As far as I’m concerned, our Mom is nothing short of a hero of heart and might. It’s no secret to me that she is impossibly kind but whatever idea I had of her resilience was an underestimation at best. She has been in the freezing, fluorescent ICU for 14 days straight without a single complaint. I know she will give me trouble for starting the post this way, but it’s important for me to say how incredible she has been (even the word “incredible” feels like it falls short).
Today, Kevin’s delirium has been better mostly thanks to Mom keeping him engaged in conversation in between his various visits from specialists and staff.
He had two breathing treatments to help with the congestion in his lungs.
Kev also had physical therapy and was moved to sitting in the recliner for about an hour.
He is still on antibiotics for the pneumonia and his fever goes up and down. The fever is tricky because it could be from his spinal injury, the pneumonia or both.
Speech therapy performed a swallow test to assess what he can have. They determined his diaphragm is still weak so coughing and clearing his throat is difficult for him but his swallowing functionality is working well enough that he can have small amounts of liquid and pureed food! He has been asking for Gatorade since his second day in the ICU so he was thrilled. After all of this, I’d like to buy him a football team-sized cooler so he can have all the Gatorade he wants.
Our family cannot thank you enough for every well-wish, prayer, message, call, gift, etc. that we have received in this time. They truly add some light to our days and remind us that our support system is wider and more loving than we could have even imagined.
Much love,
Katie and the Cavanaughs
Kevin's Care 
Yes Katie, I 100% agree with all you just said about your awesome mom and my awesome friend Kelli!! Will you please give her a big hug for me? And thank YOU for all your heart felt and beautifully written updates. Sending love hugs and prayers for Kevin and for all of you.💕
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Thank you for the continued updates. Nothing like a mother or father’s love. You are blessed with a loving family. Is there anything we can do (from FL) to help? If there are things that need to be done, please don’t hesitate to ask. I have never met your family but my son Jesse and Kevin have been friends for years. Back in their WPHS days Kevin would come over. I remember him and pray for his full recovery every day. I pray for all of you. Hang in there!! 🙏🏼💙
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I agree 100% on everything you said about your mom, she is an amazing woman. And, Hooray for small victories, they all add up!! Hold strong everybody & feel our prayers 🙏
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We have known your parents from college and just had the blessing of being with them. My husband and I left our time together underscoring what you are saying about your mom and your dad. They are so intentional with respecting and loving people. Katie you are a gifted writer and also keenly aware of your family’s needs and desires. Your love pours out beautifully. For Kevin to know he is loved and cared for is what you all have been doing all these years and now it’s powerfully visible to truly know. We truly appreciate you keeping us together on this journey. God has formed your “incredible” family and trusting and asking for His love to be known His wisdom to be guiding and for His healing power to be seen. We will keep praying for Kevin! Please give lots of hugs from us.
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You nailed it on your mom being a kind and incredible person! I continue to pray for your family and thank you for your eloquent recaps – appreciate you sharing.
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Yes Katie, your Mom is an incredibly loving, caring person. Mom has been my friend for many years…YMCA and Monkey Dog Mountain, with lots of fun socializing. Over the years, Mom is the one who made note of everyone’s birthdays and provided for appropriate celebrations. She extends herself to others so very generously. She’s sure to be Kevin’s #1 Caregiver/Cheerleader! And you are apparently her dependable Assistant, just as caring as she is! Healing, loving wishes!.
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Love that you gave your mom a shout out but agree she won’t like it😊. She’s my Kelli Woman! So happy for the improvements Kevin is making!
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You got that right!!! Your mom is a rockstar!! (and you, too!) Keep those positive vibes going!! Sending you lots of love ❤️
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Katie, 100% agree what an amazing Mom you both have. Katie remember you are an amazing sister also. Love all of you. Kevin and the family is always in our prayers.
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