rehabilitation hospital that specializes in pediatric brain injury rehabilitation. They boast one of the greatest success rates in the country. The facility itself is very nice and Faith will continue to have her own room. Faith, Peter and Lorraine met her new doctors and therapist and underwent assessment. The chief neurologist gave us reason to hope that many of Faith's symptoms can be rehabilitated. It is the best news any of us has received so far.

These next few weeks at Children's are critical to Faith's recovery. Please continue to pray for her.

The family has now officially established the Faith Morelli Fund, a non-profit fund in Faith's name. The chief purpose of the fund and 90% of its earnings will go directly to aid in her recovery and ongoing, long-term care.

Faith has been in the PICU at Goryeb Children's Hospital for almost a week. In that time, she has encouraged all of us with her progress. It is easy to worry and become overwhelmed when you are not with her; her injuries are abstract concepts, and generate heartbreaking questions, many of which begin with, "What does this mean? What will happen?" However, when you are with her, you are filled with hope. That hope comes from Faith's spirit, which is very powerful even in her hospital room; and it comes from the amazing moments and accomplishments you share with her.

At this stage of her recovery, and while she is in PICU, it has only been practical for family to visit with her. Lorraine and Peter are seldom elsewhere, and thankfully, their immediate family has surrounded them. Grandma and Pop-pop Leming are staying at the Morellis' house. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles have taken up shifts to hold Faith's hands and encourage her. Friends and Family call and visit the house. The support began in Florida with Donna and her family and continues locally. Neighbors have brought wonderful food and supplies to the house, promising to do so for months. Local organizations, churches and schools are eager to pitch in, to help, to donate. Each gift is generous and thoughtful, from gas cards to School lunches. So many have come forward. So many have felt Faith's spirit.

In the weeks ahead, the family will announce plans for a community fundraising event. People will have the oppotunity to come together and surround Faith with their love. In the meantime, for information or to make a donation, please contact Maureen Leming at mleming@hunschool.org, or send cards or donations to the Montville UNICO Foundation; Memo: Faith Morelli Fund, and mail to Montville UNICO Foundation, PO BOX 788, Montville, NJ 07045.

Update

Ten days ago, Faith began her recovery at St. Petersburg Florida Children’s Hospital. After an extremely harrowing twenty-four hours, Faith was awake, laughing, and showing signs of a full recovery. However, almost as quickly, her condition worsened dramatically. Doctors and tests indicated that the trauma to her brain was significant and all we could do was wait and pray.

On Wednesday, she and Peter were flown by air-ambulance to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Memorial. Since then, she has made progress. Faith is awake for long periods of time. She recognizes friends and family. She laughs at silly jokes and smiles at comforting words. She has said words like “yes,” and “Mommy.” She has squeezed her family’s hands.

Today - the greatest of achievements - Faith counted to ten and remembered her father's phone number!