Hey,

I hope everyone’s holidays were great. I know mine sure was but different at the same time. This holiday season was really different for me because I had a lot more to be thankful for. This of course was my first holidays since my accident so that made the holidays a little bit different for me. I got a lot of wonderful gifts. I went to the Dallas Cowboys game on Jan 3 and it was SWEET. I was so excited to see them win a playoff game this past weekend. 

I do have some sad news. I will be having gallbladder surgery take TWO. Last week I went and got a scope done of my stomach so we ruled out everything else it could be. I am doing it a lot different this time. My only two request where that I don’t have the same doctor that did it last time and I have an open surgery instead of laparoscopic. I am scheduled to have the surgery on Feb 9. I feel a lot better about this surgery this time. If there is anything that freaks me out I will just say never mind and reschedule. I am living proof that prayer works. I try not to ask a lot of people, but will you all pray and make sure this surgery goes right for me.

Also I found out last week that someone died in December after being treated at David Grant Medical Center (Travis AFB) where my tragedy happened. I have spoken to the wife and she shared the story with me.  It is really sad to see something this bad happen to someone that is so nice and wonderful. I will be the first to tell you I don’t know 100% what happened, but I do know some and it is disheartening to see Travis allow this to happen. He leaves behind a wife and two kids. This could have been prevented but yet it wasn’t. This is sad on a lot of levels, first and for most it is sad that another wonderful family had to lose a love one. Second, they just had my situation happen 5 MONTHS earlier I would have thought they would pay more attention to what they are doing. Now Christopher White, Dean Witt, and Michael Bishop have died as a result of care from David Grant Medical Center since 2003. If this was a civilian hospital that this many mistakes it would have been shut down by now.

I really appreciate every one that supports me. I have been able to make some changes for others on my base. I say my things about David Grant not because I’m mad but because I want us, the people, to demand change in military hospitals and policies. If we are able to demand this we will be saving other military families limbs and possibly their lives
 


Comments

Ginny

01/16/2010 04:28:31

Airman Read you are brave in many ways. You speak up because you care plain and simple. Don't apologize. These men might be alive today living productive lives. You have alot of followers that are praying for you. May your surgery be successful and may your lives move in the direction God plans for you. There is always good from bad but sometimes it is hard to see. Keep on your journey, make the best of every day as it is a gift.

 

Dean

01/16/2010 11:07:50

Keep up the good work.

 

Lauren

01/17/2010 08:11:42

You live up to the military values of courage, determination and motivation better than anyone I've ever met. You've got my deepest respect and admiration. Take care.

 

Terry DeBrow (Nanny)

01/18/2010 06:51:37

Colton - you have such heart! You are certainly an inspiration to us all. It is hard to think about anyone going into surgery again at any hospital but even more so at David Grant... This may be one of the ways God works through you, your voice. We love you and are so proud of you! Love and hugs, Nanny and Papa.

 

barbaralee & jerzy g. sass

01/19/2010 10:26:33

colton and jessica, thanks for the update...the highs and lows of life...it is so important to focus on the highs as much as possible being realistic at the same time...serenity, barb and jerzy

 

Sgt Rob Garcia

01/20/2010 16:19:00

Keep us informed as to your progress. Its encouraging to see you in your efforts. Thanks for inspiring us.

 

Gretchen Steinke

01/21/2010 13:53:21

Hi! We miss you very much here! I tried to email you but it was sent back. Please send us your new email ASAP. We have lots to catch up on. Your FRC Family!

 

Sandy Carlson

01/25/2010 21:30:09

Colton,

You have the most amazing attitude I've ever seen. You are such an inspiration and I have so much admiration for you and for Jessica for the positive way you've dealt with all that has happened to you. You absolutely will be in my prayers that your new surgery goes textbook perfectly and that you'll have an uneventful recovery this time.

 

Carrie Turner

01/26/2010 10:21:13

Best of Luck on your surgery, I am sure they would put the very best to work on you. It is sad to hear about Travis making so many mistakes. I can't wait for them to get something passed to hold them accountable. Your a great inspiration and people at work ask me all the time about how your progress is going, thanks for keeping this site up and going.

 

Christie

01/27/2010 14:06:59

Good luck! You have our prayers!

 

Roger and Linda

02/03/2010 08:58:53

Hey Buddie, Good Job. We are so proud of you and Jess. We will be moving from here soon and still never look at your house the same.
Take care and God Bless

 

Dwayne and Barbara Mercer

02/04/2010 03:41:33

We remember that you have another operation coming up and we are praying that this one turns out well. Both of you are in our prayers each day.

 

Jaclyn Powell

03/29/2010 18:30:06

I have to do a medical malpractice project for my Medical Law and Ethics class and I just want to let you know I chose your story... Basically I wanted inform everybody about the Feres Doctrine, and also With doing the research im educating some of my friends that are in the military. Surprising to me the friends that are serving have no idea about it. This website has been very helpful! You are an amazing guy, and your family is also. I have so much respect for you all!

 



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