Praying for Kensley

Happy 7th Birthday Kensley!!

2010-10-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

One Year Later...

2010-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

It's been one year since the accident. We celebrated. When Kensley started talking again she would say "Praise the Jesus" when we told her things. We have no clue why. But now we all say it. So last night we had a "Praise the Jesus" party. We Praise God for the year of miracles that we have had. We Praise God for the way he has blessed and touched Kensley over the past year. She talks (oh my...does she ever! :)), she walks (and in the past few weeks does it even better than before), she has a head full of hair (with curls), she is back in school full-time and is making great grades, she has had a blessed year.

She still has some healing yet to come. She doesn't use her left arm often, and she still has a limp - but we are looking for those things to work themselves out. We have patience, we can wait. We have faith, and expect it to happen in and at the right time.

Dustin, Melissa and Konnor are all good. Dustin still has some back issues at times and Konnor still has the scars from the road rash but things are great.

Here are pictures.....one year later.

Just a quick pic.....

2010-09-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

I know we don't blog a lot here anymore but I wanted to post this cute pic. She lost another tooth!

Graduated!

2010-05-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I know the blog has not been kept up as well as it should have been. Kensley makes progress every day but it's just a long road. She's had some bumps in that road lately - she has fallen a couple of times, broke her wrist during one of them. But that was an accomplishment! She fell because she was walking. On her own, with no help, while playing hide and seek with the kids. The wrist breaking wasn't necessarily good but it healed and she doing okay! Today, there was an accomplishment that is worthy of video. Today, seven months after the accident, Kensley graduated from Kindergarten. She was soooo excited! I didn't get to be there - had something at work that I couldn't get away from, but they videoed and texted it to me. It isn't the greatest video in the world, but it will get the job done!

What an awesome awesome accomplishment!

Marty

Rescheduled and Great News!!

2010-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

The Caring for Kensley concert has now been rescheduled. It will be March 5th, 2010 at New Century Technology High School from 7:00 to 10:00. Hope everyone can make it and that the weather cooperates this time!!

Also..........KENSLEY IS WALKING!!!! By herself, with no walker and no help! HOW GREAT IS THAT!?!?

Will try to get better pictures soon!!

Marty

Concert Postponed & Additional Prayers Needed

2010-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

TO ALL - The Caring for Kensley Concert scheduled for this Friday night has been postponed. The threat of wintery precipitation is just to great to risk the safety of those who would be travelling to attend.

The organizers also wanted to give consideration to Br. Darrin Isbell, his family, and those who have been helping in that situation this week after his terrible accident.

A rescheduled date will be announced as soon as possible. Please continue to pray for Kensley, and also join in praying for our dear friend Darrin - plese visit his FB page for details.

http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=303712295725&ref=nf

Caring for Kensley Concert

2010-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

On October 7th, 2009, Dustin and Melissa Kelly and their family were in a terrible accident. Through God’s mercy Dustin, Melissa and Konnor made it through the accident with minor injuries. However, as many of you are aware Kensley received severe head injuries and was in the trauma center for quite some time. With a lot of support and through many prayers, Kensley has made tremendous improvements. Nonetheless, this has brought change to their lives in many ways. Kensley is having to receive therapy several times a week, and no one really knows how long this could go on. We all know that with God, all things are possible and that is what we are leaning on.

Through the Praying for Kensley blog and FB page literally THOUSANDS have prayed for this sweet family. So many have sent messages that, even though they do not know this family personally, they have taken time to pray and send encouraging words to help lift the family's spirits.

Dustin and Melissa have always been so generous and traveled many miles to sing at funerals, weddings, and countless singings. In return, we would like to have a benefit singing for the family on January 29th, 2009. We realize many have already made contributions, which have been very much appreciated. We also realize that many of you would just like to meet Dustin, Melissa, Konnor and Kensley and see what God has done. They too would love to meet you and thank you for your prayers over the last few months. This singing will be a perfect venue to celebrate God's mercies and undeniable miracles in Kensley's life.

The singing will be Friday, January 29th from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. It will be held at New Century Technology High School. (Click here for directions.)

We look forward to seeing all of the Praying for Kensley army to thank each of you for your prayers and support. Most of all we ask that you continue to remember the Kelly family, and keep Kensley in your prayers.

Love always,

Friends and Family of Kensley Kelly

2010-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

The highlight of our morning! Here is what we posted on Kensley's facebook page earlier:

BREAKING NEWS!!!! :) Just got this from Melissa....."I'm at therapy with Kensley & just got all teary eyed! My baby stood up a whole 8 seconds by herself and did great walking on the treadmill too! Now she is walking on the walker & moving it by herself. I just wanted to share a bit of good news with everyone and thank everyone for praying for us!"

Melissa called when she got out of therapy. Kensley was soooo excited! They sent her home with a walker for the night to practice. She told Melissa before she went this morning that she was going to walk, she was getting out of that chair! Wow. When she goes for it she doesn't hold back does she? :)

Looking for more great things soon!

Marty

A new year!!

2010-01-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

How is this for drama queen?!? ha! Kensley is decked out in accessories that Grandmother bought the girls for Christmas! They got a whole tote full of necklaces, bracelets, glasses and stick-on earrings! They put them on immediately! All Kensley really asked for from Santa was a babydoll...and she got her! She named her "Katie." Guess the "K's" are passing on down! For those that don't know, we have Kylee, Kade, Kamron, Keelie, Konnor and Kensley....yeah, we're close like that...lol.

Kensley is starting off her new year well! She is opening her left eye much wider and her pupil has started moving more. She is moving her left arm and has recently started opening and using her left hand. The doctors were afraid she would not be able to "grasp" things with her hand and use it as well as before, however, she has been showing us how she can pick up books and things with that hand.....never underestimate the power of Kensley! :)

Kensley is still working with a homebound teacher. She has physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy weekly. Keeping her mom on the run! It's amazing at the improvements she is making. She looks more and more like herself daily. Her expressions, her body language, and the way she says things reminds us of the previous Kensley over and over.

Please continue to pray for her. She still isn't walking and is in a wheelchair, we would love to see her walk. Her short term memory still needs work. But we are sooo thankful for where she is right now! And we are looking for wonderful things with her in 2010!!

Marty

News.....

2009-12-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

Last night about 9:45 p.m. my phone rang....I recognized it to be Melissa's number so I answered it (probably some crazy way since I knew it was her...), however, the voice I heard on the other end wasn't Melissa....it was Kensley. That is nothing new, Kensley likes to talk on the phone a lot now days, like everytime we call her mom or dad (not complaining! LOVE that!), actually, Kensley LOVES to talk whether you're on the phone or not....non-stop....lol, and spell...and spell...and spell some more....especially all of our names...haha. Back to the story....I had just left Kensley, had been with her for several hours so I thought it was odd they were calling but when I said "Hello," she said, "Hey Sissy, I moved my left leg." And I said, "YOU DID WHAT???" and she said, "My mama told me to kick my left leg and I did, up to my head, and I might get to walk soon!" Now, I'm really having a hard time believing that she kicked her leg up to her head but I do believe she was right in the fact that she is now MOVING her leg when you ask her to! So of course we proceed to tell her what an AWESOME accomplishment that is and then she had to tell Kylee of course. So just to be sure this was for real (yes, it's such an amazing thing that I needed to be reassured), I called her again this morning. And guess what?! She is still kicking her leg and moving it when she is told to! WOW. It's an amazing feat but it happened so simply and so quick. Yep, think she'll be walking soon! Marty

Girlfriends :)

2009-12-01T13:28:00.001-08:00

What would we do without our girlfriends?? Check out some of Kensley's! On her first trip back to church, all the girls wore hats to support and be like DQ. Priceless!!!

Just an "after homecoming" update....

2009-11-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

I know everyone is still wanting Kensley updates! Now that she is home they are few and far between aren't they?!? We'll TRY to do better! However, we ALL love to sit and talk and spend time with her! She is now a totally rotten, silly little girl! She gets funnier by the minute. Here are some highlights:

* She is now holding herself up great! When she got home Wednesday night she was still having some problems holding her back up and was even sliding down in her wheelchair. Today she is sitting up and even leaning up and over in her wheelchair and doing well!

* She went to eat lunch at school with Konnor on Friday and got to visit her class and her friends.

* We took a little field trip to the Delta Zeta craft show on Saturday....we were amazed at the people that stopped us and ask if that was Kensley!! She is a superstar and doesn't even realize it!! :)

* She went to church Saturday night. All of her little friends wore hats to church so they could make her feel comfortable! Sooooo cute!!

* She went to church Sunday night also. She was sitting on the bench between me and Melissa and leaned back on me. She kept leaning up and grabbing the bench in front of us. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "trying to stand up." So I told her to go for it. And she did. Then people started paying her to do it....like real money, even a $5 dollar bill....so she kept doing it. She was raised right...lol.

* Today she started her therapy here in town for the first time. They put her in a harness and let her walk. She was excited!!

She is still making awesome improvements daily! We are so proud of every little thing! We scream and clap and get excited over every move!! :)

Kensley Homecoming

2009-11-19T11:25:00.001-08:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Kensley is Home!!!

2009-11-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

She's Home!!! Praise the Lord!!! Here is footage from WHNT. Hopefully Marty will have time to upload some pictures sometime today :)

Coming Home!!

2009-11-17T08:46:00.001-08:00

Good Morning everybody, this is Melissa and I am happy to report that we will be coming home tomorrow afternoon. We are so excited!!! Please keep us in your prayers as we head back, we love all of yall and can't wait to see everyone.

Kensley Speaks :)

2009-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is from Sunday, November 8, after we had worn her out talking all morning! Today she is without the feeding tube and talking even more! God is good!!

Joy Unspeakable!

2009-11-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Joy unspeakable and FULL of glory!! I Peter 1:8

I went to see Kensley yesterday and this is the only way I know how to describe how I felt leaving the hospital. To see where she is from where she was just a few weeks ago is nothing short of a miracle. She was smiling, blowing kisses, giving thumbs up, winking, sticking her thumb out and showing some of that DQ personality we've all missed over the last 5 weeks. Here is some of the video I shot while I was there - please ignore my obnoxious voice - we were just a little excited!!!!

Let me back up a few days. Kensley had made amazing progress in her therapy this week. She has a very strict schedule and was responding well. All reports all week were baby steps that everyone was SO thankful for. It started when she took a kleenex away from Melissa to wipe her own nose, then we saw pictures of her on the computer, then she made a laughing sound at Konnor. These sound like baby steps, but what wonderful baby steps they were!!! Then on Thursday, she had a swallowing test to see if she could tolerate eating real food - she passed!!! They kept the feeding tube in just in case, but she started eating pureed real food. That's about where the videos pick up......

And then came this morning - I get a phone call from Marty saying, "Did they call you??" I couldn't help but think the worst. Then she said these words, "SHE'S TALKING!!!" I was speechless (I know that some of you can't believe that :)) Marty was half laughing and half crying. I was trying to comprehend it all. I was just there yesterday, and we were so excited that she tried to say "HI", and here she was calling people on the phone!!! From what I understand, she pulled her feeding tube out in the night (she was really aggravated by that thing). As Melissa went to leave this morning to get cleaned up, she said, "Bye". Then Dustin walked in and she said, "Hey Daddy!!!" I don't know how Dustin and Melissa are still standing up at this point. The overwhelming joy and fulfillment of faith surely can not be put into words for them at this point!! By mid morning, Kensley was on the phone calling family members and sending all of them into some combination of shock and sheer joy!!! Several of our friends are calling this Kensley's Waking Up Talking Day!

God is Good - ALL the time!!! This journey is guided by His perfect timing, but I know I speak for everyone, we are all SO thankful that the past week's steps have been swift and prosperous.

I hope to have more video to share tomorrow. We are going down to have a "diva" party in the morning. If anyone wants hot pink, glitter nail polish with crowns and fur boas, come on down!!

Stephanie

So thankful for this new friend!

2009-11-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

Over the past month our family has talked so many times about how many people's lives have been touched because of Kensley. It's so amazing to look at her facebook page and see that she has a little under 9,000 members of her group. Wow. What more can you say? Just...WOW. Every person that has said one prayer for Kensley is our friend. We may never meet them, never really know them, but they are our friends. Because they too cared enough about our baby to ask God to help her. We are so truly blessed. We are so truly amazed. We can't even fathom how to repay what has been given. We can't say thank you enough for what everyone has done and the prayers that were prayed.

I do want to show this picture. Because we are thankful for this new friend. I have never even thought to ask how he found Kensley's facebook page. But he did. This gentleman was traveling with some friends to the Florida/LSU game at approximately 4:45 p.m. on I10, around Holt, Florida. He happened to be right behind Dustin and Melissa at the time of the wreck. He has since told me that that is something he never wants to experience again. When the accident happened, he and his friends took time out of their day to stop and help our family. How do you express how thankful you are for that? I can't come up with words.

He and I have emailed several times since the wreck, he has been so concerned over Kensley. His last email stated he was flying into Birmingham on business and would like to stop by the hospital if it was okay. Didn't take long to figure the answer to that one out! So today, he got to stop by and visit with Kensley, Dustin and Melissa. And of course, had to have a picture for our book!

So thankful for this new friend of our family!!

Oh...and I am assuming he is a big Florida fan, being from there and all....everyone has one flaw.....ROLL TIDE!!!! :)

Little things that are HUGE!!!!!

2009-11-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Just got this picture from Dustin………Melissa was trying to wipe Kensley’s nose with a Kleenex and obviously Kensley didn’t like the job she was doing so she grabbed the Kleenex and starting wiping it herself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He called me to tell me he sent a picture and she heard him telling me about it and got tickled and started laughing!!!!!!

We grasp and hold on to all things big and small. For us, this accomplishment is small, but for Kensley, this is so HUGE!!!

Wow! How fast things can turn around! We know she still has a long way to be well. But until then, we're going to take pictures and blog and post about her wiping her nose....... :)

Marty

The Smiles Keep Coming

2009-10-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

What BIG steps Miss Kens has taken this week! She has had a very busy week with a strict and strenuous therapy schedule. Earlier in the week came THE HUG (see previous post :)), and now tonight, look at this face - have you seen anything this precious in a while?? Kensley's cousin (who could really be her sister) Keelie climbed up in the bed messing with her, and this is what happened along with laughing noises!!!

Everywhere I go, someone asks, "How is Kensley? Is she awake?" We are all waiting, watching, praying and believing that God's miracle is working in this precious baby's life. We have NO DOUBT of that!!! Right now, she is responding more, becoming more active, starting to focus on things like the TV, and showing expressions and making noises along with this. This is a HUGE step from where we were 13 days ago in Florida praising God that the tubes were all out. What is necessary from all of God's children now is to continue to pray the prayer of faith without ceasing now, as much as we did when she was clinging to life almost a month ago. She is making baby steps every day - Praise the Lord for baby steps!!!! With this thought, we all also know that if it is God's will, He could allow her to just "wake" up tomorrow with no lasting side effects. We also know that it may be His will to travel the longer path to the same outcome. Whatever His will, it is perfect!!!!

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Romans 8:37

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

While we wait, we praise Him for where we are and where we know we will be!

Stephanie

Warm Fuzzies

2009-10-28T07:54:00.001-07:00

Want a smile this morning?? Check this out - Melissa bent over to hug Kensley last night and Kensley threw her arm around Melissa's neck by herself!! I've got chill bumps! Mommys out there know what a hug from your babies can do - we can only IMAGINE what Melissa felt!!!!

Keep praying - she is showing more movement and signs of becoming more alert!

Stephanie

Help in the Time of Need...

2009-10-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

This is a song Dustin recorded earlier in the year. A friend of his, Br. Tom Avans, wrote it. Dustin is singing lead and Br. Darrell Avans, Br. Rusty Walls, and Br. Corey Foreman are singing with him. Those friends plus Br. Rick Holman were also the musicians.

I thought a friend of the family wrote the words to describe it best. She wrote, "Knowing that God put this song on Bro Tom Avans heart to be written and then sung by Dustin before the accident, to be a "Help in the time of need" for him, Melissa, the family, and all the friends who are praying for Kensley now...well, it shows that He has been right there...right with them...long before this trial began."

This video has been on Kensley's facebook page for a few days but I realized today that there are people looking at this page that may not have had the opportunity to see it yet.

Please keep praying for our baby!

Marty

Weekend Updates

2009-10-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hi all - not too much to report this weekend. Kensley has a very aggressive therapy routine right now, and she rests in between. She had a great birthday!!! From what I hear, her room was FILLED with balloons and gifts!! I can't wait to hear how many cards she got :) I am trying to get a video posted - hopefully soon!!! Here are some pics of the birthday girl!

Please continue to pray - they are going to try to decrease the meds tomorrow if her body can tolerate it. Please pray for peace during this transition and rest for the family.

Amazing Support and Request for Prayer

2009-10-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

The support for Praying for Kensley is overwhelming! This blog has over 15,000 hits and her FB page has over 7,000 members! Today WHNT posted an update on her story and challenged the community to send Kensley birthday cards for her birthday tomorrow. Can you believe that?? With all the news everyday, our community is still holding our Princess in their thoughts and prayers! Here is the link:
http://www.whnt.com/news/whnt-kensley-kelley-update-102209,0,7273416.story

PLEASE PRAY! There is a lot going on right now for the entire family. The transport was not easy on anyone. Kensley is in a transition right now coming off the sedation medication that was expected, but still tough to endure. The side effects are pretty rough. The team at UAB is also running their own tests to verify her condition and plot her course of treatment. Children's Hospital is one of the best, but they are all business!! I think the change from Sacred Heart where the main goal was to keep everyone comfortable to Children's where recovery is the goal is quite a transition for all. Therapy is hard, and filled with twists and turns. The family is very worn and weary, and all the new information and conditions is overwhelming at times. PLEASE PRAY for God's comfort and peace for all. I know we have been saying that, but now is the time to beg the Lord for His peace and comfort for the family. Some of the tests are coming back positive, and some news is not what we want to hear. The bottom line - WE KNOW A MAN WHO CAN CHANGE THIS SITUATION! Please also pray for Konnor. He is back home, and it is very hard on him to be away from his family.

The battle isn't over - we've just started to fight!

Pray without ceasing!

Stephanie

Birmingham Arrival and Birthday Wishes

2009-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

They have made it safely and are settled in Birmingham Children's Hospital. Kensley is having a rough time right now - pray that the Lord will calm her and allow Dustin and Melissa peace so they can rest. The side effects of the medications are very rough right now.

The address where you can send cards is:

Children's Hospital

1600 7th Avenue

Room 421

Birmingham, AL 35233

Please pray that God will continue to provide comfort and peace as Kensley continues to fight through the sedation. Hopefully this will be the worst of this part of the storm and she will be more alert as time goes on.

SPECIAL NOTE - Kensley's sixth birthday is Friday. I know it is late notice, but let's see how many birthday cards we can flood her mailbox with so she can see them when she is able. What a great birthday present to wake up and smile at Dustin and Melissa on Friday - it COULD happen! OUR GOD IS ABLE!!

Please continue to pray!! The road appears long to the family and friends who are walking it, but we know a man who can change that!

Stephanie

Great News!

2009-10-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

We have great news today! Melissa called and said the plan is to leave the hospital in Florida at 12:00 today to transport Kensley to UAB! It is a four hour ambulance ride. Please pray for a safe and smooth move! We are sooo excited to get her closer!

Here is a new picture. Dustin sent it and said she was NOT happy that they sat her up! That attitude is fixing to shine through!! :)

Keep praying!!

Marty

Monday Updates

2009-10-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! So sorry the updates have been slow today. I've been away from the computer.

Kensley was moved to a different type of room yesterday - still in PICU, but not a trauma room. She started running a fever this morning, and after tests, they determined that she has a small case of pneumonia. This is typical for someone who has been on a vent, but prayers are still needed that her little body can fight this off. As of tonight, they were able to keep the fever around 99, so that is good news. During her respiratory therapy, she had a coughing spell and got a lot out, so that is a good sign!

She is still not fully awake. The nurses have explained that this is very normal. They have to back off of her medication slowly to prevent her from having withdrawals. Melissa did say that she was responding more to touch today.

Everything is still on track for a transfer to UAB sometime this week - maybe Wednesday!! I know they will love being closer home, and we will all love it as well. The staff at Sacred Heart have done such an awesome job taking care of her, but I know they are also looking forward to the advanced procedures that UAB Children's Hospital is capable of.

PLEASE keep praying - the road ahead is still long, but God has brought all of them safely thus far. We have HIS promises to believe He will not leave without finishing the job :)

Stephanie

Kandles for Kensley

2009-10-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

Several friends have gotten together and created this Kandles for Kensley fundraiser. Check out the flyer! 50% of the cost will go toward the Praying for Kensley fund. If you would like more information, contact Tonya or Brittney at jaradtonyaandwhitney@hotmail.com

Angels

2009-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

What a day for Miss Kensley! We are now home, but when we left the hospital, Kensley was resting. She had gotten a little feisty this afternoon, and they gave her a little medicine to relax. She had opened her eyes and looked around and kicked her legs! She has no ventilator and no drains in her head anymore! She is breathing very well, and is making great improvement. Of course, Dustin and Melissa are still longing for that moment when she looks around and has enough focus to recognize and communicate, but all in God's time!!

A close friend of the family told Melissa this week that as he was praying before he drove down to visit, God let him know that he had sent the angels to watch over Kensley. She was telling me this while the two of us were whispering over Kensley and holding her hands. I'm telling you I almost looked around expecting to see the angels the feeling was so strong. All day I could picture angels encamping around her protecting her until God was finished touching her little body.

About an hour after we left, Dustin sent me this picture. Have you ever seen a cell phone pick up these kind of details?? I haven't. Here's proof of those angels :)

Continue to pray for the peace and comfort as God finished His work! Also remember all of those who are travelling back and forth and the family - they are exhausted!!

Stephanie

Check Out Miss Kens!

2009-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

No Tubes - No vent!! Mommy got to hold!!! PTL!

Keep praying - the sedation is turned down. I know the family is anxiously waiting - the Lord knows all :)

Also, a couple of her teeth came out with the ventilator and the Tooth Fairy came :) (The nurses in the back all chipped in and made a Tooth Fairy present :))

Stephanie

WONDERFUL NEWS

2009-10-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

All of Kensley's tubes and ventilator are out!!!!! Dustin and Melissa are in now, so there will be more soon. Hopefully I, can send a picture of some pretty green eyes very soon!

I got to see her this morning. There is such a sweet, peaceful feeling. I told someone I'm pretty sure I saw angels camping around her bed :)

Keep praying for peace and comfort for all. Dustin is still VERY sore. The Lord is carrying them on your prayers. Melissa told me today that she can't imagine what she would be like without feeling the comfort of the Lord and the power of all of your prayers. Please keep praying!! Wonderful things are happening, but the road could still be long. God is mighty and it is His good pleasure to heal her - we are LOOKING for it!!

Pray without ceasing!!

Stephanie

UPDATE

2009-10-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

I am in Pensacola this morning. We are on our way to the hospital now, and I can't wait to give a family a big hug. I will try to give a group hug from the hundreds of you who have contacted me and asked me to send your best wishes and prayers!

Please pray this morning! There is some talk of taking the ventilator and drain out today. This would be a huge step!! Of course we want the Lord's perfect timing for Kensley's healing, but how great would it be to see less tubes and, hopefully, some pretty green eyes and a smile :)

Updates to come!

Stephanie

Facebook | UPDATE - Friday, September 16 - 3:30 PM

2009-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've gone all day without posting the updates!

Kensley is doing awesome!!! The ventilator is turned down to zero and there is lots of talk of taking her off very soon and removing the drain. Of course the doctors are being cautious and want to wait until the right time! She is still moving around some.

We are on are way down to see them in just a bit. There is still talk of a transfer to Birmingham next week. Also, the doctor has warned against lots of crowds because of over-stimulation and germs. I think they are starting to realize the ENORMOUS numbers of people who love her and are praying for her!

I hope to have new information when we get there, and maybe a new picture of the diva! Maybe we'll get to see those pretty green eyes soon! Please pray for those travelling this weekend.

There is a video from the hospital on my FB site. I can't seem to get it over to the blog, but if you will friend me, you can see it :)

Pray without ceasing - love to all!

Stephanie

Mid-Day Update!!!

2009-10-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

More good news! Marty got an update from Dustin saying that they are clamping the drain in Kensley's head and that she is moving around some, including her head and opening her right eye. She's breathing over the vent; and the doctor says that if she continues to improve, she might be able to be transferred to UAB as early as the middle of next week!

Birmingham isn't home; but it sure is a LOT closer!!!

Keep praying!!

-BYRD

Morning Updates

2009-10-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

From Marty - Morning update: Kens did well through-out the night. Still not fully awake, doing some squirming though! Pressures are still good. May try to take the vent off today.

Pray Pray Pray!!

I will be away from my computer today, but I will try to update from my phone - yikes - hope it works!!

Looking for great things!!

Stephanie

Tonight's Update

2009-10-14T20:14:00.001-07:00

Today has been a much awaited for day in Pensacola! Kensley improved enough that the doctors turned her sedation down to 0! Around 10:00 this morning, they started watching for signs of her waking up. The doctors have warned that it could take an extended period of time for the sedation to wear off. Today, she has moved her arms and legs, blinked, opened one eye, and is struggling to get some of the junk out of her lungs. The medical staff seems pleased and is waiting anxiously to see what happens next!

As you can imagine, nerves have been on edge with the family and the thousands of us watching for updates every 5 minutes :) PLEASE continue to pray! Pray for God's comforting, calming spirit to be with Kensley as she continues to wake up. Please also pray for the family who so badly want to see their baby open her eyes and talk to them. Our God works miracles - we are waiting anxiously to witness this one!! (Now if we just had a webcam in Pensacola :))

Hopefully more good news to post in the morning!

Pray without ceasing!!

Stephanie

UPDATEs

2009-10-14T12:06:00.001-07:00

Per Melia - Marty just talked to Mom - she has blinked her eyes and moved her legs. Breathing above the vent 7%.

"It sure looks like a beautiful day...."

PRAY for God to send continued comfort and calm to Kensley as she awakens and for the family as they wait for their baby girl to open her eyes!

Stephanie

GREAT NEWS!

2009-10-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Great news on two separate fronts!

Kensley's pressure is down!!!! They are about to try to wake her up! PRAY for a smooth process. Sleeping Beauty awakens :)
The AWESOME support of family, friends, and people who don't know, but love and support, this family is beyond words! I speak for the family in saying your generous support is humbling and appreciated at the same time. May God RICHLY bless each of you for your love! We can only hope that this support will continue for the days to come as the family continues to help Kensley recover. Please know that this is not only for Dustin and Melissa, but the many extended family that are there to support them emotionally and physically during this time.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!

A gown - yeah!

2009-10-14T06:13:00.001-07:00

Check out Miss Kensley's gown! Last night they were able to put a little gown on Kensley. Baby steps, but steps in the right direction!! We are SO thankful for everyone's prayers. They are obviously the reason the numbers are stable and some of her feisty DQ (Drama Queen :)) actions are starting to shine through again! I'm sure Miss Kens will want a princess gown when she wakes up, and I'm sure there will be MANY in line to get her whatever she wants!!

Pray without ceasing - love to all!!

Tuesday, October 13 - Updates

2009-10-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

8:45 AM - Just talked to Marty - all of Kensley's numbers were stable through the night! Praying for another great day!!

9:46 AM - Just talked to Melissa and she was in the room with Kensley. And her pressure was down to 1, which is GREAT. They tried to do respiratory therapy, and did not tolerate that very well, but that is a little rough on anyone. So Melissa and Dustin seem to be pleased with the progress this morning.They are cutting back on the saline and said she looks good today!

7:36 PM - They were doing a chest therapy and Kensley kicked both legs out twice!! Also they put a little gown on her too. Dustin just came out and and told us all of this and he was happy!

Pray without ceasing!!!

Updates

2009-10-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Friends,

Marty and I spoke this morning and decided that updates will be posted on the blog nightly with that day's events unless something urgent warrants an immediate post. If you want more frequent updates, please click on the Facebook link at the top of the blog and join the Praying for Kensley page on there.

Shannon Byrd and I have laughed at our "titles" over the last couple of days. He has named himself the "Vice Assistant Self Appointed Chairperson of the Praying for Kensley Foundation". HA! I guess I will be the "Second Vice Assistant in Charge of Public Relations and Technical Support of the Praying for Kensley Foundation". All of us report to "Queen Sissy" aka - Marty who is in constant contact with THE QUEEN - Suzie and Mommy Mo - Melissa.

All of this to say - we LOVE this family and just want to do everything we can to help!!!

Pray without ceasing - love to all!

Stephanie

WHNT News Story

2009-10-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

WHNT in Huntsville did a great news story about Kensley :)

How YOU can help!

2009-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Friends,

As we all sit 400 miles away from Dustin and Melissa and sweet Kensley, I know there is so much we would all love to do to help. For those of us who know and love this family, you would be hard pressed to find another family who have helped those around them more than the Kellys. Dustin has sung at more singings, funerals, and weddings than anyone can count, and Melissa has been there supporting him all along. They have done so much to help so many. Now is our chance to help them. I know they would rather be anywhere than where they are right now watching their baby girl fight for survival. More than that, they would much rather be on the giving end than the receiving end.

Reality is that they are facing an extended period in Florida. This will accumulate extensive living and travelling expenses, not to mention the loss of work wages during this time. An account has been set up at Redstone Federal Credit Union in the name "Praying for Kensley". We have also placed a button on the side of this site where you can donate to that fund through PayPal. (Please note - Paypal does charge minimal fees for this service)

Please pray and be led by God. Above all, join us in praying and believing in the miracles that we all know our God can provide!!

Love to all,

Stephanie Thorson

Address

2009-10-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

We have numerous people asking for the address of where to send cards for Kensley. It is:

Sacred Heart Children's Hospital
PICU #390, Kensley Kelly
5151 N. Ninth Avenue
Pensacola, Florida 32504

Our Kensley...

2009-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

We know that all of the people that are reading about our baby do not really know our Kensley. We wanted to add some details so that you can know her personally. You may have never seen her in person, but we want to tell you about her...her personality, her attitude, her likes and dislikes.

Kensley is gorgeous, that's evident by her pictures that have been posted in different places. She was gorgeous before, and she is gorgeous now, even with no hair, which, by the way, is NOT going to make her happy!!! :) To see her right now, lying in her PICU bed, with machines and tubes around, her little face remains unscratched, unbruised and just as beautiful as before.

Kensley will fight through this. For those of you that know her, you already know this. Her personality and attitude will prevail. Our family has a nickname for Kensley...it's "DQ". Those two letters sum up her entire being. It stands for DRAMA QUEEN. She trumps all royalty. And she is well aware of it. The world belongs to Kensley and we are merely her servants. lol. And obviously we don't mind - because we tend to bend to her beck and call. She is a sweetheart....on her own terms. She is loving and precious and funny and brilliantly smart. But if you walk in, and she has THAT look....DO.NOT.GO.NEAR!! haha. But seriously, just don't go near! :) Don't try to hug on her during those times...you will hear...."STOP"!! But five minutes later, she'll probably be piled up in your lap.

She has been reading since she was four years old. Not "beginning" reading, but READING READING. Her Pre-K teacher told Dustin and Melissa that she frequently let Kensley read her class books instead of her doing it. I'm sure the "DQness" meter was high on those days and we were only allowed to associate with her from afar!! I can just see her now, she has this whole princess aire about her and she "flips" her hair with her hand....it makes me smile to think about it, and on those high "DQness" days, I'm sure the flip was being thrown frequently. And if I had to guess, the princess wave was present also. Anyway, her teacher told Dust and Mo that she was worried about her job, she thought Kensley was going to try to take it.

I hear from those who were in Disneyworld with her that she has even picked up another language...it was "WHINEese". The princess was not fond of walking quite that much, HELLOOOOO...royalty should NEVER be allowed to walk and sweat!! :)

As you can tell, Kens has a massive support group. Just here in this waiting room in Pensacola, at least six hours from home, is her parents and brother, two sets of grandparents, a great grandparent, 5 great-uncles have been here, two uncles and two aunts are here, along with three first cousins and numerous numerous other friends and family. She is loved, tremendously. We want her well. We want to be her servants. We want to hear more whinese. We want to see her hand go up, meaning, "back up, you're in my space." We want to hear and see more Hannah Montana impersonations. We want to see her back in her pink princess bedroom, in her long blue jean skirts that she loves. And to hear her sweet little voice singing her favorite song, "Beautiful Day" by the Wright Family. And we are LOOKING FOR THAT SOON. We are encouraged and we are excited. This time, that strong will and over the top attitude that sometimes gets her in trouble....is exactly what is going to pull her through!

The accident....

2009-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

I know everyone is probably already aware but to recap:

Dustin, Melissa, Konnor and Kensley were travelling on Wednesday, October 7th from Disneyworld to Gulf Shores where they were going to stay until the weekend. At approximately 4:50 p.m. on Interstate 10, near Holt, Florida the car hydroplaned, hit a concrete culvert and flipped one and one-half times and landed upside down in the median. Dustin and Melissa were trapped in the car and had to be cut out. Konnor and Kensley were ejected from the car. The state troopers stated that numerous people stopped and rushed to them to try to help. Three fire departments were dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, a nurse was right behind them and stopped. She rushed to Kensley's side and worked with her and stayed with her until the medics arrived. Konnor has been telling us about the people that came and stayed with him until they put him in the ambulance and about the paramedics in the ambulance, "David" and "Kenneth" who in his words, "took very good care of me and were very nice to me." Kensley was air transported from the scene first, Konnor was transported by ambulance next, Dustin was air transported and Melissa was transported by ambulance, all to Sacred Heart Trauma Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, around sixty miles from the scene.

Dustin, Melissa and Konnor were admitted to the hospital and released the next day. All are banged up and bruised and cut but are okay. Kensley is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. She has a traumatic brain injury and has had surgery to try to stop a bleed.

Also, the latest updates are being broadcast on facebook. There is a "Praying for Kensley" page that has been set up and Kylee Rogers is updating numerous times a day. We know not everyone has a facebook page but for us, that is the easiest and fastest way to update. If we are away from the laptop we can update via phone. If you already have a facebook page or want to get one, you can try this link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=163181429364&ref=share or go to facebook and search for Kylee Rogers and send her a friend request.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EMAILED, CALLED, TEXT, COMMENTED, BEEN TO FLORIDA, SENT THINGS, ETC. YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO EVERYONE!!!

Please continue to pray!!!!!

Marty