tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76081991777576390052024-03-13T09:18:58.400-04:00The O'Keefe FamilyThe O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-43618669863382822432017-07-01T08:45:00.001-04:002017-07-02T19:14:59.443-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-71171779412062684902016-01-24T21:06:00.000-05:002016-01-24T21:17:39.362-05:00A Letter from a Friend...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a letter sent to us recently from one of Danny's friends.</span></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In May 2011 my friend made a courageous choice. He chose without thought to protect his sister from her attacker. This choice changed his life forever. <br /><br />His act of heroism continues on almost 5 years after his brave choice. I have never met a person of such valor. Now that his sister is safe he continues to fight for his own recovery with a vengeance I have never seen. <br /><br />Initially Danny was very dependent on his family for his physical and emotional wellbeing. He was only able to speak one to two word phrases, walked with a significant limp, with his arm bent in at the elbow due to his hemiplegia. <br /><br />Danny’s entire family continue to provide him with an amazing support system. His Mom is constantly researching the latest treatment of TBI and was an amazing force behind Danny getting his invaluable service dog, hyper baric treatment, and ongoing cognitive and speech rehabilitation. She also is his health care advocate. His dad is his friend and will take him anywhere he needs to go. Danny’s brothers and sister are always there for him. <br /><br /><br />A lot of Danny’s strength comes from the person he will always be. The person who did not think twice about putting his life on the line for the life of another human being. He is now living independently. He has support from his family and his trusty service dog. He could have easily given up on himself through this process. He gets on the computer and works on his speech and language skills daily. He readily shares his opinions, and his amazing love of life, his witty sense of humor. He brightens the days of all he comes in contact with.<br /><br />He takes amazing care of and has unconditional love for his service dog.<br /><br />He walks daily. I am not sure how far, but I know he is out for up to 2.5 hours at a time. He is currently training to walk the Flying Pig full marathon. He is really working hard in therapy and with a trainer to try and run again. He does not give up.<br /><br />Danny was an avid drummer prior to his injury. He is now able to hold an adapted drum stick and is playing again with his right hand. He is also beginning to have motor control to write again with use of adapted writing utensils. <br /><br /><br />As described in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience <span style="font-size: small;">2013 7:887 Published online 2013, Dec 24: (Nudo, 2013),</span> the injured brain is very plastic. Brain recovery occurs with repetition and practice of meaningful motor experiences. Danny is the epitome of neuroplasticity. He is excited by challenge and continues to improve his abilities in all areas of his life. He has also taken a great deal of responsibility for his recovery and continues to take full advantage of all resources he has access to. <br /><br />For Danny there are no limits on his recovery because he refuses to set them!!!<br /><br />Danny I am so blessed to know you.</i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></i></span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-7138382439405156482015-11-30T20:59:00.000-05:002015-11-30T20:59:29.029-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Please help Danny by clicking Donate on the right panel --></div>
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<br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-24219273741109998802014-07-09T09:13:00.001-04:002014-07-09T09:13:08.543-04:00The Danny O'Keefe Story<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5j8gucy_G44" width="480"></iframe><br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-57838603863624778522014-05-20T14:41:00.000-04:002014-05-20T14:41:05.162-04:00<div>
Hey Friends and Family of Danny,</div>
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The O'Keefe's new YouTube
channel. Here is the link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j8gucy_G44&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j8gucy_G44&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1</a>
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KathyAOK</div>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-73670511767623232212013-12-17T13:09:00.001-05:002013-12-17T13:09:42.657-05:00As in the past, would you take a moment to say a prayer for Danny’s continued healing. They say there is power in pray. We ask that you do this on Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM.<br />
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I wanted to again thank each and everyone of you. Danny has come so far with your help. This last round at UMAP, WOW!!!! I can’t believe the improvement. Everyone who’s seen him is saying the same.</blockquote>
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I was asked about the Fifth/Third Account. Yes, it is still open. The O’Keefe Family Assistance Fund or you can go to <a href="http://webmail.cinci.rr.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fdannyokeefe.org&hmac=9bacdd1e65668dd3daa0d30c51bb442e" target="_blank">dannyokeefe.org</a> and use the pay pal account.</blockquote>
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We have delayed Danny’s next trip to UMAP until March. He is home for the next couple of months, taking therapy at Mercy Hospital. We love his therapists, Moe and Wes!!! They have worked with Danny for two years now and have become like family. He loves working with his personal trainer, Lisa as well! She donates her time to Danny.</blockquote>
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He is now back to playing his drums. He told me it made him feel like he was getting a bit of his life back. He practices 3 hours each day. It’s a good work out for his arm and leg.</blockquote>
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He’s been out with friends and family, just enjoying the holidays. I took him Christmas shopping. It was one-stop shopping at Jungle Jim’s. We had a great time. Of course this was followed up with Skyline time.</blockquote>
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From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Years. Be safe.<br /> Thank you, Kathy O’Keefe</blockquote>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-64985151999276673062013-11-22T12:57:00.000-05:002013-11-22T12:57:21.457-05:00Danny's Story (this was written for the students of Moeller High School)<span lang="EN"> On May 6, 2011, a man broke into my daughter's home. He forever changed all of our lives that day. He hid in the dark early morning hours, and forced his way in. This man attacked my daughter, stabbing her multiple times. Her brother, Danny, heard her screams, and ran to her aid, changing his life forever.<br />
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I'd tried all morning to get my daughter, and then my son, by phone, text, and email. It was very unusual not hearing from them. Concerned, I called my husband, who was working at a job site, and told him. I thought I was being paranoid, but he needed to go check on them. He proceeded to pack up his gear. In the mean time, my children's one year old shepherd had barked for 6 hours straight. This puppy woke my daughter, Kelly. Her barking saved our son's life. My daughter called me, knowing she was sick and hurt, but not what was wrong. My daughter fought blood loss and multiple injuries to make that call. That call saved both of their lives. My youngest son, Kyle, got home, and I sent him too. He and his dad, Jim, got there right behind each other. I sent them into a nightmare, neither will ever forget. Things like this just don't happen in real life. It's too horrid to be real; but it is.<br />
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I've been told it's the worst crime scene the police and EMTs had ever seen. My two children laid in pools of their own blood for 6 hours before help arrived. They were stabbed in the brain, chest, neck, and arm. Once I heard from Jim, he told me to go to UC Hospital because my children would be aircared there.<br />
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Danny had to be resuscitated at sight. He barely made it to Mercy Fairfield Hospital. Aircare picked him up there. At that time, my daughter was already at UC Hospital, arriving by aircare. I was told she would have brain surgery, and then turned around and was told Danny had arrived and would be having brain surgery. Can you even imagine? <br />
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After receiving that news, I had to call my other son, Ryan (a US Army MP). He was stationed in Seattle after being deployed in Iraq for a year and a half. I had to tell him we didn't know if they would live or not, it didn't look good, and to get home as fast as he could. Because this was a high profile case, we were told by law enforcement to not talk to anyone, and were placed on lock down. We were asked to maintain our silence. We did. We talked to no one, and just waited to see if our children would live.<br />
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Our daughter, Kelly, is an assistant prosecutor for Butler County. She is back to work, working to reclaim her life. We try to shield her from the curious. Because of our silence no one knows how badly our son, Danny, was hurt. Danny was stabbed 19 times in the brain. His right hand had multiple defense wounds. His tendons were severed. He was kicked so hard his spleen was lacerated. Danny's injuries have been compared to Congress Woman Gabby Gifford. His skull was so crushed it took a year, minus 2 days, to get a skull cap replacement in<br />
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Danny has had 5 surgeries in the last year. Now we're fighting to get his life back. Danny has aphasia, which means he has trouble talking, reading, and writing, devastating to a young man who had just finished law school. He wanted to be a defense attorney, to make a difference. He was working, starting his own practice. When his whole world changed.<br />
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Danny, also has right side hemisphere paralysis This effects his right arm and right leg. It makes everyday movement, walking, dressing, eating very difficult.<br />
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Two years and half years later, we are still fighting each and everyday to get our son’s life back. We try constantly to find new treatments, therapy, ideas to benefit Danny. Funding is a major issue. He does have health insurance. It only allows 30 therapies/year. He’s on Medicaid which allows 20/year. Danny gets help from Mercy hospital with 3 hours of therapies a week in speech and occupational therapy. It’s not enough. We have been told for his speech he needs at least 9 hours a week. Mercy provides us with 3hours, leaving us struggling to get the other 6. This summer we had a private tutor for those other 6 hours, at a reduce cost of $400 a week. <br />
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For patients with aphasia an intense therapy program is recommended. A program like the one at the University of Michigan, called UMAP (University of Michigan Aphasia Program). They have therapy there 6 hours a day, five days a week. <br />
The UMAP program cost $22,000/month. This only covers the speech therapy. It doesn’t include Physical, Occupational therapies, or his room and board. Danny went a total 7 sessions at a cost of $154,000. I’m still getting in physical therapy bills from the University of Michigan from last October, which are running in the thousands. <br />
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We have had help from the community, friends, family, churches, foundations, schools, victims’ of violent crime fund, and fund raisers to cover his bills. We are running out of resources.<br />
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Was it worth this cost? When Danny left for Michigan he could say very few words. Today, Danny can say most words and can even say a few sentences. He can communicate enough to get his thoughts across to us now. He’s relearning to read and write. He can now text me short messages. There has been great improvement, it is very slow and frustrating, but he is improving. What cost would you put on your child’s recovery?<br />
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He is walking several miles a week and has stopped physical therapy, though he is using a personal train several times a week. He is even running some sprints. He still has very limited use of his arm, but he now has movement in his shoulder and elbow. The therapist can tell you the percent of movement that has returned. She and his doctor’s have been very pleased. He’s wrist and hand movement have improved but still a major issue. Danny has started to be able to hold and pinch things with his hand. His hand and his speech have a long way to go, but his therapists are optimistic. Danny’s work ethic is his best chance of getting better.<br />
We have had to get two braces for Danny, one for his arm and one for his leg. These braces cost were $4000-$6000. Today we’ve been advised to get him a new brace at a cost of $28,000. We are still waiting to see if insurance will cover any of this brace. It didn’t the last two. These braces help with movement in his arm and leg.<br />
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Danny has taken two 40 sessions of hyperbaric, at a cost of $8,000. We found this very helpful to Danny and would recommend it for others. It is a new therapy recommend for brain trauma. The United States Army uses it for their TBI cases. They deal with more TBI than any other medical center.<br />
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We have been told all brain injury cases are different. No one can say how far Danny can go. We do know his youthful age, his strength, his determination, his education, and his musically ability are weapons on his side. With the proper therapy he can improve, there is no time limit on his ability to get better. <br />
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My husband and my greatest fear, is what happens when we aren’t around to help him any more. Most parents have a life time to help a disabled child. We have not. We are now entering our 60’s. Danny needs to get better to care for himself, to get back to work and have a life. I do know if you stop and it’s over. You have to keep fighting for each improvement. He’s come so far. When he first came home, I was lifting him in and out of a wheel chair. He could say three words. He had no use of his arm. He is making it. I promised him, his dad and I would not quit till he had his life back.<br />
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Danny used to play the drums, but can no longer use his right arm. Danny walks with a limp, but he walks miles every week. Danny is our hero. He saved our daughter's life, but at a great cost. Danny loves sports. He played baseball, football, and soccer. He loved to read, and play the drums. He's lost it all.<br />
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His attacker was trained in the martial arts. He brought a weapon called a skull crusher with him. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison for destroying a life and forever changing our family's lives. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-56210025581581121742013-09-19T12:59:00.003-04:002013-09-19T13:01:34.696-04:00From Rick Pitcairn...<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">As some of you know, Danny has been going through many therapies to get his life back after he was brutally attacked coming to the rescue of his sister. His therapy runs about $1,800 per day. I would like to make Sept. 20th </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">"Five Dollar Friday" t</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">o help the cause. Forget the latte that day and help a good cause. This is a wonderful family that was ripped apart by some sicko. If you can help, it would be greatly appreciated….Thanks….Pit</span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-61389479207497805132013-07-30T14:34:00.001-04:002013-07-30T14:35:58.720-04:00Bike Ride Aug 11th Fundraiser<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Paula Toti with Channel 12 news came to the house last night to talk with me. Very nice lady!! This was an interview on how much <b>Heartstone Foundation</b> has helped us. They are having a bike riding event. Please also remember you can donate to Danny directly via paypal (right side bar of this page) or to Fifth Third bank under the O'Keefe Family Assistance Fund. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The interview is here:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.local12.com//news/features/local-12/stories/fundraising-bike-ride-family-tragedy-401.shtml" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.local12.com//news/<wbr></wbr>features/local-12/stories/<wbr></wbr>fundraising-bike-ride-family-<wbr></wbr>tragedy-401.shtml</a>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-76009428367608485672013-05-14T17:41:00.001-04:002013-05-14T17:50:00.875-04:00May 17th FundraiserTwo years ago Danny O'Keefe was brutally attacked and left for dead during a home invasion. His tenacity and fight for life helped in sparing his life that day. Danny has difficulty with things that we take for granted. Due to the attack Danny now has long-term injuries with Aphasia (similar to what US Rep. Gabby Gifford has) and has to re-learn to speak, read, write and move his arm and fingers. Danny's medical bills are astounding and insurance doesn't cover his Aphasia therapy at the Univ. of Michigan.<br />
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A Fundraiser will be hosted this <span tabindex="0"><strong>Friday, May 17th</strong></span><strong> 7pm-11pm at Moeller High School</strong> to raise money for Danny's physical therapy at the Univ. of Michigan Aphasia program.<br />
For more information, and to read Danny's Story, visit <a href="http://webmail.nyc.rr.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.dannyokeefe.org%252F" target="_blank">http://www.dannyokeefe.org/</a><br />
Tickets are $50 preordered online, or $55 at the door.<br />
Each ticket includes unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, Montgomery Inn sandwiches and sides.<br />
The $500 VIP table (10 tickets) includes a bottle of champagne.<br />
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There will be a live local band and over $30,000 in auction items including:<br />
- 2 roundtrip tickets with private jet service from Ultimate Air from Lunken to NYC, Chicago and Charlotte.<br />
- Autographed Reds jerseys and baseballs from Votto, Phillips and Chapman<br />
- Autographed OSU gear<br />
- Catered dinner for 8 by a personal chef in your home<br />
- 1 week home rental in Florida<br />
- Long weekend home rental in Harbor Springs, Michigan<br />
- Vegas Slot Machine<br />
- Reds tickets: Diamond, suite, club and more!<br />
over $1,000 in jewelry<br />
over $1,000 in Spa services<br />
over $1,000 in restaurant gift cards<br />
a lot of tickets to local events and attractions!<br />
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<br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-67410401893677821192013-05-06T09:33:00.002-04:002013-05-08T10:31:00.246-04:00Two-years ago today...<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Two years ago today, May 6, 2011 a man broke in to my daughter’s home. (I</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">remember this date better than any other.) This monster broke in with the intent</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">to kill. We were given two miracles; both our children lived through this</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">attack. They have done so with their strength and courage. Our daughter has</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">been able to move on in her life, a true blessing. Our son, Danny still is</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">struggling to recover. He’ll need intense speech, physical, and occupational</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">therapy for some time to come. We are fighting to get his life back. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">My son has </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">lost all the things he loved to do. He’s a lawyer. He studied hard. He loved to run,</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">read, and play the drums. He wants his life back. He is making great progress!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We are asking for your help in helping him reclaim his life. The parents I</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">baby-sit for are putting on a fund raiser May 17 at Moeller High School. Please</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">come out and support Danny. We have funded Danny’s therapy this past year on</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">your generosity and kindness. Thank you for your support. Kathy O'Keefe</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/427358720689689/">https://www.facebook.com/events/427358720689689/</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TV__O4gzIxY/UYphjEctM3I/AAAAAAAAAEw/LLZPSUdGyt0/s1600/DANNY_poster_final_bigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TV__O4gzIxY/UYphjEctM3I/AAAAAAAAAEw/LLZPSUdGyt0/s1600/DANNY_poster_final_bigger.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-43109381513886625612013-03-30T11:02:00.001-04:002013-03-30T11:05:29.283-04:00May 17th Fundraiser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmXgKHKJlwo/UVb75DqOsII/AAAAAAAAADk/bOMohGkGJM8/s1600/DANNY_poster_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmXgKHKJlwo/UVb75DqOsII/AAAAAAAAADk/bOMohGkGJM8/s640/DANNY_poster_final.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
We have been so blessed with such amazing generosity. Thank you so much to everyone. We are still desperate to keep Danny's aphasia treatment program funded. We hope you can attend this event. Thank you!The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-72665328060183732492013-03-12T14:39:00.001-04:002013-03-12T15:41:40.964-04:00I posted on REDDIT CHARITY HELP today. Please go and vote for A letter from Danny's Mom. You sign in to reddit and just push the UP arrow in the left hand corner next to the letter. <span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Please help gain attention for the O'Keefe Family Charity on the front page of Reddit. Very easy, all you need to do is: <br /> 1. Click the link below, or copy and paste: <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/charity" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.reddit.com/r/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>charity</a><br /> 2. Click the up arrow to the left of the top story entitled, "A LETTER FROM DANNY'S MOM" <br /> 3. If you do not have a Reddit account, the only thing left to do is pick a username, password, and enter the code displayed. Very easy, and you don't have to share any personal information. <br /> It 30 seconds tops. Please help and thank you!</span></span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-18471823889917753022013-03-12T12:58:00.001-04:002013-03-24T14:54:30.568-04:00We have a couple fund raisers coming up. <strong>First</strong>:<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/461689923880401/?ref=22">Eyes on Tomorrow Presents: A Benefit for Danny O'keefe</a> </strong><br />
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<strong> Featuring: AZYGOUS</strong></div>
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<a ajaxify="/ajax/calendar/day_box.php?day=1363417200&invites_link=0&action_source=22" class="uiLinkSubtle" href="http://www.facebook.com/events/calendar/2013/March/16" rel="async">March 16</a> at <span class="fcg">5:00pm</span></div>
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<a aria-hidden="true" class="_8o _8t lfloat" href="http://www.facebook.com/events/461689923880401/?ref=22" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" tabindex="-1"><img alt="" class="_s0 _rv img" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash4/s160x160/276803_461689923880401_1092452810_n.jpg" /></a><span class="visible"><span class="fsm fwn fcg"><a class="uiLinkSubtle" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=116115885079221" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bocca-Billiards/116115885079221">Bocca Billiards</a> in <a class="uiLinkSubtle" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=107763255920316" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Milford-Ohio/107763255920316">Milford, Ohio</a></span></span></div>
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The <strong>second</strong> will May 17th at Moeller High School (more information to follow.)</div>
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The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-81371018911510596772013-03-08T17:27:00.001-05:002013-03-08T17:27:35.553-05:00<div class="userContentWrapper aboveUnitContent">
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I'm a classmate of Danny's from UD. I'm in a blog contest right now for "made it myself" items. The prize is a donation to the cause of my choice and an iPod Shuffle. I plan to give both the money AND the iPod to the O'Keefe family fund (to<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> raffle the iPod for money). But I need voting help!!<br /><br /> Can you put up a post to vote for me on this page? My name is Elaine - UD Class of 2006. VOTE BEFORE SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. CT <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jameystegmaier.com%2F2013%2F03%2Ftournament-of-made-it-myself-finals%2F&h=dAQFT1uJF&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">www.jameystegmaier.com/2013/03/tournament-of-made-it-myself-finals/</a></span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a data-ft="{"tn":"e"}" href="http://www.blogger.com/null">See More</a></span></span></div>
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<img alt="" class="img" src="http://external.ak.fbcdn.net/safe_image.php?d=AQDhHRu67ULIEhQc&w=155&h=114&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjameystegmaier.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2FElaine-AnimalPrintCharms.jpg" /></div>
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Tournament of Made-It-Myself Finals</div>
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www.jameystegmaier.com</div>
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This year's blog tournament started a few weeks ago with the goal of letting creative people display their talents on the blog in exchange for fame, pride, some charity money, and an iPod Shuffle. ...</div>
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The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-25311152108474100312013-02-28T21:33:00.002-05:002013-02-28T21:33:33.927-05:00<div>
I went to Skyline for dinner the other night. As I was putting a dot of hot sauce on each oyster cracker I was eating, it reminded me of the numerous trips Danny and I have taken to Skyline.</div>
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We would often go to lunch when we worked together at Natorp's in high school and eat way too many cheese coneys. This would cause the afternoon to be a struggle, and result in avoiding heavylifting by all means necessary. </div>
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The most memorable trips, however, were in college when we would drive off campus at University of Dayton to get Skyline. We would average going about once a month, and it was always a great time. I learned from Danny the proper way to eat at Skyline:</div>
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1. While waiting to order/waiting for food, put a dot of hot sauce on each oyster cracker and eat.</div>
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2. When cheese coneys arrive, insert four oyster crackers into the coney, add salt, and add hot sauce.</div>
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3. The first bite of the first cheese coney, and the last bite of the last cheese coney are always the two best.</div>
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Danny would always be amazed/disgusted/amused at the speed and rate I would eat cheese coneys. Not only would I be finished with 5 cheese coneys by the time he was just starting his second, but I would also eat each one by only taking two bites. Danny's pace of eating would be slowed by his mixed emotions of laughing and shaking his head. Every trip to Skyline guaranteed a great time. </div>
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Tommy</div>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-48207860901244756322013-02-13T13:02:00.002-05:002013-02-13T13:02:23.487-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;">"Hi Kathy,</span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;">Just wanted to let you know, you
are on my mind often. Sorry I haven’t had an opportunity to stop by...AT ALL!
Please know that I love and miss you, as do Charlie and Jack.</span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;">Charlie’s birthday is next month
and we just mailed out birthday party invitations to her friends. The below
text was included in the invitations; completely Charlie’s idea. Love that
girl, she has a wonderful soul.</span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Charlie’s Birthday
Wish</span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">In lieu of presents,
Charlie would prefer a donation be made to a charity that is very close to her
heart, The O’Keefe Family Medical Assistance Fund. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">The O’Keefe’s are close
family friends and continue to need assistance. Please visit the below website
to read their story and make a donation.</span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://webmail.nyc.rr.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fhelptheokeefes.blogspot.com%252F" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">http://helptheokeefes.blogspot.com/</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"></span></b></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;">Love you!!!"</span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;">We are so touched! I use to baby sit for Charlie and Jack. They are part of the "family" What a wonderful young lady. Thank you, Charlie. Love you, Kathy</span></div>
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<span century="" color:="" gothic="" sans-serif="" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1b11;"><img alt="cid:__storage_sdcard0__EmailTempImage_1_SPenSDK2_2_signature_handWritting_1355520170459_png@sec.galaxytab" border="0" height="100" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="http://webmail.nyc.rr.com/do/mail/message/view/attachment;jsessionid=abcBW-FVvYAJJ-BjtAuZt?msgId=INBOXDELIM35767&part=2" width="196" /></span></div>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-56770375356413084832013-01-23T14:05:00.001-05:002013-01-23T14:05:04.681-05:00<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5100342147f167561282236">
<span class="userContent">Danny is in on going therapy. He takes PT to help with core muscles and help him re-learn to walk. He is walking but his gate is uneven. Danny would like to run again. He’s in OT and Rob his therapist is helping him get movement back in his right arm. The improvements are there, just slow. As for speech, we’ve seen a lot of improvement in his reading, writing, and speech. UMAP was a good choice. <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">We asked everyone for help to get him there, now we need help to keep him there. Danny’s speech therapy alone is $1000/day. You can donate to any Fifth/Third account or at pay pal account. You can donate directly to the University of Michigan Aphasia Program under Danny’s name. We know we wouldn’t be this far without you! I don’t like to keep asking for help, but I find a mom will do anything to help her child. <br /> We do have a couple of fund raisers coming up. The first one is scheduled for April 13, 2013 at Dave and Busters. Thank you again for all of your support!</span></span></div>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-22108961277138750412012-11-14T13:40:00.000-05:002012-11-14T13:40:00.842-05:00December 18On December 18, 2012 from 6pm - 8pm a fundraiser will be held at Willie's Sports Cafe in Western Hills. For only $10, you get all you can eat and the best part....ALL proceeds go to the O'Keefe Family Medical Assistance Fund to help cover Danny's astronomical medical bills. <br />
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See you there! <br />
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Also, don't forget about "The Magical Night of Giving" at Tri-County Mall on Sunday, November 18th. Stop by customer service and buy a wristband for $5 and receive exclusive discounts. ALL proceeds go to the O'Keefe's. <br />
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<br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-62376022681400553082012-10-31T17:55:00.003-04:002012-10-31T17:55:38.748-04:00Upcoming Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnjGbtabF9U/UJGeGjxV2JI/AAAAAAAAADQ/9TQOWJr3u_k/s1600/resized+flyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnjGbtabF9U/UJGeGjxV2JI/AAAAAAAAADQ/9TQOWJr3u_k/s1600/resized+flyer.png" /></a></div>
<br />The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-17577234930055818432012-10-23T09:39:00.003-04:002012-10-23T09:39:50.235-04:00Update about Danny: Amazing progress<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hi. I just got back from a weekend visit with Danny. Danny is really happy there. He’s working hard. We went to dinner and took a couple of walks in the fall leaves. On Saturday, we found a place to get Danny’s hair cut. The guy, Mr. Jackson did a great job, Danny loved it. Afterwards, Danny had his massage to help loosen his muscles. They donated this to Danny! It was a beautiful weekend. I would like to know, why it rains every time I drive there??</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Each time I see Danny, I can see small improvements. He has more control when he lifts his right arm and it seems stronger too. It’s a small improvement but it’s an improvement.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Danny hasn’t been able to take his daily walk. He’s busy with his speech, OT, and PT. His day is starting at early. First session is at 9:00 and he’s going until after 6 with his OT and PT. He’s usually very tired at night.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It’s exciting each time I go up to Michigan and see the changes. The changes seem small, but it’s been 18 months since Danny has said a sentence to me. He recited two sentences to me, after his first week there. His reading is slowing improving as well. It’s hard to watch him struggle so. He’s remarkable in his never ending work ethics. He does his homework religiously. He’ll go over and over words till he has them just right. When you talked to Danny, he had a very limited vocabulary. He’d say just a few words and only one at a time. Now his vocabulary has greatly improved and we get a couple or three words at a time. At night Danny and I text and I would get a one word text. This week, I got a three words , “love you mom”. As you can imagine, I got teary.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">UMAP has been very good for Danny. His therapists agrees. They would like to see Danny be able to stay at UMAP. As you know, the program is close to $1000/per day. We need your help in keeping him there. Please help us spread Danny’s story. We need everyone’s help in doing this. You all have helped us so much already, THANK YOU!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ways to help: 1) donate directly to UMAP (earmarked for Danny) and get their tax ID number.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 2) donate Marriott points</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 3) donate to any Fifth/Third Bank under The O’Keefe Family Assistance Fund.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 4) donate with paypal on the help the O’Keefe Family blog.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 5) help us spread the word</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 6) share your ideas!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Thank you for helping us get Danny’s life back.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love,</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Kathy</span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-60089433754669821662012-10-10T00:12:00.001-04:002012-10-10T00:12:29.799-04:00From Danny's Cousin“Who is your hero” is a question that I have been asked many times. Before, I could never quite grasp the concept of what a hero was. I knew that superheroes were people in comic books who had super powers, but I had never met someone like that. Did heroes truly exist? After seventeen years of searching for the answer, I found it. I found the one man to call my “Superman,” and it is my cousin Danny.<br />
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Danny is your typical twenty-seven year old guy who enjoys hanging out with friends and can always be found watching football. He never hesitates to ask me how I am, and I will never forget the time he asked me to dance at our cousin’s wedding. Danny always knew what he wanted for his future, and he worked hard to accomplish that task. On the first try, he passed the BAR exam and began his career as an aspiring defense attorney. Danny was on the right path towards a successful life, until one day one person took everything away.<br />
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I can still hear the words, “A brother and sister were found stabbed in their home” blasting through the speakers of the TV on that day in May. I had watched the story unfold on at least three different news stations, and I couldn’t stop searching the internet to find out more. All I knew was that Danny was in brain surgery, and the odds were against him.<br />
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It was his sister’s ex-boyfriend who pushed his way inside their house determined to kill. Danny heard his sister’s screams while getting ready for work and ran to her rescue. Because of this, he was stabbed nineteen times in the brain, the tendons in his right arm were severed, and he was kicked so hard that his spleen was lacerated. Now you might make the conclusion that this is the reason why I call Danny my “superman,” but there is more to the story.<br />
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One year and five surgeries later, Danny is fighting to get his life back. His days have switched from dealing with law cases to re-learning how to talk, read, and walk. He walks for two hours each day, despite a limp, and works on being able speak more words than “yes”. He has defied all the odds thus far, and I believe that in time he will be able to present his skills as a defense attorney.<br />
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Through all of this, Danny has changed my outlook on life. Before, I used to complain about simple tasks, such as going to work, but now I think of what Danny is doing at that moment. I know that he is working hard through the frustration and that gives me motivation. As I reflect back on my time with Danny, I notice that he has always inspired me, but I could never see it. Today, those inspirations are stronger than they have ever been. I believe that if Danny can do it then so can I.<br />
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I am fighting with Danny to get his life back by working hard at everything I do. Besides, every hero needs a sidekick, and I am ready to show Danny that I have all of the qualifications.<br />
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written by Meghan, Cousin to DannyThe O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-1996129496968765082012-09-24T15:20:00.002-04:002012-09-24T15:20:31.902-04:00UPDATE: Danny begins therapy at the University of Michigan<br />
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;">An update for all our Friends and Family,<br /><br />Danny left for The University of Michigan Aphasia Program (UMAP) on Saturday. It was a lovely drive, except when it decided to pour on us. It was still good, it wasn’t SNOW. (You know that four letter “S” word) We alternated between country music and good old rock and roll. We sang a bit and talked about Grandparents. Mostly about Grandpa O’Keefe’s laugh and smile. We decided he’d meet this new challenge with a smile and we’d try to be like Grandpa and keep a positive attitude.<br /><br />Danny’s dog , Sally went with us. She was an angel. She went to her first restaurant. She just curled up and watched from under our table. I did have visions of her jumping up and turning a table or two over but she acted as a pro. She’s come a long way in just a few months. I know we have more work to do with her but the change has been encouraging.<br /><br />The Marriot is very nice. It seems to be in a good location. The people there are very helpful. It took us a while to unload and unpack, after which we went to take a look around. The college area is really pretty cool. There are lots of little colorful shops and restaurants. It looked a bit like Moeller with all the blue and gold. It was a bit colder in Michigan than here. Michigan’s leaves were a bit more colorful than ours as their fall started earlier.<br /><br />Danny’s program started this morning at 8:00 AM. He’ll go until 4:00PM every afternoon. He then will go to either Occupational Therapy or Physical depending on the day. For over 65 years, adults with language disorders have come to UMAP, to receive the highly individualized and intensive therapy they offer. Their national ranking is very high. We could only find three places in the nation that offer the program they offer. We’re keeping our fingers crossed and saying many prayers that this will be the help Danny needs.<br /><br />It was really hard leaving him there, but he and Jim will be fine. (Just a mom thing, I guess.) Sally and I drove home and listened to the Bengal’s game on the way. That was nice, because I knew Danny and Jim were watching it on TV. The Bengal’s won! I know that made Danny happy.<br /><br />I texted Danny last night and this morning. All is well.<br /><br />Thank you for all the donations that made this possible. We couldn’t have done this without all of your hard work on the fund raisers and all of the donations. We’ve also had over 5,000 Marriott points donated for their stay. We’ve had money, therapy, food, gas cards, dog training, and fund raisers donated to help Danny. Your support and caring means so much.<br /><br />The plan is for Danny to stay there with Jim until the first of Feb. (Jim is looking for remodeling jobs to keep him busy. If you have any Ann Arbor friends please let them know.) They will be coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. If this program seems a positive for Danny, we will try to keep him there as long a possible. So please help us spread the word, every little bit helps a great deal.<br /><br />Thank you again, </span></h5>
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<span class="messageBody" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;">Kathy</span></h5>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-17187225842270078412012-09-17T16:22:00.004-04:002012-09-17T16:22:48.270-04:00How to Help: Donate Marriott Reward Points<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Danny is participating in extensive therapy to help with his rehabilitation in Ann Arbor, MI. Danny and Jim will be staying for 6 months at a Marriott property. You can help the family by donating available points!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Call Marriott Rewards at </span><a href="tel:800-450-4442" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" value="+18004504442">800-450-4442</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and ask to fill out a transfer form with the information below. Sign and fax back (or send) and the points will be transferred.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Any points will help out! The hotel that the O’Keefe’s are staying at requires 20,000 points for a free night. Our goal is to raise enough points to provide 2 weeks!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Part A: Enter your information and sign</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Part B: Enter the number of point you would like to transfer</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Part C: Provide the O’Keefe’s account information below</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Acct # 163833973</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Name: Kathy O’Keefe</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Phone: </span><a href="tel:513.683.8234" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" value="+15136838234">513.683.8234</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Part D: Confirmation Number - 81839741</span>
The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7608199177757639005.post-10959126449473255422012-08-31T15:16:00.002-04:002012-08-31T15:16:58.572-04:00An Exciting Event and A Letter About Danny<br />
On September 15th, a local chef is preparing a fantastic benefit dinner for Danny. Several of you have registered but we need many more. This is going to a fun-filled night of food, friendship and fundraising. Please click on the following picture to register via paypal. <br />
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<a href="http://www.cookingwithcaitlin.com/support-the-okeefe-family-the-party/"><img alt="alt text" src="http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/w464/twins_happen/2987c9b3.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></center>
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A letter about Danny:</h2>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Kathy, Danny's mom received a touching email from a friend of Danny's and received permission to post it here: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">My story about Danny...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">Danny was my friend when I felt I had none. When I transferred to Dayton, it</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">was partially motivated by my difficulty to make strong friendships at Ohio</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">State. I found myself two floors above Danny and Kevin Ash, and almost</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">instantaneously, I belonged somewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">If I could relive any part of my life, it would probably have to be that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">sophomore year at UD. Not because it was remotely perfect. But it was what I</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">needed when I needed it. It was easy to be friends with Danny. We would listen</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">to music and talk. Everyone knows how charismatic he is, and how unique his</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">sense of humor is. He brought me in and enthusiastically introduced me to his</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">friends, many of which are my best friends now. And he didn't do it to gain</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">something from me. At the time, I didn't feel I had anything to offer. He did</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">it because he's Danny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">I will always treasure my friendship with Danny.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px;">KB</span>The O'Keefe Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16151271754950784972noreply@blogger.com0