Hello Family & Friends,

What a great weekend! Marla's benefit was a great sucess. Thank you to everyone involved. I will get back to this in a few moments, but for now, I would like to fill you in on Marla.

Marla has been steadily improving after her surgery a week ago. She has definitely rebounded faster than we expected. She is eating pretty well and feeding herself. Her awareness levels are improving daily. Marla is making more sense in her speech and is not randomly chattering as much. While she still has periods of delusions, she is recognizing people around her more and showing an understanding of her condition. The staff still has to keep the restraints on her wrists at times, but do remove them for periods. The biggest concern is that she will try to remove her IV or try to mess with her incisions. As long as the CNA can keep a close eye on her, they let her remain unrestrained. This definitely helps her mood and keeps her more calm. Marla's doctors are looking at sending her back to rehab in the next couple of days. The sooner she gets there, the sooner she can pick up where she left off before surgery. I will be glad to report that when it happens. Until then, let's just hope Marla continues moving steadily forward.

Now, back to the benefit. We had a great turnout Friday evening. Donations of auction items continued to pour in up until the start of the sale. In spite of the stress involved with organizing everything on short notice, all of the volunteers did a great job of getting things done. Thanks to everyone involved. Mom wanted to say a few words on Friday night, but time and emotions got in the way. So, I would like to relay to you her exact words she had written for event.

"I can't begin to express our thanks to each & everyone who has done so much & worked so hard to bring this benefit together for Marla. A big thanks to Bill & Jann Parker & BLS for spearheading and sponsoring this event. They are the ones who got the ball rolling & so many others have jumped in to keep it going. I hesitate to name names because I don't want to leave anyone out. I will defere to Jason on that. You all know who you are & no matter how small or large a part you played, this would not have as sucessfull without everyone's help. We are overwhelmed at the generosity of all the individuals & businesses that have donated items for the auction...just outstanding! And last, but by no means least, all of you kind, caring people that have shown up here tonight are the heart of this whoe event. You are priceless. Marla is truly blessed to have so many people that care about her. And God willing, one day Marla will be back to take care of you again at the BLS Horse Sale. Thank you so much!" Janice Ward (The Mom)

We would like to acknowledge to following people for your part in this heartwarming act. Bill & Jann Parker, Steve & Nancy Cerroni, Carlo Rebsom, Reno Babcock, Jody Lamp, Chasity Broadbrooks, Martina Realbird, Nola Vollmer, Cynthia Ware, Mike Jennings, Paula & all the BLS staff, Linda & the staff of the Herdsman Cafe, Ty Thompson, George White, and all of our family from ND & MN that made the trip to help. I hope I didn't leave anyone out. If I did, I apologize. Thank all of you for time and generous spirit to make this happen.

I will report again when I have more news. Thank you.

Jason