Hi Everyone,
I just got back home this morning. I was not able to get reports out the last few days in Peru, just too much going on and too much to do. Robert is progressing steadily and when awake can talk very clearly and normally. His brain has not reorganized itself though and he does not realize where he is, wants to get up and leave, get's very agitated when restrained, and so on. His rational brain has not kicked in yet. He's just pure impulse and reaction, gentle and funny at times and agitated and agressive at other times. This is a common pattern with head injuries. The clinic had moved him to a private room with a round the clock private nurse on Sunday, but the nurses and we could not handle him in this state well enough to assure he wouldn't fall and injure himself, so we moved him back into the ICU unit on Tuesday. He is under what they call "intermediate" rather than intensive care, but in the ICU nonetheless and fairly heavily tranquilized and sedated to keep him from getting out of bed and falling. The last two days with Robert in this state of confusion and periodic agitation were really hard. Saying goodbye and leaving on Wednesday was even harder. I will be monitoring Robert's situation daily from here for now, until we figure out what the longer term path looks like, or even the mid-term path. I'm also pursuing the legal case against his attackers and their employer as well and keeping pressure on the local police through the State Department and U.S. Embassy in Lima.
Robert's mom, Lola, is doing a good job being there with Robert, and I probably won't go back down until it looks like he will know and remember that I'm there, unless some kind of emergency calls me down there. Right now I have to figure out how to pay for all this. I've already spent close to $25,000 on Robert's medical and legal situation along with my travel expenses. At the moment his care is costing somewhere around $350 and $500 a day, inexpensive by U.S. standards but $10,000 to $15,000 a month out of pocket for me nonetheless. I am exploring various kind of available aid and we are putting up a website to request donations from friends and family who would like to contribute to a medical care fund for Robert. I'll keep you all posted.
Lola, wants me to let you all know how profoundly she appreciates all of your love, concern and prayers for Robert and us at this time. She asked me again and again to be sure to let you all know how appreciative and touched she is by all your love and support. We both appreciate all of you so much. I have no doubt that Robert will be fine in time, we just have to hang in there with him and be patient.
Love to you all,
Fleet
Supporting Robert Maull's Recovery
Our son, Robert Maull, was the victim of a brutal assault on February 28, 2008 in Cusco, Peru. Robert remained in a coma for the first six days. He is now able to talk and has all physical movement, but remains sedated in the ICU unit for his own protection, because his brain function is still very confused and he doesn't know where he is or why he needs to remain in the ICU and in bed. Robert suffered severe head injuries including two skull fractures, two brain contusions, a subdural hematoma, brain edema, and defuse brain lesions.
Robert's medical expenses alone (not including legal bills and his father's travel expenses) have already reached $15,000 (as of March 12th) and are continuing at a rate of about $350 - $500 per day. We do not know how much longer Robert will need to remain in the ICU or the hospital, but it could be several months.
We have set up this website for Robert's family and friends who would like to contribute a Medical Fund for Robert's care, follow Robert's progress and enjoy Robert's art. We sincerely appreciate all the concern, support, prayers and strong intention for Robert's recovery expressed by so many of you already.
If you would like to donate to Robert's Medical Fund, you can use the Chip-In feature at right which involves a PayPal transaction. This will not be a tax deductible donation.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please email me at: fleetmaull@comcast.net and I will send you the information on how to make a donation to a Community Foundation that will accept donations on Robert's behalf.
With love and appreciation,
Fleet Maull and Lola Solis de Maull (Robert's Parents)
Robert's medical expenses alone (not including legal bills and his father's travel expenses) have already reached $15,000 (as of March 12th) and are continuing at a rate of about $350 - $500 per day. We do not know how much longer Robert will need to remain in the ICU or the hospital, but it could be several months.
We have set up this website for Robert's family and friends who would like to contribute a Medical Fund for Robert's care, follow Robert's progress and enjoy Robert's art. We sincerely appreciate all the concern, support, prayers and strong intention for Robert's recovery expressed by so many of you already.
If you would like to donate to Robert's Medical Fund, you can use the Chip-In feature at right which involves a PayPal transaction. This will not be a tax deductible donation.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please email me at: fleetmaull@comcast.net and I will send you the information on how to make a donation to a Community Foundation that will accept donations on Robert's behalf.
With love and appreciation,
Fleet Maull and Lola Solis de Maull (Robert's Parents)
Friday, March 14, 2008
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