2021 Heine Strong Golf Tournament

 Hey friends! It’s time to sign up for the

2021 Heine Strong Golf Tournament at The Legends Country Club on October 14th. It sold out in 2019 so gather up your friends for a great time. Details about the tournament and how to register are below. Can’t wait to see you at the course!

Here are some helpful links:

Register to play, sponsor, or attend the “19th hole” celebration:

form.jotform.com/heinestrong/golf

Brian’s Amazon wish list:

tinyurl.com/hsgt21

To donate a large item or experience, please email Brian at bheine12@gmail.com

Click on this link to view a digital copy of the brochure.

March Update

March 30, 2020

March has been a good month for Brian.  We've been home from the hospital for several weeks and are enjoying the comforts of our home.

We decided to isolate ourselves on March 15th due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Brian is at an extreme HIGH risk, so we can't take any chances when it comes to his health.  No visitors, family, or caretakers.  Our caretakers are working in the ER and ICU. I pray for their health and safety.

The girls have been a huge help to fill the void of our caretakers.  Two weeks ago, Maddie and I were transferring Brian to bed and somehow the 10 lb. battery from the hoyer lift dislodged and landed on my foot.  Broken toe and chipped bones, but the show must go on.  I'm so thankful to have them.

Kenzie's senior year is ending in a way we never expected. But, she's taking it in stride. Kenzie is the Student Council president this semester and is working hard from home to keep the council united. All plans for attending Mizzou next year are on hold for now.  It's an unsettling feeling to not know what the future holds.

Maddie is handling the isolation well, too.  She's on FaceTime a lot  and making thousands of TikToks a day. I love hearing her laugh and be goofy with her friends. I secretly think she loves having the attention of Kenzie, but she'd probably never admit it.  Maddie always used to say she wanted to be homeschooled...well, her wish has come true!

I'm navigating this new world of virtual learning with my students. It's definitely a learning process as we all try to figure out how to support the kids. I worry about my students who need school as their safe, consistent place.

Many people have reached out to check on Brian and our family.  We appreciate your kindness.  Please keep Brian in your prayers that he remains healthy and out of the hospital.   Everyone stay healthy and WE thank you for staying at home and social distancing. You are doing it for Brian and others like him.

Brian Update

February 26, 2020

Brian Update:

It's been a rough 2020 for Brian. He was in the hospital with pneumonia on two separate occasions. Each stay was ten days long.

He just got home last Wednesday and went for his follow-up visit to the urologist on Thursday. They found two new kidney stones. One was obstructing the ureter, so he went back in the hospital on Sunday.

Surgery to remove the stones was Monday, but Brian had an infection so they put in a stint and will try surgery this coming Monday.

Brian has also been exposed to the flu by a worker in the hospital. They will monitor him closely.

We would love your prayers, good mojo, whatever it is, we will take it!

Surgery Update

November 13, 2019

Brian is out of surgery and it went well. They were able to get the 6 stones (a few the size of marbles), but couldn’t get the newest one due to his position on the OR table. Praying for an uneventful, infection-free road ahead. ❤️

Surgery day

November 13, 2019

Brian is having surgery today to remove the 6 kidney stones in his right kidney and one newly discovered stone in his left. We are both very anxious about the procedure, but hope this will eliminate the constant infections he is getting. Prayers and good thoughts appreciated!

Post tournament update

Oct. 19, 2019

Our first annual Heine Strong Golf Tournament was a huge success!  The weather was perfect, everyone had fun, and we felt so loved and supported.

Unfortunately, three days after the tournament, Brian was complaining of breathing complications.  We took a trip to the ER to have him checked out.  He had pneumonia and stayed in the hospital for 16 days.  Definitely not what we hoped for, but Brian was in the right place to recover.  He spent his birthday in the hospital and missed Kenzie's last homecoming and Maddie's first homecoming.

During his hospital stay, Brian also developed a wound.  We met with the wound care clinic yesterday and it will take months for Brian to heal.  We also had to postpone his surgery to remove the kidney stones until next month.  I'm looking forward to getting them removed because I think they are the cause of many issues. Praying an infection does rear it's ugly head again before November 13th (new surgery date).

Like always, Brian maintains a good attitude and that helps me try to remain positive. But these setbacks have been very discouraging and overwhelming to both of us.  We ask for your prayers/good thoughts to get through this time.   I know people wonder if it's a good time to reach out to Brian, come by for a visit etc.  The answer is YES, it is a good time.  He wants to hear from you and needs to know you think of him.

These hard times remind me of how blessed we are to be surrounded by loving family, friends, work family, and even people we don't know who rally behind us. We appreciate you and thank you!

#heinestrong

One year ago

8/28/19

One year ago...

Brian came home from Craig Hospital by air ambulance.  It was his first time home after 9 months in hospitals.  Just a few hiccups along the way, but overall, a good year.  Grateful to be home surrounded by family and friends.


UPDATE as of 8/29/19  The golf tournament has SOLD OUT!!

 

Golf Tournament and Update

August 5, 2019

The First Annual Brian Heine Benefit Golf Tournament is just SIX weeks away. Registration is open until SEPT 1st. If you are not a golfer, but would like to attend the "19th Hole Celebration", we'd love to have you! 

$150 tournament dues include:

*18 holes with cart at The Legends Country Club
*Beer, soda, water on the course
*Boxed lunch and snacks
*Sponsor-provided door prizes
*Tournament awards
*19th hole celebration
*Silent auction

$35 19th hole celebration for any non-golfers

*Food, soda, water, beer provided
*Wine and spirits available at cash bar
*Silent auction, raffle baskets
*5:00 p.m.

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Online: form.jotform.com/heinestrong/golf
2. Mail:
Brian Heine
9845 Gerald Drive
St. Louis, MO 63128

Quick Brian update:
Things are getting better. Brian is still waiting to get his kidney/bladder stones removed. Hopefully that happens soon. His heart wasn't functioning properly when he was in septic shock, but thank goodness, that is improving. Brian will see a specialist to monitor his progress. Blood sugars are a bit whacky, but that could also be infection related. He's just keeping me on my toes!

Brian's been busy working on the golf tournament, which he really enjoys doing. It gives him a sense of purpose.

Thank you for the Amazon Wishlist donations and other donated items. Your generosity is truly overwhelming and humbling. I know we continue to say that, but I have no better words to describe our gratitude.

If you know anyone that may be interested in caring for Brian a few days a week while I'm a work, please send me a message or email Brian at bheine12@gmail.com for more details!

We are home!

Brian was discharged last night. It’s so good to home!

Brian Update

July 12, 2019

It's been quite a week for Brian. I had to call the ambulance on Sunday morning because he wasn't feeling well. Brian ended up in septic shock and has been in the ICU ever since. Doctors found a kidney stone that was obstructing the kidney, which caused an infection. Unfortunately, that infection moved into the bloodstream. Brian also had a bad UTI, most likely resulting from the kidney issues He still has several kidney stones that need to be removed, but that can't happen until the infection is completely gone.

The good news is Brian is responding well to the IV meds they are giving him. If his next blood culture comes back negative, we can hopefully head home in a few more days.

Being back in the ICU brings up tough memories.from when this all began. Luckily, Brian is in great spirits and the staff loves him. We are very appreciative of the amazing care he's receiving.

We welcome any prayers/good thoughts/positive vibes you send our way.

On a side note...Brian is on my "heine" to send out a golf update. I will try to post that tomorrow. Thank you for all of the donations and sponsorships for the tournament. We've been receiving items from the Amazon Wishlist each day to use in our raffle baskets for the 19th hole celebration. We continue to be humbled by the kindness and generosity of everyone. xoxo

July Update

July 3, 2019

Happy Summer from the Heines! 

Brian is busy planning his golf tournament.  It's neat to see him so involved in the process and have a "sense of purpose" as he likes to say.  Health has been relatively good.  We've had many issues with his catheter and landed in the ER with a two-night stay at the beginning of June.  He has 6-7 kidney stones that will be removed in a few weeks.  Other than that, his neck continues to get stronger each day.

We met with the neurosurgeon regarding the nerve transplant surgery.  He's not a good candidate YET, but the doc hasn't ruled it out for the future.  Brian needs to get more activation with a shoulder shrug  in his trap muscles.  They will serve as the donor nerves.  The good news is the receiving nerves in his lower arms are good to go! It wasn't exactly the news Brian wanted to hear, but we're holding on to the "YET."

Summer has been a little hard for us.  We find ourselves getting stuck in the past....what we used to do, vacations, trips to see friends, and little things like running an errand whenever we needed to.  Delivery services like DoorDash, InstaCart, and Shipt have become lifesavers for me.  

We celebrated our 20-year anniversary the same night the Blues won the Stanley Cup!  Yay us and yay Blues! It was so much fun watching the playoffs and I was sad to see it end.

The girls are doing well.  They take full advantage of sleeping in and enjoying a less hectic summer schedule.  


*********************************************************************************

Registration for The First Annual Brian Heine Benefit Golf Tournament is OPEN!

You can register with the following link: form.jotform.com/heinestrong/golf  or send payment to Brian through the mail at: 9845 Gerald Drive. St. Louis, MO 63128.  If you would like a electronic copy of the brochure, just send us your email and we will be happy to get one out to you! 

So many people have reached out wanting to donate to the fundraiser. Thank you thank you for your kindness!  

Here are a few ways to help:

• Amazon Wish List for Golf Tournament  Items will be used to create raffle baskets. 
• Unused gift cards or unopened items around the house you don't need. We'd be happy to take them off your hands. :)
  
• Various sponsorship levels (see the sponsorship letter below)
• Donations for silent auction.
• $10 (or more) gift cards

We are happy to pick up the items or they can be mailed to:

Brian Heine

9845 Gerald Dr.y

St. Louis, MO 63128

The money we raise will go directly to paying for caretakers and monthly costs for supplies and medications not covered by insurance.  One hour of care is $25 out-of-pocket.  We were able to afford 4 hours a day when I returned to work and hope to pay for more after the tournament.  

If you are an out-of-town golfer and need to rent clubs, please email Brian at bheine12@gmail.com.

Anyone have a beer connection?  Let Brian know! Rest assured though, his TOP priority is to make sure people have fun and drinks are flowing the day of the tournament.  Brian's willing to sell his body to get money for the beer, but he says he won't get much for it because it doesn't work the way it used to. Brian had another thought to have a dunking booth with him in his electric wheelchair.  I guess that's one way to have a fun time?!?  It'd be a time you won't forget...haha!  He's still got that inappropriate humor, what can I say?

We cannot fully express the love and support we've received throughout this journey.  It's a very humbling experience and I don't know what we'd do without our supporters!

NOTE: Click on the brochure to enlarge.

April Update

4/30/19

My goal was to update monthly, but somehow, two months flew by!  We only missed a few holidays this go around, so we are improving.  :)

Things continue to be uneventful at the Heine house.  Brian is doing well medically, all things considered.  Sleep is inconsistent and there are times I feel like we are on a reality show to see how many consecutive nights Brian can stay awake...LOL...not a game I'd recommend to anyone. :)

Brian's neck strength is improving.  He held his head upright for 8 minutes, which is pretty fantastic!  I'm praying this trend continues.  On Friday, Brian received a call from his neurosurgeon to consult with one of his colleagues about the possibility of nerve transfer surgery.  This surgery could potentially give Brian movement in his arms.   Brian's having a nerve conduction test in 2 weeks to begin this process.  "Cautiously optimistic" is how we are taking this news...it's a glimmer of hope we haven't had.  Specific prayers requested for Brian that the conduction test will go well, so he can hopefully be a good candidate for the surgery.

Over Spring Break, we took a trip to visit one of Brian's former customers, Cope Plastics.  They have been an awesome supporter of Brian during this journey and it was neat to meet everyone in person.  He loved catching up with old friends and hearing about the latest and greatest about the lucrative industry of plastics. :)

The kids are doing great!  Lindbergh hosted the Missouri StuCo Convention and it was unbelievable!  I saw the blood, sweat, and tears Kenzie put into helping plan this event, but I had NO idea how amazing it would be.  I'm so proud of Kenzie for taking a leadership role of co-president and I am beyond thrilled with the way the ENTIRE Lindbergh council worked together to ROCK the event!

Maddie just made freshmen cheerleading for Lindbergh...GO FLYERS!  She's so excited for high school and can't wait to show her school spirit!  Maddie will also be running for a position on  Student Council before the end of the school year. She attended the StuCo convention and loved it!  In March, Maddie received the Hawkins Award recognizing her "above and beyond" efforts to help others.  This was given to her by Truman Middle School and the Lindbergh Schools Builders Club. We are very proud of her!

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!  Registration for The First Annual Brian Heine Benefit Golf Tournament is OPEN!  Brian has worked so hard with the help of friends and family to create the brochure and has begun planning special events for the day.  The brochure and sponsorship letter are below for anyone interested. There are different levels of sponsorship outlined in the letter below.  Proceeds will help cover the cost of Brian's daily care.   We are hopeful the event will be a huge success!

Registration info is included on the brochure, but you can also register with the following link: form.jotform.com/heinestrong/golf

We are looking for connections to anyone that can get beer, soda, and water donated, along with Silent Auction items.  Let us know if you may be able to help!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

NOTE: Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Greetings from the Heines

February 27, 2019

Well, to say we haven't updated in a long time is an understatement.  I was going to say it's been "awhile" or "a while", but couldn't figure out which to use. LOL...

We'd like to begin by saying Happy Belated Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Groundhog's Day.

We are getting into a good routine and things have been uneventful, which in our minds, is positive. Brian is doing well.  He's medically stable, but still inappropriate.  Again, we view this as a positive thing, as Brian still has his wit and wicked sense of humor.  Brian receives physical and occupational therapy to stimulate his muscles and strengthen his neck.  We hope to ditch the head pads as soon as he can control his head independently.

Brian has working hard on his first annual golf tournament coming September 26, 2019 at The Legends Country Club in Eureka, MO.  More information about this exciting event will be posted soon.  I'm keeping Brian busy with a long "honey do" list each day.  

I returned to work at the beginning of January.  It was a bit nerve-racking at first for both of us. We'd been together around the clock since this injury happened.  I can definitely say I missed him traveling. :)  I love being back at work. It's great to see my colleagues, and the kiddos energize me.  I'm lucky to have a job I love!

Kenzie is doing very well.  Her high school is hosting the state convention for Student Council, which is a huge honor. She is the co-president for this major event and has been working her heine off to make it a success.  Fingers crossed the weather cooperates next weekend so that kids from across the state can travel safely to St. Louis. Kenzie is also now a working woman. She is beginning to understand the value of a dollar and learn that money doesn't grow on trees. Kenzie selected her senior courses for next year and I'm in shock that she won't be with us much longer.  

Maddie is doing great!  She just finished her cheerleading season at school. She was voted Miss Congeniality by her cheer coach who described Maddie as having sass and class. Ha! That's pretty spot on. Maddie joined Student Council at her school. She was named Guidance Student of the Month for December.  We just finished completing her high school course selection for her freshmen. I cannot believe it.  Maddie wants to be a Physical Therapist and work at Craig. 

Elsie is still the furry baby princess of the house.  As much as I'd like to say I am her master, she really owns me.  So much for all the training books I read before we adopted her.  

We are so thankful for the support we continue to receive from everyone.  Our family has been amazing helping out with Brian while I'm at work, helping me with his cares, and keeping Brian company.  

P.S. Apparently photography hasn't been at the top of my list as I have no photos of the family except this one at Halloween.  Maddie was Eleven from Stranger Things. 

A Great and Busy Week

A Great and Busy Week (Oct. 25, 2018)

Brian and I had a great week!  We were out and about almost every day.  On Tuesday, we went to Maddie's Student Led Conference at her school. The staff was extremely accommodating to us and were even waiting at the door for our arrival.  Maddie was so proud to have her dad there too!  That made him feel extra special.  I had to chance to be swabbed as a possible bone marrow donor while we were at her school.  Check out "wil ohler’s fight with leukemia #wilswarriors" on Facebook to read about how a Lindbergh High School senior is fighting a battle with cancer and needs to find a bone marrow donor.  There are several locations having bone marrow drives in the upcoming weeks.

On Wednesday, we took a trip to see our Edward Jones advisor.  That night, friends came by the house for dinner.  It was nice to get caught up on the latest and greatest with them and enjoy a glass of wine too. :)

Thursday was Abilities Awareness Day at Crestwood Elementary.  I haven't been back in the building since Brian unexpectedly took a trip to the ER last January.  I was excited, but nervous to see everyone because I knew it would be a reminder of how life was prior to Brian's injury.  However, Brian and I were welcomed with hugs and smiles from the students and staff.  Brian gave 4 presentations to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.  He talked about his injury, how its impacted his life, and how we choose to live with JOY each day. The students were absolutely amazing and asked such thoughtful questions. I'm so proud that Brian wanted to speak to others, especially because we've only been home for 2 months.  He loved every minute of the day.

We also got to meet Officer Flamion and his wife, Sarah.  Sarah has helped me so much with the many questions I've had about doctor recommendations, daily living, and just the complexity of caring for someone with a spinal cord injury.  We enjoyed lunch with them after the presentations and look forward to visiting again soon. 

Like always, we thank you so much for your love and support. Can't wait for another great week!

Our New Normal

Our New Normal (10/10/18)

We continue to adjust to our new life.  I think we will never fully understand how drastically life has changed, but we are getting through each day with the best attitude we can.  We have more up days than down.

Brian's health remains good.  He has PT coming to the house three days a week for range of motion stretching and neck strengthening exercises. Nursing stops by to check in and draw bloodwork once a week.  In the new future, we will transition to an outpatient PT program that will help Brian continue his recovery.

We've had a great few weeks.  My brother came into town for Brian's birthday. We haven't seen him since we left Craig hospital. Brian had an awesome visit with a former co-worker and got caught up on all the scoop in the industry.  We hosted a game night at the house and hosted several family gatherings. Kenzie had homecoming and Brian was thrilled that she wasn't embarrassed to have friends come by for pictures. 

We have been test driving two vans and hope to finalize the purchase this week.  So far, we've taken trips to family members' home to see if Brian can enter using portable ramps, saw our niece's soccer game, made a trip to Ted Drewes, and picked up Maddie from school.  Freedom feels so good! 

We want to thank everyone again for your generosity throughout this journey. Here is an update of  how your donations (private, GoFundMe, fundraisers) have helped us cover some of the costs we are incurring: 

$33,000: Home renovations to accommodate Brian's power chair
$21,500: Backup generator, updated electrical panels and circuits for medical equipment
$20,000: Down payment for a used accessible van. Very limited options due to the dimensions of Brian's chair including the ventilator tray. 
$5,400: Motorized garage lift to enter the house
$1,500: Elevator feature on Brian's chair.  This allows him to communicate "eye-to-eye" with others.  If recovery progresses and he regains movement, it will also help him reach items in the cabinets.
$1,500: Voice activated technology with microphone
$500: Voice activated SMART home modifications
$500: Portable ramps
$400: Monthly prescriptions
$2000+/month (out-of-pocket cost) home health care (a few hours a day, Monday-Friday).
$$: All bills/medical supplies not covered by insurance

With that being said, we are excited to announce that we are in the planning stages for our First Annual Brian Heine Benefit Golf Tournament.  Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Legends Country Club in Eureka, MO.  More details to come. Brian will be active in planning a day of fun for all!

Please pray or send your good vibes for Brian's continued improvement, strength, and mobility.  We prepare for today and remain hopeful for things to come! We are grateful to our supporters. 

A Night at the Ballpark

A Night at the Ballpark (10/10/18)

This is a past-due update...we had the pleasure of attending the Cardinals game in the press box on Sept. 2th.  We chatted with Cards broadcasters, Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky.  Dan talked about Brian during the broadcast that night. Click on the video below to hear it! (Don't mind the crying baby in the background...lol)

Here are a few pics from the evening.  A special thank you to Brian's brother, Jeff, for arranging the evening and Dan Farrell for making it happen.  People are so kind.

Another update coming shortly!

The First Few Weeks

9/15/18

The first few weeks have been good.  We are quickly establishing a routine for morning and evening transfers.  The medication schedule is working well...minus the time I accidentally took a Sudafed instead of giving it to Brian.  Sleep deprivation can do these things to you...lol

We have been out and about to four different doctor's appointments and a trip to Joey B's.  We are renting a vehicle for each outing and hope to purchase our own very soon.  It's not too fun being stuck at home, but luckily we've enjoyed great weather outside!

Being in the comforts of home have been wonderful, but also hard for Brian.  I think he's understanding the realization of his situation and the things he can no longer do like yard work, errands, petting the dog...all the little things we take for granted.  We work through the down days and focus on the good.  Brian can navigate the computer, phone, TV, lights through voice activation.  It allows him independence to do things on his own.

Brian's health has been good, which is a HUGE blessing!  Blood pressure can still be tricky, but manageable.  His breathing has been better with the humidity of St. Louis.  Who would've thought we would look forward to humid days?

Thank you for your continued love and support through this journey.  It's great to know we have an army of supporters behind us.

#heinestrong

We Made It Home

We Made It Home

We are home, safe and sound!  I landed last Monday with the team from Craig, and Brian came home on a MedFlight on Tuesday.  Maddie had teeth pulled the day Brian landed, so she was home for his arrival.  Unfortunately, Kenzie had to go to school, but was home within a few hours of him landing.  

It's been a very busy week unpacking boxes from the home renovations, working with the Craig team, visiting with family, and adjusting to our new life.  I would say, overall, things are going very well.

When the Craig team was here, we practiced morning and evening transfers, troubleshooted equipment issues, and went on an outing to the middle school and the high school.  These are two places we will be in the future.  We are in the process of looking for a van that fits Brian's chair best.  Hopefully, we will have our own transportation sooner than later!  

In-home nursing and PT stopped by last week.  OT will be visiting for the first time today. 

It's so good to be home....with the kids, the pup, our family and friends. We cherish so much that has been taken for granted in the past.   

Thanks for your support and continued prayers for a smooth transition and continued recovery for Brian. We thank God for the blessings He's shown us, and pray for more to come!

Day One Hundred Twenty-Five to One Hundred Thirty-One

Day 125-131 (Aug. 17-23)

It's our last weekend at Craig! We are getting close to home.  I fly out with a team from Craig on Monday to get things organized at the house and set up supplies.  Brian takes a MedFlight home on Tuesday and should arrive in St. Louis around 1:00 in the afternoon. 

This is definitely a bittersweet goodbye.  While we can't wait to get home (Brian hasn't been home since January), we've met the most amazing staff and families.  For the past few days, there have been final farewells to nurses, techs, and therapists.  So tough and a constant lump in the throat.

Craig Hospital has prepared us for our next step in the journey. Brian can direct his care so well and I've learned nursing and respiratory skills.  We cannot thank the staff enough for helping us through a really hard time.

Although we leave Craig, Brian will receive OT and PT.  We will start out in the home and then hopefully transition to outpatient once we get settled in.  With Brian having an incomplete injury, we continue to hope for progress and recovery with time.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support you give us.  I will update everyone once Brian lands on Tuesday!  #heinestrong