DynaBrass Bandleader, Jeff Mleczko, Update 1/17/2016

First, an apology… I am so sorry for the long delay in reporting on Jeff! Between the holidays, work, kids and other things – life has very busy and all I can say is I am truly sorry. Second, I have been feeling bad because it has been about 3 weeks since Bob and I have had a chance to visit with Jeff ourselves. However as I type this, I realize perhaps that too was a blessing in disguise. Why? Because sometimes Jeff Mleczkoyou can’t see the forest thru the trees when you are standing too close… Much like during regular visits, sometimes you don’t notice the little gains, but when 3 weeks go by and you see how much progress Jeff has made – YOU COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND THANK GOD EVEN MORE!

So, here is a recap since my last report…

Christmas came 4 days early for Jeff when on December 21st, Jeff had the trach removed. Whenever you would ask Jeff what he wanted for Christmas, he would say, “to go home” or “go back to work.” He didn’t make it home by Christmas, but the trach being removed was a huge step in that direction and Jeff left the rehab facility on January 6th.

Jeff is currently at his parents’ home in Ortonville. When we walked in today, he was finishing soup that his mom made him for lunch. He said, “The food is much better here!” We all laughed. After much visiting and watching football together, I looked to see the cat’s bed (a large pillow) in the dining room. I said, “Jeff, is that where your parents make you sleep?” He said, “No!” He then got up from the wheel chair and took Bob and I down the hall to his bedroom… He walked without any type of assistance from us and without the aid of a walker. I had not seen him walk this well since the stroke! Connie, his mom, kept smiling at me saying, “See? See?” IT WAS AMAZING!

Jeff still has some noticeable deficits in his right arm and with his speech, but overall is making such wonderful and quick progress. Connie said that every therapists and doctor can NOT believe with the type of stroke Jeff suffered, that A) he lived and B) that he is doing as well as he is. They are calling him a miracle!

Jeff has a full schedule especially during the week. Monday thru Friday he has in-home therapists (speech, occupational, physical) as well as an in-home nurse that comes regularly to work with him. The goal is to get him well enough so that he can then go to out-patient therapy to continue making gains with the hope of making a full recovery.

Jeff has his basket of cards in the living room. Connie says that he often goes thru the basket and reads and re-reads them. To those of you who have taken the time to send a card, please know how much it is appreciated. We believe it is your words that continue to give Jeff the motivation to keep improving. If you haven’t yet sent a card, but would like to, you may do so at:

Jeff Mleczko
3001 Bald Eagle Lake Road
Ortonville, MI 48462

Thank you again for all your continued love, prayers and support! Jeff’s road to recovery has been made easier because YOU have been there for him and inspiring him to get well. My hope is that in the very near future, Jeff himself will be providing you with updates. Till then, stay tuned….

Becky Knieper-Naessens

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