April | 2020 | bree bree's buzz

If you read earlier entries on my blog, you know I love my music and concerts. Last summer we found 2 for 1 tickets for Brad Paisley in Atlantic City. My friend Shannon and her Mom joined us for a really fun dinner, concert, and an overnight. At the concert my mom noticed posters that said Keith Urban was performing there the following week. We asked a few people to go but no one was able to. A couple of days later my mom was in the car listening to XTU, a country music station. They said in 45 minutes they were going to give away a Meet and Greet with Keith Urban in AC! They were going to have a contest between two listeners who would answer questions about Keith. My Mom arrived home and went on the computer to look up some facts about him. I arrived home about the same time. When they announced to call in, she did. The phone rang several for minutes. She thought she had the wrong number, but just then the DJ answered and said who is this ~ You’re contestant #1. What is you name? OMG – WHAATT!!! The DJ was going to ask 3 questions and who ever shouted their name first, would get to answer the question. She did ~ 3 times ~ and answered correctly!! The DJ said congratulations! You won a Meet and Greet with Keith and tickets to the concert!!! We both were screaming!!! It was great.

The night of the concert we had to go off to the side of the stage before it started. There were about 30 other people. We were the first in line. They took us individually into a little photo booth made up with curtains, lights and a back drop. While waiting for Keith, my mom took a photo of me against the backdrop. Her back was to the opening as she was putting her phone back in her purse. Keith opened the curtain and took a step in and put his finger to his lips ~ for me to keep quiet. Then he stood next to my mom and put his face a few inches from hers. As she turned her head and saw him she jumped and shrieked! He said “I” scared you didn’t I ?” We all laughed so hard. His accent was so awesome. He said “Hi Baby”, What’s Your name?” to me! We talked for a brief minute. The photographer took our photos and we said good-bye. It was so UNREAL. He’s so sweet and such a nice guy. Made our night, month, and summer!! The concert was outstanding. He is so talented. I don’t think there is one song that I don’t love.

We were at The Hard Rock AC and our seats were in the last row on the floor about 15 rows from the stage. About half way through the concert a man from the audience who was sitting in rise behind us, tapped my mom on the shoulder. He handed her a Keith Urban T- Shirt and said he brought it for me! We were so thankful for his kind gesture!

I also have a mug with Keith’s Photo on it from my sister! So, as you can imagine, we had the happiest night ever. It was right at the end of August ~ An amazing end to the summer of 2019. Thank so much XTU, the generous mystery man, and Keith! We Love You!

As you may know, I’ve had Cerebral Palsy (CP) since birth. I was born three months early at 1lb. 14oz. and had a brain hemorrhage. It has put limits on my physical abilities. The spasticity in my muscles caused my bones and muscles to turn and pull in different ways. I’ve had many surgeries and years of physical therapy to correct some of this. My Mom researched and found an amazingly, talented, and gifted doctor, Dr. James Gage at Gillette Childrens Specialty Hospital in Minneapolis. He performed my many surgeries there over the course of about ten plus years. Each one helped my gait (pattern of walking) tremendously .

For one part the gait study you have equipment on your back, wires hooked up and a mask over your face and must walk for six minutes without stoping, while it records your breathing and energy output. For the second part little reflective balls are placed on major joints, like hips, knees, toes, and elbow, etc. While walking up and down in the lab, a camera relates all of your movements to a computer. The end result is a stick figure walking on the computer mimicking your gait. and a report creates many grafts on your muscles and bones. The information collected gives the doctor better knowledge on what needs to be corrected. A fun fact is that this method was used to create characters in the Pixar movies. Real humans would be prepped and then go though all the movements of the animated figures, and then the characters were created around the the stick figures. Dr. Gage developed this technology and opened up the first Automated Motion Analysis Lab in Connecticut and a second at Gillette.

I had eighteen procedures with my first surgery and it lasted nine hours with two doctors! The was a lot of pain involved, but worth it. Recovery was usually about 5-6 months. Gillette is a very special place. Despite my surgeries and pain I always enjoyed my stays. They are very organized and a model for other hospitals. The staff was always friendly, knowledgable, and helpful . I especially loved Dr. Gage’s nurse Patrick. He was the best. He used to talk to me with a Donald Duck voice. He was extremely bright and friendly and knew how to make you feel at home. My stays were usually about a week at a time. They had an activity room and scheduled fun events for patients. They also brought pets to visit.

Dr Gage is now retired from medical practice but continues to work on research. After each surgeries he gave my mom his personal phone number and even called us at home. He always made me feel very special like I was one of his favorite patients. He is a great doctor! I am very grateful to Dr. Gage. It is because of him that I am able to use my walker and get around as well as I do! Thank You Dr. Gage!