Chris Oberle

2008-03-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
I will warn you this letter jumps around, and at times is probably hard to follow, but it’s important to let you all know how I am doing. First of all, I never stop thinking about everyone’s support. Knowing you are on my side truly makes life better.
A lot has happened since my last newsletter. I am finally, back in Los Angeles. I returned to continue therapy at Project Walk. The therapy is going great. The trainers are telling me that my hip flexors are considerably stronger then before. I’m chalking that up to all of the walks I took in India. Each step took quite a bit of effort, and I relied mostly on my hips to get each foot off the ground. That’s great - I’ll take what I can get, but I’m much more interested in progressing in a way that will allow me to use leg muscles for each step – leading into more good news out of PW. Apparently, when I was doing side line hip flexion and extensions the trainer could feel my quads firing and making an effort to pull my knee to my chest and then push it away again. The exercises allow me to try making a leg bending movement while lying on my side; that’s easier for me, because I am competing less with gravity. Hopefully, I can continue to work on this, and eventually muscle my knee into bending and rising for steps. Also, my balance has greatly improved. I think this is just a default condition of sitting all the time; relying on my abdominal area to keep me upright. So, it’s all good, as far as my therapy goes. I am considering buying new leg braces, because the braces from India are difficult to put on properly. Most of the time, they twist my legs in or out, making my steps even more difficult. Plus, they do not break at the knee. If I am to improve on my steps, I will need to bend my knee.
I am living near Eagle Rock, in a friendly neighborhood north and a little east of downtown LA. The house I am living in belongs to my friend Sameena. I got to know her about six years back when we both designed and built furniture for a children’s room at a battered woman’s clinic in Compton, California. She is very talented and I am fortunate to have her as a roommate. Sameena’s house is all one level, but it steps up about 24" at the front patio. To make it work, I needed to build a ramp at the front of the house. My friend Tony went with me to Home Depot to help load the material. Tony tried to get me to buy enough material to make the ramp somewhere around 32’ long. That would have been crazy…. although, it would have made the daily climb pretty easy. Anyway, we delivered the material, and I began building the next morning. The ramp took two days to complete. I broke the ramp into three sections. So, working on it would be much easier. I built each part of the ramp in the street. The house next door was having some minor repair work done on its foundation, and the guys doing the work were nice enough to carry two of the bigger frames up to the front of the house and place them into position. Afterwards, they bought me an ice cream cone. I’m pretty sure it was some kind of payment for entertaining them with my wheelchair-bound-building performance. On the second day, another friend, Skylar, stopped by in the evening and put the last frame in place. Skylar’s great, he also helped cut and set the top sheets for each frame. You can check out the ramp in the pic above. The whole process made me feel more confident about my abilities. I am determined to not let this chair handicap me.

Shortly, after getting moved in, it was time for me to leave again. This was not hard for me to do, because I haven’t had a whole lot of stuff to pack since the accident. It was the first week of February and time for my re-evaluation at Craig Hospital. But, before returning to Colorado, I went home to Kansas to help my family butcher hogs. They do it every year, and it’s always been important to me to help. Although, my role in the process has changed I think I was of some use to them. Mostly, because my dad built a standing frame for me, and customized it with a shiny cutting surface that slides on rails. If you look close at the picture above you will see me standing and cutting in the background – more importantly, check out the fresh cut and stacked pork cutlets in the foreground…pretty sweet. This year was extra special, because some of the pork was set aside for people who had the winning bids on an online auction, conceived and organized by Rita Haudenschild. Thanks again Rita, you are unbelievable. We finished up on Sunday and my brother Tim, and his son Brennan, drove all night to get me to my appointment in Colorado on time. Then, he immediately drove back to Kansas. Tim did about 16 hours of driving in 24 hours.
All in all, the re-evaluation went pretty well. The doctor and therapist seemed to be fine with my new abilities and general health. In the end, the visit was just a chance for them to reinforce the advice given six months before, and for me to ask a lot of new questions.
So now, I am back in Los Angeles, again.
Los Angeles has never been a bike friendly city; even for an able body. I sold my truck just before my last two semesters of Architectural School to guarantee the funds to finish. Consequences, that left me commuting LA’s streets on my speedy, yellow Cannondale – oh, how I miss riding that bike. On that bike, I had bottles thrown at me, was chased by thugs, grabbed by passengers hanging out car windows, head-butted by pigeons, run off the road by bus drivers, and even hit by cars - one time the loser, literally, lost consciousness and three teeth; one time the winner, taking the mirror from his car door as a trophy. That as my yardstick, I can imagine the trouble that would find me if I tried to get around these streets on a hand-bike. Hand-bikes are extremely low to the ground, which is compensated for by a pretty embarrassing flag pole on the back of the bike. This means without the flag, the average LA driver would unknowingly mow me down while texting their friends about how hot the Latte they’re holding, in the other hand, is. And, with the flag, the average LA commuter would probably knowingly run me down, while texting LOL over and over to their friends about my silly, but sensible, orange flag. So, for sure the hand bike is trouble for anyone who dare ride it on the streets of LA. However, the great thing about LA is it has a network of canals and abandoned railway corridors that bisect the city. I have always had my eye on them as car-free commuting arteries. They reach out into just about every community. I am trying to find a map of them. Then, it’s only a matter of getting through the fence.

What re-sparked this stream of thought was riding in the 14th Annual Acura Bike LA ride early last Sunday morning. My friend Joe, who I sometimes carpool with to Carlsbad, turned me onto the event. That’s Joe and his crew in the picture below - to the left of me is John the animal who left me in the dust. I was out of bed at 2:30am to prepare, and rolling into the starting area around 5:30am. Even more incredible then being surrounded by 11,000 bike riders in Los Angeles was running smack dab into my friend John who I met while undergoing rehabilitation at Craig Hospital. John drove out from Colorado just to do the ride. I rode with him for about the first 8 miles, but that must have been so we could catch up, because going into mile 9 he turned it on and left me very far behind. In the end, the day was a success, because I was once again riding the streets of LA. It reminded me of what it feels like. You’re hyper-aware of everything around when you’re not surrounded by glass and weighed down by the need to weave through a constant line of cars ahead of you. You can sense the thresholds of each community; like seeing a graffiti layered parking lot wall at a Korean Methodist Church and knowing I am somewhere just east of Mid Wilshire, or hearing TuPac pumping from behind the bars of an apartment window and realizing I am somewhere near South Central’s edge, or smelling the early morning aroma of pastries from another Panaderia and knowing that I am over the river and pedaling thru East LA, or feeling the burn in my arms as I climb another hill just west of Downtown and recognizing during the ascent and descent the contour driven division between the upper and lower class. All in all it was a good day.
I want to end this letter with mention of my Aunt Kathy. Earlier this week she passed away. Her children were there for her continuously during her last days. I can imagine that their presence must have brought her much comfort. I remember the last time I saw Kathy. It had been awhile since we had seen each other, and she cried, because my injury made her sad. It was very touching. Her tears, in a way, let me know she understood some of my pain. I bring this up because, now, when I think back to that moment and remember her sadness, it is like she’s holding my hand. Life can be very fragile at times and seem hopeless. Still, life has to be lived. So, it is important we remember that everyone is in it together – hopefully hand in hand.
Thanks again,
Chris

Bike ride.

2008-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Earlier this month I did a bike ride, as part of the LA marathon. The t-shirt design was done by Rita (along with help from Tom Z. and Makoto M.) for that ride. Anna and Rita wanted to organize the ride and turn it into an event that would benefit my recovery process. Anyway, I am sorry that it didn't work out. However, I don't want their remarkable effort to go unnoticed. Be sure and click on the image the design has a lot of detail.

Thank you very much.

Chris

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
I finally made it back and thru the holiday season. I finished strong in India and brought back some great skills, both in my chair and on my feet. I tried very hard to get the proper technique down for taking steps using forearm crutches. They are pretty difficult to use because there is a lot to resolve with each step. Over which leg is the weight of my upper body, which foot is in front of the other, where is each crutch relative to each foot, do I have gum in my mouth. Starting is the hardest part, but once I get started and into a rhythm I can move pretty fast, but the faster I go the harder it is to control my momentum and thus more of an opportunity to come crashing down. I plan to practice with my new-to-me-$20-craigslist -forearm crutches. I bought them from a man who used them for walking, but sadly his condition is getting worse and he relies on a chair more and more. I am hoping my story will be opposite his and I will someday list my chair on craigslist.

Rocky came over to India to help me travel home. We brainstormed every other hour the idea of how to get far enough north just to catch a trace, maybe just a distant silouhette of the Himalayas. But, in the end, we settled for going to a market in Delhi that featured some crafts from that region. Rocky was great and everyone at the hospital really took to him. In his short time in India he made many friends. Rocky was also a great travel companion. Maybe he anticipated that I would have a lot of luggage coming back because he decided to make the trip over with one middle school sized, book bag style backpack. It seemed to work OK for him until the speed of the world unexpectedly switched into slow motion just before he opened his well shook, very full bottle of Coke over his only pair of jeans and shirt. It was funny....to me.

Anyway, its great to be back. I am regularly attending Project Walk again. That has helped my moral considerably, because I am noticing my improved balance and upper body control of my legs. I am stronger. Next for me is to get back to work - again, and practice, practice with my crutches.

Happy New Year,
Chris.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y'ALL!

2007-12-20T17:34:00.001-08:00

this is what the chris oberle blog site looks like translated through the internets....coooooool....have an awesome holiday + a happy happy new year all!!!!!!!!

with love, rita

amazing SNOWBOARD donation!

2007-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

This brand new bad A$$ 2008 Burton Vapor 159 snowboard described as “A SHRED STICK OF SUPERNATURAL POWERS” was generously donated by Burton through Chris' great friend, WAIDE. The board was auctioned on eBay + was a great success, making $680 in support of Chris, how totally awesome!!!!!!! Thank you to Waide for this amazing donation, such a great idea + what a totally lucky person who will be enjoying this spectacular board.

all my best, rita

Extremely proud- not surprised

2007-12-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

Chris it was great watching you walk- totally amazing, and we would like to thank Anna for filming such an awesome sight!!! Of course Chris, as your family, we are always proud of you. You never cease to amaze us with your hard work and strong will to overcome any obstacle that might come your way. Everyone is looking forward to having you home for Christmas!!! As you know Chris you are always in all our prayers.
Love Your Family,
Dad, Mom, Monty, Roe, Tim, Shawna, Eric & Carman

WOW TRUE CHAMP!!!!

2007-12-06T01:21:00.001-08:00

So amazingly good to see you do those swanky moves Chris! You are such a champ!!!!
Keep it up and I am sure we will all do swings at your fourwheelfriend pretty soon.
Miriam, Filippa, Elise and Ry all send their warm thoughts your way. I hope you get to move back soon and into your sweet jucuzzi with a bunch of friends, I like that idea! Wonder where it will be...Silverlake? Downtown? I can see tha blinking lights from the disco jacuzzi with 8 dirty architects drinking SamAdams.

with a lot of energy and love.
Sigrid

BID NOW on BURTON Vapor 159 Snowboard

2007-12-05T16:35:00.002-08:00

2008 Burton Vapor 159 snowboard
Retail value is $1,000.00 + TAX!!!
BID HERE!!
bidding closes this SUNDAY, DEC. 9!!!

This brand new 2008 Burton Vapor 159 snowboard has generously been donated by Burton through Chris' great friend, Waide. It is still in the factory Vapor sleeve with all the paperwork. If you are not already up on the how bad A$$ this board is you might want to take the time and check out the specs below. The peel off sticker on the top sheet might give you a clue:

“A SHRED STICK OF SUPERNATURAL POWERS”

This board features the very limited gold edition top sheet. Retail value is $1,000.00 + TAX!!! Good luck bidding and Happy Holidays! This board was generously donated to the Team Oberle fund. All proceeds from the sale of this board will go directly to Chris

If your board weighed nothing, would riding become effortless? Would anything you imagine suddenly seem possible? Would you become so light that you could float above, rather than on the snow? The most technologically refined snowboard on earth, the Vapor™ erases the line between mind and mountain, allowing you to ride any terrain with more control and ability than ever before.

FEATURES:
-New Vaporskin carbon-Drops weight, adds snap.
-Vaportech Alumafly core.
-New sintered N20 WFO base.
-Twin-like shape.

BID HERE!!
Burton: Vapor Snowboard - While Burton's Vapor snowboard has always been their lightest expert all-terrain board, this season the company kicked up the performance by replacing the former fiberglass components with a new VaporSkin Carbon that improves the snap and durability while shaving away unwanted ounces. You'll also appreciate the new speed of the Sintered N20 WFO Base, the fastest Burton base that won't demand extra care and performance waxes at the end of every snow day. The Sintered N20 WFO Base has a dual temperature wax impregnation process that holds wax better than previous base formulas. The Vapor retains Burton's proven Vaportech construction, a process that lightens everything--sidewalls, topsheet and resins--without compromising essential hardcore all-terrain durability. The Vaporskin topsheet membrane further reduces the weight while enhancing the overall feel for precision performance. Burton considers the Vapor at its best on groomed runs, but you'll also find exceptional potential in the halfpipe and park. Last season Burton added a range of sizes for more riders, and this season you'll find a new 150-cm. length--the shortest board in the Vapor line. While the Vapor comes in a 163-cm. wide version, we found that burly riders don't enjoy the same sort of pop and air as the lighter riders. If you weigh less than 200 lbs., it's a pretty safe bet that you can count on plenty of frequent flier miles.
BID HERE NOW!!

slow walking

2007-11-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

its been sometime since i added to the blog. i am finally taking steps. i have a pair of leg braces that keep my knees from buckling when i put weight over each leg. i am able to lift each foot by using my obiques and the muscles that run down the side of my back. it is difficult and my right leg is much easier to lift than my left. but hopefully in time they will be equal and require less effort to move. in the beginning, the trainers had me use a walker to take steps, but now i am using hand crutches. they are unstable, but if i can master them, they will be much more versatile. maybe in time i can learn how to take steps with ski poles - that would be pretty great.
i am looking forward to getting out of therapy and back to my life. i should be able to return, again, to work as soon as the 26th of dec. so, i am looking for a place. then, soon, i hope to begin the modifications to my home - nothing substantial. the necessary parts will include a ramp at the front deck, an accessible bathroom, wider doorways, lower storage for the kitchen, and an eight-person jaccuzzi tub for the front deck with built in stereo and cooler.
i am looking forward to winter and am curious how my chair will do in the snow and ice. should require some new skills. i am close to mastering getting up and down curbs and some short stairs. also i can descend long stairs pretty easily as long as there is one handrail. for sure, my chair has received quite a few new dents and scrapes. i hope it last me the seven years that the insurance companies require before allowing funds for a new one. i am trying to find a cheap, beater chair for doing everyday chores. in the meanwhile, i just need to be alittle more careful. and, who knows maybe researchers will discover that, so far, elusive procedure for repairing spinal chords. and we will have a huge fairwell party for my chair, where everyone gets three swings at my four-wheeled friend. you will all be invited.
best, chris.

Jaw Dropping

2007-11-29T18:43:00.000-08:00

Chris,
You really take my breath away. Please check out this video. It shows Chris' victory, that we all share. Chris worked long and hard to get to this point, it takes all of his concentration and the use of his upper body to access any movement from his lower body. He practices every chance he gets and has far surpassed the expectations of his doctors in India.

We are all so proud of you CHRIS!!!

Much love,
Anna

Fabulous Pretty Sally Wine offer in support of CHRIS!!

2007-11-28T16:40:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
http://www.prettysally.com/
in preparation of the great holidays to come, i wanted to share with you this absolutely brilliant idea + wonderful offer in support of CHRIS OBERLE this holiday + for years to come! this is a great gift for you, your family or friends for the holidays + even in the new year! i have personally tasted their wines + they are truly excellent (see wine critics reviews below). ALL orders will directly support Chris!

Rosalie + Dan Cornew, importers + partners of the Pretty Sally Vineyard, a premium Australian winery near Melbourne, first formed a friendship with Chris through an architecture project he did for them in Tahoe. They have generously donated their wine in the past 2 auctions in support of Chris + the overwhelming success of their wines items gave them the idea to create "CHRIS' CELLAR"...where EVERYONE who orders is a winner!

**Dan and Rosalie will contribute 20% of the wine purchased by Chris' extended community of family + friends towards a fund to help Chris finance his recovery through "Chris' Cellar".**

TO ORDER, simply fill out the special order form posted on their Pretty Sally website:
http://www.prettysally.com/where_to_buy.html
from the Home page, click "Where to Buy "
Make sure to use the Promotion code "OBERLE" to access this special order form.

*shipping UPS takes from 1-2 weeks going ground + in California it takes 1-2 days going ground!
------------------------------------------------------------
WINE INFORMATION:
The Pretty Sally wines have garnered the attention of wine critics, as they are a great example of the "cool climate style" of Australian wines. They are very much Australian in that they have strong berry fruit but also have the finesse, silkiness and additional aromas + flavors found in Southern French wines.

Below are some of the reviews their wines have been awarded, most notably by Stephan Tanzer, from International Wine Cellars, highly respected among wine buyers for being impartial + very critical:

2007 Pretty Sally Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($22.50)
"Greenish straw. Energetic, anise-accented pear, green apple and peach aromas offer verve and depth. Light in body, with gentle but insistent acidity; the fresh citrus and pit fruit flavors are subtly complemented by herbs and talc-y-minerals. more fruity than herbal and utterly delicious. "90 pts. IWC Tanzer.

2006 Pretty Sally Estate Rose ($15)
Orange-pink. Ripe raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by an exotic peach accent. Plush, round and slightly sweet, offering a creamy array of red berry and pit fruit flavors. A riper, fleshier style of rose, finishing with sweet red fruits and good length. More a food than aperitif style. 88 pts IWC Tanzer, 87pts Wine Spectator. "This is a terrific pink..."Leslie Sbrocco

2004 Pretty Sally Cabernet Shiraz ($17)
"Bright ruby. Youthful, focused nose offers cherry, red currant, rhubarb and candied licorice. Firm, juicy and complex, offering a striking blend of red and dark berry fruits accented by bitter chocolate and minerals Finishes with good length and sweetness...90 Pts: IWC Tanzer".

2003 Pretty Sally Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($21)
Dark red. Rich, spicy cherry on the nose, along with dark chocolate, vanilla and oak accents. The flavors are of dark berry and oak-spicy notes of pepper and clove. Has a well balanced structure with a very strong finish. Tannins are ripe and well integrated. 90pts/Exceptional,Gold Medal: BTI. Leslie Sbrocco 90 pts.

2004 Pretty Sally Estate Shiraz ($25)
"Ruby-red. Smoky aromas of fresh blackberry, cassis and candied cherry lifted by sweet licorice and bright minerality. The flavors offer a compelling combination of power and focus; raspberry and blackberry notes build and sweeten through the finish but there's also juicy quality providing focus and vivacity. Finishes supple and sweet, with lingering flavors of dark fruit liqueur. A rather graceful style of shiraz, with impressive concentration...91 pts: IWC Tanzer". "Crisp acid and a simply amazing structure; not to be missed...Exceptional: Dan Berger".
---------------------------------------------------------------

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ROSALIE + DAN CORNEW OF PRETTY SALLY VINEYARDS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT!!!

we welcome any + all ideas or collaborations in support of Chris! Thanks for checking this out, mmm mmm vino. please let me know if you have any questions.

with love, rita

2007-11-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

ok well these are the pumpkins that the kids carved for halloween. joseph carved the von dutch skull one and the mustang emblem, madison did the scary lady face, brennan did the lil devil one and gunner did the pirate skull. they had fun doing them and they turned out pretty good. ok now the pics of the eclipse, well it looks as though josephs problems aren't quite over with cars :o) he called home friday night and said "i think we need to look for another car" I didn't know what he was getting at... i thought he had found some viper or something that he was joking about getting but then he said "i got hit" and of course with joseph you don't know if that is going to be followed up with "just joking, do ya have some money i'm hungry." but he wasn't joking, a guy ran a red light and plowed into the eclipse from the front bumper all the way to the back bumper, so it looks like its going to be totaled. he and the girl that was with him had just left starbucks and hot apple cider went all over the inside of the car and in josephs hair. so now it looks like we are going car shopping for the second time this year but this time for brennan, joseph is just going to have to pull out the mustang and drive it. we enjoyed the email you sent and hope to hear from you soon

tim and shawna oberle

Drum roll please…………

2007-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

together with the amazing donations + fierce contributing bids, we collectively raised $20,000 for Chris!!!!!

to the elite group of DONORS + BIDDERS, THANK YOU!!!

There were spectacular auction items + the bidding was fierce, some of you were true champions (you know who you are!) + you can still visit the site to see how everything went down! www.chrisoberleauction.blogspot.com

Thank you all SO very much for your enthusiasm + heart, it was such a great success + I hope you all had as much fun as I did watching it all happen. It is truly amazing + Chris is beside himself with the outpouring of love + support to make a little of the impossible seem possible.

Please stay in touch with chris through this blog, where we will try + keep everyone up to date on where he is + what he's up to + any hopefully FUTURE EVENTS of all sizes, near + far! Your bids are what have made the next few months possible. Keep in touch!!

On behalf of chris + myself, I thank you again + again + again......

With overwhelming gratitude + love in my heart,
rita

P.S. a special shout out to all our fabulous donors: inSite, Quint Contemporary Art, Estudio Teddy Cruz, Jordan Crandall, Geoff Mcfetridge , GAIA Day Spa , jetBlue , Caleb Siemon Glass , Equinox Fitness Center , lee + mundwiler architects , OCMA , Trina Turk , LAXART , barbara bestor architecture , Love the Belly , notNeutral , Bernini's Bistro , Stuart Collection UCSD , LACMA , Active skate gear , shukai studio, NBC Universal, Benito Villanueva, Stephan Mundwiler, Michael Krichman + Carmen Cuenca, Lilly Mayback, Rosalie + Dan Cornew, Maria Siani, Lisa Tan, Balz Mueller, Jon Grant (Turley Wines), Sheila Burns, Mario Ybarra Jr., Lee + Stuart Posnock, Katherine Zabloudil, Les Lackman, Oberle Family + Joe Fleischer

LAST CALL FOR BIDDING!!

2007-09-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

HELLO EVERYONE,

ITS THE FINAL STRETCH OF THE AUCTION, please click on the link to the right or below:
www.chrisoberleauction.blogspot.com
+ PLACE A BID IN SUPPORT OF CHRIS TO MAKE THIS EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!!
thank you to all of you that have given your heart through spectacular donations + fabulous bids! keep them coming, every dollar counts, you have been amazing!!

BIDDING ENDS THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26 @ 8PM!

i will check back to let you all know the grand total of everyone's support!!!

with love,
rita

Going going...

2007-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Not gone yet! What incredible donations everyone has made!! Its so great to see how everyone wants to help Chris out however possible. Thank you!! Our fabulous auctioneer, Rita has put together a website -
http://chrisoberleauction.blogspot.com/
- if you haven't checked it out you should. So much really great stuff, but hurry its all over by 8pm on the 26th of September. BID, BID, BID!!

I also heard there was a garage sale put on by an old friend from tahoe, Wendy Mohr. Is that right, did you raise $3600? Tell us about it!

As for the gossip on Chris, he has been working non-stop for the last month. He has been spending his days hard at work in the office and when he's not there he's commuting down to Project Walk for his three times weekly visits. Also, up until two days ago, he spent all the rest of his free time studying for his oral architecture exam.

Now that his oral exam is out of the way, Chris has a bit of room to breathe. He is really devoted to understanding what the possibilities are as far as treatments for his condition. Its a lot of work and scary decision making, but he is doing a fabulous job.

Chris brother and sister, (Monty and Carmen) are coming to visit him in LA tomorrow (friday)!! I know Chris is going to be so happy to see them. He has all kinds of plans for them while they are here, including doing a workout with him at Project Walk. Then Chris' mom comes out the week after!!! How great!

Hope to see everyone soon,
Anna

San Francisco!

2007-08-26T12:43:00.001-07:00

Chris and I went to SF to visit friends for celebration time! So fun!

North Beach Jazz fest.

Our hostess with the mostess, Chantal.

Yummy farewell dinner.

Tahoe Dreaming

2007-08-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Chris and I spent some real quality time in lake tahoe a couple weeks back. Chris' heart lives in tahoe and so do many of Chris' incredible friends.

Music and Bbqing in kings beach.

Truckee music and dancing, that means mostly eating for me.

Sunset swimming at whale beach.

Its great to be back in LA, but I already miss so many good times we had. Swimming at the boat dock with the doggies and friends, kayaking, bbqing, trails, dinner parties, and games. Also I keep expecting that everyone is going to keep showing up to check out snacks in the kitchen and help carry Chris up the stairs. All of the fun and friends has really helped to fill our souls with happiness. Missing you!

Back in LA so many more fun times and great friends await! Chris, you are really loved by so many beautiful people. Looking forward to spending time with everyone! I will be out of town off and on till Sept 12. Chris will be working hard, going to Project Walk and hoping to spend time with you.

Best to everyone,
Anna

Weekend Getaway

2007-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

What a fun San Diego weekend! Rocky and Kim are such fabulous people always there to make sure Chris is on track with such positive energy and devotion.

Thank you for everything, Anna

back to work

2007-08-25T20:22:00.001-07:00

hey everyone,
i am finally back to work. i finished my first week. my schedule goes: monday, wednesday, friday - work, and tuesday, thursday, saturday - Project Walk. thanks to all of you for making my recovery there possible. for work, i take the RAPID 720 bus line all the way into downtown, about 45 min - its easy, and when i go to project walk i commute with another para named joe and his girlfriend. i have held off on finding a place, for right now, and am staying with anna temporarily. i am doing this because i am seriously considering treatment abroad. the story goes: i met a girl named amanda when i was in colorado. when we met she was preparing to travel to india for stem cell therapy. fast forward - it has been over 2 months since my initial conversation with amanda, and she is back home in colorado. it turns out she responded really well to the treatment. in her time there, she experienced the following: full return of bowel and bladder function, movement and sensation in both feet, and the ability to move her left and right hamstring. for 15 1/2 years she had nothing below her waist. i think this is remarkable, and am considering (very carefully) the same treatment for myself. i have been in contact with the doctor, she has just opened her new clinic in new delhi. the doctor makes no guarantees, but is confident because my injury is so recent, that her treatment will enhance my bodies natural healing process. the therapy cost 25,000. i will receive stem cell injections/physical therapy 6 days a week for 2 months, and then will need to return to india for follow up treatment every 2-4 months, for a couple of weeks, for the next two years. the doctor has treated over 300 patients with various disabilities over the past 5 years and had some pretty amazing results. i would like to add that not one patient has experienced any ill side effects from her treatment.
however, the US spinal chord research community is very much against this type of treatment for many reasons, but mainly because it is unregulated, lacks any history of testing, and is without accountability. however, i have been unsuccessful in finding any treatment, or even a solid time line for future treatment in the US that would focus on repairing my spinal chord. so, i have been reading every article i can find, and talking with amanda in detail about the clinic. i am still undecided.
my reality is that i have not yet accepted my condition and am frustrated daily by my clumsy wheel chair lifestyle. still, i have met some really accomplished, athletic and determined people who are in chairs, some better, some worse off than me. for sure an inspirational group who make it much easier for me to have a positive outlook on life. and i am beginning to focus, seeing the things that really matter. i have no expectations for great returns in india, but that's OK because whatever the outcome i am sure to arrive on the other side of this experience, even if its sitting in a chair, with a smile on my face.
that is because thru this entire experience i have been fortunate to have a really great group of family and friends by my side ready, without any hesitation, to offer whatever they have, in a constant effort to make my life easier. thank you a thousand times for your generous donations , your homemade therapy devices, your arms lifting me in and out of the water, your care for my arthritic pup, your meaningful advice and your company when i need it the most.

if you would like to learn more about the doctor in india. her name is dr. geeta shroff. you can look her up online or just contact me and i will forward her info. please feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions. i look forward to hearing from you.

i would appreciate any info regarding stem cell treatment. however, i am not interested in information outlining US protocals or clinical trial guidelines. i have a mountain of this info. the reality is, i am not eligible for a clinical trial right now, and at the rate the medical community is moving in regards to stem cell research it will be at least 5-10 years before there is this type of treatment available in the US. all info can be sent to coberledata@gmail.com, and if you are interested in looking at the info compiled the password is bruno123.

back in LA?

2007-08-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

hi chris and anna! are you two back in town? hit me up!

Pictures

2007-08-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well here they are pictures of Boss, Joseph's new dog.

Boss

2007-08-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since we posted anything on here. I didn't get to talk to you when you called the other night, Tim just said good-bye and hung up!! Oh well, I suppose you heard that Joseph has a new dog, I know you were against it but you should know that I don't listen very well. So we have a little 4 pound yorkie that is Madison's, so what would be a good dog to get for Joseph... hmmmm oh how about an alaskan malamute!!! I must have been half asleep when I agreed to this... you know how kids are they wait for their parents to doze off then ask them questions! but seriously he is a good dog, he's just really playful cuz he's a puppy. Joseph named him Boss... after the Boss 302.I will post pictures this week of him for you. The kids are starting back to school this week, madison to jr. college and joseph will be taking collision and repair and drafting at hutch high!! brennan has to get back on a normal schedule... he sleeps during the day and is up at night... gunner just says he hopes he doesn't have the nun for his teacher :o) she is nice, I think it's just him not wanting to go back to school. well like i said i will post pics later.... take care and hope to talk to ya next time you call :o)

Shawna

muscle beach cheer

2007-08-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

like billy mentioned, we all went out to venice beach for some sun, swim + a powerlifting competition at muscle beach (we watched our dad compete) + had a great time!! chris loved being in the ocean, as we all did, there's nothing like hanging out with great friends + having an awesome picnic on the beach, what a spread it was! looking forward to going to the beach again when we're all in town. so much fun!!!!
with love,
rita

Surf Team News

2007-07-30T19:07:00.001-07:00

Chris came out to Venice Beach on Saturday, July 21. We spent the whole day at the beach and also enjoyed a power lifting contest at Muscle Beach. Kipling, Rita, Anna, and I were stoked to join Chris for a swim in the ocean that day. It was sweet for him to get back into the surf and feel the power of the ocean for the first time since the accident. He really enjoyed himself and I was so happy to be there to witness the big smile on his face when he surfaced after a wave broke right on his head.

So far, the Surf Team has $320 a month ready to go, with more pledges hopefully on the way! The organizers would like to start payments by August 1st, so if you're signed up, please make your first payment. Our surf team is shaping up to be a powerful super-team, an 'uber-team for oberle'. If more of us chip in, we will make an even bigger difference in helping fund Chris' recovery program.

Chris is looking forward to getting back into the water very soon. I will keep you updated! I'm looking into locating the right personal flotation device for him. Chris is in touch with some amazing athletes and he is learning about the possibilities of taking a surf kayak or surf board into the ocean in the future... more on that soon. He'll be ripping the waves before you know it!

If you haven't signed up and would like to chip in, please let me know how much you can pledge and make a first payment. Every donation helps, however small! If you’d like to talk story, shoot me an email.

I'd like to hear from any other teams 'in honor of chris oberle' out there.

mahalo,
bill

Joe and his Mustang

2007-07-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the car show in Great Bend. Joseph and his 1970 Mustang!! He won runner up in his class. He was sooo excited. Joseph drove it out there and NO problems :o) now we just have to get it painted and to my knowledge that is about it... well no, he wants new wheels, oh and get his stereo installed, oh and .... I don't think he will ever be "done" with this car. There is always something to add to it to "improve" it... but thats okay he is enjoying it. You will have to have him take you for a ride in it when you come back. Well take care.

icecreams

2007-07-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

i was lucky enough to share some coldstones with Anna and Chris yesterday. i am absolutely floored by these incredible people with tremendous and boundless will... i am so happy to be in and around LA this summer and hope to share more icecreams and time on the beach, too.

Tahoe Baby Tahoe

2007-07-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Christopher,
Didn't know if you'd check your message here or on your phone first, but I got the go ahead on the house we talked about. Oh yeah, and thanks for the advance notice......(Chris calls me and says, "by the way, Anna and I need a place to move in by this Saturday...) CLASSIC....... Can't wait to see you guys. Safe travels.
Les

Donations

2007-07-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone so much for all of your caring, interest, time and donations. You have made it possible for Chris to start getting some of the things he needs and programs he wants to take part in.

I have set up a fund in honor of Chris for all of your wonderful donations. This way everyones gifts will be tax deductible and those people wanting to help out with fund raisers will be given assistance.

Donations can be given on-line, by phone, or by mail. Checks should be made payable to

NTAF Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund
Memo: In Honor of Chris Oberle

Please send them to

NTAF
150 N. Radnor Chester Road, Suite F-120
Radnor, PA 19087

online:
www.catastrophicfund.org

phone:
800 624 8399

This is a great way for all of us to give to Chris. The money raised here can only be used towards Chris' recovery. Additionally, if anyone is wanting to help Chris by having a fund raiser, NTAF is available with ideas and assistance. (More information about deductions can be found on their website, and they are very helpful on the phone.)

Thank you so much again. Your generosity is making the world of difference to Chris.

project walk

2007-07-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finished my first week at project walk, and met alot of really great people. The trainers there are patient and very focused on getting something from my legs. Also, the other patients have been helpful with tips on living in a wheelchair. One of the tips: use an office chair in the rooms that your wheelchair will not fit in, was so obvious and will be very useful. Whatever my outcome from Project Walk, I am sure to leave there much stronger than when I arrived, and for sure if I am to be active again I need to be alot stronger and more balanced with my upperbody.
I am staying with Anna right now, while I try to find my own place. She has been great. I rely on her for getting everywhere. We stayed at Anna's parent's place in La Jolla over the weekend, so that I could be closer to Project Walk, and it was very relaxing we watched the "Copa" and went swimming in the pool. I was able to take a short breath before, this weeks, massive pile of paperwork, doctor search, medical supply hunting and apartment and car finding. It has been almost three months since the accident and I am just now getting to a place where I can start catching up with everything. The help I have received from everyone has been so helpful, I am not sure how I would be getting by and receiving more training without it.
Thanks again everyone.

Just sayin Hi

2007-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well I just wanted to say "hi" and ask how you're doing? We took Madison and got a laptop for her, I will let her tell you what she got. Over the weekend Tim and Joseph started up the mustang!!! They are on a time crunch because the car show is this weekend- they aren't entering it but they want to be able to drive it out there. Joseph will be updating you on the experience of restoring a car!! So be ready for another "book". I will have him post pics of it... next time you're here he'll have to take you for a ride in it. well take care- we're thinkin of ya!!

Shawna

every Hot Dog BBQ counts!!!

2007-07-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

hey everyone,
i've just returned from an awesome lunch + wanted to share with you all about the great hot dog bbq that chris' friends, andrew todd (from 5design) + katie ten broeck (from rios clementi hale studios) just had in the backyard of their house this afternoon to sadly celebrate their departure from los angeles + collected donations for chris. it was a great success + they collected $690 for chris that friends + both offices contributed!! amazing. thank you all so very much for your generosity, it really means a lot, especially katie + andrew for putting a great bbq together!! guys, you will truly be missed so much, but hopefully you'll come back to visit!
with love,
rita

Dinner at LALA's

2007-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Chris flew from Kansas to Los Angeles yesterday and invited some friends out to dinner. It sure is nice to see you back in town. Thanks for organizing dinner last night, Chris. The pancreas was tasty. I can still taste it today. Let's get together again very soon.

Preparing to leave

2007-07-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight as Chris is preparing to depart Kansas for California I want to let everyone know what a GREAT time we had with Chris during his time here with us, and we hate to see him leave. Chris helped build a deck at his parents house, which of course turned out fabulous!!!We went on the bike trails around town that enabled Chris and all of us to get out and exercise, Chris and his nephews even took in a movie!!! On Saturday he attended his high school reunion and visited with old friends, it was fun. He helped his sister pick out paint color and gave her advice on her home improvement project.We enjoyed the Kansas weather, and even got Chris to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for us. Like I said it has been great having Chris home again, we hate to see him go, but are looking forward to him coming back again!!! Chris your an inspiration to all of us- stay strong- stay focused- and know that we all love ya!

Your Family

Play play

2007-07-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

An old patient of Craig invited us all to spend the day at their lake for a day of kayaking and bbqing. It was such a great time, with Chris' friends and family who had just arrived.

Chris' great buddy Tom, pestering him as usual. He has plans for Chris coming out east to do a bike race with him in a few months.

Here Chris is back from an effortless paddle around the island. I could barely catch up to him..

Looks like I am going to have to start training too.

Work work

2007-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

We all know that Chris cant sit still, so just a bit of a recap of what Chris was up to in Colorado:

Here he is popping a wheelie through an obstacle course. Yeah, impressive.

Chris spent a lot of time at Craig breaking records and doing stuff they had never seen before. Here's the tuck that Chris plans on winning time trials with..

We are definitely going to need to find him new challenges!

Anna is a Goddess

2007-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

I just spent a few days down in socal with Anna... she rocks!! Anna is a fountain of love energy and hope for everyone, especially Chris. We should all be so lucky to have someone like her, but of course, Chris deserves nothing less... This blog blows me away too, I look forward to meeting everyone in real life sometime, in the meantime, keep it up, all our concerns and attention and love are making a difference! Chris welcome back to LA and I really hope to see you later this summer either in SF or down there! xoxo Jen

Bada Bing Cha Ching!

2007-07-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

A huge thanks to everyone who made Chris' party a success! Checks are still rolling in from the silent auction.... all in we will have cleared $12,000!!! The music was awesome, raffle + silent auction items were sweet and everyone had a great time. Wish you could have been here Chris, we'll just have to do it again, you have a lot of good friends.

The Haudenschild's have plans in the works for another party for Chris in the LA area later this summer. Check back for details.

Pics from Hacienda

2007-07-02T11:41:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE...... Well I was able to figure out how to post pictures finally. Thank you all for your help. We sure did wish you were here with us Christopher. You are one loved boy my friend.

SCI Support - THANK YOU!!

2007-07-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

hello all,
i just wanted to share with you this brochure that gives you a general idea about SCI + what your continued + generous donations, funding, love + support, including the most recent fundraiser event in tahoe (which made more than $10,000 for chris!! you guys are amazing!!) + the sponsorship program headed by rocky woods, goes towards! if you can't see the images here, i got this brochure from the website anna posted + you can take a look at it online at:
http://www.transplantfund.org/documents/Brochure%20SCI%20for%20patients.pdf
thank you again for all your love + support!!! we look forward to chris coming back to california + i know he's looking forward to seeing everyone here!!
with love,
rita

Chris Oberle Foundation

2007-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Dear lovers and supporters of Chris (all of us!!),

It is so heart warming to be a witness to all the positive wishes and support that have been pouring out from everywhere for Chris, myself and my family. I want to thank everyone for the incredible success of the fundraiser and all the wonderfully generous donations. It will fulfill many of Chris' needs and hopefully in time be enough to allow Chris to make the best possible choices that will enable him to lead a strong and healthy life.

I am working on setting up a non-profit foundation for Chris so that all donations will be tax deductible, including the ones from the fundraiser. I intend on using the National Transplant Assistance Fund and Catastrophic Injury Program to help set it up, if anyone has a better suggestion or has been working on it please let me know.

http://www.transplantfund.org/Catastrophic/index.cfm

They are also an excellent recourse for raising funds, so if anyone chooses to put together an event for Chris or wants ideas for what to do and how to do it they can easily find them here. The foundation will allow him to use the funds for all his needs that his insurance wont cover.

Thank you again to everyone,

Anna

Keeping Busy

2007-07-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Chris made it into Hutch a little after 3 a.m. Saturday morning. He has been spending time with his family, and has visited with some friends. Saturday morning Chris woke up to a large group of family friends that had gathered to build a deck with a ramp at his parents home. Of course Chris isn't one to sit back and just watch... he grabbed a cordless screwdriver and began working. The deck looks GREAT!!!! It was nice to have everyone together again. We will try and post some pictures later.

The Oberle's

Where in the world is Kansas?

2007-06-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

This last week was a crazy whirlwind of packing, getting gear, work, play, and planning. We got everything mostly sorted out, but there is still piles of paperwork, cars, apartments and gear to get.

About a week ago, Chris did a hand cycle race in Denver, competing against everyone who wanted to enter. He got third place, now hes famous all over Craig and in the community. During his last week, Chris got busy. One morning he got up at 4:30 to bike to downtown Denver from the hospital for bike to work day. He was with five hard core hand cyclers and on the 24 mile ride he passed a bunch of them. That night we went to this great lake and went kayaking. He is obviously not letting anything get him down.

Chris is in Kansas right now basking in the love of family and friends. It seems as if he plans on staying there a week or so. Then he is coming to LA and I plan to scoop him up to get an apartment, a car and check out Project Walk. If Chris likes Project Walk (so many of us are hoping for this, it is a fabulous place for him to get into top shape with his new body) he will probably spend a week there. It's in Carlsbad, and the program will have him spending a couple hours a day working out, and the rest of the time free. Carlsbad is a beautiful area close to LA and San Diego, we plan on spending time with friends (let us know if you are around!), relaxing and enjoying southern California to its fullest.

Afterwards, Chris wants to take a trip up to Tahoe to spend time with much missed friends, and to grab Bruno (thank you all for watching him). We have big plans of kayaking and checking out the rim trial. We hope to road trip a bit, hot springs, Napa Valley, SF (yes!!)... any suggestions? please join in! Then back to LA to see what comes next.

looking forward to it, Anna

great party

2007-06-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

what a great party at the hacienda.....chris and anna, we missed you guys...great you called on the phone!......we'll do it again when the gang is all in tahoe.....

everyone enjoyed ben and the band..... beautiful acoustic guitar and vocals .....and still got to visit a lot 'cause the music wasn't overpowering....perfect.

thanks to eric, dave, tom, and all the people who put the raffle and auction together...what a cool thing that was...and also fun 'cause it involved folks from all over the place .....

chris, everyone's so glad that you are up and at 'em....and that energy spreads to all of your friends....

how's the weather in kansas?

MANY THANKS

2007-06-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank all the wonderful people who made Chris's Fundraiser such a success. (Geez Chris, I didn't know you had so many friends)
Between the music, the food, the comedy of the raffle, and the people, it was just amazing. I left with such a nice high and such a wonderful feeling ( and maybe the pitchers of margaritas had a little to do with that too). I have pictures I'd love to put on here but have no idea how. Can someone help me with that?? My e mail is lbruening@sbcglobal.net. Maybe send me uploading for dummies. Thx

another recovery blog

2007-06-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

A friend told me about this site, it is done by a cyclist who was injured by a drunk driver in Santa Rosa a few years ago -- her boyfriend was killed in the same accident and it got a lot of press. Anyhow this website is pretty amazing as she has made a huge recovery from brain injuries as well as coping with spinal cord injury.

http://www.jillmason.com/

FINAL June 27 AUCTION LIST

2007-06-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

JUNE 27, 2007 AUCTION ITEMS!

Below is the FINAL list of items for auction for Chris Oberle’s fundraiser on the 27^th in Tahoe. If you will not be making it and would like to bid on any of these items, you can! They are all totally amazing, take a look + please share with family + friends you think would be interested! again thank you all for your wonderful donations!!

-> Email or call Tom Zikas (tom@tomzikas.com - 530.546.7458) with your maximum bid by 4:00pm Wednesday the 27^th

please note: unless indicated, you will be responsible for the cost of shipping the item payable to the person supplying the donation.

______________________________________________________________________
Two day rafting trip for twelve on the American River - South Fork -
Jennifer and Dave Schiessl

Value $2400
food and camping not included.

________________________________________________________________________
"Local Motion" - Photo by Peter Spain

Value - $450
16” x 20" Custom matte and wood framed - non-glare glass

________________________________________________________________________
"Bali Bicycle" - Photo by Tom Zikas

Value - $275
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 21.5" x 14.5"

________________________________________________________________________
"Yesteryears" - Painting by Shawn Carney

Value - $400
Birch finish ply panel - Acrylic wash, aerosol and ink - 48" Tall x 24" wide

________________________________________________________________________
"Tahoe Panorama" - Photo by IJ Valenzuela

Value - $400
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 10" x 40"

________________________________________________________________________
"Aig Du Midi" - Photo by Mike Eadington/HMI

Value $700
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 48" x 48"

________________________________________________________________________
Jeremy Jones pro model snowboard – Jeremy Jones

Value - $550
Rossignol 162cm - 07/08 model - not yet released.

________________________________________________________________________
Summer in La Jolla, CA – Chris and Eloisa H.

Value - $ 1,500

2 persons
3 days, 2 nights in beautiful private home
In a cabana next to pool and tennis court, sauna and Jacuzzi. Beaches a few minutes away. Breakfast and lunch included.

_______________________________________________________________________
6 Day Hiking Trip in the Grand Canyon - July 16th to July 21st - Anthony + Maria Siani
Value $1,800

Starts in Phoenix, Noon - July 16th
North Rim to South Rim Through the Gorge
Two Days + Two Nights at Phantom Ranch
All Meals - All Lodging - All Transportation
One Spot Only
guided by Anthony Siani, who leads a group on this hike yearly

________________________________________________________________________
Tahoe Daves Skis & Board - One season ski or snowboard lease -

Value - $150
Includes boots, bindings and boards.

_______________________________________________________________________
Fishing trip for 4 With Captain Chris on Lake Tahoe. - Captain Chris Wichman

Value $360

______________________________________________________________
"Angel Rising" - Photo by Gary Kaufman

Value - $300
Framed - triptych (series of three photos) - 23" x 13"

________________________________________________________________________
Gift Certificate for Library Alehouse in Santa Monica, CA - Les Lackman

Value $100
Menu and the excellent beer and wine selections can be found at www.libraryalehouse.com

________________________________________________________________________
2003: Macauley Vineyard Napa Valley: Cabernet Sauvignon - Uncorked at Squaw - Kali Kopley

Value $75
This wine has a deep reddish-black color and black cherry, espresso bean and dark chocolate aromatics. The black stone fruit and mineral flavors have a balanced acidity and a sweet tannin backbone. Enjoy now and for the next 10-14 years.

Winemaker
Kirk Venge
Vineyards
40% Beckstoffer
To Kalon 60% Star
Alcohol
14.6%
Barrels
100% French Oak, 75% new
Cases
580
________________________________________________________________________
1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Estate Rose

Value - $115
Shipping will be included in this item

______________________________________________________________
1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Value - $175
Shipping will be included in this item

______________________________________________________________
1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Cabernet Shiraz

Value - $125
Shipping will be included in this item

_____________________________________________________________

MORE AUCTION ITEMS!

2007-06-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE!!!
here's some more stuff that has just been added to the auction list of items, they are so amazing, thank you everyone for all your fabulous donations!!! see the attached info for the photograph + wines. please don't forget to Call or Email
Tom Zikas with maximum bid - tom@tomzikas.com - 530.546.7458.
here they are:
________________________________________________________________________

6 Day Hiking Trip in the Grand Canyon - July 16th to July 21st - Anthony + Maria Siani
Value $1,800

Starts in Phoenix, Noon - July 16th
North Rim to South Rim Through the Gorge
Two Days + Two Nights at Phantom Ranch
All Meals - All Lodging - All Transportation
One Spot Only
guided by Anthony Siani, who leads a group on this hike yearly
________________________________________________________________________

"Angel Rising" - Photo Gary Kaufman
Value - $300
Framed - triptych (series of three photos)
______________________________________________________________

1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Estate Rose
Value - $115
Shipping will be included in this item
______________________________________________________________

1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Value - $175
Shipping will be included in this item
______________________________________________________________

1/2 case (6 bottles) - Pretty Sally Cabernet Shiraz
Value - $125
Shipping will be included in this item
______________________________________________________________

pretty awesome

2007-06-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

thank you everyone for your support and generous donations. i am overwhelmed by everyones help, and want very badly to return the favors. although, it may take me some time i am determined to not let any of you down. everyday i work as hard as i can, and try and involve myself with every bit of therapy and testing that is offered here at craig. soon, i will be out of here and wherever i end up i will make the best of my surroundings. i have been looking into adaptive skiing at alpine as well as many other sport options. bottom line i am determined, and because of everyones help i am sure to have the best opportunity to succeed, whatever my condition.

How Much!

2007-06-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Tom!
How much for a print of that awesome picture of Chris on the flume trail in Tahoe?
Anna

Looking Forward to You Coming Home to Kansas

2007-06-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

Well Chris, we just wanted to tell you that we (your family) are all looking forward to seeing you this weekend. We are looking forward to you being back home. Maybe Joseph's mustang will be running by then. Joseph and Tim have been rewiring it for the past 2 days. Josephs goal is to have it done in time for the July car show... who knows. He has a competition here in Hutch for his audio system that is in his eclipse sometime in July. Last time he competed he came in 2nd. Well again, we are looking forward to seeing you and spending time with you at home. Roman and Sid are growing so fast, and quite the handful. Seirra and Emily are getting so big, as are all the kids. Well, see ya this weekend.

Thinking of you,
Tim, Shawna, Madison, Joseph, Brennan, & Gunner
Monty, Row, Jon, Seirra, & Emily
Carman, Eric, Quincy, Guthrie, Roman, & Sidney
and of course Mom and Dad

JUNE 27, 2007 AUCTION ITEMS!

2007-06-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Below are items available for auction at Chris Oberle’s fundraiser on the 27^th in Tahoe. If you will not be making it and would like to bid on any of these items, you can! They are all totally amazing, take a look + please share with family + friends you think would be interested!

-> Email or call Tom Zikas (tom@tomzikas.com - 530.546.7458) with your maximum bid by 4:00pm Wednesday the 27^th

please note: you will be responsible for the cost of shipping the item payable to the person supplying the donation.

________________________________________________________________________

Tahoe Daves Skis & Board - One season ski or snowboard lease -
Value - $150
Includes boots, bindings and boards.

________________________________________________________________________

Two day rafting trip for twelve on the American River - South Fork -
Jennifer and Dave Schiessl

Value $2400
food and camping not included.

________________________________________________________________________

Fishing trip for 4 With Captain Chris on Lake Tahoe. - Captain Chris Wichman

Value $360

________________________________________________________________________

2003: Macauley Vineyard Napa Valley: Cabernet Sauvignon - Uncorked at Squaw - Kali Kopley

Value $75
This wine has a deep reddish-black color and black cherry,
espresso bean and dark chocolate aromatics. The black stone
fruit and mineral flavors have a balanced acidity and a sweet
tannin backbone. Enjoy now and for the next 10-14 years.

Winemaker
Kirk Venge
Vineyards
40% Beckstoffer
To Kalon 60% Star
Alcohol
14.6%
Barrels
100% French Oak, 75% new
Cases
580
________________________________________________________________________

"Local Motion" - Photo by Peter Spain

Value - $450
16” x 20" Custom matte and wood framed - non-glare glass
________________________________________________________________________

"Bali Bicycle" - Photo by Tom Zikas

Value - $275
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 21.5" x 14.5"
________________________________________________________________________

"Yesteryears" - Painting by Shawn Carney

Value - $400
Birch finish ply panel - Acrylic wash, aerosol and ink - 48" Tall x 24" wide

________________________________________________________________________

"Tahoe Panorama" - Photo by IJ Valenzuela

Value - $400
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 10" x 40"

________________________________________________________________________

"Aig Du Midi" - Photo by Mike Eadington/HMI

Value $700
Printed on canvas + stretched and gallery wrapped - 48" x 48"

________________________________________________________________________

Jeremy Jones pro model snowboard – Jeremy Jones

Value - $550
Rossignol 162cm - 07/08 model - not yet released.

________________________________________________________________________

Summer in La Jolla, CA – Chris and Eloisa H.

Value - $ 1,500

2 persons
3 days, 2 nights in beautiful private home
In a cabana next to pool and tennis court, sauna and Jacuzzi. Beaches a few minutes away. Breakfast and lunch included.

LOOKING FOR A ROOM OR ROOMATE

2007-06-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

hello everyone!!

chris is preparing to be discharged from craig hospital this friday + although he is still working out the details of what his next step will be, chris will ultimately be coming back to LA to work at his job he had in downtown + live. so now we need your help to see what apartments or rooms for rent are available out there that can work for him. ideally he would need a place that is handicap accessible, meaning he can get from his parking space to his apartment without stairs. he also would need his own full bath (the bigger the better) + space for bruno, his faithful dog. pretty much we're open to any suggestions anywhere that is reasonably priced, but i think he would like to live in any of the following areas: Echo Park, Silver lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood, west Hollywood, Hancock Park, culver city, westwood, Venice or Santa Monica. if someone is has heard of an available room or if someone is looking for an awesome roomate, chris is your man, he's looking to move by mid-july or august. PLEASE let us know of anything out there, it would be of such help!!! thank you.

with love,

rita

You WANT Jeremy's snowboard!!!!

2007-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Friend and Pro Snowboader Jeremy Jones donates his not yet released 07/08 Signature Rossignol Snowboard for auction at Chris' fundraiser. This board is sweet!

Chris getting the 411 from Lou in the 415

2007-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

2007-06-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hello from Craig!

2007-06-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!

So great to hear from all of you posting! Chris and I are getting ready for our day, looking into buying a car and checking out a big deal soccer game tonight. The whole possie from Craig is rolling down there and its going to get crazy.

Thank you everyone SO much for putting this party together in Tahoe for Chris! We both wish we were going to be there, its going to be so much fun. Thank you all for your awesome donations, Chris is so greatful, awe struck, and flattered. We need to get something started in LA, another event would be great for when Chris and I are both around!

Chris' plans change everyday, but he is excited because it seems as if he has several options. For now he really wants to get back to some kind of regular life, friends, hard work, hard playing, and Independence. It seems as if there is a plan for a california road trip coming up soon! He really misses everyone.

Looking forward to being with everyone again,

love Anna

Festival at Squaw

2007-06-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is a great festival Chris, you would love it. Just wanted you to check out the article in case any of you didn't get a chance to yet. It starts June 28th and goes for 5 days. If the link doesn't work, just go to the Sierra Sun dated June 21st and check it out under NO BARRIERS. I will be attending later in the week with a friend who's participating. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and if you can, GO!!!

checkin in

2007-06-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Chris,

Hey man, just wanted to check in with ya and see how things are goin. Looks like you're doin great and ready to get back over here. Karina and I are lookin forward to seein you when you are back at the lake, let's go out for tacos! Hey, by the way, I am switching to a mac! K and I saw the coolest film the other day in S.F. it was called ONCE. I bet you and Anna would love it.

Tony

Kings Beach Rentals

2007-06-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris,
Just wanted to let you know that after our last conversation I have been actively looking for a cool pad for you up here at the LAKE!!! I found two or three that would definately work but I need a little more description of what you would want. One, Two or Three bedrooms? I found a sweet 3 bedroom on the golf course that had an elevator from story to story but may have been too expensive. (It was like $1800 or something). You would have definately dug it. Killer view, and real easy to harass the golfers. Either give me a call or e mail and give me specifics. Over here in Bruening world we sure do need ya back. Miss you and can't wait to see that face of yours again real real soon.
Lots of Love Lesley B

no barriers festival

2007-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

evidently there is a "No Barriers Festival 2007"at Squaw Valley (Tahoe).... June 28 thru July 2. ...looks like it is for athletes with disabilities....

nobarriersusa.org

mark your calendars

2007-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

hey everybody, don't forget to mark your calendars for the party at hacienda in incline village:

Wednesday, June 27, 6-9 pm

live band! food! friends!

e-mail addresses?

2007-06-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

hey EVERYBODY,

could you please send me your e-mail addresses, so i can get them all in one place ....this will be very useful for upcoming stuff...

thank you very much...

rocky woods

rockyandkimwoods@hotmail.com

boulderin'

2007-06-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

chris,

thanks for the barbeque saturday night...great to meet tom and mike and their friends and famililies...sounds like you and tom were goin at it pretty hard in the handbike race in golden.....jeez man, TAKE IT EASY....you ain't 17 anymore!

thanks to you and nadine for a great day in boulder...sorry i couldn't exactly remember my way around to the park, but boulder creek is beautiful, no?....burritos at illegal pete's, hula dance festival at pearl street...and i still had plenty of time to catch my plane!

thanks again....good luck this week with therapy, etc.....know you can't wait to see Anna!

later,

rocky

Congratulations Anna!

2007-06-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'll see you tomorrow!

Rollin thru

2007-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Yo Chris,
My laptop battery is almost out of juice, but I wanted to tell you that I'm in Colorado Springs, and I'll be in Denver tomorrow. I'd love to visit you, if you'd like to have me. Is there a good time? Any really bad times in the day? If you're on email, shoot me an email at uskowronski@gmail.com. I also emailed Rita, so she might give me the scoop. Hope to see you soon.
Best,
Uri

mayor giuliani visits chris!!!

2007-06-11T17:30:00.001-07:00

okay, so i'm just back from here the great weekend the H3 ladies got to have with chris + here are some photos. every moment with him is the best moment ever + yes, we totally dolled up his room. we drove around during the weekend checking out the neighboring towns, the mall + especially chris wanted to show us the great little community of houses called arapahoe acres in englewood, a post war modernist development built between 1949-1957 that has amazingly been preserved + were totally cool. they were done by developer ernest hawkins + architects eugene sternberg, joseph dion + stanley yoshimura. a lot of the roofs just cleared the top of the front doors...totally cool! but coolest, was a stop at an homemade ice cream shop chris spotted to go to. when we were there, rudy giuliani stopped by to visit chris....

chris told gulliani to come on over to shake his hand......

of course he did!

then we got this 'family' shot....

afterwards we visited chris' friend tom, who showed us this great photo of family + friends that came together to support him back home, what a cool guy!!!

chris showed us the beautiful view from the roof of the parking structure he mentioned....

couple moment....

mom + i with chris from the roof

the wonderful couple.
of course chris took every opportunity to offroad when he could on the streets. chris, you so crazy!

we walked through the farmers market + then met up with chris' friend sarah + her family for lunch, it was great meeting them + her daughter, little fearless anna.

as we're studying the human nervous system, i am of course trying to take a picture of the 2 of them + chris snaps his neck around to give me the signature look! damn boy, yo so funny, we were totally crackin' up!

mom + i left anna + chris dining on one of chris' favorites, tamales! like royalty....you can even catch a glimpse of some of the decorating on the wall....i know, i know, simply fabulous....

i wish i was still there hanging out!! craig's is a great place, chris' room is totally sweet + he's the greatest host ever. we love you chris!! can't wait to see you supa soon...
rita

brokeback mountain

2007-06-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

having a great time with the haudenschild ladies. yesterday, we visited an ice cream parlor called bonnie brae and we ran into presidential candidate rudy gulliani. i shook his hand twice, i must have been a good photo op. for him - the handicap guy....priceless campaign opportunity. also, we got our own picture taken with him. he does seem very likeable. later in the evening we walked down for some thai food and we shared a huge deep fried, whole sea bass. it was excellent. my therapy is coming along, the nurses and techs are starting to do less and less for me and i am starting to take over alot of my care. i should be getting out of here around the 29th of june. i am not sure where i will be going after that, but i am anxious to keep my therapy going. i am looking into a place called project walk in so cal. i am really determined to get my legs operating again. in the meanwhile i am really looking forward to my freedom. anyway, i will try and post the picture later.
i hope all is well. i am looking forward to seeing everyone back in the real world.
go cavs!
chris

Chrisland

2007-06-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

Its pretty awesome being here with Chris, more like totally awesome. It is so beautiful in denver and englewood, and the H3 team (Eloisa, Rita, and Anna) are really living up our time here already! For all of you who have visited, you wont recognize Chris's apartment anymore because H3 has brought a storm of love and home decorating that is going to make heads turn!

I still have a few more days with Chris before I have to go back to LA and take the last finals of my academic career, so I will be savoring them. Sadly I wont be coming back next weekend (of the 16th), but am making plans to spend most of my time with him after that. It doesn't seem as if anyone is planning on visiting him next weekend, so if you are wondering if you should, I say go!!

We have been going through so many beautiful cards, notes, and gifts. Chris is so overwhelmed and thankful. Thank you all.

Back to helping the girls with the ambiance!

Anna

Haudenschild Ladies!

2007-06-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

The Haudenschild Terrific Trio! Have a great time in colorado! treat yourself to double scoop sundaes and a shopping retreat to walmart :)
Chris- you're recovery sounds amazing! We're thinking of you out here in humid NYC and sending good thoughts from coast to coast!
Makoto

ftp site for info?

2007-06-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

does anyone know how to make a simple ftp site so we can all add individual items of info to it (as long as we have a password) ?

it would be great to set this up (with a link to the blog) for technical info and links we want to get to chris, and then it would all be in one (semi) convenient place for him to view.

we could put a keyword or two in front of the link or info, and then just add it to the ongoing line item list of entries.....perhaps no other organization is really required..

seems easy enough....

and i think (as rita has pointed out) we could REALLY use this right about now...

i will gladly sponsor the site if i can get some guidance on doin' it....

tony?

thanks,

rocky

Lou & Wendy

2007-06-07T15:44:00.001-07:00

We have been thinking about you. I can see you are still smiling from all the pictures and stories. I am hopefull I will be able to visit soon.

Wendy is due any day now.

Lou

tahoe party...

2007-06-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

eric park, dave zachary + rocky, the june 27 hacienda party in tahoe for chris, what a great idea, you're awesome! i wish my office didn't have an aia presentation of a project i'm working on that evening because i would be there! take tons of pictures to share with us on the blog so that we can share in the fun!
with love,
rita

Congress Passes Stem Cell Research Bill

2007-06-07T12:04:00.001-07:00

lets hope the big guy out east doesn't stomp on this one...

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Stem-Cells.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

sushi on pearl street

2007-06-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

What an awesome dinner Chris, Rocky and I had! Thanks Chris! For anyone who likes sushi, Chris knows where to go!

Tom, Rocky and I left Tahoe in the SNOW at 4:15am to head to the airport. Arrived at Craig to find Chris busy (as usual) with his Mom and nephew the chauffer (hi Brennan!) in tow. We looked for him in the gym, but missed him by a few seconds, then caught up with him on the matts. He was getting his gymnastic workout! Then, off to the bike that stimulates his muscles to pump the bike pedals. It was lunchtime after the bike, and we all went for food at the famous ice cream shop where Chris took us that second day at Craig. (Don't get the hamburgers unless you have a beach towel to clean up the mess!)

Brennan and Nadine drove back to Kansas after lunch, (Did you see the 6 states??? Which ones?) and Rocky and I accomponied Chris for the rest of the day. Education class (very educational!) Actually, Terry was GREAT! Rocky and I learned a lot. Chris, I hope you were paying attention!

Then the re-entry into the "jungle" class. There was a team of people for that one. Two gals that work at Craig, and two guys who are guest speakers. That was also an awesome session! Jason and John (i think that's their names) one a para and one a quad and both talked about their experiences when they were getting out of the hospital; what to expect, and what they did. Jason is into rugby; he's on a team that recently won a championship game in April, and is in a movie I forget the name of, and John was into all kinds of sports, tennis, wake boarding, riding bikes, etc. Oh yeah, and they work.

One of the things they talked about was friends. They said it was hard for some of their friends to accept their new "sitting" situation. That it was awkward at first sometimes, but after some jokes about "can ya feel that?" that everyone settles back into the feeling "normal" again. But, that a few friends just kind of faded away. When he said that, I was thinking about this blog and all of Chris' friends (most of whom I haven't met!) and I got a warm fuzzy feeling that Chris won't have that happen to him!

Chris had one more class of weight training and I had fun counting (sorry Chris!), and Rocky spotted him on a couple. I can't say enough about the people who work there. They are the best! There's a machine that Chris used, he sits in his chair and leans forward, pushes down on the handles and it lifts the weights up. Chris got up to 130 pounds, maybe 140. Chris has to be able to "push"165 pounds before he leaves end of the month. 165 because that's how much he weighs. WOW! You're gonna be soooo buff!

Well, we went back to Chris' place for a bit, then off to the best Sushi in the PT cruiser.
Great talks, awesome day. We missed you Anna! We were all exhausted by the end of dinner!

Tom is going to be watching the Cavaliers vs. Spurs game with Chris tonight, GO Cavaliers! And, I know the girls are showing up soon! THAT should be a fun weekend!

Chris, Rock and I look forward next time and maybe it will be in Tahoe! It's a beautiful day here, snow has melted but the flowers aren't too happy! Lot's of love, Kim and Rocky

THANK YOU!

2007-06-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

i was just going through the huge outpouring of love that has been all the emails that i have received from the very beginning of tremendous thoughts of love, hope, and a hand to help us all with everything + anything.....i just wanted to let you know how much it has meant + thank you all so very much. i apologize if i haven't had the chance to write each + every one of you back, i want to be sure that you know it has definitely not gone unnoticed + shared with chris + anna whenever possible. your love + support has given chris, his family + anna the strength to keep moving forward + i will never be able to thank you enough for that. it is such a blessing to have you in our lives, i am thankful for that everyday just as i am to have such a beautiful soul + wonderful friend as chris in my life. so for those of you wondering, 'who is this rita?' chris' friend (he had no choice) + anna's sister (she didn't either). we went to sci_arc together + chris officially came into my life in 2003, when we shared our first birthday (january 22) together.....could i be more lucky to share it with anyone else? i look forward to spending the next one with him + every single one after that!

sci_arc in vico morcote, switzerland (that's billy's on the right!)

thank you all again.
with love,
rita

still and always positive

2007-06-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

I'm no physician, but this looks pretty huge:

Biologists Make Skin Cells Work Like Stem Cells

Seems that these new advances completely (or almost completely) sidestep the main ethical issues of stem cell research. If this turns out to be half as pivotal as it seems, it's really good news, because it'll mean that the NIH can finally start dumping money into one of the most promising avenues of SCI research.

2007-06-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

My best friend,

It was a great feeling to hear your voice yesterday. I am ashamed to think how long it has been since we spoke last. I’m new to this blogging mess... I don’t know where to start.

Its 2:30AM and I’ve read this entire blog. Seen pictures of Tim, Monte, Carmen, Nadine, and John and all of you look fantastic. What a great family. Brings back many incredible memories. I still have gas and a buzz from the famous Oberle home brew.

While you have never been in, or seen our home, you are legend in it. My kids have only seen a few pictures of the Great Chris Oberle, but they know you well. I will try and post up some pictures of the little ankle-biters soon.

We have a crazy schedule these next few weeks. Packing for our move to KC begins later today. We hope to make a partial move mid-June and the final move June 25. Mackenzie, the oldest daughter, goes to a church camp in June. Natalie, the youngest, is going to a tennis camp at the University of Alabama also in June. So, it will be quite crazy around month around here. I’ve got to find some time to study as well to prepare for the beginning of my residency training.

You are in our prayers. You will recover, there is no doubt in my mind.

Goodnight my friend.

John Bleazard

May 31, 2007 12:46 AM

2007-06-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

great travels together, anna, chris + rita!

listening to each others' whisper within the echo wall of the imperial vault
temple of heaven, beijing, china

Go go Calender GO!

2007-06-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Billy the bomb has been so excellent in keeping this blog up will all of our technical demands and I want to thank him so much. Thank you Billy! Now more of us manage the calender (you can too). If you want to be able add stuff to the calender on your own or have us post something for you, contact one of us.

People with these special powers =

Billy
Rocky
Rita
Anna

(sorry for roping you all in like this)

thank you everyone, happy visiting!
Anna

thankful smile

2007-06-05T02:45:00.000-07:00

every post makes me feel so good, even when my PT's got me hangin like a monkey from some torture device i can't help but grin. really, everyone has been so great. i am truely grateful for the blog, the letters and the cheery phone calls - with your help i will keep moving forward.
its close to 3am, and i am pretty fired up because i just got off the phone with anna. aahh anna...so beautiful, she makes me feel so good, no matter what the situation; a constant source of hope. she inspires me to get out of bed and really buckle down with my therapy. anna will be coming to visit this weekend. i can't wait to show her the parking garage next door.
last weekend, i explored it with my mom and nephew brennan. it's not like we thought each level would be different, but we were anxious to see the view from the top. it turned out to be spectacular, you could see downtown denver and the eastside of the rockies, but most of all you could see all the different types of storm clouds hovering in the distance. denver has been having some pretty spectacular thunderstorms lately.
i have been enjoying my time with my mom and nephew. on sunday i made my first transfer into a car. i rode shotgun, my mom sat in the back while, 14 year old, brennan drove us all over denver (he was the only one sober). we tried to make it to the new art museum that daniel libeskind designed (he is the guy who won the competition to replace the twin towers), but the traffic was to much, and i was anxious to get back because one of the therapist at the hospital offered to take me out for a bike ride. the bikes are very low to the ground and you pedal with your hands, not as fast as a regular bike, but very fun to ride because you turn by leaning you body. we carved up every street in the neighborhood into perfect pie shaped pieces of pavement. it was a blast, but i am paying for it this week. i had to increase my pain meds and am spending more time trying to just lay still. i forget that my body has not healed itself yet. i am feeling stronger, but my body insists on reminding me just how busted up it is. anyway, i just wanted to share with all of you what i have been up to and thank you again for all of the comfort you bring to my situation. i'm smiling right now.

2007-06-04T10:50:00.001-07:00

2007-06-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

hey bloggermeister bill,

any idea on how we could have a link from the blog to a list of friends of chris's, aka the maxin and relaxin crew, aka the wallmart warriors...and their email addresses...?

this would be an awesome resource if someone could vist the list and add their own name and address...

just wonderin....
thanks.....

party at hacienda

2007-06-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

so there's a party at hacienda del lago in incline village, lake tahoe on wed., june 27 , 6-9 pm ! Live band (courtesy of Ben Martin and the "After 8's")....Food....Drink....!!!....

We have Eric Park and Dave Zachary to thank for puttin' this together....more info soon, but be sure to mark it on your calendars!!

Tacos, beer, and stories about chris behind his back.........

To Chris:

2007-06-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Chris

Lately you have been on my mind every day as you were in my life every day at Sci-Arc.
Were to begin, after getting the news about your accident, I felt terrified about how you must have felt in the impact of pain and insecurity of you own future in a split of a second.

My thoughts of you have been on all the things that we did together and all your great stories about you and your belief in life. The incredible openness you has show towards a complete stranger from another country. Me being in your country to study observe learn and understand the American way of life.

I have been thinking especially about one road trip that to me describes you so well.
Remember we were sitting on a café, you me and a friend visiting me from daneland as you call it. Just talking and drinking coffee. We decided to make a trip to death valley a bit crazy considering my buddy from daneland had just landed, but as you said I wasn’t that long a drive a you could show me the way, so we took of in my red Mustang (off cause I needed to get one, I miss it.) in to the valley of death we got there and as always it was amazing. Then you came up with a crazy brilliant plan.. Sins we were in Death Valley we might as well go to Lake Tahoe if we wanted to se some more of California. My buddy from DK was only visiting shortly and needed to leave two days after. You convinced him to be a explorer just like the stupid Vikings…and yes that worked.

There were just a couple of things that could be of a problem on the way to the way to paradise, and off cause why should that be an easy place to get to. First the old mustang needed to step up and start believing that it was actually a four wheels drive truck so that we could get though the mountains you convincing me that a Mustang from 69´ with regular tires actually is a great mountain climber. Because that many parts from the care was used in tractors….thanks I thought it was a lean mean racing machine

But anyway on the way though the mountain I gave up as driver, sins you knew the roads the snow and apparently you knew that a sign saying close road means that the road is open. The only thing that you didn’t know was the stick shift, dame Chris you didn’t change gears you changed the whole gearbox. The fuel was low I mean really low and everything was up-hill, seriously, the car was cold, and we only wearing LA cloth.

As we pass the mountain top, you change gears perfectly and some light appears though the dark tree siluets, a gas station. And in the same second the car starts to drive strangely as if the was no more juice in the car. You were off cause just playing with the two Danish amigos. Had our nerves been more out side our thin summer jackets they would have come of totally.

Around tree in the morning we reached Lake Tahoe, you organise a welcome comitie in one of you friends cabins…what a place… the committee was one girl, one dog, and one bear. The biggest dog I have ever seen. So this became the first time I spend a night Chewbacca as my pillow. Next day we went hiking with snow feat, and eight dogs but no sled.
We had Sushi and went drinking in a strange bar a lot of fun. Next day we saw Yosemite park, and took the gold Road back amazing trip. We just got back so we could drop my friend of in the airport and send him back were he came from…Canada I think.

I have many more memories like this about you and me. My point with the story is that you showed humour, impulsiveness, courage, openness, hospitality, and strength all the thing an man need to be a man and to be able to do the things that no one thought was possible. I know that this time is difficult, but I also believe in you like I believe in few others in this world, keep your humour, be impulsive, be open, be strong and be Chris Oberly and you will do miracles.

Remember I called you from the airport, and all the things I said back then I still remember. Now be strong and believe my friend.

Some practical stuff
I have I thing that I want you to choose from. I know that this must be really expensive to go to the hospitals, and I what to help. I have the equivalent to an airplane ticket to offer you. You can choose the money or me coming over to visit you as soon as you like. I is as much as I can give and I really want to help. Don’t be humble I owe you…Were can I send the money.

"Life I understood backwards but must to be lived forwards”. Soren Kirkegaard

Much Love from me to you, Anna and Rita.

Take care be strong

Anders Lendager
www.mapt.dk

visit?

2007-06-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris,
I'm sure the Haudenschild girls are going to be keeping you busy, but I'll be coming through Denver on my cross-country trip around June 13th (bigggggg question mark on that). Can I visit? If so, I don't just want to stop in unannounced. Any way we could arrange it, Chris? Anna?
Shoot me an email if that's cool....uskowronski@gmail.com
Rock on, Chris. Great to see pictures. Lookin sharp.
-Uri

Pictures!

2007-06-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

Hey Chris,
I love all the pictures that are posted of your place at Craig, your family, and Denver. It's so nice to get a visual on your living situation. By the way, your living room looks huge! Thanks for posting the pictures, Anna, and keep them coming!
Abrazos,
Jasmine

6.9.07 H ladies visit!!

2007-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

chris oberle, so the haudenschild ladies (rita, eloisa + anna-who will be staying 'til tues.) are all set to visit you at craig's the weekend of june 9th!!! be prepared for the power 3 to be arriving, as you might imagine, we're planning on a walmart trip + getting you in trouble by going out to get ice cream, that's right, we're crazzzzzzzeeeeee.....we are so super excited to see you soon, especially me my friend!!!

love,
rita

HUGS TO DENVER

2007-06-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

NiCE!!!!!
Really sweet images of the pavillion. And you look awesome on the photos!
Congratulations to third place that is very impressive. Looks like a lot of hours went into those renderings. I keep thinking of you all the time. You amaze me, all of you! SO STRONG!!!! So positive and so TOGETHER!!! KEEP ON ROCKING!!!
Much love from Stockholm
S

Visit Chris!

2007-05-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Chris just moved into his own apartment at Craig! He has a small kitchen area and a living room with a pull out couch. He is ready for you to visit!! You can stay with him or in the building next door that has huge really nice apartments (cheap! ~$38/night).

Chris is doing so well and recovering faster than anyone ever has at Craig that they are ready to get him out of there. They have planned for him to be discharged on the 28^th of June already! Last I spoke with Chris he was thinking of moving into the apartments across the way from Craig for a bit after he leaves the hospital so he can still take advantage of the great rehab that Craig offers.

Here we are hanging out in Chris' living room with his family.

I am trying to send him stuff for his room to spice up the décor... Thank you all so much for all that you have sent, every gesture, card, cookie is so appreciated and enjoyed!! Chris owes so many huge thank you’s to so many great friends, he doesn’t know where to begin. I would like to say thank you myself because everywhere Chris is faced with an abundance of love you have all sent to him

He looks forward to being with all of you, so come on over! Anna

Sleep well!

Memorial Weekend FUN!

2007-05-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

This Memorial Day weekend with Chris in CO was so fun! Chris had many awesome visitors including eight family members, half a dozen great friends from Tahoe and me too! We were all content to hang out next to him and eat yummy Craig hospital food, but no, party man Chris insisted on taking us out. As always, the Walmartss was on the top of the list.

We also ventured on the light rail to downtown Denver, what a beautiful fun city!

Checking out maps, yes!

We cruised down the streets, Chris has got skills!

In front of the Denver Art museum..

On Sunday we had such a fun BBQ at Craig! Great food and music with family and friends new and old. Chris is really popular and already has a bunch of new friends.

Sarah and super cute dirty baby Anna

Monty and the best homemade sausage (from Kansas) ever!!

Aaww...

What a beautiful design!

2007-05-30T16:09:00.003-07:00

chris the design in the images are amazing!! thank you stephan + cara for sharing them with all of us. i wish i could be in that space right now.....genius!

with love,
rita

Chris's competition images

2007-05-30T13:04:00.007-07:00

The following images are part of the submittal boards Chris worked so hard on in our team.
It was for the Swiss Pavillon at the Word Expo in Shanghai China 2010.
Thanks to Chris's input the project was awarded 3rd prize. Please see our earlier post.
I will link to future publications in this matter.

Chris's competition images

2007-05-30T12:54:00.003-07:00

2007-05-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

next week

2007-05-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Chris,

Just wanted to let ya know we're planning on coming to Denver next week. Looking forward to seeing you and I promise I will try not to get you in any trouble this time! Rocky will be there too, so possibly double trouble? Will call soon to confirm. Love, Kim and Rocky

Prognosis

2007-05-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

Tuesdays meeting went as expected, but the prognosis is now more clear. The testing done at Craig was consistent with the findings at UCLA. The doctors are saying that his spinal cord in the area of T10-T11, has been functionally transected and as a result he has no sensory or motor function below this area. Though this confirms that he is a complete paraplegic, we have about a year and a half for the swelling to go down, and if his body is going to recuperate at all this is an important time.

As Chris says, we cannot stop hoping and believing that he will be better. Just because they might say its impossible it doesn't mean that Chris wont be able to do something that has never been done before. I believe that he will amaze us all, and prove people wrong like he has already done.

Research in the field is going to play a very important role for Chris' recovery. Work involving stem cells is promising and we need to keep current on what is happening so Chris can benefit from advances made. Indeed, the future holds that Chris' condition will be a thing of the past.

Everyones courage. loving support, and belief in Chris has and will always be our greatest joy and blessing.

Sincerely, Anna

stinkin' ceiling

2007-05-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

hey chris,
so i just read your blog about the ceiling (yeah i am slow on the tech end and not blog savvy) and noticed that some wise person pointed you to the sky factory. you know what? they just happen to be located in my very own hometown of fairfield, ia and my sister works there. so, if you are interested, i have a hook up for you. she has only worked there a few months but i can see what she can do. sending lots of positive vibes and best wishes from venice, celesta

2007-05-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hi, Chris, I wanna say congratulation to you. Though I haven't seen your presentation boards and have no idea of the coming World Expo in Shanghai yet, I don't need to hesitate to send my compliment to you since the prize you have won has already proved that you deserve my compliment. In fact, it is not easy to win a prize or a position in a competition since you need to be good enough to fight the others. That is, you need to be truly talented. So, I wanna say it's my honor to have a friend like you- a friend who have great talent.

In fact, I know you are good in architecture since I've been your classmate, you worked hard in studio, and you have ideas that I have never thought about before. Do you still remember the phrase you created- 'Increasing, decreasing'. I still remember it! I still remember how the assignment looks like as it came out. Do you still remember Lawman Millar? Ha ha ha, we've worked like Brunal- a dog- in his studio! :-( :-) Those were the days my friend, we thought the assignment will never end...suddenly these lyric come to my mind!

Alright, Chris, keep your spirit up, there will be many more good days and success waiting ahead for you to enjoy! BTW, I'm expecting to see the boards!

Homion(Damien)

CHRIS SOS EL TOP!!

2007-05-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

CHRIS YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!
congratulations on placing third out of tons + tons of applicants, what an extreme honor to know your design got such praise. having seen the presentation boards with the beautiful drawings you did, it deserves it!! hopefully it'll be on the blog soon so that everyone else can see just how spectacular the project is + what a genius you are!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
with love,
rita

Congrats!

2007-05-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris,

Congrats on the competition! One of the coolest parts of this blog has been getting a glimpse into your little known (to me at least) side as an architect! Anna always raves about your designs and now I know she's not just being starry eyed, it's clear from all these posts you have the right stuff... hmm maybe I'll commision a house from you someday... Anyhow thinking about you and Anna tons and wishing you the speediest recovery possible!

all best
Jen