The Music 4 Youth Benefit will take place, Sunday, May 17th, at the Fox Theatre from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am to benefit Catalyst High School students. Help area youth thrive in a learning environment that is customized and caring for them. Six great hours of entertainment for only $22. E-mail Leslie Levinson to become a sponsor. Go to the Fox Theatre website to buy tickets. Go to the Catalyst High School website to learn more about this incredible educational alternative that needs your help.

BreakEFX at 6:00,

John Runnels at 6:45,

Wendy Woo Duo at 7:30, 

Ginga at 8:30,

Hazel Miller with Papa Juke at 9:30,

Girls on Top at 10:30,

All Star Jam at 11:15.

Special Guests : Erica Brown & Lionel Young!

For EVEN MORE INFORMATION, Go To http://www.myspace.com/boulderbenefitconcert

Susan Nadia Moi left the rehabilitation hospital on Christmas Eve and spent a few weeks living with one of her supporters before moving into an apartment with a friend in the second week of January.

 

In January, Susan regained independence of mobility, which included taking the RTD bus to school, for shopping and to visit friends. She restarted at laceName w:st="on">CatalystlaceName> laceType w:st="on">High SchoollaceType> on January 8, picking up where she left off at the time of the fire and continuing on with several classes. Last week Susan finished with strong grades in Personal Business, Health, American History and Math. She is now taking a physical science class in Catalyst: Alternative Energy Vehicles, where she says, “We’re really having fun!”

 

At the present time, Susan wants to focus on school and is planning on returning to work at Safeway in a month.

 

At the time of the fire, Susan, as a member of the Community of Sudanese-American Women and Men had a health insurance policy with Kaiser Permanente. Her Kaiser Plan has covered her medical expenses.

 

Proceeds from the Susan Moi Fund and from Crowd Funder have been placed specifically for Susan in the laceName w:st="on">CommunitylaceName> laceName w:st="on">FoundationlaceName> laceName w:st="on">ServinglaceName> laceName w:st="on">BoulderlaceName> laceType w:st="on">CountylaceType> for ongoing expenses related to health, education, and her general welfare. Funds collected at the benefit concert in December have been split evenly between Susan and Kaianna to support their needs during recovery.

 

Susan says she is grateful to the many, many people who have taken an interest in helping her since the fire. She is particularly grateful for those who have spent countless hours with her personally in the hospital, helping her move into her new apartment, tutoring her, transporting her to school and doctors appointments, and supporting her emotionally.

Wow! It is hard to believe all of these wonderful things are happening right in front of our eyes. Kaianna came for dinner last night on a six hour pass. Jada was in SO HAPPY to be with her Mama all evening. Kaianna was somewhat overwhelmed with all of us in this small apartment but loved every minute

 

We had the Christmas trees (yes, still.....) all lit up when she came in the front door. You should have seen her smile! She especially loved the one from Ed (!!!!!) with the fresh (formerly fresh) roses and baby's breath. It is still beautiful - we do have it on the patio as it is shedding. We are keeping it as long as we are here. We are going to decorate it for Valentine's Day this week. 

 

Jada slept in her ladybug jammies, had her Hello Kitty slippers on the entire evening . . .

We had a great meal of salmon, lentils, vegetables, rice, spinach and feta salad. Kaianna loved it! We talked and laughed and cried and hugged. She did not want to go back to the hospital, understandably so, but she returned about 9:30. She was exhausted. She has a full day today and after her last therapy session, we are doing an interview with Fox TV as a follow up to Kaianna's story. . .

Kaianna read a lot of her cards and letters last night - still has several hundred to go through. Keep them coming -- she really enjoys them!

We are on top of the world in case you can't tell. I know we have only just begun but it is the most exciting time that you can imagine. To see Kaianna smile, even frown and scowl, hug, kiss, talk with her, watch her progress each day and above all, to continue to thank God that she is alive!!!!!

 

. . .  Last night was a priceless evening, I'm sure one of only thousands to come. We all have a new appreciation for life, for miracles, and for family. . . I love all of you! Hugs and once again, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS, LOVE AND SUPPORT!

Candy

For Catalyst Student Susan Moi
"Susan Moi Fund"
Catalyst High School
2575 Park Lane, Ste 100
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303) 604-6512
Account in First Community Bank
Credit card donations at bank in person only
These contributions are not tax-deductible

For Severely Burned 26 Year-old Mother of 4 Year-old Girl
"Kaianna Kadivnik Fund"
641 Potomac, Street, #211
Aurora, CO 80011
Account in US Bank Account # 103678745946
These contributions are not tax-deductible
www.kaisonelove.com/donate.html

To Split Funds Evenly between Susan and Kaianna
"ATNI" (All Together Now International)
Catalyst High School
2575 Park Lane, Ste 100
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303) 604-6512
Account in Wells Fargo Bank
Contributions to ATNI are tax-deducible

For "Lost Girls of the Sudan"
"CSAW" (Community of Sudanese American Women)
P.O. Box 3217
Boulder, CO 80307
(720) 206-5334
Coantributions to CSAW are tax-deductible
csawco.tripod.com/id25.html

For Assistance to All Victims Displaced by the Fire
"Thistle Community Housing Emergency Assistance Fund"
5620 Arapahoe #212
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 442-2293
Contributions to Thistle are tax-deductible

Hi All,

 

Happy Holidays!

 
Susan was dismissed from the rehab unit on Dec. 24. She is doing well medically; she does need more visitors at Stephanie's home.  Stephanie works in Denver Monday through Friday so she isn't home during the week.    Susan would very much enjoy company during the day. The address is 3517 Smuggler Way, which is in Table Mesa off Greenbriar.  The best thing is to call her to make sure she isn't at a doctor's appt. before heading to visit: (720-309-7143).

Susan will probably move into her new apartment at 2995 Glenwood Dr, Apt 117 sometime during the second week of January, until then Susan can use some company.
Please pass this on, and a big thanks to all of you for your wonderful support.

Janet

Dec. 17 Fund Raising Event

The fund raising event at the Outlook Hotel for Susan Moi and Kaianna Kadivnik was fun, well attended, and raised approximately $8,000 (a record benefit at the Outlook) to be split evenly between Susan and Kaianna. At one point, there were so many attendees that people needed to wait at the door to enter, because the restaurant was at capacity.

 

I wish to extend my thanks to all those who jumped in to make the event a huge success!! At the risk of missing deserving people who helped with the event, I’ll try to highlight many individuals who deserve special thanks!

• Mark “Mad Dog” Friedman, for taking the idea and making it happen!! Mark gathered all the bands, organized the students to promote the concert, and recruited Peggy and Jape to lead up the Silent Auction;
• Peggy Knapp and her husband Jape Abruscato for coordinating an amazing auction. The donations for the auction took on a life of their own, with over 160 items, and they even needed to stop accepting donations at the end!
• Musicians: the Wendy Woo duo, Jenn Cleary, Lionel Young, Erica Brown, Alicia Fall, Papa Juke, John Magnie, Mad Dog, and all the other members of the bands;
• The BreakEFX dance troupe and the Sudanese Dancers;
• Jenn Cleary, for making “All Together Now International” available to receive the funds from the event;
• Mary Kerns, Nic Abruscato, Rae Cooper, Bob Backerman, Carolyn Beezley, Doug Sweeney, Jocelyn Sweeney, Ella Sweeney, Julia Paine, David Paine, Kara, Copeland, Bonnie and Keith Buchanan, Mark Wolk, Julia Lebetkin, James Taylor, and Rachel Daly for making posters, setting up, receiving money, monitoring tables, etc.
• Rockin’Robin for emceeing the event;
• Grace Porritt for matching Christmas wishes with angels on behalf of the Thistle Residents who lost all their possessions in the fire;
• Catalyst Development Director Leslie Levinson for having a hand in everything;
• Laura Hay for helping lay out the silent auction;
• The scores of donors of items for the auction;
• The Outlook Hotel for allowing us to hold this event in their lounge; and
• Everyone who attended the benefit!

 

Susan

After being lifted from her medical sedation about 10 days ago, Susan has progressed amazingly well. I visited Susan this morning. When I arrived at her room, it was empty. I found Susan at the computer in the cafeteria emailing friends. All indications are that Susan will leave the rehabilitation hospital either the day before or the day after Christmas. We all expect it to be Wednesday. She’s talking up a storm, walking around, working on math, reading on The Constitution and writing about it in her notebook. She is watching TV for the first time in her life, mainly basketball, soccer and her favorite game of American football. During my visit, Susan described how she laughs and laughs when the man with the ball falls on the ground. “I yell, ‘Get up, get up!’ But other men jump on the man with the ball, so he can’t get up!” (Read: She’s doing well.) Susan looks forward to returning to Boulder where she will live with a friend from the Community of Sudanese American Women. She is quite concerned about what students and strangers will think of her looks when they see her. Nevertheless, Susan is excited about coming back to school when we resume studies on January 8^th!!

 

Kaianna

Today, in addition to visiting Susan, I also delivered Christmas presents, cookies, and prepared meals from many supportive people in Boulder to Kaianna’s family. Kaianna’s mother, Candace, and stepfather, Mike, came out from Cincinnati to be with Kaianna’s 4-year old daughter and to be with Kai. Kai remains medically sedated and in critical condition in the burn unit at laceType w:st="on">UniversitylaceType> laceType w:st="on">HospitallaceType>. Candace and Mike are staying in an apartment near the hospital, subsidized by Thistle. They so badly “wish to wake up from this horrible nightmare.” Today the nightmare included news of a thwarted burglary at their Cincinnati Home while they are out here. Candace is amazed and so grateful for the all the thoughts, prayers, food, clothing, Christmas Tree, and other gifts from new friends in Boulder, most of whom they have never met. Candace and Mike wish to extend their thanks to everyone in Boulder who has taken them into their hearts. Please do keep Kaianna in your prayers this holiday season, as she fights to recover from her serious burns.

How things change so quickly.  Susan was moved to laceName w:st="on">SpaldinglaceName> laceName w:st="on">RehabilitationlaceName> laceType w:st="on">HospitallaceType>,     (900 Potomac St, Aurora, 303-367-1166, www.spaldingrehab.com) on Friday afternoon.  It was a very quick decision by Kaiser, Spalding and Univ. Hosp.  I was visiting Susan when the Spalding Rep came by to assess Susan for transfer.  I haven't been to the new facility, but several folks have visited Susan at her new digs and have given it a good report.  Susan has some new rehab clothing for her next few weeks.  She will soon need a winter coat, boots, hat and gloves, and more everyday winter clothing.

Susan is doing quite well, she still has the trach and can't speak until its removed, she is writing notes to communicate and thinking about the future.  The trach will be removed in the next week or so.  Susan will then work on swallowing and speech rehab.

Visitation is now completely open.  You can visit Susan anytime between 8am and 7:30pm. It is probably a good idea to keep visitor numbers to no more than 3 people in a group.  If you have a cold, don't go. Susan doesn't need to catch it.  So, no more visitation schedules!!  Thanks so much for bearing with so many complicated details in the past 3 weeks. We've gotten her through a very difficult period of time. 

Please visit Susan if you can get down to Aurora, she will very much enjoy your company.

Janet

I had a wonderful visit with Susan, despite some amount of chaos. She smiled a lot while I was there. I was so surprised and relieved to see what good shape she was in. I was prepared for the worst, in terms of possible disfigurement, and more devastating skin conditions. But she looked great, like Susan, with obviously a lot of pigmentation issues, but still just great! I told her that she looked beautiful. She was very happy. We went on to talk about math (I told her I would not allow her to give that up), and I brought her
pictures of me on top of laceType w:st="on">Mt.laceType> laceName w:st="on">LindseylaceName>. I said that I might have to become her high country hiking instructor in addition to math tutor, and she was interested, but asked me if there were no deserts or big rivers in Colorado as well. She could not understand why in Colorado you would have to release fish after you catch them.

As before, she could not talk adequately because of the trach, but could
write short phrases.

As I left Susan was being prepared to move to a different building called the Spaulding Rehab Unit, at 900 Potomac, which I think is about 5 blocks south of Colfax in the same area. Potomac is the street that turns into Fitzsimmons Parkway on the campus. Susan's improved condition, perhaps new assessments from the doctors, etc. must have prompted this quick move. Susan seemed to take it in stride, but it was obviously unsettling.

It’s been 3-1/2 weeks, since I was last allowed to visit Susan. As I entered the hospital,  I hoped for the best. I was not disappointed. When I first arrived, Susan was pretty out of it. The nursed fussed around for 10 minutes or so, while I tried to figure out what to do with myself. I told Susan I was there and held her hand. I’m sure she recognized me, but it was clear that reality was very much a fog for her.

 

Then the nurse finished and left. I put in a CD of African Music that Debra at school had told me that Susan really liked. Immediately, Susan opened her eyes, and started – to get out of bed! I don’t know if she needed to use the bathroom or wanted to dance. I grabbed the attention of the first nurse I could find, who pushed a button, and five seconds later six nurses were doing whatever they could to keep Susan in bed. It was perfect Susan! I knew right then that Susan is going to be just fine!

 

The nurses closed the curtain, and asked me to spend some time in the waiting room and return in 15 minutes or so. After 45 minutes, the curtain opened. Susan was wide awake.

 

She was sitting up in bed. Her tracheotomy prevents her from talking, but she has no problem expressing herself. While I was there, over the next 30 minutes, Susan had what appeared to be her first real conversations with the chaplain and the hospital psychologist. In reality, I know that they had visited her many times over the previous 24 days, but today was the first time that Susan was able to respond to them.

 

When Susan wasn’t preoccupied with the specialists, I pulled out my bags hand made cards and strings of cranes created by students at the school. As I started to read the first card, big tears from both eyes rolled down her cheeks. Susan continued to cry as I read each card. After I read Sierra’s card, Susan reached out for the card to read it herself. Finally, she handed it back to me. As I read Kaitlyn’s card, Susan took the card from me, held the card to her heart, and cried a little harder. Susan smiled as I read Nick’s card, and clearly wanted to say something after I read Chico’s card. It was clear how profoundly moved Susan was by the expression of hope and love from her friends at school.

 

Perhaps contrary to better judgment, I told Susan that soon she would be continuing her high school studies. I told her we’d bring school to her until she could return to school. To this, Susan seemed visibly upset. She shook her head, clearly angry and distraught about how her injuries sustained in the fire had interfered with her progress in school and her graduation plans. This is one emotional mountain for her.

 

All of Susan’s hair is growing back. Her face looks 80 fine, a beautiful dark Sudanese brown. While raw and pink, it looks like the rest of her face will heal well with time. Much of Susan’s hands and arms were burned but seem to be healing well, and there is still plenty of Susan’s hands for visitors to touch and hold. I know Susan has graphs on her back too, only because I glanced back to watch a moment of Susan’s wrestling match with the team of nurses. Susan is a fighter. She is expected start talking again by the weekend. I expect the next week to one of tremendous progress in her recovery.

As of this afternoon, community contributions of $10,833 have been donated to help Susan. This includes $836 collected for Susan by Crowd Funder. if you want to contribute to her fund on line at this time, go to the "Video Link" entry below, . Over 85 people, businesses and foundations have contributed so far. A vast majority of the donations have come from caring people in the community whom we don't know and who never met Susan. Checks may be sent to "Susan Moi Fund" c/o Catalyst High School, 2575 Park Lane, Ste 100, Lafayette, CO 80026. Credit card donations may be made in person at any First Community Bank location.

To support both Susan and Kaianna Kadivnik, attend our fund raising concert and silent auction next Wednesday, December 17. Catalyst High School students and Friends of Catalyst are working hard to make this an amazing event. For more information, click here:  http://www.myspace.com/boulderbenefitconcert