The last blog of 2010. Eric is off this morning, headed to Indy for appts. with some of his Drs. We hope all goes well. While Eric continues to improve please continue to pray for him and his family. And while we take a look back at how the last year's events have effected Erics life, as well as his families, it's because of all of you who have commented and watched this blog , that have changed and touched their lives and many others, as well. A calender has been created for Erics family and many of your post have been quoted on the calender so that they are reminded daily how much you love them, care about them and how much of a inspiration you are to them. Some of you we know, some of you we don't and will probably never meet ,but your words have impacted our hearts as we poured our grief and tragady to you. You lifted us when we were at our weakest, you carried us when we could no longer feel there was a reason to go on, YOU are reason we are where we are today, truly blessed. So as this year comes to an end, We pray God will bless your lives as much as your prays have blessed ours. God is Good all the time and ALL the time God is good. THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU BECAUSE YOU BELIEVED THAT ERIC COULD AND HE WOULD. He will and he can.
May next year be blessed by God and everything he has planned in all our lives.

12/05/2010

Well Eric has been home almost a month now. He is doing very good and has a drive on life stronger than any motorcycle coming out of the corner. He has been doing some rehab in south bend that has been ok. We have purchased one piece of equipment but have to come up with $25,000 for the other two. He can apply a little pressure to your hand with his feet the right being stronger than the left. He had natural talent riding a bike but he is going to have to work for this. Our home is upside down and we are doing a lot of work to make it so he can get anywhere but the basement in the house. He has been going a lot of places and made a trip to Indy and did very well going there. We pray everyday and night that we will be able to walk again. The 3rd day we were home he went down to the race shop and had someone start his race Honda. I heard the engine reving so I went down to see him sitting in his wheelchair reving the bike. When he shut it off he said don't sell it I am going to ride it again. Keep the prayers coming. I can I will Irish

Nov 13

Well it's been 4 days now that Eric has been home and things are going pretty well. He has been going somewhere every evening so it hasn't slowed him down much.They did an amazing job with the bathroom. It is all ready and Eric at least can take a shower and can get around in there. There is still lots to do everywhere else in the house to make it feasable for his comfort and get back to a half way normal living. Went to South Bend today for rehab and Eric will be going three times a week, while they don't have the equipement they did at R.H.I. we plan to get it here at home so that Eric can do therapy here as well. He enjoys visitors and it keeps his spirits up. Anyone is welcome over ANYTIME. Thank you for everything, I believe that he will wotk hard and walk again someday.
Irish

nov 8

73 days since the crash and Eric is coming home. He and I and Sheila are so ready to get there.Fox news was here today and will meet us at Hooiser and at home. Eric spoke about the crash for the first time in public, he did a great job and we are so proud of him. Tonight we took Eric to Tonys suite at the speed way and it made his day.Looking at the brickyard makes you think of a ghosttown. Seen as much of the backside of the speedway for a long time, tomorrow the view all changes. HOME SWEET HOME. This has been a life changing experiance for our familyand I believe it is only going to get better everyday. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, YOUR PRAYERS AND YOUR KIND WORDS. I CAN I WILL.

Nov 7

Well it looks like Tuesday Nov. 9th will be the day Eric will come home! HOORAY!!!!!! His rehab went very well this week. Family and Friends have been busting out a bath for Eric to come home to. Once we get home, we will be looking at complete remodel of the home for Eric. The people at RHI have been great. There are a lot of people to Thank but most of all Kim has been awesome along with Brenda and Shelly. Today, Eric took his traxxas radio control truck out to drive today.

We are ALL ready to come hom and look forward to seeing everyone.

Oct 31

Eric had a good week end with lots of visitors on Saturday.He got a two hour pass to go see a movie with friends.While he was leary of going, had enjoyed it. Whole new venture but time to move on and out. Was exhausted Sunday and sleep in late. Hard to believe it's been nine weeks.He is much stronger and more determined every day. Is transferring out of bed into his chair very well. He is ready to get out of this place and get home to family and friends. I know they are trying to get his room ready for his arrival home. We can not thank everyone enough for all you've done for us. With your prayers, support and love we continue to make it through his bump in the road, please continue to pray for continued strength and smooth pavement in the days ahead. Ten days and counting down. THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Oct 26

Eric had a good day today. The finally tally says he can go home Nov. 9th if things go as planned. He also had a appt. with the lung specialist, the good news there is that he said the lungs are healing quickly and that the sounds good as well. The hole in his lung is healing well too. Now it's time to get things ready at home so Eric will be able to move about and move forward with life. Amen that we will get to close the door on this place. There's no place like home!!!!

0ct 21

Eric had a rough day, they had a new P.T. working with Eric. It was tough for him, when you get use to how one works, a different one kind of throws a curve ball. He couldn't get the hang of it, and totally shut down. On a good note he did well with O.T. They are going to try a new P.T. tomorrow, so we will hope this one will be a better option for him. While Eric is still paralyzed we continue to pray Gods blessing, Grace and his goodness on Erics lif,e as well as our family. Its a tough road but together we will get through this and be a stronger family for it. Thanks for all your prays, may God bless you all as well.

Oct 19

Eric continues to be in great spirits. He has an amazing faith that God will heal him and he will be able to ride one more time. He is so appreciative of of everyones prayers. He can't, in his wildest dreams, imagine going through this alone. He is working on moving the wheelchair up steps. A very hard task that usually takes a week a to achieve. He is also lifting weights to increase upper body strength. He is now able to sit up for two hours twice a day. Grateful that God is leading and directing our path. We believe he will continue to use Eric to glorify his name.Also grateful for a small community that is so supportive of our family. Thank you all. Please continue to pray for us.

octhe will start 2 14

Eric ended up having a great day in spite of having a U.T.I. We are trying to get that under control. Mean while he is still limited to setting up for two hours because of the bed sore but they reassured us that on Monday he will start 2 2 hour sessions per day. His upper body strength is getting stronger, although he still has a ling way to go. His spirits are very good and he loves to get visitors. He likes to impress everyone with his strength and hard work. Thanks for all your prayers.
Oh very important news. Yesterday he had an appointment with the spinal surgeon who said that the spine was aligned and healing well. He got to have pizza while at the hospital and sat up for two hours. He also went up to the fifth floor and spoke with Shane Himels parents. ( Shane was hurt in a race car crash the past week end.) It was good to see them and encourage each other as we all battle through. Please keep Shane in your prayers. Eric is making lasting relationships with some quite amazing people. People that will be remembered for their kindness way after this is all over.

Update: 10.14.2010

Tony wins another one for Eric!

oct11

If you follow Erics facebook at all, He just posted something we can all live by.' Won't stop fighting till I reach the end. Thanks Everyone." While none of us have had this life altering experiance at his age I think thats a brave quote from a kid going through this. Please know that Eric is working very hard and that rehab can last most of the day. The longer and harder he works the sooner he comes home. And that is the main goal. Will keep you updated.

Oct 9

Hey everyone,
Hi it's Eric's favorite aunt Shelly. (I said that he did'nt.)Just leaving from spending the day with Eric. HE HAD A GREAT DAY. God has placed some amazing people in his life. A young man came to see Eric today who was also paralized. He was such a positive young man. Total inspiration to Eric. Eric is grateful to know that people take time out of their busy schedules to come and see him. Eric will soon be able to post a blog when we teach him how and set it up for him to do so. Thanks again everyone for your prayers, God is faithful and Just to answer them.
Aunt Shelly

Oct 8

Hey everybody,
Great news, Eric is enjoying some much needed outdoor time. Visitors keep his spirits up and remind him how much he is cared about. We all believe that better days are ahead as he continues to feel better. Wacht the blog in the next few days for pictures and videos. Eric keep your head up we are all pulling for you.
Love you much,
Rena

Oct 7

Eric had another good day today. He was fitted for a new wheelchair. He went to the gym for rehab,worked hard, and Sheila cut his hair. He is still crying from that experience. L.O.L. They work him really hard, but he is up to a challenge and enjoys being praised for his hard work and effort. The only problem is being turned every two hours to avoid anymore bed sores. His sore is getting better as well as his U.T.I. I pray every morning that today will be better that yesterday. Thanks for all your prayers and support, we couldn't have made it this far without you!!! Keep the faith.
Irish

Oct 6

Wow what a day!!!!! Eric got to go outside today. How we take things for granted. It did the heart good just to see him outside. Eric was also pumped about working out in the gym. He absolutly just lite up at the chance to get his physical therapy going. Eric only got to stay outside for a half hour because he needed to get back in to therapy. A VERY BUSY DAY. Dean Hubbard
came to visit him today and we so appreciated his visit. Prayers Answered, we are finally on the right path. Thanks again,
Irish

Oct5

Went to see Eric today. He looked GREAT, he is so happy to get visitors. He loves to show off how strong he is getting. He actually has some muscle tone back in his arms. Girls stopped by today that he went to school with, he couldn't believe they took time to come see him. Eric, you are so worth the trip. Eric also has a new buddy who by chance is also named Eric. He also was paralyzed from a moto cross accident. What a inspiration he is to our Eric.God bless all of you that have taken time to show you care in one form or the other.

Oct 4

Eric ended up having a better evening than morning. They are treating him for his U.T.I. with Antibiotics and his pressure wound is starting to slowly heal. I think as long as they turn every two hours he'll be good. He had a few visitors today which always lifts his spirits and surely makes the day much shorter. Tomorrow will hopefully bring better things to come.
Thanks for your support,
Irish

Oct 4

Eric's white cell count continues to rise so he is back at the hospital. Running xrays on kidneys, chest, and bladder. He is back to vomiting everything he eats.Praying for a break ,quite discouraged today. Three steps backward, I am ready for even one step forward. PRAY PLEASE!!!
Irish

October 3rd

Eric had a tough day today. Just figured out that pop will cause U.T.I.'s. Eric hit the roller coaster turn thats make you scream. He's ready to get off this ride. He refused his meds today and pretty much sleep all day. He said he just felt sick. We are waiting for the test results to return so we can get him back on the road to recovery. Please pray that tomorrow will be a better day.
Irish

Update 10.3.2010

Eric is doing very good and his spirits are good.He still has the Rockstar attitude which Irish said that he has missed for a few weeks. His bed sores are getting better and he has been drinking Myoplex protein drink that his buddy John Rhymer got him hooked on. Thanks for the support and keep praying for 349.

Update 9.27.2010

Eric was taken back to Methodist on the 24th to do testing to see why his white cell count is rising and why he can't keep anything down. On the 26th Eric had a good day and he had a lot of visitors. Eric was up in his wheelchair for 5 1/2 hours yesterday. Which was great! He was also able to mowed down 2 jr whoppers with cheese. Eric still loves to get  his visitors and hours are from 6am - 9pm. Eric says thanks to everyone for all of their support. He could not imagine what it would be like to go through this without it.

9.22.2010

Eric had another good day yesterday. They put him in a wheelchair for about 2 hours. Then he was wore out. Eric ate a chef salad with ranch dressing, then last night he had pizza and bread sticks. He has lost a lot of muscle tone and weight. He is still at Methodist but the lung looks good. We are all hoping that Thursday he will be moved to rehab on the west side of Indianapolis. Eric complained about some chest pain last night before everyone left, but he had a busy day.

9.21.2010

Eric had another good day on the 19th. He is still needing to eat more. The hospital was able to sit him up in a wheelchair and took him outside for 20 minutes. It really wore him out. He had a lot of visitor this past weekend.

On Monday there was more good news. The tubes that were in Eric right lung were finally removed. There is a good chance that Eric could be moving to rehabilitation today or tomorrow. The rehabilitation center is located on 38th street.

9.18.2010

irish came home for the first time since the accident last night. he said it was extremely hard going back to the house and seeing the track and walking around the shop. eric has not been eating like he should and has been sleeping alot. eric also has not been very talkative as of late. irish is going back down today to indianapolis.

Update 9.15.2010

Eric is still in ICU after his surgery. The surgery was meant to fix a hole that was found in his lung. The surgery was a success but has left Eric very tired. He slept all day yesterday and has been on a lot of medication for the pain that is in his back. Eric has not been able to eat a lot because he has been getting so much sleep. We are all hoping that tomorrow will be a better day. The last few days Eric has limited the amount of visitors. Not that he doesn't want to see anybody, he just know that it is vital that he gets his rest. If anyone is planning on visiting Eric please call Irish first to make sure that it is ok. Irish has explained that the healing process has been like a roller coaster.

Autographed Tony Stewart T-Shirt

Hoosier Racing Tire is selling an "I Can I Will" t shirt that has been signed by Tony Stewart. All proceeds will be going to Eric and his family. The t shirt will be on display at Hoosier Racing Tire in Lakeville, IN. You can purchase your tickets through Hoosier Racing Tire as well. The tickets will be $1 a piece or you can purchase 6 tickets for $5. The drawing for the shirt will take place at Red Bud on September 19th. Winner does not have to be present.

Update 9.10.2010

Yesterday Eric started out with a fever again. Laura his nurse put a cool blanket on him and gave him some ibuprofen to bring it down. The doctors are trying to find out what is causing his fever's. With no feeling from the chest down they had to do a ct scan and could not find anything.

The doctors were able to remove the tube from Eric's left lung, but still have the right one in. Eric also had a blood clot in his bladder. Luckily they were able to find it and take care of it.

Eric still loves to get his visitors but also needs his rest. We are all hoping that there is no fever tonight and that Eric can finally get a good nights sleep. If he does have anymore fevers, the hospital will bring in specialists to find out why he is getting them so often.

Update 9.7.2010

Eric was in good spirits after Tony's big victory at Atlanta this weekend. But yesterday morning Eric had a temperature of 103°.  Then we found out that his right lung collapsed once again. Eric had a few visitors yesterday. The hospital is bringing in a specialist for his lungs today to figure out why his lungs are not draining. Once his lungs are under control they will send him to the rehab hospital here in Indy. Irish would like to thank everyone for all of their thoughts and prayers.

Tony Stewart wins one for Eric!

Update 9.5.2010

Eric had a decent day yesterday. He loves getting visitors but it also wears him out. He has not been eating like he should. He has been having panic attacks and we have to keep him calmed down a lot. He asked Sheila to stay with him last night again. This is really tough and we all hope that he gets better soon. Not too much has changed since Friday. Keep him in your prayers.

Update 9.3.2010

Eric had a good day today, started off a little rocky with him having a hard time breathing. Then around noon he felt good enough that he was able to sit up in a chair talk to a lot of his friends that were there to see him. Eric is still in ICU they were not able to take him to a normal room yet. However, I am happy to report that Eric was resting well last night with no breathing problems.

Update 9.1.2010

As September 1st ends everything is looking up for Eric. Irish has told be that Eric did very well today with some rehabilitation treatment that he through today. Eric is doing good enough that the doctors would like to try and get him out of ICU as early as tomorrow. That is such great news for the entire Saunders family.

Make sure to leave comments everyday so that Eric knows that we are all thinking about him.
Hope to bring great news about Eric tomorrow too.

Update 9.1.2010

Late last night around 9:00pm Eric's lung once again collapsed. His breathing was reduced to around 78% and the doctors took him in for a CT scan. The doctors put him on his side to get the scan, when they did they realized that his breathing went back up to normal. So Eric spent a little time on his side to regulate his breathing. Since then the doctors have been able to repair his lung.

Update: 9.1.2010

On Tuesday Eric had another surgery to stop bleeding that was in his spleen. I have been told that the surgery was a success and that the bleeding has stopped. Eric was then sent back to his room where I was told that he enjoyed a nice healthy McDonald's chicken nugget meal (with a smoothie of course). Eric remains in good spirits and is very thankful for all of the support that everyone has shown.

Welcome to the Eric Saunders Blog

Welcome to the Eric Saunders Blog. This blog will be used to give everyone updates on Eric. As we all know, Eric has crashed very hard during a practice session at his house. He still does not have any feeling below his ribs. He had surgery on Sunday to put some rods in his back. He is now recovering in an Indianapolis hospital.