Updates on Charlotte Wendel
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Charlotte is the 8 year-old daughter of Jerry and Susan Wendel and sister to Emily. Charlotte fell ill in the end of 2009 with swelling around her brain. While she is now home with her family, Charlotte remains in need of constant care.
Cards and letters can be sent to Charlotte at:
834 Welsh Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473
Donations to benefit Charlotte and the Wendels should be sent to:
New Hanover UMC, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525
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To help with Charlotte's care, you can volunteer your time. Check their Care Calendar for available dates, times and type of care. To sign in, the Calendar ID is 43416 and the Security Code is 5859. May God bless you!
5K Run/Walk that Supported Charlotte Wendel
Click the link above to read a recap and see pictures of our 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk held in honor of Charlotte on August 14. |
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January, 2011
Update from Jerry 8:42 am on 1/2/2011: It has been far too long since we have posted an update here. The time seems to just fly by as we prepared for the Christmas season. Please accept our apologies for that. Since our last posting, we have been able to take Charlotte to church three times. The first was December 12th—a regular Sunday, the 19th—an orchestra/choir Sunday, and the 24th for Christmas Eve. At all three services, the outpouring of love and care was tremendous. The orchestra/choir service was predominantly all music and singing; Charlotte loved it. She was awake and smiled throughout the entire service. She smiled especially big during the two songs that had the kids’ choir singing. Charlotte had sung with them last year as part of the kids' choir with the orchestra. These children dedicated their performance to Charlotte. It was very touching for all of us. We took in the 3:00 Christmas Eve service since it is easier to transport Charlotte when there’s daylight than when there’s not. The sanctuary was quite full; but, the ushers were able to find a place for Char and her entourage a place to sit. We were able to share each service with a different one of Char’s nurses. Even at 4PM, the raised candles at the conclusion of “Silent Night” were just as moving if it been a midnight service. The Christmas Spirit was clearly among us.
Susan will be sending a separate update to give some highlights and pictures from Christmas day. After Christmas has been just as busy for all of us. This past week, Charlotte, her nurse Pam, and I went to see some Christmas lights in the development across the street. It is an over the top display complete with accompanying soundtrack broadcast on a low power FM radio station. Coincidentally enough, it also happens to be right across the street from one of Char's BFFs. The picture below shows Charlotte with her friends Kristen and Lizzy while we all sat in the van watching the lights. Unfortunately, Char was quite tuckered out by the time we got there. She was asleep for most of the light show.
The next highlight of the week was finally picking up Char's custom wheel chair. The pictures below shows Char at the fitting at CHOP. The seat must be way more comfortable than the loaner chair we had been using. As soon as we sat her in it, she lifted her arms for a very enthusiastic "Woo Hoo!!!!!" The new wheelchair is amazing. The hot pink color is all Charlotte. The frame has a custom mount that will hold her ventilator without any additional support straps. It even came with a canopy that will be wonderful once the weather gets warm enough for outside walks and leisure time on the deck. The handle adjusts to the height of the pusher and the chair back folds flat for easier transport in the van. The day nurse, Diane, called it the "Escalade" of wheelchairs. I am not sure that this is what Springsteen meant by a pink cadillac.
We continue to be amazed and blessed by everyone who is praying for Charlotte and the rest of us. We deeply appreciate all of those who have helped us through the Care calendar. 2010 has been a tough year for us. Your love and support has helped us get through it. We pray that 2011 is a year full of blessings for you.
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