Prayer Warrior Spotting: A Cardinal!

We think the hot pink looks smashing with red! Thanks for your prayers, Cardinal Burke!

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From Natalie: The First Week of Outpatient Rehab!

Once more we would like to express our gratitude for the incredible support and prayers we received!  The media-thon exceeded all of our expectations!  We had a great time seeing many of you at the #IStandWithThomasPeters reception here in DC.

So what's the latest?  Thomas' first full week of out-patient therapy went very well! He attends three days a week for three to four hours each day. Prior to beginning this program, he was evaluated extensively by a physical and occupational therapist; they established a baseline so that progress can be tracked and we discussed goals. Thomas now works with these therapists one-on-one each day. Thomas really likes them both, they are very creative, demanding, and passionate about what they do. They have high expectations for him and believe a lot can be accomplished with hard work and continued focus. Thomas was relieved to find out he had not lost momentum over the two weeks in between discharge and starting back to rehab -- thanks to our in-home workouts! -- he returned back to therapy even stronger! On days when he is home we continue to prioritize these exercises to keep him strong and limber. With the generous financial assistance we have received we may be adding more therapy to Thomas' rehab days.  

I had to laugh when Thomas said his physical therapist told him that he had completed the initial goals she set for him and is already exceeding her expectations! Rest assured, she is preparing new goals and challenges.

Since coming home we have been practicing daily tasks and coming up with solutions to help Thomas be as independent as possible. One of our personal goals was for him to commute to and attend rehab on his own. With lots of work, we are achieving this goal! I help him get ready for the day and packed up, but then he is off on his own! It's exciting to meet back up for dinner to discuss the day!

We have begun the process of selecting and ordering his manual wheelchair. They took his measurements and the paperwork is rolling ahead. Once our selection is made, it can take up to 3 months to build, so we're getting on it now!  

Despite the cold, we are striving to do more outings together. We had a great time attending a friend's wedding in Georgetown this past weekend (photo above) and Thomas now joins me on errands which is a lot of fun.  

We do not have much of a break for Thanksgiving week (and we don't want one!) but we are looking forward to a cozy Thanksgiving for two with a lovely duck and treats that we brought back from our honeymoon in France. We wish you and your families a very blessed and joyful Thanksgiving! We certainly feel we have much to be grateful for this year!

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Update on #IStandWithThomasPeters Day!

Dear Friends,

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Last week's #IStandWithThomasPeters day was a huge success! We raised $48,491 in individual contributions. Paired with the $12,000 Catholic Vote raised through it's email campaign our current total is:

$60,491

We had hoped to raise much more than our posted goal of $25,000 for Thomas' continued recovery, but your support blew us away. We are grateful and feel so blessed to have witnessed such great love and support during our #IStandwithThomasPeters campaign. 

Here's a quick recap of the highlights of the day:

TWITTER

Over 1500 individual tweets, an estimated reach of 113,000, with countless RTs! Around lunchtime, #IStandWithThomasPeters was trending in DC — briefly even in 1st place!

Tweets were posted by prominent political figures and members of the media — including: Gov. Mike Huckabee, Michelle Malkin, Josh Duggar, Rick Santorum, Tony Perkins, Gretchen Carlson, Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, Katie Pavlich, and Jim Hoft. 

Members of the conservative movement and Catholic new-media tweeted throughout the day, including: Tim Carney, Ryan Anderson, Lila Rose, Tim Stanley, Kate Bryan, William Newton, and Kathryn Lopez.

But most touching of all were the hundreds of people who sent personal messages of support and prayer. Thomas and Natalie were overwhelmed with the prayers and love!

BLOGS

We have full coverage over on our PRESS page, but we wanted especially to share the beautiful piece by Kathryn Lopez: 

"I don’t pretend to know every step along the way, but I knew, unexpectedly standing behind Thomas the other day that I was in the presence of the scene of a miracle — he embodies the power of prayer, the reality of the supernatural; he and his wife are a testament to faith. Good doctors, of course, play no small role in his being alive and improving, but the hope and gratitude he and Natalie demonstrate is rooted in something eternal."

Many people throughout the Catholic blog-sphere spread the word, encouraging support and most of all prayers — special thanks go to Lisa Hendley, Deacon Greg, Catholic World Report, Pat Gohn. (If you posted about #IStandWithThomasPeters, please include the link in the comments or on the Press page, and we'll be happy to add you!)

Many people who supported #IStandwithThomasPeters on Twitter, were hit by the "twitter trolls" (people who attacked you or attacked the campaign). We're sorry you had to go through that, and we thank you for ignoring these messages and bearing them with charity. William Newton has a quick message about all that: 

"The message I hope that you take away from #IStandWithThomasPeters Day is an overwhelmingly positive one, one which you will share with others. It is a story about hope and love triumphing over suffering and sorrow, first of all, but it is also one about the powerful good that media can work in the lives of those in need. ... For everyone involved, it turned out that the fruits of this effort will not just benefit Thomas himself, but all who have witnessed what can result when people of good will are able to reach out and connect with one another."

FACEBOOK

Facebook doesn't have easy tracking but our feeds were certainly FULL with #IStandWithThomasPeters coverage, #IStandwithThomasPeters images, personal stories, and messages of support from all over the world. 

We particularly loved the photos from some of Thomas and Natalie's friends in Michigan in famous Ann Arbor settings — sending a little bit of love from their home state!

Look forward to an update from Thomas and Natalie soon. Thomas started out-patient therapy this week, and is already working hard on his own two month challenge. Meanwhile, we ask you to continue your prayers for Thomas and Natalie, and we assure you of our own prayers, and theirs, of thanksgiving! 

With Love + Thanks,

The #IStandwithThomasPeters Pit Crew

THANK YOU from #IStandWithThomasPeters

We'll post a full update on Monday, but we wanted to thank you for your incredible support of #IStandWithThomasPeters -- the day was a tremendous success!

We've already doubled our goal! 

$39,000 

came from credit-card donations

$11,000 

raised through the incredibly generous Catholic Vote email campaign

Totaling $50,000! 

(And this doesn't include those of you who sent checks, or the totals from receptions in Thomas and Natalie's home state of Michigan, and in Washington, D.C.)

We are so overwhelmed by the love and support and most of all by your prayers! Thomas and Natalie were simply blown away. We'll have a full recap next week (plus update's on Thomas' rehab!), but right now, we just wanted to say:

PRAY + SUPPORT + SHARE

PRAY + SUPPORT + SHARE :: #IStandWithThomasPeters

#IStandWithThomasPeters

Nearly four months ago, Thomas was left in critical condition after a horrific swimming accident. Read Thomas' powerful reflection on his journey thus far and on what is to come: “Reflections on my time away." You, dear blog readers and friends,  have been steadfast in your prayerful support of Thomas since that time. But today, we're asking you to do a little more!

The next TWO MONTHS of Thomas' recovery are crucial! According to Thomas' doctors, the majority of mobility/independence returns within the first six months following the injury. Well, folks... we've got two months till the six month marker. 

The day has come! It's #IStandWithThomasPeters Day! Will you join us? 

PRAY

Join us and thousands of others in prayer for Thomas' full recovery, for Thomas and Natalie's perseverance while carrying this cross, for all those with similar injuries, and in thanksgiving for all the blessings God has bestowed on Thomas and Natalie. Please, join us in prayer!

SUPPORT

On #IStandwithThomasPeters day, we hope to raise funds to help Thomas and Natalie during this new transition and for Thomas' continued recovery. The medical bills, the transition home, and Thomas' continued recovery are extremely expensive, and we want to help.

Please consider making a donation today!

Checks may be sent to Thomas Peters Recovery, c/o National Organization for Marriage, 2029 K Street NW #300, Washington, DC 20006. Write #IStandWithThomasPeters in the memo line! Make check payable to Thomas Peters.

 SHARE 

Help us spread the word by sharing on Facebook/Twitter using the hashtag #IStandWithThomasPeters! Change your profile pic! Share Thomas' story with the world!

Tweet #IStandWithThomasPeters

Share This Link on Facebook

Click here for more Social Media Resources

Thank you for all your support of Thomas and Natalie!

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See what others are saying about #IStandWithThomasPeters Day.

#IStandWithThomasPeters :: Masses Said Around the World

30 Masses are being said tomorrow for Thomas and Natalie - from Manila, to London, to Houston to Prince Edward Island! (If you're saying mass for Thomas and Natalie, drop us an email and we'll add you to our list.)

Join us in prayer through our Spiritual Bouquet site, or by joining the facebook prayer group, or by joining one of our novenas. 

PRAY + SUPPORT + SHARE

See what others are saying about #IStandWithThomasPeters Day.

#IStandWithThomasPeters - The Two Month Challenge

Pass it on!

Did you know that the recovery window for SCI patients is relatively small?

According to Thomas' doctors, the majority of mobility/independence the patient regains will happen within the first 6 months following the injury. Well, folks... we've got two months!

Help Thomas on his road to recovery, during these crucial two months: the best way for any patient with this injury to achieve the best recovery, is to have as much therapy as possible -- and can be afforded. Following that, the next 6 months (leading up to the year anniversary), is when the recovered mobility is fine-tuned with the help of more therapy.

Will you help Thomas achieve the best recovery he can?

Thomas has 2 months left for his first 6 month window and he is striving to work as hard as he can. He has come leaps and bounds since the injury, and is more determined than ever to recover as much as possible.

With your help, Thomas could go to more therapy sessions, and more therapy means a better chance at a fuller recovery. Please considering donating now!

We are grateful for those who have already donated money, time, and talents! But, here's the beauty of social media-- you give $10 and send to your friend who gives $10, who then sends to their friends who give $10. Every dollar counts and will help Thomas in his recovery.

Even if you can't give, please pray for Thomas and Natalie, for those who suffer similar injuries, and in thanksgiving for those who have already given their support.

#IStandwithThomasPeters, do you?

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See what others are saying about #IStandWithThomasPeters Day.

From Natalie: Pilgrimage to Philadelphia

Thank you for your prayers for our safe travel to Philadelphia and back! 

These days, traveling takes a lot more planning and coordination, but happily all of this went very well on our first trip out of the city! Taking a van, a train, and a handicapped taxi service (with lots of time for delays built in), we made it safely to the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

As we were in line waiting to venerate the relics after Mass, we were greeted by the rector of the cathedral, who recognized Thomas and introduced us to Maureen O'Riordan who is facilitating the US tour of these precious relics and spreading devotion to Louis and Zélie Martin. They offered us the opportunity to have private time to venerate the relics. It was an incredible experience and we came away even more in love with them and eager to spread devotion to their cause.

For more information on the life and devotion of this blessed couple, and how to locate their relics in the United States, please visit Maureen's website www.louisandzeliemartin.org. 

Join us in prayer!

Announcing -- Thursday: I Stand with Thomas Peters Day!

Join us on November 14, 2013 for #IStandWithThomasPeters Day!

As you, dear, faithful readers, know: nearly four months ago, Thomas was left in critical condition after a swimming accident. Read Thomas' powerful reflection on his journey thus far and on what is to come: “Reflections on my time away."

Thomas has always been a vocal advocate for life, marriage, and the faith. Throughout this whole journey, Thomas and Natalie have remained steadfast, and have been a shining example of marriage, love, and courageous perseverance. We are watching miracles happen every day, in Thomas and Natalie’s lives, but also in the lives of the people who have been touched by their story.

Help share their story and join us on November 14th for #IStandwithThomasPeters day!

On #IStandwithThomasPeters day, we also hope to raise funds to help Thomas and Natalie during this new transition and Thomas' continued recovery. The medical bills, the transition home, and Thomas' continued recovery are extremely expensive, and we would like to help. 

The goal → $25,000!

Breakdown of many of the costs/needs:

Health Insurance

Manual Wheelchair co-payment

Renting a motorized wheelchair - transitional

Hospital bed

Prescriptions and medical supplies

Home health aide 3x a week

Handicapped accessible apartment

Expenses and miscellaneous bills

How to get involved online for #IStandwithThomasPeters day on November 14th:

First: please say a prayer for Thomas and Natalie, and for all those suffering from similar injuries!
Second: please consider making a donation.
Third: spread the word about Thomas using the hashtag #iStandwithThomasPeters and using the images below!

FACEBOOK: Show your support! 

Grab these images and add them to your social media sites. Simply click the image to enlarge, and right click to download.

Facebook Cover

Facebook Profile Picture 

TWITTER: Show your support! Grab these images and add them to your social media sites. Simply click the image to enlarge, and right click to download.

Twitter Header Image

Small Twitter Pic

Large Twitter Pic

 

Draft Tweets:

Because the man is never poor or alone who has good friends. http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

Will you join me in prayer for Thomas and Natalie Peters? http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

Because I believe in life, marriage, and religious freedom. http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

I’ve donated to help Thomas Peters’ recovery - will you join me? http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

Thank you @AmericanPapist for being a voice for the Church. http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters #Catholic
 

Pray for Thomas and Natalie Peters, and show your support: http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

#IStandwithThomasPeters, do you? http://bit.ly/17NzvFc
 

Thank you @AmericanPapist for being a voice for the unborn. http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters #prolife

Will you support Thomas Peters and pray for his continued recovery? http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters
 

Every life is precious. Thank you God for the gift of Thomas Peters’ life. http://bit.ly/17NzvFc #IStandwithThomasPeters

Thank you for all of your prayers and support for Thomas and Natalie during this difficult time. May God bless you and your family. 

Join us in prayer!

From Natalie: First Update from Home!

Thomas and Natalie spent their first week in their new apartment together - Natalie sent along this update yesterday:

• I am adjusting to the demands of caring for Thomas full-time and this week returned to working part-time from home.

• The discharge process at rehab was chaotic and disorganized; we spent most of Thomas' first days home sorting out prescriptions, medical supplies, and insurance.

• With rigorous practice, we are encouraged that transfers [movement from bed to chair, etc.] are getting better, as Thomas gets stronger. We are beginning to get a sense of Thomas' routine, medication management, and prioritize his daily exercise program.

• In the rush of the past week, we even fit in time to do some cooking: a pork roast, gourmet burgers, and a homemade pasta sauce.

• We try to fit in a small outing each day and explore our new neighborhood together - and enjoy the fall colors that are finally showing up in DC

• Thomas receives one in-home OT or PT session each day of the week to keep him in shape and I have learned how to do these exercises with him.

• Next week Thomas has an evaluation at rehab for the out-patient program and we continue to look into other options to boost therapy. These months are the most critical for his recovery, and Thomas is eager not to lose momentum from his intense therapy in rehab.

• This weekend we're going on an adventure! We're going on a pilgrimage via train to the cathedral in Philadelphia to venerate the relics of Blessed Louis & Zélie Martin, and their daughter St. Therese of Lisieux. We prayed to this holy couple in the days leading up to our wedding and had already made plans to do this trip before the accident. Our pilgrimage is one of thanksgiving for the gift of marriage and blessings received.

Join us in prayer!

Prayer Warrior Spotting - CA & WI

More prayer warriors have been spotted!  We are truly grateful for the continued outpouring of support & prayers!

Prayers from Santa Monica, CA

Sighting in West Bend, WI - "Sending lots of love & prayers!"

Join us in prayer!

From Thomas Peters: Reflections on my Time Away

Thomas and Natalie are adjusting to their new life at home and we will share more about that soon. Thomas is not yet ready to return to his work by a long shot, but he did want to share some of his reflections on his time in the hospital and thank you for the amazing support they feel blessed to have received from all of you thus far.

REFLECTIONS ON MY TIME AWAY

by Thomas Peters

On a Friday in July I awoke in the early morning hours to someone beating on my back with their fists. I was lying on a bed in a place I did not recognize and I was in excruciating pain. It was a kind of pain I had never experienced before and did not understand. There was a tube down my throat and my body felt incomplete, as if much of it was missing. I came to realize in the hours that followed, the man beating on my back with his fists was a nurse, and he was trying to dislodge some of the fluid that was filling up my lungs as the result of the diving accident I had sustained three days previously, an accident that had fractured my fifth vertebrae and had given me a severe spinal cord injury, an injury that has changed the course of my life forever.

I have no memory of the accident itself. By God's grace, someone spotted me floating facedown in the water and started dragging me to the shore. Had I not been seen, I would have surely died. By God's grace, I was injured on one of the only two days of the year when a group of EMTs gathered less than a mile away for training, so I received prompt medical care for my drowning damage. Had it not been that particular day, help would have been about twenty minutes away and I would have sustained brain damage. And by God's grace there was a field nearby large enough for a rescue helicopter to land and
transport me to the University of Maryland Medical Center's Shock Trauma Center, the best unit of its kind in North America. Had I not received the benefit of the best possible care so soon, my recovery would have been unalterably impaired.

Recovery was, and is, hard. It took six weeks to patch me up to a medically stable position suitable enough to transfer me to a rehabilitation center in Washington, D.C. For six weeks in Baltimore, nurses and doctors battled infections and secretions to heal the damage my lungs had suffered from ingesting filthy water. I was placed in a metal halo in an effort to save my fractured vertebrae. And when that effort ultimately failed, I underwent a two-day surgery to replace the damaged vertebrae with a titanium cage. The surgeons also fused my fourth and sixth vertebrates to strengthen my neck. I was intubated, given a tracheostomy, re-intubated, and put back on the tracheostomy. A steady stream of friends and family visited me during this time to lift my spirits and to share tears and smiles. But no one was more faithful than my wife Natalie; she did not leave my side my entire time in the Intensive Care Unit.

A major accident is an invitation to both physical and spiritual recovery. I have never felt God's presence as much as I do since the accident. People will say that accidents like mine should call into question God's mercy or even His existence. But for me, the fact that I survived my injury is the greatest evidence I have ever experienced of God's mercy and providence. I believe God allowed my accident to happen and that He chose to help me survive that accident and every day gives me the opportunity to be blessed through it.

The accident has taught me the essential value defended by the principle of subsidiarity: the value of family and friends as the first line of defense when things go badly. My family and friends have come forward to help my wife and I in ways that have taken our breadth away. They brought us meals, helped pack and move our home, loaned us their cars, contributed their professional advice like how to plan our financial future and cover medical expenses, they have organized prayer groups for us, designed wristbands to help remind people to pray for us and offered us gifts so generous I have had to firmly say no because they are simply too much. The man is never poor or alone who has good friends. My wife and I simply could not gave survived this were it not for our dear family and friends.

The accident has taught me more about the incredible gift of marriage. My father, during his speech at my wedding reception, said the sacrament of marriage gives us the grace to do the impossible. I have met people during these months who think it is incredible, even impossible, that my wife and I survived a trauma like this having been married only three months. I tell them it helps to marry the right woman and get married the right way, the way the Church taught the two of us what marriage is and why it should be honored. People have told us that they are inspired and receive hope from the witness of our marriage – it inspires us too, I respond! We feel it is possible to face anything, even a future of me paralyzed, so long as we cling to each other, to God, and to our marriage vows. 

The accident has taught me to be more humble and realistic about my own efforts and contributions. Before my accident I took pride in my self-reliance, and my ability to contribute to the causes I care about, and I still do, but since the accident I have gained a far greater appreciation for the fact that everything I do and am is because of the Lord. I certainly didn't bring myself back from the brink of death and, as a wise priest told me, my prayers and sacrifices these weeks and months have done more to aid the causes of life, marriage and religious freedom than anything I wrote, said or did to promote these prior to the accident.

But make no mistake, as soon as I am able, I am coming back to fight harder than ever for all of these things because I know now that it is prayer that makes the warrior his strongest.

The accident has taught me that I am a work still in progress and anything I do achieve is for God's glory. I completed my term of inpatient rehabilitation this week and the hard work of learning to live on my own again (with the tremendous help of my wife) has just begun, as has grueling outpatient therapy to regain more of the strength and muscle systems I have lost. The vast, vast majority of individuals with my injury never walk again, but there remain signs that I could beat these long odds, and I have been praying to St. Jude for such a miracle. The majority of individuals with an injury like mine never regain the use of their hands - I have had to write these reflections using a knuckle of my right pinky on a touchscreen, if you can believe it. But through the intercession of St. Francis, I am recovering some finger function in my left hand. There are troubling signs that my life will forever be plagued with neuropathic pain, but as I have learned, pain can be offered up and need not inhibit living a good and worthy life.

In the coming months, I will be focusing on prayer, reflection and recovery, then we will know more about what the future holds. I don't quite remember how it began, but during one of the many sleepless nights spent in the Baltimore ICU, unsure of what that night and the next day would hold, I was inspired by the example of Samuel in the Old Testament, and began quietly saying to God, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." This remains my prayer. I do not know what the future holds. But I do know that as long as I have breadth, and with whatever limbs and muscles I can move, I will strive to serve the Lord and do His will. What else is a life for?

(Ed. note: this was also posted on Catholic Vote & NOM.)

Join us in prayer!