Saturday, August 27, 2011

Update Saturday morning

We have an amazing God!  Dale's assessment days are over; his "baseline" has been established.  He is on the road to recovery!  Yesterday during physical therapy he climbed stairs, walked up and down the halls, and even went outside for a few minutes.  They had him use a shopping cart with long poles attached to the front for him to hold on to so that he would be more upright when he walked (he has been leaning way back).  His speed is amazing---the therapist kept laughing about trying to keep up with Dale!  During occupational therapy, Dale used a form of stationary bike to improve coordination.  He followed light patterns on a wall display, pushing each button as it lit up.  Dale even watched the therapist build a small cannon-like object using 5 or 6 pieces, then built one of his own.  His speech class was thrilling---he would finish phrases like "brother and (sister)" and "up and (down)".  Dale pointed to each person in the room as they were named; he was able to remember where the therapist "hid" the apple juice to enjoy later in the session, showing good memory skills.  He is eating really well.  He is now able to take "honey-thick" liquids from a spoon.  Next week they will do another swallow study.

Thank you to everyone who has followed the story of what our God is doing with and through our son.  We have a God Who hears and answers prayer, Who cares about each of us, Who considers no task too great or too small, Who can use all things for good and for His glory.  Please continue to pray for Dale's recovery and for strength for our family as well.  We are truly blessed to be chosen to be part of this miracle.  Kirsten

Psalm 139:14  "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:  marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Update Thursday afternoon 8/25

Yesterday and today have been assessment days for Dale, to find out what physical therapy he'll need. He had a speech therapy session today. His cognitive abilities are all intact; he's hearing and understanding what people are saying to him. He can point out his name and his sisters' names.  He fed himself lunch today. He really wants to be able to drink on his own, but they're having him wait another day or two to make sure he won't choke on the liquids.

Psalm 139:1-4 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art aquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Update Wednesday night

Today Dale was discharged from Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland and transferred to a hospital about 30 minutes from home. Thank you all for your prayers!

II Corinthians 12: 9, 10  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Update Monday night

Ups and downs of the day... Ups: today Dale did some puzzles, took many rides in the wheelchair, wrote his name in cursive, and ate some Cheetos! Downs: storming seems to worsen in bed, gets restless, and is uncomfortable. Please pray for him to be transferred closer to home soon. It's been really hard on the family to have him and Kirsten so far from home.

Psalm 8:9,10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Update Sunday afternoon

Dale is sitting up in bed, watching tv. Today his dad was feeding him some applesauce, but not fast enough for Dale!
The Ostranders got a box of snacks from someone (UPS, no return address) and want to say "thank you" to whoever sent it to the church for them.

II Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Update Friday afternoon

Dale had another "spell" yesterday. They aren't sure what it is, but according to the EEGs, it is not a seizure. Every day his brain wakes up a little bit more. He's been trying to roll out of bed. He had a hard day yesterday. Because of the "storming", he can't shut off any motion, and it's hard for him to sleep. They are going to try a new medication to see if he can rest a little better tonight.
Dale said "hi" to his sister Katie today on the phone. That made her pretty happy. He says some things but realizes it's hard to speak, and he gets frustrated at times.
He's ready for the next step of rehab, which will be 3-4 hours of intense physical therapy. He likes to lean way back when he's walking and has to be supported by his shoulders.
Kirsten said it's been hard to wait for Dale to be transferred. The date keeps being pushed back, and now the hospital where they were planning to transfer him says they won't have a bed for him until the middle of next week. It's possible that he could go to a different rehab hospital if the wait is too long, but it's all still up in the air. In Kirsten's words, "We're here as long as God wants us here, even when it's frustrating. He still has a plan."

Psalm 3:1-5 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Testimony from Chad Ostrander

Testimony from Chad Ostrander 8/14 at Bethel Baptist Church, Spanaway, WA.

Update Tuesday afternoon

Dale has been agitated lately. The doctors weren't sure exactly why at first, but they think his brain is misfiring, or "storming". He is definitely experiencing some pain and discomfort and is kicking, thrashing, and moaning a little. He had a high fever last night. They believe it's just his brain trying to work and sending lots of signals all at once, instead of one thing at a time. He still gets words out, especially in times of frustration. Yesterday he yelled at the nurse, "The door!" when he was in the restroom and she left the door open.

They should be able to transfer him closer to home soon. They expect a lot of progress, but it's going to take time.

Psalm 31:1-3  In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Update Sunday night

Tonight at church, Dale's dad Chad Ostrander spoke to the congregation at Bethel Baptist Church.

"It's not about Dale, it's not about our family, it's all about God. We've been privileged, fortunate to see a miracle this week."

He spoke of three verses they leaned on this week.
Jeremiah 33:3, Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
"We didn't know what the 'great and mighty things' were, but we knew God was going to show us something. We didn't know if Dale being back to normal and healthy was in his plans, but we were going to trust him."
The other verses were Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, and Isaiah 55:8, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Brother Ostrander said, "We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, 'You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.' We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, 'Dale, open your eyes!' and his eyes opened! We thought, 'Wow, there's hope!"

Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist.
The seizure that happened last night may have just been his brain "catching up" to some of the sensations of pain.

In Chad Ostrander's words: "God has shown us a miracle."

Update Sunday afternoon

Dale had a seizure last night. They are running more tests today. His dad, grandfather, and sisters were at church this morning and says Dale has a long way to go still. The family still covets your prayers.

Psalm 91:1,2 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Update Saturday morning

Dale's Sunday School teacher visited him yesterday. He told Dale they needed him back in the class and Dale gave him a thumbs-up sign. His teacher said his personality is completely intact. The physical therapist came in while they were visiting, and he could tell Dale was teasing her. She asked him to smile for her. At first he would only do a half-smile, then later broke into a full grin. The doctors are saying from the results of the MRI, there's no reason he shouldn't make a full recovery.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Update Friday morning

Dale's MRI turned out well. His neck brace is off, and they'll be running more tests today.
He tried to get out of bed to go to bathroom and had to be convinced by his dad that he wasn't able to walk to the bathroom.
The doctors are very hopeful and full of promise. It's still too early to know for sure, but they are saying it's possible that he could make a full recovery.
Dale's been doing some physical therapy, but won't start intensive physical therapy until he's been transferred closer to home.
His family was singing some songs with him this morning, and he was doing hand motions to the songs.
This morning he said "yes" and "no" to the nurses and said, "Stop it!" to his dad.

I Thessalonians 1:11,12 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Update Thursday afternoon

Dale's been waiting to read Vespers Rising. He and his mom have been reading the series together. Someone brought him the book today. When his mom, Kirsten, showed it to him, he got very excited and held the book in his hands, opened it up, and turned the page.
Today he coughed, and the cough produced a tear. He wiped his own eyes. Later he motioned toward his mom for a tissue, and wiped his own mouth.
He just gave his mom a kiss.
He's having an MRI later today. This will check his brain activity and help determine if the neck brace can come off. Dale is breathing completely on his own, but still has a feeding tube, and an IV. Monitors continue to track his vitals.

Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Update Thursday morning

Dale's condition has been upgraded to "fair" by the hospital and is out of ICU. He's not able to get out of bed yet, but he's been receiving physical therapy. He slept well last night!

Ps.107:42-43 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Press Conference for Pacific County Fire District #1

Pacific County Fire District #1
Due to overwhelming requests for interviews with rescue and EMS personnel, a press conference will be held tomorrow, August 11, 2011 at 12noon. All of the main rescuers and EMS personnel will be present to answer questions about the ocean rescue that took place last Friday.
The press conference will be held at the Ocean Park Fire Station located at 26109 Ridge Avenue in Ocean Park, WA 98640.


"Matt 19:26 "But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Update Wednesday Evening

Thanks to the tips and suggestions of so many people about Cobra, the Ostranders were able to get their insurance reinstated today.  Thank you to everyone who has sent in donations of any amount.  This will not only help the Ostranders pay the insurance deductible and premiums, but also cover the cost of any extra expenses (i.e. gas, food, lodging).  The Ostranders are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of both friends and strangers alike.

Update Wednesday afternoon

Nicole, the young girl who tried to help Dale, came by for a visit. Dale managed to say "thank you"!
Some Ringling Bro. clowns came by and put on a show for the children. They broadcast it through the hospital for those who couldn't attend. Dale's sisters Ashley and Emily got to go. They enjoyed it!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

In the news

Blog with pictures

I received an email from Damian Mulinix, a photographer at the Chinook Observer newspaper, including this link to his blog: www.tinyurl.com/3ck3nox The pictures may be difficult for some.
A quote from Damian: "What a miraculous turn of events. After watching what happened on the beach I never would have imagined that he could possibly be recovering the way that your blog has described. Truly, truly miraculous."

Update Tuesday morning

Dale continues to respond positively. This morning at 8 o'clock, he said "morning" to his parents. He kept trying to get out of bed. When his dad told him that he can't get out of bed, he said very emphatically, "Yes I can!" Dale's dad says that Dale is answering "yes" and "no" questions. He is also following voices with his eyes. The day nurse is quite amazed at the progress made! Thank you so much for your prayers.

Monday, August 8, 2011

More ways to help

If you'd like to help to provide a meal for the Ostrander family when they get back home, please contact Denise Minge at deniseminge@yahoo.com. I will put together a schedule so that they don't have too much food at once. We will probably use http://takethemameal.com/ for coordination. Thanks to those who let me know about this site.

Several loving people from our church have volunteered to purchase the Ostrander kids' back-to-school items. If you'd like to help more in this area, you can donate via the paypal button or through the church, or give gift cards for some of their other back-to-school needs.  Another idea mentioned was to buy school lunch cards for the kids to use at school.  This is just another small way to show the family our love.  Call the school office if you wish to help at 253-537-1749.
Our church address:
Bethel Baptist Church
524 E 176th St.
Spanaway, WA 98387
http://www.bethelsite.com/

List of favorites

Last night we asked Katie Ostrander for a list of favorite foods, snacks, and drinks. Here are some things that she listed as favorites of the family:
Goldfish crackers
pop tarts
pretzels
cheese puffs
Doritos
apples
bananas
plums
cheese
macaroni and cheese
pepperoni
cheese pizza
cheez-its
ravioli
baked potato soup
Lucky Charms

Drinks they like:
Mountain Dew
sweet tea
Pepsi
Fuze
apple juice
smart water
apple-grape juice
Snapple
Coke
milk shakes

Sponge Bob was at the bottom of the list, along with one of Dale's favorite animals, flamingos! Thank you so much for your prayers and kindness toward this family.

If you want to mail something, please mail to:
The Ostrander family
c/o Bethel Baptist Church
524 E 176th St
Spanaway, WA 98387
An idea from Tina O'Connor: If anyone is interested in helping out in another way, the Ostrander children could use some uniform shirts for school. They are polos and come in 3 colors (white, pastel blue & navy). They have our school logo on the shoulder. They can be ordered from Mrs. Monnin in the school office at (253) 537-1749! I know the kids would love this.

Update: Aug 8th 4:11PM

The doctors just removed Dale's breathing tube and he is now breathing on his own.  Also, because of possible damage to the brain they were unsure if he would be able to speak.  Minutes after the tube was removed, the doctors told him to cough. Not only did Dale talk back to the doctors, he responded in a full sentence saying, "I don't have to." Dale continues to get better by the minute and the doctors are more and more amazed! God is good!

Update: Aug 8th 3:00PM

Great responses from Dale. He is responding to the doctor's questions, which is great. He is breathing on his own now and the breathing tube is going to be removed shortly.  The FB page is also being updated, so you could probably look at it as well.

Praise the Lord!!

Update: Aug 8th 12:50PM

A note from Denise Minge
My husband Tim and I spent Sunday with the Ostranders. Their family is sweet and constant. Brother Ostrander has such a practical attitude about the good and bad news he’s heard from the doctors and nurses. Mrs. Ostrander and he both have been near Dale almost constantly, encouraging him, talking to him, and expressing their love. They have been “cautiously optimistic,” taking bad news in stride but not without tears. I heard from both of them that they know God is in control and they want His will. They are on an emotional roller coaster, as Kirsten put it, but still they are peaceful, not hysterical. The family shared some humor with us as they tried to get responses from Dale. Katie, Dale’s 14 year old sister, has been right by his side the whole time, rarely leaving, just watching the monitors and holding his hand and talking to him. Amanda, 16, has also been close and has helped her parents take care of the younger two sisters, Ashley, 10, and Emily, 5. Ashley and Emily probably split their time between being with their brother and playing in the waiting room. They both brought him some presents today that they picked out at the store and have made signs and posters to decorate his room. Jessica and Sarah Waugh have been a huge blessing by staying at the hospital with the Ostranders. Sarah has stayed with the two younger girls and entertained, fed and watched them. Jessica is helping wherever needed, by doing laundry, making sure mom and dad are eating and resting enough, and just being there, listening, being an advocate for them. 
The whole family is so grateful for your prayers and love and offers of help. Kirsten and Chad feel the love of other parents aching, crying, and praying for them in the hurt they are experiencing right now. Philippians 4:7 : “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” We pray for all who have been waiting and watching and listening to have some rest and peace.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Update: Aug 8th 12:59AM

New update: about 9:20 pm Dale opened his eyes and was responding to his dad. He looked like he was trying to pull out his breathing tubes (very normal reaction). Bro. Hanson, Bro Jon, and Bro Tim were talking to him and he looked at all of them. The doctor came in and said he was shocked and amazed that this had happened and that his primitive functions were returning. He said he doesn't want to give false hopes, but this was more than he was expecting. Praise the Lord and thank you so much for your prayers!

Paypal Button

The PayPal button is now up and running.  Just push on the button and it will redirect you to the PayPal page where you can enter in you contribution.

Keep praying!!

If You Are Interested in Mailing a Donation...

please mail a check to the following address:

Bethel Baptist Church
524 E 176th Street
Spanaway, WA 98387

Update Aug 7th


Today Dale had a CT scan to help the doctors view his brain activity. Bro. Ostrander said that the CT scan did not come back with positive results. Dale’s brain is still swollen and he is not responding much at all. Worse case scenario, his brain may swell more and shut down and we would lose him. Second worse case scenario is that he could become a vegetable. The doctors have said that there is still a chance that he could recover, but that it would take a MIRACLE. Good thing that the Ostranders are surrounded by Christ’s loving arms and a church family that believes in prayers and miracles!!!  I know Dale can feel the love and prayers that are being poured down upon him. Please ask your church families to take a moment tonight during your evening services to pray for the Ostrander family. Pray for Dale and pray for a miracle!!!!!
On a final note, Bro. Ostrander recently switched jobs two months back. One of the stipulations of his new job was that insurance benefits would not be available until after the third month. Unfortunately their family is uninsured at this time as they are one month shy of that cut off.  You can only imagine what medical bills are piling up with Dale’s care. We have opened a paypal account in the Ostranders name that donations can be made to and tonight during the evening service at Bethel Baptist Church {Spanaway, Washington} there will be a love offering taken up for the Ostranders to help with Dale’s medical bills and their travel expenses.
PAYPAL ACCOUNT EMAIL: Donations can be sent to chadkirstenostrander@gmail.com.
The Ostrander’s are standing firm in their faith. They thank you all for your love, prayers and support!!

Prayers for Dale


This blog was created for a young man who is in great need of much prayer.  Dale is the the teenage son of the Ostrander family who lives in Washington State.  Below is an abbreviated account of what happened giving us an idea of what to pray for.  In this blog you will find updates on his condition and information on how you can donate through paypal. Thank you for your support and prayers.  Our God is great and a Worker of miracles!
It’s true when they say that life can change forever in the blink of an eye. Yesterday, our church family back home in Washington was hit with devastating news. One of our teenagers was playing at the beach on a warm sunny day and was pulled into an undertow. He was in the water for 15-20 minutes. When he was found, he was unconscious and not breathing. Emergency personnel performed CPR on him and got a heartbeat and later got him to breathe on his own. He was flown to Portland Children’s Hospital (two hours from home).  Prayers are being said across the globe for this family and their son. I plead you to add The Ostranders to your prayers tonight. Prayer is Powerful!! As of today the Ostrander’s son is in a drug induced coma. The doctors have kept his body temperature down to help with the brain swelling.  Updates will be posted when available. Prayer changes things and we are all praying for a miracle!
If you’d like to donate money to help with their insurance or travel expenses, a paypal account has been set up with direct access for the Ostrander family.
Donations can be sent to chadkirstenostrander@gmail.com.