Friends of Tony Update

Making History
On July 11 at a local airport hanger, Tony was interviewed along with his friend and fellow pilot, Kris Larson, for the History Channel show, Shockwave. Freelance journalist, Doug Bruckner, conducted the interview. Producers had approached Tony back in the Spring to tell his story of how he conquered tragedy by his determination to fly again. With the Sky Arrow 600 Sport aircraft featured prominently in the background during the interview, both Tony and Kris gave accounts of the Tri-motor's tragic last flight in 2004; and then how just two-and-a-half years later, Tony was learning how to fly the light sport airplane with hand controls. Kris is Tony's flight instructor for the Sky Arrow. You can read Tony's detailed account of the interview by clicking here.

The Shockwave episode (number 28) aired recently on The History Channel. Also featured in the episode is videographer Gary Decker, who shot the videotape of the Tri-motor crash, and AFI Flight Instructor, Bill Griggs; both provide insightful eyewitness commentary. For those who saw Tony's debut on National television, here's what some viewers had to say.

• "Very impressive, although I wished they had said more about the year in the hospital. Tony looked good. I think he has come a long way."


• "It was extremely touching and emotional. Tony seems to have some incredible friends, thankfully."


• "How sad to see it all happen."


• "I watched this show. Heartbreaking."


• "My heart goes out to Tony all over again. He has overcome so much, such an inspiration. I wish him luck in all future endeavors. The sky's the limit!"

Although a lot more ground was covered in the interview than what actually ended up in the final Shockwave episode, the biggest omission from the show was Tony's arduous medical rehabilitation that included sixteen months spent in three different hospitals and a dozen surgeries. Also left out was the fact that Tony was burned over 75% of his body. Due to the graphic nature of the plane crash, parts of the show can be difficult to watch, especially since the producers chose to show the crash over and over again. That along with the seriousness of the medical emergency response leaves little doubt that it's a miracle how Tony could have survived at all. Despite these caveats, viewers are introduced to Tony and his incredible human spirit.

To view Tony's segment of the show on YouTube, click here, or on the image above.


Tony's Current Condition

To get Tony in and out of bed, or in or out of an airplane such as the Sky Arrow, he must first be outfitted in a harness that is attached to a special hydraulic lifting device called a Hoyer lift. This special lift is designed to safely raise and lower Tony from his resting position or in his power wheelchair, he can then be carefully moved about in a steady manner. The Hoyer lift does this through the aid of a hydraulic pump that does all of the heavy lifting.

To get around on his own, Tony uses a power wheelchair with a joystick. This provides him with some sense of independence, allowing him to control the speed and direction of his wheelchair when he's at home or in the hospital. Because there is always a possibility of further pressure ulcers developing if he stays in the same position for too long, Tony cannot spend more than a few hours each day in his wheelchair.

In order for Tony to travel any distance, he requires a specially equipped van with a wheelchair lift and plenty of headroom to accommodate his needs. The first step towards Tony's independence was realized in late 2006 with the purchase of a wheelchair van that was retrofitted with a hand control system that allows Tony's left hand to control the gas and break. Additionally, the van was equipped with an EZ Lock (http://www.ezlock.net) wheelchair docking system, placing Tony securely behind the steering wheel after guiding himself in with his power wheelchair. This mechanism also allows the van's driver's seat to be easily removed and returned to position should someone other than Tony want to drive it.



Tony's Prayer Circle

We continue to ask for everyone's prayers to help keep Tony and his parents in good health and in good spirits. Tony is relying on his parents more than ever to provide around-the-clock care for him now that he's mainly being cared for by his family.

Thank you for keeping Tony in your thoughts and hearts over these past four years.

If you would like to be part of Tony's Prayer Circle, check out the prayer page for more details.


Previous Friends-of-Tony Updates
You can read previous FriendsOfTony Updates by clicking on the links below.

• Spring 2008      Friends Of Tony Update
• Nov/Dec, 2007  Friends Of Tony Update
• Sept/Oct, 2007  Friends Of Tony Update
• Mar/April, 2007  Friends Of Tony Update
• Jan/Feb, 2007   Friends Of Tony Update
• Nov/Dec, 2006  Friends Of Tony Update
• Sept/Oct, 2006 Friends Of Tony Update
• July/Aug, 2006  Friends Of Tony Update
• June 2006        Friends Of Tony Update
• May 2006         Friends Of Tony Update
• Mar/Apr, 2006   Friends Of Tony Update
• Jan/Feb, 2006   Friends Of Tony Update
• Nov/Dec, 2005  Friends Of Tony Update
• Sept/Oct, 2005 Friends Of Tony Update
• July/Aug, 2005  Friends Of Tony Update
• June 20, 2005   Friends Of Tony Update
• June  4, 2005    Friends Of Tony Update
• May 20, 2005    Friends Of Tony Update

More Friends of Tony
A few more names have been added to the friends page and to the Friends-of-Tony Update email list. These new and old friends are:

• Jay and Julie Holt
• Jeff Hurley
• Tisha Martin
• Stacy and Patrick McGough
• April and Stefan Steck
• Susan Waytas

If you haven't already done so, add yourself to the Friends-of-Tony email list and friends page to find out more about Tony's condition and what you can do to help. Also, please take a minute to sign Tony's guestbook. We are interested in hearing from you and we welcome your comments.

Thank you,

Steve Albanese
FriendsOfTony.com

Calendar

July 2008

August 2008

September 2008

October 2008