Hello everyone. Jacob Delange had a stupid accident on Thursday morning while mountain biking with his son in law Dave. No fault is due to Dave but Jacob tried a “Teeter Totter” obstacle for the first time without walking over it first and his front wheel went off the side and flipped the bike under the bridge while Jacob flipped over on his neck 5 feet below and broke his neck and back vertebrae. Luckily Jacob was wearing a proper helmet which saved his life but the fall has damaged much more that anyone can imagine.
He had a full MRI which revealed more damage than we knew of this morning.
This is what I understand. Jacob broke more of his back than first thought. He has broke his Cervical #2 and #3 Anterior and has to have a separate operation on that from the front towards the back. He has broke his C4,C5,C6,C7 vertebrae. The 6th exploded and does not exist in any usable form. He has broke his Sternum and his organs are more bruised than initially thought. He has now got 2 chest tube drains in his back to relieve pressure on his lungs. He is intubated to help him breath as his lungs continue to fill up with blood – making breathing very difficult. He is now heavily sedated and in a full neck and body brace to prevent any accidental damage to the 2 damaged sections of spine. His spinal cord is still OK.
Jacob was flown to Vancouver General Hospital and is scheduled for a 4-5 hour surgery Saturday Morning.
Diana is holding up like a rock but Jan and I both guess she’ll collapse on day 3 or 4. At least Eric and Jan are there to support her – long time friends.
Jacob’s brother is flying in from Holland for tomorrow.
Jacob will be in that hospital for several weeks or more. We need to start thinking of how we can support Jacob and his family long term (emotionally, spiritually). Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle. Jacob will have enough on his plate without any unnecessary distractions.
Everyone is encouraged to comment on each posting and share their heartfelt concern and best wishes for Jacob and his family. I hope that this blog will act as a suitable meeting spot to catch up on the latest news on his recovery. I will post news as I get it so look here instead of in emails.
Jacob is out of surgery as of 12:30PM Saturday and it was successful but he is in the recovery room for the next few hours to see if any complications show up.
Diana is still waiting for the doctors report on net results and prognosis.
Dear Jacob, Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle: You are constantly in our thoughts therefore our prayers. We are praying for God to give Jake strength to get through this fight of his life; for wisdom and skill to the surgeons operating; for the care of Jacob by all concerned; and for strength to Diana and the kids as they live through this ordeal with the love of their life and their father.
with Love Arend & Barb & family
I wish him a quick recovery. It is awful that this has happened to such a great member of our community. My thoughts and best wishes go to the Delange family.
Diana is reporting that the doctors gave a high 5 sign and felt that everything that should go right did. All mechanical fittings for the double back brace fit well. Jacob is still in the recovery room and slowly being brought out from under sedation over night. He is not in the Intensive Care Unit yet – no room. By tomorrow they may move him to the trauma center for recovery and rehab. His heart is strong and no mention was made of the lungs so I can only imagine that is much better than yesterday. Diana said that she is taking everything one day at a time. Hotels are hard to find at this time of year so each day they have to find a new hotel because everything is booked near the hospital. If anyone has any ideas on how to help in this regard please let us know.
Hi Gerry. We have family who live just off the highway in Burnaby. I am checking with them now, but I believe they have some space for Diana and or Jacob’s brother. Send us an e-mail if this can help. arikbroadbent@gmail.com
Dear Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle.
Our prayers and positive thoughts are with you, we believe that Jacob’s strength and faith will get him though this very difficult time and he will recover from this horrible accident. Please give Jacob our love, if there is anything we can do for you please call us.
Hans & Elfi
Our thoughts are with you at this traumatic time. Please let us know if you need anything at all. Take care.
We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. We are only in Kelowna until Tuesday but please let us know if there is anything we can do to help! We look forward to updates on his recovery!
Andrew, Crystal, Cale, Kayden, Abby, Sadie & Maya Dillon
Hi,
Just wanted to let everyone know dad is doing well, My uncle (dad’s brother) and I went to go see him this evening and when I started to talk to him he looked at me and squeezed my hand so I know he was listening, and could understand
Thanks for all your support
Love from all of us
Thinking of you all. If there is anything I can do please let me know. All my love. Stephanie.
Diana, Melissa, Sabrina and Michelle: My thoughts and prayers are with you through this horrible thing that has happened. If there is anything you need please let me know, we are always here for you.
Love, Emmanuella
Good job Gerry for getting all the info out to us all waiting patiently by our computers, or phones….
We just wanted to send our love & hugs to Jake, Diana & the family since we found out about his bike accident. We were so relieved to hear that the sugery was successful this morning,….and although he has a long battle ahead for recovery,…we know in our hearts Jake “is up for that challenge!!” You can do it!!! Love ya,…XoXo
Dear Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle,
We were shocked to here from the accident. And we hope so that Jake will be in good hands in the hospital and the doctors will do everything for him. It is great to have this site to follow everything that happens, because from The Netherlands it is so hard to get information. But we wish you all courage for this difficult times and when possible greet Jake from us and give him so many kisses.
We are in contact with Ingrid and it is very good dat Anton is in Vancouver now also.
Wish you all the best and we keep in contact.
Much love from John Marjon Mandy and Niels
DEar Delange Family I know Jake is the family ‘rock’ and now its time for the family and the friends to be the ‘rock’ for Jake.How life can change in an instant.Thanks Anton for getting here so fast. I know everyone is comforted by your presence.
Beste jacob en diana,
wij willen jullie alle sterkte toewensen na dit vreselijke ongeval, wij hopen dat het allemaal weer goed komt en zullen voor jullie duimen
henk en Truida
Dear Jacob and Diana,
We heard today the news about Jacob`s awfull accident. You are in our prayers and we hope that even the smallest signs of recovery will be embraced and give you the power to sustain.We hope for the best and wish you and your kids all the strengths in this difficult period. Love from your nephew Jaap and Ruth, Woerden, NL
Dear Jacob, Diana, Michelle, Melissa and Sabrina,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that if we can help in any way we will. We don’t know when our number’s up…but yours is not Jacob! Here’s to recovery and living life!
with love from all of us,
Cathe
Dear Jacob and family
Thinking of you all the time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jacob you are a strong presence in our lives and always there for us. We will be there for you, praying for your full recovery. To Diana, Michelle, Melissa and Sabrina we are here for any support that you need.
I just spoke with Diana and she was upbeat and hopeful. Jacob has had the tubes removed from his throat so he can talk again. He still has the 2 chest tube drains so there is still a problem there with his lungs bleeding. He is drifting in and out of consciousness and was not aware that he was in Vancouver General or that his brother had arrived for a visit – the drugs are still wearing off. He is definitely his old self – pestering the nurses to remove the neck brace because it is uncomfortable. Jacob does not like anything restricting his movement in the best of times so he’ll be a real pest to everyone around him during this healing period. His complaints are a good omen – it shows he is a fighter and doesn’t want to be tied down even when he is drugged down to incoherence like he is right now. The nurses want to have him sit up on the edge of the bed by the end of today. I guess they want to get him mobile and test the job that was done and to also relieve the bed sore risk by moving him around. Things are looking up. Diana reminds us all that she is only taking this one day at a time.
Delange Family
Our heartfelt wishes go out to Jacob for a complete recovery and to Diana and family for the strength to keep positive through this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you all back in Kelowna healthy and fit.
Personally, my wife Monika and I feel thankful that God has blessed us with his angel – Jacob. We also know and trust that God was there when Jacob survived a life threatening accident. God takes care of those who take care of others and Jacob has demonstrated that through out our lives for years. We have always felt blessed by Jacob’s kindness and extraordinary acts of charity to others. We know that Jacob is a deeply spiritual man who trusts God and who lives by his Christian beliefs. Jacob and I have walked the same 8Km per day path every day for 6 years and over that time we have had many hours of meaningful discussion about everything in this universe. One enduring and constant theme is his compassion for others and his devotion to his family, friends and strangers in need. I believe that God put Jacob here as our guardian angel amongst us. Strangers may scoff at such a notion but I have a strong feeling that most visitors to this website know exactly what I am referring to as I have watched him change lives in so many positive ways with his endless charity. We also believe that Jacob was spared to continue his good works as our resident saint in West Kelowna.
Jacob Diana. Sabrina Cody Page Ried. Melissa David Seth Michelle. We have not been around your family long but the longer we are I see how strong your family really is. First the fire and now Jacob. Jacob our thoughts and prayers are with you buddy we are here for you and your family now and when you get home. Lots of Love Laurie and Joan.
Jake, Diana and Family
We are thinking of you and praying for you during this very difficult time!
We want you to know that if there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.
In the meantime, keep strong and know that you have many friends “rooting for you”.
Mary and Doug
Dear Jacob, Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle, What shocking news we heard today. We send our best wishes for the strength and patience necessary for recovery, Jacob, and also for the family as they stand on the sideline giving Jacob and each other the support needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you and the doctors and nurses working with him.
Henk, Gertrude and family
To Diana and family, Please give our love to Jacob and he is in our prayers for a full recovery. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. With love, Dieter and Marian.
Jacob: Thanks to Gerry for letting us know about your accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We prayer for speedy recovery. We know God will always help and take care of you specially and family. He knows you have a heart of gold. You think of your wife, family and people first. You are an exceptional person and God will take care of you. You will make. Your a hero and Angel to everyone. It is our payback to you . We love you very much. Keep your hopes high always..
Diana; I am offering a full support for whatever you will need as you go through the each day. I can be in Vancouver Tuesday and stay with my daughter. She work few blocks from VGH. she has her in laws for 1 week from Texas and if you need a place we can stay with her later on. In the event you need to be in Kelowna also I can be a relief that Jacob has always somebody there. Please do not hesitate to ask help for whatever you will need. Co and I will be there to help you out. In the next few days I am sure your kids has to return to Kelowna and work. Just let me know and you can use me the way it will help you most. Call us collect. 250-707-5224 or email. anytime.
Take care and our love, hugs and kisses to you and yours and God Bless.
I am shocked and still. Our sincere prayers to early recovery.
Flore and Co Langeslag
To the Delange Gang…our dear friend Jacob is a pillar of strength and goodness…let’s live by his example and be strong for him now. Diana, I am glad you are taking one day at a time, girl, and hope each small glimmer of positive progress is celebrated! Let’s call it one day closer to recovery. Jacob, please keep your passion for life strong! We love you all and are here for you now and when you come home. Our positive thoughts are with you. Love, Tim, Sandy, Chrissy and Anthony.
Jacob, Diane, Sabrina, Melissa, & Michelle,
My family prays for Jacob’s full recovery. We also wish strength for all in these trying times. I wish that all will end well.
Greg, Mardelle, Barton, & Corbett Family
Jacob and Diane
Pam and I were shocked to hear of the accident. One of our first thoughts was to ask our Father in Heaven to bless you and pour out his spirit upon you and your family. We asked that you would all be comforted and feel of His Love. We also ask that He guide the Doctors and nurses who would attend you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Kevin & Pam
Jacob, Diane et all. I am in Westbank visiting my Mom when we got the news. I am taking Mom to Vancouver on Tuesday and we will try to contact you. In the meantime you have our (Kathleen, Rufy, Robert, and Karen) thoughts.
Dearest Diana,
Our thoughts and prayers and strength are with you and Jacob as you fight this battle. Jake is truly an “Angel” to all of us. He has watched over us all for so long… now its time for us to watch over him. We are so glad Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle are there with you… We are all pulling for him and if we know Jacob he will be up and running sooner than we think…. nothing keeps him down…he is too busy looking after all of us!!! But for now we will look after him, he has shown all of us just how to do that… We love you all very much … Hang in there… one day at a time… as Diana says… she is such a rock… Its so wonderful to have this site to read the updates and see all the encouraging wishes…Thank you to Gerry for that… We will keep in touch bye for now..
Love Anne and Rod Brown
We wish you well and in our prayers will we be committing you regularly to our Savior the Great Physician. May His grace carry you and Diana through
this crisis to a remarkable recovery.
We all have our own personal views on religion & spirituality. No judgment should be made on an individual’s views on life. I have one question for you…… Do you believe in miracles?
The first moment I saw Jacob in Trauma Emerg. in VGH my heart sank. The tears were close as I looked over @ Diana. We both were thinking the same thing,
although neither of us dared to speak it. If Jacob made it through this day he would be the luckiest man in town!
Standing there beside Diana @ Jake’s bedside I prayed for a miracle. I prayed that our dear friend of 35 years would again be strong & pain free to enjoy life with the people who mean the most to him….his family & friends. I knew from my nursing experience in critical care that he was in pretty poor shape.
Jake tolerated the extubation (having the ‘breathing tube’ removed & therefore off the respirator) Saturday night better than expected. He was now breathing on his own!
When I saw Jacob today I was truly amazed @ how well he was doing. Now, Jacob is still not ‘out of the woods’ by any means, but he has made incredible progress. I looked over @ Diana & Anton (his brother) & said, “this is truly a miracle!” Diana looked @ me & said,
“yes, this is a miracle”!!
Yes, I believe in miracles!!
Dear Diana and your doughters,
We heard the terrible news about your Jacobs accident from Anton. We think of him and pray for him as we do for all of you.
Love,
Jinke and Jan Zwart (nephew) from Holland
A.C. Op ‘t Landtplantsoen
1705 GW Heerhugowaard
jt.zwart@quicknet.nl
Thanks to Jan for being our ‘medical liaison’. If makes me feel so much better knowing that you and Eric are there with Diana and the ‘kids’.
Vicky Houston in Phoenix sends her heartfelt regards to the Delange family and wishes for a speedy recovery to Jake. She was having a problem getting on the blog herself but wants you to know that she is checking in.
Lieve Jacob, Diana en kinderen,
Wat een vreselijk bricht om te horen dat Jacob zo’n ontzettend ongeluk heeft gehad. En dat terwijl wij elkaar pas zo gesproken en ontmoet hebben. Wij waren donderdag,vrijdag en zaterdag nog in Vancouver en wisten toen nog van niets. Dat is een raar idee. Wij hopen natuurlijk dat Jacob zal kunnen herstellen. Heel veel sterkte en we hopen snel meer te horen.
Veel liefs van Jan en Gerda
Dearest Jacob and Diana and kids,
We were shocked when we heard this terrible news. We wish you all the strenght that is needed for the next operation, the coming months and the future. It is good to hear that your friends in Vancouver care for you and support you.
We keep a candle burning every day, and if we can do anything please let us know.
We will keep in touch, with all our love,
René and Ada Buddenberg, Torrevieja, Spain.
I just wanted to thank everyone for all the support during this really hard time. It means so much to us and really shows how blessed we are with such great friends. My dad is still in a lot of pain when we saw him last night. We have to be suited up to go in his room so he doesn’t get any infections. Paige saw him as well and my dad couldn’t stop saying how much he loved her. I almost broke down into tears. Paige did very well in there and I think she is still taking it all in. It was funny because Paige told him “No more biking opa” And he tried to laugh.
We are going to see him this morning so we will keep Gerry updated so he can let everyone know whats going on.
From Ingrid we got the bad news about Jacob. W’ll read on the http://www.delange.ca website everything. But wish Diana/children/family strength and all the best in this time of tension and uncertainty. Hope Jacob can handle the situation, pain and adversity. Wishing him so much good. Miss our weekly exchange in all kinds of things. best of everything to you all
Ben and Ricky Palma.
lieve Jacob, Diana en kinderen, wij willen jullie laten weten dat we ontzettend meeleven met jullie. We wensen jullie alle kracht om hier goed doorheen te komen.
We wensen Jacob een heel voorspoedig en goed herstel.
Heel veel liefs,
Monica Rijk
Huizen, Holland
Dear Delange family,
Our thoughts are with you. We wish Jake a full and speedy recovery and the rest of the family peace of mind in knowing that so many peoples thoughts and prayers are with you.
we wish you a quick recovery,and listen to paige jacob.
I just spoke with Diana and was happy to hear that Jacob is lucid and quite aware of what happened and why he is in Vancouver. He is still in a lot of pain and still has the chest tubes draining blood from his chest cavity. He is able to breath on his own now – which is a good sign. He is still on morphine and a few pills as well. This morning Diana brought in some soup and juice for Jacob which the doctors recommended since he has not eaten anything since Thursday morning. Jacob ate it while sitting up in a chair as his bed sheets were changed. Jacob had to return to bed in short order as the pain of sitting up was quite bad while sitting. He was also quite drowsy and tends to sleep more than anything. The doctor advised Diana and Sabrina to take 5 hours off and get some fresh air to clear their heads and hearts as sitting there can be quite depressing. So they headed off to the Capilano gorge for a spiritually refreshing walk. Apparently while visiting with Jacob this morning they got a real good sense of his awareness of the situation as he complained about the money they were spending on hotels – that sounds just like the Jacob I know 🙂
Hello there Delange Family,
Mom & Dad have been keeping us updated on the news…. our hearts go out to you guys in this time of need. If you need anything, let us know!! Your dad is a very strong guy and he has the strength to pull through… it maybe a long road but he will be there sooner then you will imagine I am sure. He has made some amazing progress!
Lots of Love
the woolf’s
Hi Delange family
We just got home from a great weekend and found out the horrible news. Our thoughts are with you all, let us know if we can help in any way.
Dear Diana Jake & family
We just wanted you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Praise God for family and friends.
Love from our family to yours.
We heard about Jacob’s accident via cell phone while away camping, and have just got back to the computers tonight. I also truly believe in miracles and believe that Jacob will continue to brighten people’s days with his humour and steadfastness. Jacob has been a great friend for my brother Gerry, and included me and my family as his friends – which means a lot to me. We wish you all the best Jacob and Diana and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery.
from Margy, John, Sarah, Doreen, and Emily
So good to hear that Jake is making progress since his surgery. He is tough enough to fight his way through this with the prayers and well wishes of all his family and friends. Show them all “what you are made of” Jake.
Thanks again to Gerry for your updates. I’m sure it makes things much easier for Diana too.
Jake, Diana and children. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you Gods Blessings in a speedy recovery. Thanks to Gerry too to set up this blog so we can read the updates on his condition. Lots of people are reading this and praying. Trust that this will be a comfort as well to the family. Stay strong.
Here is an excerpt from Janna and Gerard Vanlinge in White Rock.
“So sorry to hear of this horrific trauma. We will uphold him in our prayers. Be sure to let friends and family know they can sleep with us and look to us for support.
Gerard and Janna.”
We are sending positive thoughts towards Jake and to the family. Jake is like an uncle to me and I am thankful to Gerry for doing such a great job keeping us updated on his recovery.
To Jacob Diana, Sabrina, Melissa and Michelle.
I am Gerry’s sister in Ontario. I want to let you know that even out here my prayers and thoughts and energy are sent to you all during this difficult time. I also know that my parents have you in their thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Gerry for setting up this blog so we can know how things are and have a way of sending out support in a tangible way.
Bye for now,
Patty
Tank you Gerrie Bakker for setting up this blog. We feel so much connected! Thank you for your frequent updates of the progressions Jacob makes. Please pass on our very best regards to Jacob his wife and family if you can from nephew Jaap en Ruth Zwart, Woerden,NL
Hi Jacob, Diane and kids
We told our neighbour Murray Hodge about the mishap and he was perplexed to hear about it. He wishes you a speedy and full recovery. Also he would convey this to the place where he works. You know most of the people working there.
Flore and I are praying also for your speedy recovery and if there is anything we can be of assistance with, like e.g. cutting the grass while the family is in Vancouver give us just a little hint.
Co Langeslag, Westbank
We willen graag familie en vrienden bedanken voor het meeleven met Jacob en de familie. Ik (Anton) ben blij dat ik hier nu ben en dat ik mijn broer kan steunen. Het gaat gelukkig steeds beter met Jacob en we kunnen wel stellen dat hij buiten levensgevaar is. Er moet alleen nog gewaakt worden voor infecties. Er zitten nog 2 drains in de longen en 1 zijn borst. Er komt nog steeds veel vocht en bloed uit. Gisteren heeft hij even in een stoel gezeten en hij kan steeds beter praten. Ze willen hem zoveel mogelijk laten zitten zodat het vocht sneller afgevoerd wordt. Ook heeft hij een brace om zijn nek, die hij heel vervelend vindt. Toch moet hij deze nog wel een tijdje omhouden. Hij heeft ook veel pijn in zijn rug maar daar krijgt hij pillen voor zodat ook morfine die hij via een lijn krijgt toegedient snel kan worden verwijderd. We houden jullie op de hoogte vanuit canada voor zover dat mogelijk is, hebben niet altijd beschikking over een computer.
Liefs Anton en Monique de Lange
Translation
We would like to thank family and friends for the sympathy with Jacob and the family. I (Anton)’m glad I’m here now and I can support my brother. It is increasingly happy with Jacob and we can say that he is out of danger. There should only be taken for infections. There are still 2 drains in the lungs and the chest 1. There is still much fluid and blood. Yesterday, he seated in a chair and he can talk better. They want him as much as possible are removed quickly so that the moisture is. He also has a brace around his neck, which he finds very annoying. However, it is still a while omhouden. He also has a lot of pain in his back but he also morphine pills so he through a given line should be quickly removed. We keep you up to date from Canada to the extent possible, do not always have access to a computer.
Love Anton and Monique de Lange
Just heard the news. We are happy to hear of the recovery that Jacob has made so far. God is truly looking down and taking care of you all. We will continue to pray for you all and for a complete recovery for Jacob. Family & friends mean everything and you are blessed to have so many giving you support.
Wij wensen jullie veel sterkte en beterschap .
Ronald en Jolanda van wessel. (Huizen)
Dear Jake, Diana, children, family and friends.
We now are for several days back at home after our trip to Canada.
We could meet the Delange family in their own house and had a couple of wonderful days. So we can understand a little of what we now read about the accident and the personal words about and concerning Jake from everybody.
Gerry, thanks for your information and special words about Jake and your spiritual words about our nephew.
It is good to know that there are so many friends who support the family in these very bad circumstances.
If it is true that the angel was there on Jake’s shoulder, everything must coming well, we hope so.
Diana and children we do want give you strength to come out of this. The recent information is hopefull for us, we hear that Jake has still his own mind and behaviour.
Love of us for everyone from the Netherlands. In thinking only a few minutes, by plane a much longer time.
Gerda en Jan.
To Jacob-Diana,children and Family
This way of communicating gives us all the feeling to be closer by. A fantastic thing to read the reports of Gerrie-the story Anton told us about his brother, really a way to say: hi Jacob, how are you doing today? And to Diana and children: it must be a painful experience to see how Jacob, your father and gr.pa is suffering and undergoing. Fearing there will be a “terugslag” that will hurts too, but our thoughts are with you all,our will to carry a part of Jacob’s burden and our hope for you all, 1st for Jacob, please let every day be a little bit better and we keep asking: how are you Jacob? and Diana and children: hang in there. Wishing you all the best, strength when necessary and hands to support Jacob.
Love-greetings from both of us
Ricky Ben Palma
Jacob had a better day today but the chest tubes are still draining blood. He had a chest xray and a spine xray today to see how he is doing – we do not know the results yet. He had a bath to freshen up and a shave to relieve the itchy chin that is saddled tightly in a neck brace. He is eating regular food – had a Subway sandwich and “Coffee”. The pain is still very bad on his back and I imagine it will be that way until the spine has healed in a few months. He is also still in the Trauma unit until his chest drains stop leaking blood. He is breathing completely on his own – no extra oxygen needed anymore. Diana says that being in the Trauma ward is a stark reminder of how lucky Jacob is even in these circumstances. There are many cases that are much worse – car accidents, burns and other bad situations. Diana is thankful for all of our support and reads the blog nightly and relays the news to Jacob the next day. Cody will bring her laptop tomorrow so that she can be more current on the blog. Jacob is making great progress – also standing today for the xray instead of laying down for it. Standing was less painful. I imagine the greatest hurdle for the next few months will be managing pain.
It’s hard to imagine that life can take such a terrible turn for poor Jacob to be going through these circumstances. It is certain that with the prayers and support of family and friends and his built in determination, he will be “back in the saddle” in no time.
We join your this long list of friends in sending off our thoughts and prayers for the quickest recovery ever and that we will soon be seeing his smiling face back here in Kelowna.
Special thoughts from Marnie and Garet Tanner
Hi Diana and Jacob and Girls
So glad to here Jacob is mobile. I especially like to hear that he is complaining… that sounds more like him ! I cringe at the thought of how much tremendous pain he must be in.. I truly pray that lessens very quickly. I was also glad that you Girls took some time to get some fresh air and have a bit of break…The air certainly is not fresh here !!! But it is a little cooler. I love this wonderful idea of Gerry’s to set up this blog so that we can “check up & in” on what is happening with Jacob’s progress. I am so amazed that he had a sub and a coffee today…wow… keep up the good work of healing Jacob and behave yourself… you do what the Doctors and Nurses tell you and keep on complaining… its so wonderful to know that you can…Love you lots and we constantly check for any news… And hey Jacob the whole world in watching over you… just look at these wonderful messages..Your Family is huge…
Love Anne and Rod
Jake and Diana and kids
You are never far from my thoughts.
Dear Family and Friends,
We are glad that my husband Anton is over in Canada to support Jacob, Diana and kids and our daughter(she was over for family visit by Jacob and Diana). We are so glad Jacob is making every day a little progress. All of you are the whole day in our minds. That’s all we can do for you now. Gerry we are very happy to log in on this site. It looks that we are a little closer to all of you. Diana you are doing fantastic. Keep on going girl hope to speak you soon.
Love Marcel en Ingrid
Opa Bos en Ina , Peter, Joke, John en Woudi en kids
We are cheering every step of Jake’s progression,…with great anticipation of his full recovery!! We are all so lucky that Jake is strong & healthy, which will contribute to his healing as the days go on. For now, this is just a detour in life that Jake is facing head on, but we know that he will be back on track & heading in the right direction again soon. We are celebrating every bit of improvement daily, and will continue to do so!! Thankyou Gerry for delivering us such wonderful updates via this blog, and as we read all the postings from family & friends it brings tears to my eyes just knowing how much you are admired by such a wonderful extended family. You are truly blessed. Diana, our thoughts and prayers are with you too, as you face this challenge with Jacob,…and we send you much love & strength to get through each day! If you need anything at all, please call. We are looking forward to Jake’s next big accomplishment, as all baby steps are HUGE successes!!! Take care, Love, Tom & Sharlene XoXo
Jake, Diana, Sabrina, Melissa, Michelle and Famillies,
Colby and i have been sending wishful thoughts and love your way. We are so incredibly happy that Jake is progressing so well. We miss you all so much and hope for a speedy recovery for Jake so that you all can come home soon! Please, let us know if there is anything we can do, we are standing by if you need us! Love you all very much!
Good morning! We are thinking of you constantly and are so thankful to hear positive progress is being made. Slow and steady wins the race!! As Jacob is a patient, so we shall be patient and celebrate each small step toward recovery.
Sending our continued love and strength to all of you!!
Tim, Sandy, Chrissy and Anthony
Wow! this site is great, your Uncle did a great job!!! sorry it took so long to find the site.So glad Mr.Delange is breathing on his own! Mrs.Delange in the 14 years I have known your family, you have showed me what family is supposed to do for eachother.Your one tuff cookie! I’m very glad you have all of your family and friends supporting you through this.
Melissa, your one of the the strongest people I know.Wish i could be there to help you through this.
Sabrina and Michelle, big hugs to you.If there is anything I can do to help please phone me.
Mr.Delange, you have one heck of an angel watching over you!!! So glad you are fighting through this.My thoughts and prayers are with you every night since this has happened.
Love
Amber xxxxxxxx
Jacob, Diana, Sabrina, Cody, Melissa, Dave and Michelle.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is wonderful to hear the progress Jake has made in less than a week! Stay strong and take care of yourselves too!
Love Jill, Rick & Ricky
We hope each day is getting better Jacob
Dear Jacob, Diana and family,
Thinking of you all the time we are glad now that we found the website with all the information.
Jacob, we wish you all the best for your recovery and we look forward to have you back in Glenrosa very soon.
Diana, we hope that you and your family will have all the strengh to get through this difficult time. Please call us if you need help with something.
Take care – we miss you all.
Erhard and Annemarie
Jacob, We are thinking of you and looking forward to your complete recovery. Just use that Dutch grit and determination and we are confident you’ll be functioning as normal again. Our love and best wishes to Diana, be strong lass! We will monitor this website that Gerry has created to check on your progress. All the best, Alban & Vandra
To the Delange Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you especially to Diana and Mel. My heart broke in two to hear Mel’s voice on the phone the day of the accident I knew something was wrong even befor she told us. I love that girl. I don’t know who cried more Amber or Mel. I have prayed everynight since and will continue to do so until he is back home with his family. Until then Jacob stay strong, think positive, you will get thru this. If there is anything I can do to help let me know.
Sandy
Diana says that today was another day of waiting and pain for Jacob. He has limited energy and although mobile he isn’t exactly running down the hallways yet. He still has the chest tubes draining him and the neck brace hangs low enough to rub on those tubes causing even more discomfort. I think the gravity of the situation is also sinking in for Jacob as he is feeling well enough to be bored and frustrated with the pain. Diana said it was a down day for Jacob. He didn’t eat much more than ice cream today. Yesterday was so positive and hopeful while today was just heavy on the soul for everyone in the room. At the end of the day – a few minutes ago – they spoke with their doctor who said that VGH was arranging a flight back to Kelowna for Jacob subject to beds being available. We all know they are in very short supply in Kelowna so we aren’t holding our breath waiting but it is quite possible Jacob will be back in Kelowna within the next few days.
It will be wonderful to have Jake and Diana and the rest of the family back in Westbank. We sure hope that happens soon. Maybe Jake can complain lots so they’ll want to kick him out and send him here (we can only wish). Take care DeLanges — hope to see you really soon. Remember – one day at a time!
John and Cathy
our heart goes out to you we just heard the news today and have read all the comments. It is great what gerry has done and we know how jacob is doing. Which sounds very miraculous so far which is great news. Will keep reading on each day to get more updates and hopefully everyone will be back in kelowna soon. Diana hang in there we are thinking of you also. Hope you see you both very soon. LOL Larry and Sandra
Diana and Jacob,
Doug and the kids ask me each day if there’s an update – this blog is awesome for keeping in the loop on how things are going. Thank God for miracles, for family and friends and for your own inner strength. Keep your eye on the end game….back home and back on your feet. Thinking of you.
Diana said that today was a better day for Jacob. Every day is different. Today Jacob and Diana shared that they feel that Jacob definitely had a guardian angel at his side the day he broke his back. At that moment Jacob thought he was done – he truly thought he’d die in the next few minutes as he couldn’t feel anything and couldn’t move a finger or toe. Thankfully, he made it through and much to his amazement had his feeling return after help at the hospital. Now Jacob truly feels lucky under the circumstances. Yes, it hurts like hell and he now is starting to suffer from bed sores after laying on his back for one full week but on the bright side the doctors are starting to remove some of that external drain plumbing from his body. Today they removed the direct I.V. line to his heart where his morphine was dripping through. Now its on to just pills for pain control. The chest tubes are still in place and will remain there until the lungs stop bleeding – could be another week or more for those chest tubes. He is on standby for a flight back to Kelowna General Hospital (subject to bed availability). It could still be days but we are hoping it is sometime this weekend. Jacob’s brother, Anton, is returning to Holland on Friday as everyone feels the immediate crisis is over and under control. I believe that Jacob and Diana are truly thankful for God’s mercy in Jacob’s situation – things could have been so much worse. Apparently God has more good works in mind for Jacob here on earth or he would have taken him home already. Thank you Lord! Thank you!
So good to hear that Jacob is doing better and could fligh to kelowna General Hospital. We are so glad and happy for everyone, but we realise that Jacob has a lot of pain and that the revalidation could be heavy, but he is still there and that is so wonderful.
A compliment for Gerry who makes this site, a brilliant initiative. We look on it every day.
So, now we wish Jacob and Diana and the kids all the best and for Anton a good return flight to Holland. Also for him a heavy week, but so good that he supported his brother.
Jacob, Diana and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily. My prayer is for strength, healing and patience for you all, each and every day.
God Bless
Donna and John Lloyd
Jacob, Diana, and family: Be strong in the hope that full recovery lies just over the next rise.
Best Wishes
Winfried and Cheryl
Diana just called to say she is driving back to Kelowna with Michelle because Jacob is scheduled for the first available flight back to Kelowna later today or early tomorrow. He is determined to get walking as his feet and ankles are swelling from lack of use for over a week now. Time to get the limbs moving. The leg muscle action is what mssages the veins to get them to pump the extra fluid back up to his heart and lungs. He is pushing his wheelchair down the hallway with his chest tube drain apparatus attached to the chair so that although strange looking it allows him mobility with all of those hoses attached. He is completely off of morphine and thankful for that. The hallucinations were a bit unsettling. Jacob is glad he can back to reality – whatever that is this week.
happy to hear that Jacob is well on his way to recovery. Am sure it will be a lot less stress once he is closer to home. see you soon!!
Yaaaaa!!!!! That is the BEST NEWS that I have heard all day!!! {I am so glad that the morphine is off,…good job Jacob!} Looking forward to hearing more about your wheelchair laps, in KGH’s hallways!! Pretty soon, you’ll be walking those laps,….then, running them!! Can’t wait to get you home!
Diana & Michelle: have a safe drive home today,…see you very soon! Love, Shar & Tom
Yahoo! Talked to Di as well. They were at the toll booth area about 1/2 hour ago but we lost connection.
WELCOME HOME DELANGE’S!!!
Thank God your coming home, we are so happy that your body is healing and getting stronger every day.
You were always in the best off shape, and that helps your recovery go faster than the doctors expected.
We hope we can visit you soon in Kelowna, sorry it took so long to go on the blog, we were out of town for a few days.
We’ve spent many a time praying for your complete recovery and God seems to be granting our wishes! We love you, lots of strength, keep pushing the borders back we all need you back to, as close as possible, the old Jacob!
Diana whenever you need us. just call, please!
Lots of love to the whole family!.
Diana & Jack Hunter
woooohoooo !!!!! way to go mr.Delange.
Hello Everyone, I just spoke directly with Jacob who is standing in the hallway at VGH. He is on standby for the first flight back to Kelowna – a bed is waiting for his arrival. He expects to be moved throughout the night or first thing in the morning but the attendants told him it was real soon. I asked him about those pesky chest tubes and he said that he was told that they weren’t bleeding anymore but were being kept in because they help to equalize the pressure on his lungs when he will be airborne. Apparently patients aren’t allowed to fly for up to 6 weeks after having those chest tubes removed for fear of collapsing his lungs again due to the unequal air pressure inside of the lungs and his chest cavity. It isn’t a problem for undamaged lungs but in his condition it just isn’t a good idea for now. So ….. hopefully the chest tubes will come out in a few days after his arrival in Kelowna. He was quite tired from talking with me and asked that everyone please not drop in and visit until he is physically able to keep up with the visits. Too many visits in his present condition would simply hurt him more than help him. Jacob is keen to get on the blog and take a peak at the comments that were left. He has not seen any of them yet. He wants to start entering his own comments as soon as he gets back to Kelowna. He asked me to post this notice and to make it clear that he needs to rest for now – so please stay away until the blog has an entry from him clearly asking for visitors. He wants to feel well enough to not sleep through your visit.
Happy to hear you are coming HOME. You’re doing fantastic. All those prayers are obviously working. Love Barb and Arend.
Good news! There is no place like home. We are very glad to hear that Jacob is doing so much better and is returning to Kelowna. I think we all realize that it will take time for a full recouvery and wish you patience, trust and faith for the next stage in your healing process. God bless you and your family.
Henk, Gertrude, family and Opa Teeuwissen.
Hey Jake
We miss seeing you and your pup walking up and down the street. Wishing you a very quick recovery and look forward to seeing you and Gerry walking together again. Best wishes and God Bless. Carole and Lyle Sharp
Another celebration! It’s good to hear things are still progressing in a forward positive direction. Home sweet home and no more hotels!! Now Diana can bring you some homemade delicious meals! Diana, I bet you are delighted.
We look forward to hearing from you Jacob, with this blog. get the rest you need and keep us posted.
love and hugs to all of you,
Tim, Sandy, Chrissy and Anthony
Hi everyone,
we would like to thank each and everyone, for all your best wishes and prayers.
it has been a stressful and difficult 8 days, we are glad to be back in Kelowna, Vancouver is too big and a busy city, I couldn’t believe how big VGH is, we got lost in the beginning but after we had it down pat.
We stayed at a few bed&breakfast Hotels and finally we found a nice Hotel (Rosedale on Robson Street) that had a little kitchen unit in there, that was a lot better. I was getting tired of restaurant food, now we can have some home cook meals again, and our niece can eat some good stuff again,she is staying until august the 20th. It hasn’t been that nice of a holiday for her, but the girls will take her to some different places, for her to see and of course beaches.
Now the morphine is wearing off on Jake, he is in tons of pain and has his good and bad days and we will take this how it comes.
He hates to wear his neck brace but we told him you have no choice it’s the only way your neck will be strong again.
He needs to wear it for the next 6 weeks. other than that he is in good spirit he wants to walk so he walks behind the wheelchair, and we put his containers on the seat because they have to stay up straight, and when he is in Kelowna they can take the long tubes out of his lungs so then he can be more mobile for walking, but holding on to something.
Will keep you all updated and thanks to our Special friend Gerry for this wonderful site – couldn’t have done this with out you. We Love you both.
Also we like to Thank our dear friends, Jill – she came down from the sunshine coast and kept me going for the first couple of days and Erik and Jan – we love you all. Thanks so much for being there for us – we won’t forget.
And everyone who wrote on here – it made each day that much better and Jake enjoyed hearing what everyone had to say.
Thanks to Ron and Mona for taking care of our dog Missy and spoiling her, she loves it at your house!
Love, the deLange’s
Well Jacob (diana and children),,,,Be in East or West…home will be the best. Good news to hear from your side and we assume you are in Kelowna now. This website is the best there is for information and…not bothering you all with talking too much and about the same info. Good news things seem to go in the direction you are longing for and further….one step at a time and we know you are figthing the good fight. And an extra relieve for Diana and the family. Please go on sending such good messages.
All the best and have a progressing improvement in your body-condition.
Ricky and Ben Palma
Jacob
Good news that you are in Kelowna now. It is much easier for Diane and Children.
Absolutely you need lots of rest. thanks God you are recovering well.
We keep praying for your speedy recovery and to Diane and family. You are a rock and your positive attitude will take you ti top. Lots of people are praying for your speedy recovery. God speed.
Flore and Co Langeslag
Jacob is still stranded in VGH waiting for that ride. He is feeling much stronger today and was joking about being called Speedy Gonzales as he wheels around the hallways for 30 minutes at a time – followed by a 30 minute rest. He is pleased with his mobility in spite of toting around his dual chest tube drain canisters and the wheelchair. We might visually think of those chest tube drains and canisters as exhaust pipes and mufflers if we put in in Jacob’s career terms.
He’s now hoping to be in Kelowna for sometime on Sunday.
Dear Jacob. Sorry we were not able to see you. David and I are off to Alberta at 4 am sunday morning. I have to keep that son en law of yours working. Hope the healing goes well. We will be thinking of you. We will see you when we get back. Take care Laurie and David.
Sorry to hear that Jake didn’t make it home on Sat. I know he is very bored and anxious to get back to Kelowna. I saw him at VGH between 2-3pm .We discovered he likes Starbucks CAramel Macchiato’s as there was no Timmy’s around. We had a nice visit. He walked me to the lounge and to the door. He looked way better than I thought he would, so we both feel better.
Dearest Canada-family,
We are so happy to read that Jake is back “home” in Kelowna, for all of you it will be a bit more relaxing. We all admire his strenght, his will to function normally again. Also Diana & kids, who are like rocks in the sea.
My mother sends you her special love, she always asks for you, like all our friends in Spain and in Holland. Some of them even visited this site.
Gerry, thank you sóóó much for this marvellous idea, it is unpayable.
With all our love, René & Ada, Henk & Truida (who are here now on holydays), Torrevieja, Spain.
STEP BY STEP.Jacob we are so gratefull to hear of some progress. We continue to keep you in our thougths and prayers for patience, perseverance and healing as you move forward. Luv to you and your family.
Dear Jacob and family,
We were shocked to hear of Jacob’s accident, by reading the 100+ comments I am thankful to hear of his progress and wish him a speedy recovery.
Physically I am in holland, but with my mind I am still in Canada.
I left Vancouver with the tought that jacob would leave in several hours to Kelowna.
But unfortunatly he is still in vancouver hospital, waiting for the stupid ambulance.
I can’t understand how it is possible, If I had known this before, I would have stayed with jacob for a longer period of time.
I have no regreds of coming to Canada, and these few days have been very meanfull to us.
Also I would like to thank the family, Erik, Jim and Jan for the support during these emotional days.
For the coming time we are trying to support you at other ways from Holland.
Love from Holland
Anton, Ingrid, Marcel en Annette
Dear Diana, Jacob, children, family and friends.
We have just spoken Anton and we heard his story about everything. We hope Jacob is in Kelowna now, so that everybody is together again. We are very glad to read about a Jacob who is fighting to come back to life and we hope he will succeed. It is very special to join all of you on this blog and read about your friendship, kindness and all good words to our family in Canada. Thanks for that.
Many greetings and love
Gerda Jan.
Jacob is still stuck in Vancouver General Hospital. Another patient in Kelowna got the bed Jacob was waiting for. I can only imagine that person needed it worse than Jacob did. Today Jacob was in a bit more pain than yesterday after overdoing his “push the wheelchair around” routine yesterday. Today he is still pushing that wheelchair around and got to sit outside in the beautiful garden and get some fresh air away from the crazy hustle and bustle of the Trauma Unit that he is still a part of. Eric and Jan are feeding him well with Subway sandwiches and Pizza. They are definitely helping the time pass by – you can only watch so much TV before your brain starts to turn to mush. It is very frustrating for Jacob to wait for that air ride back to Kelowna.
Dear Jacob, Diana and childeren,
What a relief to read that you are really recovering! We hope you will reach the best high of it. May patience and stubborn perseverence be you deal, dear Jacob. And not the less for all of you who give him your support.
Love, Jinke and Jan Zwart (nephew) from Holland
Dear Jacob,Diana and all,
Difficult times Jacob! when I read the latest news. Hopefully your transfer will be arranged soonest. Keep up the good spirit, count your blessings, you are alive and you survived! That matters. We wish you all the strength you need to take your little steps towards recovery. Hang on Jacob,you will be home soon. Warm greetings and best wishes to Diana and kids from Jaap en Ruth Zwart, Woerden, NL.
Dear Jacob, Diana & girls: We want to send Jacob our “get well quickly” thoughts and prayers and we’ll see you when you’re back in Kelowna. We were so shocked to hear of your accident and so pleasantly relieved to hear that you are recovering with the expertise of the professionals and the support of your loving family. Well done, all of you! Ellie & Barry Schindel
Prayers and Positive Energy are still coming out to you from Ontario Jacob, Diana and your girls. So glad to picture Jacob up and walking about! I am sure things will align soon and you will be back in Kelowna. Nothing like the feeling of home 🙂
Patty Bakker Cortis
Henk & Janet Bakker
Jacob arrived in Kelowna late Monday afternoon. He was exhausted by the trip but is glad to be here. He is too tired to visit with anyone yet so please wait until he writes an entry in this blog that says he is ready for a visit.
I got my first look at Jacob when he arrived and he looks OK. He has a healthy complexion and is able to sit, stand and walk around but still has those chest tube drains attached to his body. You would hardly know he had broken his back except for the bandages on his back and the neck brace that pushes his chin and cheeks up into his face. I jokingly remarked that it looked like a new method of getting a face lift. Jacob is in good spirits but still tends to fade out to sleep as his medications tend to make him very sleepy.
So glad to have you home Jake! Get lots of rest now that you’re out of the Trauma Unit and have a room of your own. That should help. Take care and we’ll see you when you’re feeling a little better.
WELCOME HOME JACOB!!! Your family and friends are thrilled to have you back home! Our thoughts and prayers are with you each day. This move back to Kelowna shows the progress you have made! There is still a long way to go and now we will pray for the pain to get LESS and less each day; for that wonderful new appendage you have i.e. NECK BRACE that you will develop more patience for it and therefore it won’t bother you as much; for all your friends to know that they are not helping you AT ALL if they come to visit you (which we all would like to do!); for strength to increase each day and for wisdom to the Doctors and Nurses who are looking after you.
We send our love to you, Jacob, Diana and family. Arend & Barb ter Keurs
I set up an Internet connection for Jacob so that he can start reading emails and reading this blog from his hospital bed. I expect you’ll be hearing from Jacob very soon. Today he had x-rays to make sure everything was properly in place and if so was promised that he would finally have the chest tubes removed on Wednesday sometime. He is looking forward to that very much. The pain he is feeling hasn’t gotten any less but he is definitely feeling stronger now that Diana has been able to bring in her home cooking. Mashed potatoes with butter and fresh green beans from their own garden were gobbled up with great pleasure by Jacob as he finally got his first taste of real home cooking in 13 days.
We’re glad Jake is finally in Kelowna but I think we have to be like Mexico and bring in food for our loved ones as what they call ‘food’ in our hospitals is not nutritional its just basic subsistence.At least its summer and theirs lots of fresh stuff out there.
Jacob had a good day. One of the two chest tubes were removed. The second chest tube is still in place because one lung is still leaking air into his chest cavity. It is almost healed but not enough yet to remove the tube. He is still feeling a lot of pain and feels too weak to visit anybody yet.
Jacob thought you might like to see him – at least in a picture we took today.
He asked me to relay his sincere gratitude for all of the best wishes he has read on the blog. He said that reading all of the lovely comments on the blog was quite emotional for him and made him quite aware of just how weak he still is. He is still too weak to be able to type out a coherent sentence on his laptop. He is hoping that he will be able to start seeing people on or after the weekend but please wait until he says he is ready. Reading the blog touched his heart much deeper than you can imagine – that is why it was so emotional for him. Imagine reading that you are loved by so many – what a gift!!
From Jacob to everyone out there – Thank you for this gift!!
Tom & I are so glad that you are finally back home,…(well, almost home!) Keep on healing, (day by day) and we will be seeing you HOME soon!!! Glad to hear that they have removed one of those chest tubes, which must feel so much better,….just one more to go! We are counting on you to get strong again, as we have so many plans for fun-filled times left to do with ya!!! Your body needs time to heal, so as much as we want it now,…we know that we have to have patience. If you need anything Jake,….just say the word!! Luv, Shar & Tom XoXo
Who is that goodlooking man on the picture?? So good to see you! And also to hear that there is much progress.
We spoke with Anton last saturday and it was also for him a very emotional week in Vancouver but he was also so glad to be there. A lovely brother!!
And also a lovely friend for us!!
Jacob, we wish you all the best and you have to know that we think of you every day.
Luv, John, Marjon and kids
Hi Jacob, you look amazingly good considering the trauma you went through and still do, just a little funny around your cheeks, but cute.
Jacob, we are so very happy and relieved that you are on the mend. We are sorry that you still have so much pain; hopefully they will soon ease up. In thoughts we are with you every day and when the time is right we will come and see you.
If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Love, Hans & Elfi
Jacob, glad you are back “home” in Kelowna.
Glad too to see that you are improving on a daily basis. Keep up your good spirits. God Bless.
Hi Jacob, good to see you again. You, Diana and kids are on our minds every day. Our hands and feet are tight,living sofar away and we wish we could do someting! Get well soon, sorry to hear you are still in so much pain.
Take care, Jaap & Ruth Zwart, Woerden,NL, fam.zwart@xs4all.nl
Hi jacob, glad you are back
Hi Jacob, Good to have you home! Will be ready to go camping as soon as you are but there is no rush, campfire ban is on and it just wouldn’t be the same.
Hello from fellow walkers in Morningside subdivision, Walt and daughter Jennifer with (standard poodle… Dream)
Had a nice chat with Gerry last evening.
Our best wishes for your speedy recovery!
Walt and Jennifer Schwab
Jacob had a good day with good news. He had his last chest tube removed and the X-rays that were taken yesterday show that everything is where it should be and healing. His sutures and wounds have closed nicely and the doctor is talking about removing the sutures tomorrow- Friday. If all goes well Jacob may even be going home this weekend. The doctors are very pleased with his health and the rate of his healing. Unfortunately the pain has not subsided at all. He is very tired because he cannot sleep for more than 30 minutes without waking up from the pain. It was wonderful to see Jacob walking around free, untethered to a machine. He even walked me to the elevator as if he were a host at some resort or spa. A nice change from the last 2 weeks.
So happy to hear the tubes are gone! Try to get lots of rest while you can and remember, your recovery is “one day at a time”. Just a little more each day, and hopefully soon, the pain will also lessen. Take care …. let us know if there’s anything we can do!
John and Cathy
Hi Jacob,
Nice picture, I was so happy to see that you look so good, The neck brace does’nt look so comfortable, but before you know that will be gone soon.
Sorry for all the pain you have it takes time, rest wel and hopefully you going home this weekend and sleep in you own bed.
Take care, we think of you every day, hang in there, next time I will tell you a good joke hahaha.
Love Diana & Jack
Hi Jake:
Great to hear all the good news.
But Diana, I think you’re going to have to wait with telling any jokes soon. We don’t want Jake on the floor laughing like we do.
Have a GREAT Day.
Arend & Barb
To Jacob
Read all the emails we missed the last few days.
Jacob:
Wow !!! you are remarkable and proven you are a rock. The photos look like you are to Mars with the sputnik crew. You are so relax and no tubes here and there. Diana’s cooking was yummy and you probably waiting for the next menu – Hutspot and the appelvlaai.
Ik hoop, dat je heel erg goed slaapt. Co en ik zullen er een borreltje op drinken, gezondheid.
Tot ziens en beterschap. Ik leer klein beetje Nederlands.
Too loo
Flore en Co
Hi Jacob
So glad to know that you are back in the “neighbourhood” again… KGH is a heck of lot closer than VGH. Please keep getting well and rest, rest, rest… everything and everyone will wait….we wish you less and less pain everyday.. and oh nice picture…You look just like the old Jacob with a few modifications….we love you and please take it easy and you are in our prayers…
Love Anne and Rod xoxo
Jacob is on his way home today!! Some time this afternoon he should be home.
He still cannot sleep because of intense pain in his back but at least he will be able to rest in his own bed at home. Jacob is exhausted from the lack of sleep so let’s all wait a bit longer before we drop by to say hello. As you can tell Jacob hasn’t made that first blog entry yet – an indication of his present state – too tired and sore.
Thanks, Gerry, for the great newscasting. A super tool to keep us up to date with the latest news without exhausting the patient or his wife! Great news to hear that you can go home, Jacob. Hope you can get some sleep in your own bed. Can’t imagine how awful the pain must be that keeps you from sleeping properly. Hopefully that will get better, soon. Diana, we hope you are able to get your rest, too. Sterkte toegewenst, allebei. Henk, Gertrude and family
Lieve Jacob en Diana,
Wat fijn dat Jacob weer thuis is. Wat is dit zwaar voor jullie en wat is dit ook zwaar voor jou Diana. Lieve Diana wij wensen jou heel veel sterkte voor de verzorging die Jacob nog zeker nodig zal hebben. Jij bent voor hem de belangrijkste in zijn genezings proces. Wij wensen jullie daarin beiden dat dit voorspoedig mag gaan. Als we zien wat er de afgelopen weken al is gebeurd hebben we daar alle vertouwen in.
Het is in ieder geval weer heel fijn dat jullie samen zijn in je eigen huis. Heel veel liefs van ons, Jan en Gerda
Hi Jake: Glad to have you back in the neighbourhood. Hope the pain subsides quickly being at home and getting fed home cooked meals. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Get strong first though.
Diana: We are sure you happy to have your hubby back home. Such a relief to see Jake walk into the house and have him beside you daily again.
Love Arend and Barb
I know we don’t know you that well Jacob but you are sure a familiar face. In case you are unsure we are Gerry’s neighbourS across the street. Both Doug and I were sad to hear about your accident and are now also tracking your recovery thanks to this web page Gerry created. We are so happy to hear you are recovering and gaining back your mobility. Hope to see you back walking with Gerry as soon as you are well enough. We will miss you and your puppy until then. Best wishes.
Beste Jacob,
Wat goed dat je weer thuis kunt zijn! Gefeliciteerd, we zijn heel blij voor jou, voor Dineke en voor je dochters en hun gezinnen. De pijnen in je rug vallen je zwaar, begrepen wij. En de pijstilling met z’n bijwerkingen valt je mogelijk nog zwaarder. Wij wensen je dan ook van harte toe dat de genezing zich voortzet. Jacob, houd het vertrouwen vast in lichaam en in z’n herstelvermogen. En weet wij leven met jou en met jullie mee,- wij bidden om geest en kracht voor jullie allemaal.
Lieve en beste groet van Jinke en neef Jan Zwart/ Holland.
Hi Jake
Good to hear that you are back home and getting in shape for the next marathon. We have Grand children here from Calgary and as soon as they are gone I will stop by and say hi.. Gerry seems to have run out of walking partners as we see him out there alone now.
Lyle Sharp
I visited with Jacob today at his home and he is looking and feeling a bit better. The intense pain is still keeping him from sleeping any more than an hour at a time but that is much better than only being able to get a half hour sleep – twice as good. Jacob has had the last of his sutures removed so all of his wounds have closed properly and only one bandage down the middle of his spine to take care of yet. Jacob and I walked a half block and then back to his house to try out the old legs. They work fine but that exercise pretty much took all the energy he had been saving up today. He is still too weak to seriously entertain any guests. The pain killer drugs still keep his mind fuzzy for a good part of each day – not fun when you are the type of guy that wants to go and get things done. Jacob said it has become quite apparent that healing is going to take much longer than he had hoped. He now feels it will be months before he can do anything useful – I agree.
A day at a time is all he can manage – no plans for a week from now – just a day at a time.
Just got home from visting in Calgary to find that Jake is at home. Yahoo!!I know I am looking forward to my own bed tonight, and Jake you must be so glad to be in familiar surroundings. Nothing like one’s own bed.Keep on truckin’.
HALLO JACOB,
DAT WAS EVEN FIJN DAT RICKY JE AAN DE TELEFOON MOCHT HOREN. JE GAAT WEL DOOR EEN DIEP DAL, VANDAAR DAT IK DIE WENS VAN DE VRIENDSCHAPSWEEK BIJ JE VOND PASSEN. HOPELIJK KAN JE ZO NU EN DAN WEER EEN GOEDE, DIEPZINNIGE POWERPOINT EM AAN, MAAR DAT MOET JE ZELF MAAR ZEGGEN. TOT ZOLANG WACHT IK ER MEE, ZIJN AL OVERBLIJ DAT JE HET TOT NU TOE ZO MAAKT EN BEGRIJPEN DE KOMENDE TIJDEN VOOR JE….!, MAAR: HOU VOL. MET ZO’N ECHTGENOTE EN KINDEREN OM JE HEEN, MOET JE OVERWINNEN!!!! DAT GELDT EIGENLIJK OOK VOOR DIANA , MEER DAN OP PAPIER IS UIT TE DRUKKEN.
JACOB, STERKTE-EXTRA KRACHT -VOLHOUDEN !!!.
JE KUNT HET HEB JE WEL BEWEZEN
HARTELIJKE BETERSCHAPGROETEN
RICKY EN BEN P
Holy smoke Jacob we can’t let you out of our site for a minute. All kidding aside we are so glad to hear you are recovering nicely and we will drop by soon to see you at home.
Heel veel sterkte toegewenst en we zullen voor je bidden. Groeten van Wessel Kos
Jacob continues to improve every day but he feels like he has reached a level of healing that doesn’t see any noticeable improvement on a day by day basis. The pain is still very bad and all that Jacob can do is hope and pray it gets better over time. It has been 3 weeks now since the accident so the injuries have settled down. Jacob recognizes he is very lucky but also feels frustrated by the long healing process. He wishes he could get back to doing something measurably useful but he simply doesn’t have the energy to do so. The chronic pain and the medicine keep seriously draining his energy. Jacob loves “QUIET” – he used to be able to tolerate all the boisterous noise of life swirling around his house but at the moment he cherishes quiet times – healing sounds of silence. At the moment too much noise/activity just drains him as his mind struggles to process all that overload of incoming data – what is relevant – what isn’t. He knows he will emerge from this vicious cycle of pain and drugs – his question is “WHEN?”. And then he is simply left with the only answer he has – one day at a time.
Beste Jacob,
Wat vreselijk om te lezen dat je met zo iets plezierigs als fietsen zo’n verschrikkelijk ongeluk kunt krijgen. We hopen dat je weer snel herstelt en dat de pijn snel zal verdwijnen. Heel veel sterkte toegewenst, ook aan je famile,
hartelijke groeten,
Eefke Bout, (Wilhelminaschool)
Beste Jakob,
Ook ik wens je veel sterkte en kracht bij de weg naar herstel.
Ik hoop en bid dat het allemaal goed komt.
Hartelijke groeten ,
Janny Herbrink-Hogenbirk
Beste Jacob,
Jacob wat heb je een verschrikkelijk ongeluk gehad. Ik hoop dat alles goed komt, geef niet op. Heelveel sterkte ook voor je vrouw en kinderen.
Hartelijke groeten,
Anja Twenhöfel-Veerman (Wilhelminaschool)
Dag Jacob. Wat kan een mensenleven in één seconde totaal veranderen! We schrokken van je ongelukkige val. We wensen je veel rust toe bij de genezing. En je vrouw en dochters wensen we veel liefde toe als ze jou helpen verzorgen. We bidden dat de medicinale begeleiding positief zal zijn en vragen onze hemelse Vader om dicht bij jou te zijn.
I hope, you will soon be well again and I wish you a speedy recovery. Hou je ons op de hoogte?
Hartelijke groeten van meester Roel Bartels
Hello Jacob. How scary can it be that people’s lives totally change in one second? We were frightened by the news of your unfortunate fall. We wish you much peace again in healing. And your wife and daughters, we wish much love to you as they help you to be productive again. We pray that the medical assistance will be positive and ask our Heavenly Father to be close to you.
I hope, you will soon be well again and I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep us informed OK?
Seasons Greetings from master Roel Bartels
Jacob is visiting the doctor today – hopefully to get exact details of his injuries and to get a better understanding of what to reasonably expect in terms of his recovery time and discomfort.
Jacob,
het bovenstaande bericht geeft ons het gevoel: langzaam maar zeker de goede kant op. Wat zou het fijn zijn voor je enDiana en the kids goed nieuws te horen. Het zal ook hun een beetje beter maken. Hou vol dus.
thanks a lot for your 1st email, fine that beginning too. Just keep going and a step again and again.
Wishing whisdom and peace.
Ricky and Ben
Beste Jacob en allen die je lief zijn,
Wij hopen toch zo voor je dat het herstel zich
doorzet, dat je dit merkt en dat je daardoor de hoop en het geduld weet vast te houden. Het leven is niet altijd zonzijde, maar in de schaduw terechtgekomen weet je wel dat die zon nog steeds schijnt. Mag de positieve waardering van het leven kracht geven in je genezing, voor je zelf, Jacob, en voor jullie allemaal die om Jacob heen staan.
Lieve groeten van Jinke en (neef) Jan Zwart/ Holland
Willen even laten weten dat we veel aan je denken Jacob en dat we ons realiseren dat het herstel zwaar is. Maar met een positieve instelling kom je een heel eind.
Veel liefs van ons uit Naarden en natuurlijk ook van Tonny, die we (sorry for that!!) steeds vergeten te vermelden. Ook hij leeft met jullie mee.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Jacob ~ from Silver Star Mountain Resort ~ Summer Mountain Bike Park ~ http://www.skisilverstar.com/home_showSection_ID_160.html ~ had several down hill rides today ~ ride the lift up and ride my Red Cannondale Rush SL down (retired the Proflex, too heavy ~ the bike that is) ~ just wanted to share with you – when I was 52 riding here, I fell on my back and could hardly move because of the pain– was carried off the mountain on stretcher and ambulance ride to the Vernon Hospital – while waiting for x-rays the nurse said – “according your chart you are 52, why are you acting like a 25 year old? ~ because it is fun!” – fortunately I only had a sore back for couple days – feel for you – wish a speedy recovery and going for a gentlemen mountain bike ride with you – Cheers! Ron
Hi Jake
Sounds like you have a whole lot of improvement over the last few weeks. (Good to hear) Looking forward to seeing you and Gerry walking the beat again.
Lyle
Houd moed Jacob en Diana. Kijken uit naar verdere berichten van je Dr. bezoek. Ik fiets nu meer bewust in deze omgeving. gerard en janna
Hello everyone, Jacob is finally starting to feel a bit better. The severe pain is still there but maybe less than it was. He is experimenting with cutting down the dose of the heavy narcotics and seems to be able to do with less now – a good sign. Jacob received a CD from the hospital with all of the xrays of his back, chest and rib cage. It was quite interesting and clear that he definitely broke his 6th vertebra completely. It looks like he broke a few ribs – not just cracked but broken. His Sternum – chest bone – was clearly broken in two pieces which helps to explain the severe chest pains he has been having. It is now clear that sugeons had to put the rods in his back to stabilize his spinal column and protect his spinal cord because nothing else was solid to build upon – too many broken pieces. Jacob will be going to the neurologist on Monday to see if everything has healed enough to have his neck brace removed and to explore anything else that can be done to help his healing. I hope he gets good news from that doctor.
Hallo Jacob en Diana,
leven intens met jullie mee en zien uit naar elk positief verschijnsel. Houden dus de ontwikkelingen bij Jacob met gevoel bij en wensen jullie elke dag opnieuw kracht en vooruitgang.
Blijven contact houden
met “beterschaps”-groeten
Ricky en Ben
Hi Jacob, Diana and kids,
Best regards from NL and hope the healing process is still progressing.
All the best to you all!
Jaap en Ruth Zwart, Woerden NL
Wow, I did not know I had so many friends that cared so much about me.It made me feel a lot better. After I finally felt up to the task of sitting behind the computer and actually looked at all the entrees on the blog I was overwhelmed with emotions. It took me at least one hour to go through all the messages and it brought tears to my eyes to read all the compassionate and sincere messages from all of my friends and relatives. I like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your love and kindness.
I have to apologize for taking so long to write on the blog but I did not have the strength to sit behind the computer and type. It was just too physically painful to sit in this position for a long time.
I am so grateful for my friend Gerry Bakker who kept you updated on my progress after my accident and who kept me company on an almost a daily basis to pass some of the time because it gets boring after a while sitting at home and not being able to do anything because of the pain.
I am very thankful for my wife Diana for all her love and support and help over the last few months; I could not have done it without her.
I like to thank my kids and son in-laws for being there for me in Vancouver and looking after my niece Monique who was here on vacation from Holland. I like give a special thanks to my brother Anton who rushed to my side from Holland to visit me. This meant a lot to me. We shared some special moments together.
A special thanks to Janice and Jill who came to help and support Diana in Vancouver – especially during those first critical days after back surgery. I like to thank Eric for his friendship and bringing me lunch every day while I was in the Hospital in Vancouver.
After a week in Kelowna General Hospital I came home for the rest of my recovery. It is going slow but I feel I am making progress a little bit at a time. I went to see the specialist 2 weeks ago and was allowed to remove my neck brace. This was a big relief for me after 6 weeks of wearing this brace day and night, the specialist was very satisfied with the x-ray results and told me to be careful for the next 6 months, no lifting or twisting because it takes that long for the bones to heal. He also showed me the 16 screws and steel plates they put in my back to hold it all together. I am still on a lot of pain medication; I hope this will get better over time.
I will send an update regarding my progress over the next few months, thanks again for all your support.
Love Jacob
It is now early November and the pain on Jacob’s right side back and chest is still unbearable. The pain seems to be more towards his back or rib cage but it also extends into his gut and chest just above his liver. His left side feels fine – as if he never had a problem. Jacob just got in some x-rays and wanted to share them with you to show you exactly what the doctors put into his back. Just seeing all those long “wood” screws in his spine would seem painful enough but the screws don’t hurt – apparently. You’ll notice the space between the 3 screws above and below the C6 break- there is nothing there worth fastening a screw to.
At the moment there are 3 prevailing theories on what is causing the bad pain on his right side.
1) the metal rod on the right side of his spine is a bit too long at the bottom as compared to the other rod and is pressing on some nerves
2) the spine at C6 that exploded left some rough edges or a burr that is rubbing the exposed spinal cord the wrong way and is causing phantom pain.
3) he still has a partially collapsed lung on the right side
Have a look for yourself and see if you have any other theories that may help shed some light on Jacob’s plight.
Beste Jacob,
Wat een verschrikkelijke tijd maak je momenteel door.
Eerst je ongeluk en nu dat lange helingsproces.
Je moet fysiek en mentaal van goede huize komen om dit allemaal te moeten mee maken.
Jacob, je bent een heel krachtig persoon.
Bij het zien van de foto’s krijg ik al spontaan pijn over mijn hele lichaam.
Ik zal voor jou, je vrouw en kinderen bidden tot God om jullie heel veel kracht te geven om door deze moeilijke tijd te komen.
Ontzettend veel beterschap toegewenst opdat je heel gauw weer gezond mag zijn.
Groeten van Karel uit Assen, Nederland
Beste Jacob and Diana,
Dank jullie voor je kerstkaart en de goede wensen. We hopen dat het herstel verder zal vorderen met elke dag een beetje minder pijn. We wensen je/jullie verder veel sterkte voor
2010.
Hartelijke groet
Jaap en Ruth, Woerden NL
Beste Jacob en Diana,
Dank voor jullie kerstgroet en goede wensen voor het nieuwe jaar. Wij hopen dat dit jaar voor jou, Jacob en voor jullie allen voorspoedig mag zijn.
Veel kracht en geduld wensen wij je toe in je verdere herstel.
Hartelijke groet aan juliie allemaal van
Jinke en Jan Zwart
Hi Jacob & Family – You’ve been on my mind many times – wondering how you are copping… Cheers! Ron
Dear Jacob and all Canadian family,
We hope and pray your operation and recovery will be succesfully! No pain any more must be a true blessing.
By the way, so near to Holland and not able to visit the people there, has to be be little bit disapointing, I guess. But we realize you have to look after yourself in the first place.
Nice to know for you folks, we think, Jinke and I have planned holydays in the nothern parts of the Rocky Mountains vwithin 2 years. So not far away from your place. We hope to meet you!
All the best and love from
Jinke and Jan Zwart
Jacob and family;
Not realizing all the pain you had over the past years we are overjoyed to hear that you are given a new leash on life without much pain. Ah what a great thing. You have been in our prayers and we continue to ask for healing and strength. Thanks for this blog and sharing this with us. Love to you and you family, Gerard and Janna.
Hoi Jacob,
Heb al je foto’s op je site gezien! Hopelijk zit je er nu beter bij? Hoe gaat het, al minder pijn? Ik hoop het voor je! Hier in holland is het snikheet en benauwd, over de 30 graden. Voel me net een surinamer.
Ik kijk wel weer verder op je site hoe het gaat!
Groeten vanuit een heet Huizen,
Henk