Kevin's Recovery Helping Kevin Mather on his road to recovery

Visit with Kevin – Message from Dennis Canevari

July 15th, 11:04 PM – We received the following message from Dennis:

I went to Northridge Rehab to visit Kevin this evening. To see him sitting up in a wheelchair is truly amazing. Just 12 days ago he was enduring 12 hours of major surgery on his spinal column. Today he is sitting up and looks great. God is good!
He mentioned that Luis Espino came by this afternoon and they actually went outside for a few minutes. Kevin found out just how hot it is outside and decided to come in after 5 or 10 minutes.

Tiffany continues to be that rock that Kevin so dearly needs.

Before I left I asked Kevin and Tiffany if they had any needs or prayer requests. Kevin has two specific prayer requests.
The wound on his leg is slightly infected. We need to pray that this infection responds to the antibiotics and goes away and that the wound and leg both heal quickly and fully.

Now that Kevin is in therapy, while working on his upper body he is experiencing a good amount of pain in his right shoulder. Tomorrow they may be doing some x-rays and other tests to see if they can determine the cause of this pain. Pray that the they will determine the exact cause of this pain and develop a quick and effective recovery plan to eliminate this pain so Kevin can continue on with his upper body therapy pain free.

Kevin and Tiffany have both been overwhelmed by the love and generosity they have received from everyone. I thought I would post a few of my own suggestions for anyone who may be visiting them in the near future and has the ability and desire to continue to bless them.

• I believe that Tiffany can use gas cards. There are a lot of trips from Santa Clarita to Northridge in her future and these gas cards will be a true blessing for her.
• They are being blessed with some amazing dinners. However, Tiffany, Greg and Janice, and others are often there from morning to night, and they often times need to go out for lunch and snacks. I believe a great way to bless them would be to give them gift cards to Sub Way, Quiznos, El Pollo Loco, and I hear they really like Jamba Juice and Robeks. All of these are within a few miles of the hospital.

Please continue to pray for and bless the Mathers

Dennis

Kevin’s Recovery Team says: If you want a convenient way to donate for gas cards and/or restaurant gift certificates, just click the GET INVOLVED button up top, then click the “Donation” link. When making a donation via PayPal, indicate the purpose (e.g., gas cards, restaurant gift certificates) in the “Special Instructions” section.

Answers to Prayer

Kevin’s day was very exciting as he was given his own private room!  This new room will guarantee that him and Tiffany will have more privacy.  This will also allow him to bring more personal items to the hospital since there is more room.  Also Kevin is very encouraged by all the visitors that continue to show their love and support to both him and Tiffany.  

As a reminder please try to make sure his room is not too crowded when you visit and if there are too many people when you arrive feel free to wait in the big waiting room until somebody leaves.

Here are a couple updates on recent prayer request:

Kevin got his back brace returned to him today and it fits much better.  It is much more comfortable to wear now and doesn’t restrict his breathing.  It will also allow him to move more freely during his physical therapy and other exercise.  

The following is a update on the Mather’s Condo from Eric Helgemo:

The response from the blog was excellent.  Several people called and offered to help with the work. The Lord has provided donors who will pay for all the materials.  American Craftsman Restoration INC. offered to pay for all of the flooring.  Swaner Hardwoods donated all the baseboard.  Another praise is that their home owners Association decided to pay for the damage to the adjacent garage.  The carpet is being ordered and it may take two weeks before it comes in.  Also the furniture will need to be moved out of the condo so they can lay the flooring.  

 Thank you and God bless, Eric

We will be looking for volunteers to help move the furniture out of the condo when the flooring arrives.  Again a BIG thank you to American Craftsman Restoration INC and Swaner Hardwoods for their donations and for everyone else who has offered their services or financial support for this project!!!

Day 2 of Physical Therapy

Today Kevin had his second day of physical therapy.  After getting off to a slow start yesterday due to some tests he was eager to get to work.  He is able to sit up for longer periods of time and is spending most of his time strengthening his upper body.  He is getting fitted for a new back brace which will be much more comfortable and not inhibit his physical therapy like his current one does.  He is also getting a new wheelchair tomorrow which will not be as wide so he can get around a little easier.   Kevin and Tiffany continue to praise God for all that He has done throughout  this situation and thank everyone for their prayers and the ways everyone has blessed them.

Prayer Requests:

That they will get wireless internet at the hospital they are currently on a waiting list.

Healing for the puncture in his leg and that there would be no infection.

A Few Web Notes

Hey, everyone. We thought we’d post a little update regarding what’s going on with the site…

KevinsRecovery.com has turned out to be a great tool for keeping in touch with a lot of people interested in how Kevin is doing. We hear how it has helped many of you focus your prayers. One person even contacted us to offer a significant gift in building materials for Kevin and Tiffany’s condo! In addition, the wristband support campaign (see the banner in the sidebar) has been well received, and lots of donations have come via the PayPal link.

Since launch we’ve had over 16,000 unique visits. It’s been interesting to see the influence of Facebook, too. During the first week, a full 56% of visits were links from Facebook. Oh, and we got our first direct spam attack today via the Comments form. I guess that makes it all official!

Speaking of spam, we’ve turned off the outgoing emails for blog posts. We know that many of you check the blog regularly, so we feel you are checking for new messages when it’s convenient for you. If anyone wishes to “opt back in” to receive immediate email notifications for blog posts, just log in, click “subscriptions,” and check the box for General Updates. (Or just ask and we’ll do it for you.)

Note that if you registered at this site in the past, you remain on our email contact list. If anything big comes up, we’ll be sure to send an email to you. Of course, you can be removed from our email list at any time by letting us know.

Lastly, Kevin has requested a way to get connected to the Internet, so a few guys are looking into getting Kevin a laptop with WiFi or 3G connectivity at Northridge Medical Center. If all goes well, we may just start getting some blog updates from Kevin himself! We’ll see…

That’s it for now. Thanks for taking this journey with Kevin and continuing to be his cheering section, helping hands, and praying advocates.

Kevin’s Recovery Team

Kevin Ready to Work!

July 12th, 11:00 PM – Tonight we received the following update from Nathan and Christine Keith.

Kevin had his first meeting with his physical therapist today. He was able to transfer into a wheelchair with some help from Tiffany and the physical therapist. He wheeled himself around for about an hour and forty five minutes and already is getting the hang of it. Tiffany said she was amazed that already he is able to sit up for longer amounts of time and even balance while sitting. He starts his first official day of physical therapy tomorrow and that will start a long and grueling process but also will give them an idea of what their schedule will look like for the coming weeks. He will be in intense physical therapy up until 4 PM every day so if people are looking to visit it should be after that time. They want to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers.

Prayer requests:

• Prayer against discouragement and fear as he starts this hard process.
• Continued rest for both Kevin and Tiffany
• That the hospital would be lenient about nighttime arrangements for Tiffany

Words of Appreciation from Kevin’s Mom & Dad

July 12th, 1:26 PM – We received the following message from Mark Mather:

I week ago Friday our son was struck by a car at high speed while cycling with buddies in Santa Clarita. He was air lifted to USC Medical Center in critical condition. After undergoing a 12 hour surgery to put his spine back together with two rods, twelve screws and losing 7 liters of blood in the process he was omitted into the Intensive Care Unit.

This Friday he was discharged out of the ICU at USC and taken to the Acute Physical Therapy Unit at Northridge Hospital. I walked in and he was SITTING UP in his bed and talking to Greg and Janice Gentry. This is truly the work of GOD! Doctors at USC told us that he was very lucky to survive the accident and the surgery. We are all blessed that he is alive and doing better. After talking with him yesterday he is hopeful to get the use of his legs back and is willing to do the work to try and make it happen. He is truly a warrior of God! Kevin, Tiff and the family are very appreciative of everything that all of you have done from the visits, food, drinks, work at the condo due to the flooding, and the spiritual and emotional support for the family.

Thank you all for your incredible support! Also once again I would like to thank the riders on the ride with our son, CHP, LA County Fire Department, Paramedics, Helicopter medical team, and the doctors and hospital at USC for saving our son’s live with their fast response. We will always have you in our hearts!

Kevin will now be working in physical every day to re-build his strength both in his upper and lower body. Please try to keep your visits to the late afternoon and evening so as not to interrupt his physical therapy schedule. I would advise you to call the physical therapy unit at Northridge Hospital before making the drive. Their number is 818-885-8500 ext: 3636. The address is 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge, CA.

Site Administrator’s Note: You can find other tips on visiting, under our “Get Involved” link.

In addition we would like to thank the Recovery Team for putting together a green wristband for the support of Kevin’s recovery. The reason it is green is because all of us going to see Kevin at the hospital had to put on a green wristband to be able to go visit with him.

The Recovery Team just made available a green silicon wristband (similar to the popular LiveStrong wristband) to keep Kevin on our hearts and in our prayers, and to raise funds for his and Tiffany’s needs.
You can see the offer here:
http://kevinsrecovery.com/blog/contact/wristbands/

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to this cause and pass it on to family and friends.

Once again we would like to thank everyone in this recovery process for all you have done for Kevin and Tiffany. We are truly blessed to have you being so supportive in their time of need. Let’s all keep Kevin and Tiffany in our prayers and pray for Kevin to be able to use his legs again.

God Bless,
Mark Mather
Lynn Mather

Kevin’s Move and Updated Visiting Hours

July 11th, 5:22 PM – We received the following update from Sarah Smith:

Thank you to everyone who prayed for Kevin’s move to the rehabilitation center this morning– it went very smoothly, and he is settled in his new room. Last night Tiffany, Kris Rowlett and I loaded my car with a huge amount of food, drinks, gifts, etc., that were so generously given by friends and family. They have been overwhelmed and very blessed by the support of everyone.

Kevin’s schedule will be busy during the week (Mon-Fri) with physical therapy, class activities, working out and occupational therapy. On Saturdays Kevin will have fewer scheduled activities, and Sundays will be his day off. The rehab center has recommended the following visiting hours:

Monday – Friday: 4p.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday: 2p.m. – 8p.m.
Sunday: 11a.m. – 8p.m.

Please continue to keep them in prayer as they begin the road to recovery.

Kevin Moving to Rehabilitation on Saturday!

Update @ 5:02 PM – Here’s the address/phone to Northridge Medical Center:

18300 Roscoe Blvd (map)
Northridge, CA 91325-4167
(818) 885-8500

Please hold off on visiting until Kevin is settled in his new digs. We’ll post an update when he’s ready for visitors again. Thanks!

July 10th, 4:43 PM – Just one week after the accident, and after multiple surgeries, Kevin is ready to move to a rehabilitation center in Northridge at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. We guess Kevin just wasn’t going to take things lying down! More details to follow shortly.

Following is the update we received from Sarah Isaac at 2:47 PM today:

A number of people from Copperhill spent the evening at the hospital with Kevin, Tiffany and the Gentrys. At the end of the evening before Kevin went to sleep we all piled into his room, surrounded him and laid hands on him to pray. Many prayers were offered for the miraculous healing of Kevin’s legs, many offered in thanks for all that the Lord has spared thus far, including Kevin’s life, vision, brain, and charisma. After several people had prayed, Kevin joined in. He first prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for all of the family, friends and members of Copperhill that have poured out their love and encouragement. Then, through tears, he prayed “Lord, I pray that through these circumstances, you would help me love you more tomorrow than I do today.”
God is good. Praise the Lord for the hope and peace that that can only come from knowing our God!

This morning marked the one week anniversary of the accident. Much to the surprise of the family, today Kevin was cleared for a transfer to a physical therapy center in Northridge. They had originally been told that Kevin would be transfered in 1-2 weeks but he continues to progress quickly. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Stay tuned for updates on the specifics of the transfer that will probably take place on Monday. Please continue to pray for a miraculous healing. Pray also that the Lord will continue to lift the spirits of Kevin and Tiffany as they continue on this journey to recovery.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” –Psalm 34:17-19

A General Roundup from Lynn & Mark Mather

July 10, 7:18 AM – Last night we received the following thoughts via email from Kevin’s parents:

On Wednesday night we believe the reality of Kevin’s situation hit him from having the back brace put on and being put into a wheel chair. Needless to say his spirits were down. I didn’t see him on Wednesday, for I felt he needed to rest.

Today [Thursday] his mother and I arrived at the hospital at around 12 noon. He was just wheeled into his room from surgery putting in his blood clot filter. He was awake, coherent, talking and making jokes. In other words, back to himself. He has definitely enjoyed the great food that the team from Copperhill Community Church has been bringing, and he got his fill today.

Andrew from the church came in today to see Kevin. He said to me that he had a feeling that he needed to come down. Upon his arrival he shared with his mother, myself, and others the eight step plan that was put together for James, who lost his leg and was in a coma for several months and who is a member of the church as well. He gave us copy of this plan, and it was incredible. It was well thought out and reviewed obviously by several intelligent people. We went into Kevin’s room and shared it with him and Tiff. [We all] prayed to the Lord for the answering of our prayers and the strength that will be needed going forward.

Tiffany informed us [of the support coming from Kevin's employer, Tejon Ranch]. Many thanks to everyone at Kevin’s work place for doing this. You are an incredible company.

Later in the evening I invited a man [name withheld] in to see Kevin. His brother was hit by a car while on his motorcycle on a freeway in Pomona. He too was air evacuated to USC. [The man] has been sleeping at the hospital for three days to be with his brother in the same waiting room with us. We have been sharing food and drinks with him, and he is very grateful and wanted to meet Kevin. I will meet his brother tomorrow. We both prayed for Kevin and [the man's] brother for a speedy recovery.

Small But Mighty!

I have not been to the Copperhill Church yet, and you can be sure that I will!

Kevin tells me that the congregation is approximately 500 people. It came to me today that the Church has now had two men going through life changing events and they are working together diligently to raise them up. My perspective is the David vs. Goliath scenario. Kevin, James, and the Recovery Team are David and the accidents and their immediate and future challenges are Goliath. We are going to share this recovery plan with our church in Westlake Village, and Lynn will be sharing it with hers in North Carolina.

“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”

While in the hospital being treated for cancer, I would recite this to myself several times a day to help put things into perspective and asking God’s help to keep me strong.

To all of our family, friends and incredible people at Copperhill Church, a big thank you for all that you are doing while in the hospital and behind the scenes for Kevin and Tiffany. We are blessed with God’s greatness and we, Kevin & Tiffany, and the Gentry’s thank each and every one of you for your caring and thoughtfulness in this time of need.

Keep your prayers coming. They work!

God Bless,
Mark & Lynn Mather

Mather Condo Repairs

July 9, 10:45 PM – The following message is from Eric Helgemo:

In the midst of everything that transpired last weekend, the Mathers had a toilet supply line burst and flood their condo. Thanks to the quick response from several friends with shop vacs and mops, the furniture was saved. However, the flooring and baseboard were ruined. I and Andrew Daymude met with Gregg Gentry yesterday to assess the damage and formulate a plan to restore their home. Although they are insured, the damage will exceed the policy limits. We will respond in love to see that their home is restored quickly and without cost (we hope) as they face many expenses ahead. We hope to have the supplies purchased this week and begin the restoration next week.

If you are able to donate time and have skills in tiling or laying baseboard please contact me by cell: (805) 587-0043.

For the repairs we need to purchase:

• 200 LF of 5″ MFD baseboard
• 1 gallon of white paint
• 260 SF laminate flooring, and
• 72 SQ YD of carpet

Note: Due to additional damage caused to an adjacent vacant unit, some drywall, insulation, texture and painting work needs to be done as well.

7/14 – Update: Through donations of material and finances, these needs have now been met! Thank you! Construction to commence shortly!

On a personal note, last night as my family (4yrs and up) knelt and prayed to God for Kevin and family, I couldn’t help but feel God’s presence and wonder what it must be like to hear thousands of people from our church and the local community crying out to an awesome God who hears them all. Thank you for that experience, Kevin. You are in his hands. Amen.

Eric Helgemo