Whitney Cerak

We, the Cerak family, are elated beyond description at Whitney’s return home. It is so much more than we ever imagined three months ago.We would like to restate our plans of not speaking to the media. There is still much on the road to Whitney’s full recovery. We want to thank the media for the respect they have shown of our privacy in this time. And ask that the same courtesy given us would be extended to our family and friends.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

July 29, 2006

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Whitney was back to her regular schedule, no more neuro testing. Matt was visiting and was able to tag along to a few therapies. They must have seen the playfulness in her eyes and her therapist challenged her to some card games. Whitney beat Matt and her therapist not once, not twice but three times. Her competitive streak continued to the dyna vision and she got to 74 (Newell’s 79 is her next goal). Whitney worked on stairs in PT and is finding balance and speed is a challenge.

We did get a brief review from her neuro psyche exam. We have so much to be thankful for. Her psychologist sat down and explained the results. “The assessment reveals some nicely improving skills in all domains, but demonstrates some continuing challenges.” Processing speed and language skills are areas of deficit. Neurological fatigue had an impact on her scores. (I’d have neuro fatigue after taking tests for 3 days too) As we dig deeper into all these test results we are praying for wisdom for the next step.

We know this is a very familiar verse but we claim it. “ For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

With love,
Whitney’s mom

21 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Continued prayers for wisdom for all of you as you go foward. What a powerful tool this blog has become, in so many ways! Recovery and rehabilitation is a journey in itself. Bless you for your continued willingess to share your story.

8:06 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Reading the posting today written by Colleen makes me rejoice for the gains Whitney has made, as well as those souls The Lord has gained as a result of this technology. I continue to pray each day for Whit and for all of the families who need God's strength. You are such witnesses ...displaying His love through your words and deeds. I love The Ceraks!Betty Hamilton

9:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We, too, are praying often for wisdom for you and for continued miraculous improvement for Whitney.

Love you guys!

9:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Way to go Whitney!!! It gives me great pleasure to know you beat Matt at Cards!! I'm claiming the same verse. God is Good.
Love,
Barbi

11:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! Whitney Seems to be doing much better, I am thinking about Whitney every day. Keep me posted!

11:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love reading your Bible verses and applying them to my own life. We each have our own tests -- small in comparison to some -- but it's helpful to be reminded that God knows what's in store for us even if we don't see an easy answer, no matter HOW minor our tests may be.

Thank you for your continued witness. It helps others in so many ways.

1:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for continuing to share the updates. We are praying for you everyday!

1:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praise God for everything. Thank you for keeping up with the updates. It is exciting to continue reading what God is doing. We are praying for you everyday.

2:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Cerak Family,I had not noticed until today that I could post a comment. I have followed your story since it first hit national news. I was shocked first by the story and second because I recognized your name. We live in Florida now but we have many fond memories of the Frank's in Sound Beach, L.I. My husband and I have been praying faithfully for Whitney and your whole family and will continue to do so. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. God is being honored by your faithfulness and people are being encouraged to trust Him even more.

2:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe after a few more months Whitney will do a lot better on those two areas of testing. It takes time as all healing does. Best wishes for her continuing improvement, Connie Zuber

2:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jeremiah 29:11 is my all time favorite verse. :) It's the verse that finally gave me the courage to decide which college to go to, which major to declare, and a variety of other tough decisions and trials throughout my life. I'm glad that Whitney is progressing so much, I pray that she can return to Taylor in the fall!

3:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! The verse from Jeremiah is just what I needed today. Thank you!

4:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I believe that God will fully restore Whitney. I am sure it must be daunting to know that there are still areas that need work, but please know that I have faith that there will be a full recovery. It will just take time.

Keep your chin up. We are all cheering Whitney on!

4:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for the daily reminders that our life is in his hands. Praying for Whitney's continued progress.
Please pray for Molly Bloom who lost her leg on prom night and is still in the hospital recovering. Pray also for her mom who is so very angry at the limo driver [and rightfully so!]. Here is their blog
Click here: Molly's Page

5:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Molly's page: http://mollyspage2006.blogspot.com/

I was up in Gaylord reciently, I live in GR and I saw all the signs for Whitney, I've been following your story as a friend of Laura's. I'm amazed at your faith in the Lord and the fact that you have such a strong foundation. My brother is sick right now and I am learning to lean on God and not on my own understanding. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves.

7:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sometimes it helps to remember how far you've come not how far you have to go. I find that to be true not only in the medical/physical world but my spiritual life as well. God promises to continue the work He has begun, be encouraged! HE IS ABLE. We continue to pray for all of you and to remember that our time frame is not always His! Love from the Spier family

8:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just want you to know I check up on Whitney - usually daily and pray for her - although my main connection is through my nephew, John - who is also a Taylor U student and a friend of Whitney's - he's in Austria and I'm in Oregon - but we all love the same Father. May God give you the strength for whatever each day holds. Teresa

8:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us...Your messages are a blessing to so many. We are thrilled that Whitney is getting better each day. Can't wait to hear when she beats dad in dyna vision. Keep up the hard work Whitney!!!

9:11 AM  
Blogger Shannon said...

I am absolutely gripped by each blog entry. It is such an encouragement to me each time I read the entries and marvel at God's abundant love, mercy and grace as well as his ability to heal. Our God is so amazing, isn't he? I am amazed at your strong faith and will continue to pray for the continued healing of Whitney as well as for the VanRyn family.

10:59 AM  
Blogger Kelly said...

Thank you for keeping up this blog spot, it gave me a great idea in keeping our family and friends updated for my brother who is currently facing a medical dilemna. God Bless your family & Whitney in her recovery!!

11:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say that it's lovely to hear about Whitney's progress and the support she is receiving from her loving family. i'm a speech therapist who lives and works in Scotland and see every day the devestating effects of tragic accidents so I wish you and your family all the best Whitney and hope your recovery continues to go well.

Jennifer McAlpine

2:52 PM  

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