3/21/08 Steven and his Mom have returned from The Taub Clinic in Birmingham and Steven's left leg is much more viable. It will however take daily special exercise to keep the improvement going. At the end of this month, Steven, Debbie and Clay will head to Colorado for The Winter Sports Clinic that features wounded warriors. In early May, Steven will participate in the Independance Ride (bike ride) in Washington, DC. that raises funds to help the wounded and their families. Best regards to all.
1/02/08 Steven and his family had a blessed holiday season and sends their best to all. Steven will be starting out 2008 by attending intensive outpatient rehab on his left leg at TIRR in Houston during the month of January. In February, Steven and his mom will travel to Birmingham for a 3-week stay at the University of Alabama's Taub Clinic, again for intensive rehab of the left leg. At that same time, he will undergo testing to see if his left arm may qualify for the same restraint type therapy.
Steven got a great gift (a surprise) from the
Schlumberger Cycling Club and the Independence Fund on December 29th. They presented him with a custom trike specially made to fit his needs. Special thanks to Doug, Charlie, Neil, Steve and the rest who helped raise funds for the project. Steven took the trike out the same afternoon with his family (see photo below).
Steven and his Dad-12/29/07
12/03/07 Steven will be departing from TLC in the next few days and be returning home with his family. He has done very well and has become more independent. As an example, Steven participated in the "Independence Ride" and was able to ride a special designed recumbent trike for about 5 miles. He plans on getting his own trike in the coming days to keep up the progress.
Steven at the Independence Ride
10/26/07 Steven has become more independent over the last couple of months. He is now living in his own room at TLC and is walking without assistance (they do make him wear his helment). It looks like Steven will remain at TLC for 2-3 more months.
7/19/07 Steven is adapting to the everyday life at TLC. He comes home for a day on the weekends which we all enjoy. Steven is celebrating his 23rd birthday on Monday August 6th with a day at home along with his favorite meal. Happy Birthday Steven!
7/19/07 Steven began residential therapy at the Transtitional Learning Center in Galveston, TX on Monday, July 16. TLC, as the center is called, specialized in rehab for TBI and is known for fostering independence for the patients. Steven's goal is to walk independently without the need of a "shadow person." Steven was really excited to be going to TLC, but was a bit surprised when he learned he couldn't take his cell phone. (We all know how attached he is to that cell phone!) If you would like to give him a visit, just call us and we'll give you the details. 281-648-0458
7/3/07 Steven continues to be in a rehab program at the VA and has improved over the last several months. He now has an electronic walk aid that helps fire his muscles in his left leg. This allows him to walk without a brace. He still requires someone to "shadow" him when he walks, but his leg muscles have shown tremendous strength improvements over a short period of time. If you would like to email Steven his address is rxsteven90@yahoo.com.
1/14/07 Steven has received his discharge from the USMC. He is currently being evaluated by the VA and will soon be enrolled in that system. Steven has many years of rehab in front of him and will hopefully become independant some day. Until then he will be with his family. Steven's Mom, Debbie will continue to be his main caregiver.
Steven on his new "Sexy Power Wagon"
For other Steven Updates go to www.helpsteven.com
12/23/06
Cpl Steven K Schulz standing-up a few weeks ago!
Update 9/11/06 Steven is awaiting the word to return to Bethesda for completetion of his discharge process. Hopefully he will be discharged and will be open to all VA benefits. Steven is looking to hire a personal care attendent to help with his daily needs and to take him to appointments, rehab, etc. This will ease the load on his Mom who has been his main caregiver since he has been home (last October).
Update 5/18/06 Steven has come along way in the last several months. He is walking with assistance for balance and is using a staff in his right hand. He spends very little time in his wheelchair and is able to transfer into a car with ease. He has just returned home today from Bethesda as he has started his medical boards for discharge from the Corps. He sends his regards to all!
Update 11/29/05 Steven is now recovering from hopefully his last surgery. He will undergo 16 weeks of rehab and be evaluated at that time. He is at home with his family with his mother as his main caregiver. Besides 24/7 care she takes Steven to rehab 4 days a week.
Just before midnight on April 19, 2005, 20-year old Lcpl Steven K Schulz and other members of the 3Bn/4th Marines Weapons Company, CAAT1 were on patrol just outside of Fallugah, Iraq. Entering an active combat area, the HUMVEE Schulz was in encountered a blast caused by an improvised explosive device placed by insurgents. Lcpl Schulz was severely wounded by shrapnel from a RPG round that had been placed inside a concrete curb that had been set off by remote control.
The shrapnel entered Lcpl Schulz in and around his right eye and penetrated his brain. Because of heroic actions of his fellow Marines and Navy Corpsman, Lcpl Schulz arrived in Baghdad during the “golden hour”. Lcpl Schulz underwent over 10 hours of brain surgery in Baghdad and was then transferred to the National Navel Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Over the next six weeks Lcpl Schulz, underwent another 15 hours of lifesaving brain surgery and numerous other procedures.
Lcpl Schulz is recovering currently in a VA hospital in Tampa, FL. where he is undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy. Barring any complications, Lcpl Schulz will return to Bethesda for another surgery to replace his skull cap in October. The DOD currently has Lcpl Schulz’s status as 100% disabled. It is unclear at this time what level of physical strength Lcpl Schulz will regain, but it is expected that he will need to undergo 18-24 months of rigorous therapy to hopefully regain enough strength to become self-sufficient. During this time, he will be at home with his family in Friendswood, Texas. Lcpl Schulz is going to be in a wheelchair for an unknown period of time and the home requires numerous and expensive changes which his family is hurriedly trying to complete.
Lcpl Schulz in Fallugah on his first deployment in 2004
Lcpl Schulz self-portrait in 2004 while in Iraq
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