Update on Gabe’s Progress 11/12

2009 November 12
by Pete

Gabe had a good night last night and his spirits are high. He is talking and even joking a bit with Brooke and his parents, and really appreciates all of the support and people reaching out to him. He has good memory of the incident, and the police are expected sometime this morning to interview him.

The doctors have removed the main drain from the surgery site, and plan to take out the chest tube this morning that was draining his lung. His lung capacity is still a challenge, and they are doing respiratory therapy, but he is off of all breathing assistance. They told him he has no movement restrictions, so he can roll around or sit up whenever he is strong enough and ready to. Gabe had some irregular heart beat problems last night, and had an EKG and chest X-Ray. The doctors think this is due to inflammation from the bullet grazing his pericardium, and do not expect any serious issues to arise from that. They have ordered aggressive occupational and physical therapy to begin right away.

We hope to have the foundation set up at Chase Bank today, and will update the site with that information as it is available. Chris Eley of Goose the Market, and Greg Hardesty of Recess have both expressed interest in hosting fundraising dinners in the near future, which will not only be fantastic culinary experiences, but will be a great way to keep Gabe’s story in the public eye. Several local media outlets have contacted us and Gabe continues to be in the local news.

Thanks to everyone who has emailed and sent pictures of Gabe and left comments on the site. Please check out the gallery page and media page at the top for new pics and media coverage. Stay tuned for more information.

20 Responses leave one →
  1. greg and stephanie gochenour permalink
    November 12, 2009

    gabe and brooke………
    you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    wishing gabe a speedy recovery.

  2. Joe Fish permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Pete,

    Thanks so much for putting this site together and posting these updates. It’s really helpful to hear the good news. I haven’t stopped thinking about Gabe and Brooke and the rest of your family since I first heard about the incident. I hope to be of assistance in whatever way I can help – just let me know.

  3. sharlene fama permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe & Brooke,
    Keeping you in my prayers.
    God bless.
    Sharlene

  4. Haley Holdaway permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe,
    My thoughts are with you and your family. I wish you a speedy recovery and return to your wife and son at home.

    Haley

  5. Erin permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe and family, you are all in my thoughts. Best of luck for a speedy recovery and better times to come soon.

  6. Ann Wendel permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe and Brooke,
    We just recently heard what happened to you, Gabe, and we’re following your progress on the website. I wish we lived closer to you so we could help you in a direct, personal way. If good thoughts count, we are sending hundreds of them your way from Champaign, Illinois. The Chase Bank Foundation is such a good idea and we’ll be honored to help through that Foundation. You are close in our thoughts.

    All our love and an extra hug for Ezra,
    Ann Wendel and Mike Page

  7. November 12, 2009

    Gabe, Brooke, and Ezra- Know the people of Indy Metro Church are keeping you in prayer through this difficult time.

    -Aaron

  8. neighbor permalink
    November 12, 2009

    I hope Gabe and his family know how many people, like myself, who don’t know them personally are praying for and thinking of them!

  9. Erich & Jenny Neff permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe & Brooke,
    I used to work with you at Chapmans in Bloomington. I can’t believe what happened. We wish you the best and are praying for you guys. Feel free to email if you need anything at all. We live in Indy also and would be willing to help in any way we can.

    Erich & Jenny Neff

  10. Katie Fese permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Thank you Pete for the updates. We are so glad to hear that Gabe is getting stronger. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    the Fese family

  11. Adam Craig permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe and Brooke,

    I couldn’t believe the news when I heard it. You both are in our thoughts and prayers of many.

    Adam and Tabitha Craig

  12. AJ Brinkers permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe,

    You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

    AJ Brinkers

  13. November 12, 2009

    Gabe:

    My prayers are with you and I look forward to dining with you soon. You guys will transform the corner! Stay strong.

    Steve Henshaw

  14. November 12, 2009

    Gabe, Thulani, and Nathanael and I are praying for you every day. Please know that.

    Rod Smith

  15. Kristin Bright permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe and Brooke,

    Thank you for the updates on your progress. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love,
    The Bright Family

  16. pete ward permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe, you do not know us, but we are praying for you and wish you and your family nothing but the best.

    Pete/Lena Ward

  17. Angie Smith permalink
    November 12, 2009

    Gabe, Brooke and Ezra,

    We are glad to hear that Gabe is making good progress. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Brooke, I’m just a phone call away if there is anything I can do for you, Gabe or Ezra.

    Thinking of you, Angie and Aaron Smith

  18. Ben Shobert permalink
    November 13, 2009

    Gabe – Have this big smile right now seeing you and your infectious joy for life coming through. So sorry to have been out of town when this all happened and both Jen and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care and all our love. Ben & Jenny

  19. Colleen Moerchen, Beth Owen & Uncle Jesse Barta permalink
    November 13, 2009

    Gabe & Brooke,
    Know that we are thinking of you & praying for you!!!But even better, know that “GOD” is there for you. We don’t always feel his presence, but know that He is right beside you, always!!! He is our Great Protector, Father, & Physician.
    Wish we could be there to phyically help you guys some how! But we will keep up the prayers & get updates.
    Be strong & keep the Faith!
    Love you all,
    Colleen & Family
    BethAnn & Family
    Uncle Jesse

  20. Mike & Helen Claver permalink
    November 13, 2009

    In life we are oft times left with inadequate words to express ourselves at times like this. We are saddened to learn of this, but at the same time heartened by the fact you are showing signs of recovery. I’m sure the road will not be easy, but please know you are never traveling this road alone. You are accompanied at all times by the Holy Spirit. You are also in the hearts, the minds, and the prayers of people whom you’ve never met. We reach out to you with this electronic message to let you know the whole community of Bloomington and your friends at Wesley stand beside you as you begin the healing process. May God’s grace and peace surround you and your family.

    Mike and Helen Claver
    Danvers, IL

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