Joe and his Mustang

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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