11/11/10

Allix and Luke are doing well. Luke finished soccer for the season. He is so funny because he wanted to play with his ball, and not let any other kids touch it. He wanted to be a single player on the team. I dont think he quite gets it, that it is a team effort. Allix would have to leave his ball home because he only wanted his. Allix has so much confidence, and is just proud to be who she is. She goes in places, and talks to people with much confidence, and acts like she is not any different from anyone else. I know she is not different, but she does have purple mask, and purple gloves on. It is not something you see everyday. Her and Luke got some new Jobes today. So far Luke has lime green sleeves, gloves, and pants. He has black gloves, and sleeves. He has blue and red gloves, and sleeves like spiderman. He has black amd grey gloves and sleeves. He has Tan pants like skin color. His new stuff today includes red and navy blue pants, and gloves. I came over in the afternoon. He was so excited to show me. They have had atleast 15- 20 different braces to stretch skin, and joints. They are tight because of new skin. They also itch all the time..itch, itch, itch all this time later. Allix has a complete purple suit. Pants, jacket, gloves and sleeves. She jokes abou therself being Nacho Libre..She borrowed the movie, and laughed herself about it. She has a pink jacket, and red gloves and sleeves. Her face mask is new. They wanted to give her face time to see if it was going to scar. Some areas did not look so good, so they said lets get you a mask. She said anything to save my body. Again, no complaints. She said she loves them all up there at the Uof U burn and therapy unit, trusts them all, and she knows she is in the best hands. If anyone wants to know a little bit about the burn unit, then read the book ' The Burning Within' About Renee Wallace. It is one of my favorite books ever. I read it years ago, and then I lived part of it with Allix and Luke. It is about a girl who was in a plane crash in southern utah, has a near death experience, and goes to the burn unit at the U of U, and then tells how it changed her life, and how heavenly father saved her in so many ways. It is a GGrreeaaattt Book. I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it let me know. Allixs hair is growing back. It is about 3 inches long. she is gorgeous. She did not know about her hair until about 7 weeks at the hospital. I waited for her to ask me. Her hair was her trade mark, and she was known for how thick and beautiful it was. She just said okay, and did not say a word after that. I asked her last night what she first thought when she seen herself. She said " oh my hair is all gone, and my face is scabby, but not too bad". She is so strong. She told me she was glad to be there, and glad she was alive. She has never complained about anything, well except for the little stuff. Like the after affects, and different issues. Their bodies are still healing. She is in a way stronger than before, but I guess that is why heavenly father gives us these trials. She thinks it happened to her for a reason, to accomplish her mission here on earth. That to me, is true faith in her savior. She says she wants to live, help others, get married, have more kids, travel the world, and adopt kids from other countries in the future. Luke is not in therapy yet. They say it could affect him at any time in his life. It could allready have passed, happen next month, or when he is seventeen. He is doing so good, and not acting out in anyway. So they want us to wait. I am not sure about that, but I trust his momma. Allix was going to finish her very few hours left at cosmetology, but has decided to wait until the first of next year. Mentally she is ready, but not physically. She attends Institute in Sandy every Wednesday, and goes to Therapy for herself. She stays busy, and gets out alot. I am truly impressed with this girl. She is different in so many ways. Not better, just different. Luke loves church, and nursery , . On Sunday he stood up, and looked very hard in the audience. He then asked me " grandma where is Jesus at " I said, he visits many chapels, and he is probably with heavenly father. He could not believe he was not there. He was so serious. This made me smile big, then he said " oh grandma, that is why his picture is in the hall. He loves Jesus, and knows he lives. Her and Luke are still my miracles, and blessings have poured down upon them from every direction, by the way of loving people, and by her having faith in her Savior, and knowing Heavenly Father loves them both.

-Shari Thrall Allix mom, and Luke's grandma 


 

Beautiful, confident Allix!

Update

I just wanted to update on Allix and Luke. They are in their new apartment. (still getting organized, and cannot do alot) So many people donated stuff to them. I wished she would have had a bigger gouse becasue she had to turn down items..So many people, so much love. She still has no clue. I have tried to keep a record of people for her journal, and I am making a scrapbook. One day she will want to share with her kids, husband, and even grand kids. Thank you to everyone for all your love and support. Allix has only been on Facebook and this Blog one time since she has been home. I think it might be overwhelming to her. I am sure she will come around and be apart of all the people who love her dearly in the future..
I wold like to share what I have seen in Allix and Luke..I have seen this girl who came close to dying a few times in the hospital come home with this atttude that is amazing..She is so so strong..She said Mom..I just want to live. She is healing so well, and mentally positive. (although herbody is not so strong, and is loopy alot )I have a picture I took of her the other day. she radiates light. She said to me, that this is her trial, and that it could have been worse, and that she is grateful for it...WOW she is amazing..She goes out, and people stare at her and her gloves and the different things on her..I thought the other day that Allix is used to being the looker, and turning every guys head..This is different for her. I just think people are curious..Luke is a little harder. He wants to be a boy. He has regressed in different ways. He was being potty trained before he was three and the accident. Now he is in diapers again. They said it is to be expected with that, and other things. He is afraid of being alone, and alway says Momma or Grandma dont leave K. It brings tears to my eyes because in the hospital he would wake up constantly and say the same thing to me all night long. He is afraid of being high up. He shakes and is scared. he used to jump, roll, climb, and be a crazy boy. He has Post tramatic stress disorder symptoms, like falling in his sleep, or crying, and thinking things are getting him, and very afraid of te dark..They say kids bounce back better than adults, and I do see him just wanting to be a kid, and ride skateboards, and play, but he also is unable to do all he wants to. He has to wear braces daily to stretch parts of his body, or they will tighten up, and then back to surgery..We do not want to go there...I cannot beleive it has been three months. I cannot remember my live before. it is funny how heavenly father helps u to become stronger, and how we must always trust him..I always knew this, but now I really know this. He is so mindful of them, and he has told me through prayer that miracles would happen, and will continue to happen..Boy was he right..They are miracles..

-Shari Thrall, Allixs mom and Lukee's grandma

Fire a mystery as Herriman family recovers

Fire a mystery as Herriman family recovers
By Steven Mouritsen
21 days ago

Allix and Luke Thrall were badly burned in a fire in their apartment June 24.
Flames recently engulfed Allix Thrall's apartment while an explosion shattered her bedroom window as she lay near her 3-year-old son Luke. A security system common in most apartment units responded with sprinklers extending from the ceiling that sprayed a combination of water and antifreeze.


The June 24 blaze at the Farm Gate Apartments in Herriman is among three national incidents within the last two years where antifreeze containing propylene glycol was the only flammable substance that investigators found with the capability to ignite a blaze of such high magnitude so suddenly. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, a separate incident caused a fatality when sprinklers blasted a solution of 71.4 percent antifreeze as a result of a kitchen grease fire.


Allix and Luke have spent most of their time in University of Utah hospital beds since the events June 24 which landed the Herriman mother and son in the burn unit after transport by a Life Flight helicopter. Allix remains bedridden at the hospital but no longer in the ICU while Luke has bounced back to his daily routine with his grandparents instead of his mother.


"She's a single mother," Allix's father Logan Phillips said. "She won't be able to work for a year and won't be able to do anything for six months, For instance, even open a jar."


Both Allix and Luke incurred third degree burns around their arms and shoulders, about 30 percent of their bodies, and Allix has second degree burns covering her entire body. After several surgeries and time on a respirator and ventilator, Allix now has skin grafts over most of her body. She's had to rely on Medicaid to cover the cost of healthcare along with donations.


A few fundraisers including a motorcycle ride and a yard sale at Macey's in West Jordan, have netted about $1,600, according to Phillips.


Shari Thrall, Allix's mom, has maintained a blog since the tragedy in June where the health status and highlights of the young family are documented and contributions are encouraged at Allixandluke.blogspot.com.


"The fundraising is for medical bills," Phillips said. "But she needs help with car insurance and other bills too."


Initial reports indicated that Luke had been playing with matches in the Herriman apartment setting a small pillow aflame and resulting in an explosion that blasted glass nearly 35 feet from the window pane after sprinklers released extinguishing fluid. The explosion is currently being investigated by the Unified Fire Department .


"What the fire department ruled is they think the sprinklers sprayed at over 70 psi and created additional flames," Phillips said. "It caught all the sprinklers in her apartment."


Phillips, has studied reports from two other incidents in the last two years where fiery detonations occurred with propylene glycol as the only possible flammable agent on the scene. The National Fire Protection Association Standards Council banned the use of antifreeze solution in residential fire sprinkler systems Aug. 18 citing "new research that was conducted after a fire incident raised concerns about antifreeze solutions in residential fire sprinkler systems."


"Most every apartment complex in the valley has glycol in it," Phillips said. "They don't realize that all of their fire extinguishers are 40 percent flammable. This is amazing and it could affect the entire country."


A recent NFPA safety alert acknowledged the Herriman fire and the concern about the combustibility of propylene glycol. Suggestions from the NFPA are to use the lowest concentrate possible of antifreeze in fire sprinkler lines. The NFPA recognizes that there are no alternatives for propylene glycol-based antifreeze.


The family has hired an attorney to represent Allix and Luke's interests.. In the meantime, an account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank under their names. Donations are being accepted at any branch.

August 25, 2010

Drum roll...
Allix will be discharged from the hospital on Friday and will make daily visits to therapy. She is 200% better than she was on Saturday. I cannot believe it. Thank you to everyone who fasted and prayed for Allix. I know that is why she is going home. The improvement she made in 3 days truly is a miracle.
We are going to try to get her a phone soon. If you would like the number, let me know. It would be good therapy for her to text. :)


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 24, 2010

Allix is eating a lot. This is the first time I have seen her eat more than nibbles since she's been here. She had a rough day yesterday remembering the day of the fire and the "what if's". Very emotional. I knew this would be coming. I stayed with Allix last night and loved it.


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 23, 2010

Wow.. Prayers are answered. Thank you to whomever fasted for Allix. She is 200% better, which is what Devan, her nurse put it. She might just look the best I have ever seen her. Now we need to get her home to Lukee and start on their lives together again. I cannot believe Thursday will mark 9 weeks since the fire. They say Allix will be ready to go home in just another week or two, depending if her health continues to get better.


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 21, 2010

Please continue to pray for Allix. I am asking everyone I know to fast for Allix tomorrow. She is back in the ICU burn unit. She is very sick again. She was doing great then took a turn back. I am so worried about her. If you would like to pray or fast I would be so grateful. Love you all. Heavenly Father is still driving the car. I trust him so much.


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 19, 2010

I am at the hospital with Allix and I took her to get ice-cream, which was not such a great idea. She doesn't have an appetite and has lost 25 pounds. That makes her happy, but it makes the doctors worry. She is now on the rehab floor. Allix still has some medical issues, but her burns are looking so great. She is a little looney at times and makes us all laugh. :)


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 17, 2010

Allix was moved out of the ICU burn unit. She is doing so well. She is having to learn to walk and do things by herself, but she is happy, shining, smiling and is eager to get home and be with Lukee. He wants his momma. He asks for her daily. He says he wants to snuggle with momma and watch Cars. They are two peas in a pod.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 9, 2010

Allix has not changed.
There is a nurse named Dusty who took care of her for 10 hours. He said, "I will be back in a minute to check on you, Allix." After he shut the door she said, "Okay, you hot sexy man." Then she said, "I am not walking, eating well, I am bandaged up and I am in a hospital bed, but maybe I can ask him out!" Then I said, "Maybe you two could go to the cafeteria?" We both laughed. :)

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 7, 2010

I stayed the night with Allix. She was watching HGTV (lol). She is so positive about all of this. I cannot believe her strength. She is so beautiful and she is doing better. They found the cause of the virus in her intestines and it is being treated. We are going on 7 weeks here. Hopefully she will have an apartment ready for her to go home to in a few weeks. If anyone has a good suggestion, please let me know.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

August 4, 2010

Update on Allix.. She was eating today for the first time in 6 weeks; a little piece of toast and said it is the best thing ever! She did get sick, but she is on her way to recovery. The doctors are still baffled about her intestines; they're still not working right and she's still sick. They are doing many tests on her.. not pleasant. Please keep prayers up. Allix asked me to ask everyone to fast and pray so they can figure this out. xoxoxo

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 31, 2010

Allix was a little confused due to medication from procedures. She made me laugh my butt off. She asked for the balloon she thought was filled with ice cream and soup. She asked if we paid the $700 bill to Olive garden (there is no bill ), she asked where Gary was (she does not know a Gary), she said her Favorite show was ER (which she has never watched), she thought her pillow was ice-cream . Her nurses and I were laughing!!

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 28, 2010

Allix had a cat scan today. She is still having many problems and pain in her stomach. I guess when you have trauma or shock to the body it can cause lack of oxygen to certain areas. So now they are concerned about this. I was expecting these many hills to climb, so I am prepared. Keep prayers up.. xoxoxo

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 27, 2010

Allix seems to be doing better today. She is off her respirator and awake. She was feeling pretty sick, but I see much progress. Thankyou all for your prayers. This definately has been a long road. The first night we did not know if we were going to have her with us the next day. My heart goes out to everyone with any family member afflicted, or sick in any way.. xoxooxox Still need prayers : )

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 25, 2010

It is amazing how thin the veil is. Allix shared (through nodding and me guessing) about an experience while she had while she received a blessing. I know she has many angels, and family members who have passed on, here with her. Her room was so filled with the Spirit tonight. You could sure feel it. My heart was full. Allix smiled a few times, and we even joked with her. I feel good inside.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 24, 2010 - #2

I went to the hopital to visit Allix. I have wanted to be with her so much lately. She was awake when I came in. I was so so happy. They have turned down the sedation, and she was responding with nods. I showed her a couple of pictures of Luke. She smiled. She is still very sick, but I enjoyed this moment. Everyone thanks for your loving messages and prayers.

Luke is home and gets his bandages changed daily (not fun) and he waddles like an old man and scratches everywhere. We have to stop so he can scratch. It is so cute. We dose him up with Benadryl, then he sleeps all day. I am not sure which is worse. He just wants to do everything. He is ready to be a kid again mentally, not physically. I have never realized how people stare at his arms and legs with bandages and stuff until we got home. It is wierd being on this end and knowing how that feels. He could care less though.. He is such a strong boy.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 24, 2010

I have Allix on my mind tonight.. I miss her so much. I just want her to be home with us. She is doing a little better these past couple of days and Lukee is home now. He gets his new gloves and stuff on Monday, then in the next few weeks we can hopefully do some other things he loves. Keep prayers for his momma.. xoxoxox

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

Eat For A Great Cause

The Chili's in Herriman, Utah {3766 W. 13400 S.} is hosting a "Give Back Night" in honor of Allix and Luke. To participate, print this coupon and take it into Chili’s today anytime between 11:00am-11:00pm and Chili’s will donate 10% of your total bill to Allix and Luke!

July 19, 2010

Update on Allix.. The past few days have been really hard with her. She went in for surgery, and is back on the ventilator, and on two different antibiotics for pneumonia. She is still sedated, agitated at times, and it is hard on Lukee. He does not understand why momma is sleeping. I told him the doctor is gonna fix her. When we pass her room Luke says, "Ssshhhh.. Momma sleeping." Then he says, "Hi momma." It breaks my heart. I cannot wait until they can lay together, hug and kiss, and just spend time together. Luke is doing well, considering.

Lukee and I went out last night to check out the fresh air with Grandpa Thrall, Uncle Chris, Tiler, and Nena. Luke is learning to walk again. He is walking like a duck, but walking. The doctors say kids heal and do so much better than adults. Luke is the perfect example of this. He is so handsome. He is still having pain, but doing better everyday..woo hoo!

Please keep prayers up everyone.


-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 13, 2010

Luke is in physical therapy and picking up things and laughing, and taking many rides in his wagon with all his bandages. Everyone smiles in the hospital. He is such a strong boy.

Allix is not doing so well. She is back on the ventilator. She has a quick surgery planned within an hour. They're concerned about oxygen to her small and large intestines. Everything looks okay so far, but still not out of the woods.. 2nd surgery yesterday, and third tomorrow for the same thing. Wwwhheeewww. Lots going on here. everyone plase keep up prayers..xoxoxo

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 11, 2010

Thanks to everyone who gave their time, money & support to Allix and Luke's fundraiser. It was such a great day, and I saw people I have not seen in years. Wow, it was awesome. Thank you, thank you. Allix will know of everyone who supported her one day, I promise.
Update.. Sorry to those who have waited for update on Alli and Luke. Allix has been awake for a couple of days and I have been able to talk to her a little here and there. She was unaware of anything until Friday night. She just said, "Mom, it is a blessing I am here." She thought her dog had died. She is back in surgery right now due to intestine trouble. Luke is doing much better. They both are learning to walk again. When the body gets burned everything shuts down. Luke wants his mom, and Allix wants him, so we are anticipating when we can get them together again. I will post when I know more. xoxoxoxo

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 7, 2010

The Air Med nurse came and got Lukee and said he needed some sun. So she grabbed his tube and put him in a wagon on pillows, took us up an elevator, and to the top of the Life Flight landing spot. We could see the whole valley, and got to get in the helicopters. It was so nice for Luke, and me. Wow, I just keep seeing things I never have before.. good and bad. Great moment.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 4, 2010

What a great country.. I am grateful for this country and holiday, especially being at our wonderful hospital. Wow. The burn unit is the most amazing place ever. I cannot beleive we have places like this to take our family members to. This country and its people are amazing... I watched Life Flight land with tears in my eyes for these heroes who have saved my daughter and grandson..
-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 4, 2010

Allix and Luke were critically burned in an apartment fire and we are having a fundraiser for them. Many of people are involved. Maceys grocery store has offered their parking lot, and donated 5000 hotdogs, chips, and drinks. Channel 4 news will be present all day broadcasting. We have many items to raffle off including Twilight memorabilia signed by main cast members, Utah Jazz memorabilia, gift certiciatcates, garage sale items, ice cream, baked goods, airline passes, and many other things in the works. Any little bit will help Allix and little Luke.

The doctor says it will take months of therapy, and they have lost most everything due to water and smoke damage. We want to keep Allix at home with her son. If you feel inspired to help this beautiful family, please stop by Maceys. Thank you to all who have stepped up to the plate to make this happen. Allix is still on a respirator and still sedated, but will one day be able to see all of this outpouring of love. Anyone interested in donating or assisting, please contact Janet Kohler at 801-688-9644. There has also been an account set up under Allix and Luke Thrall at Wells Fargo Bank. Thank you for your love and support... xoxoxoxo

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

July 1, 2010

Allix is in surgery. The swelling is slowly going down. She is till on the respirator, but hopefully in the next few days they will take it out. I really would like to talk to her. Lukee has watched Toy Story like 50 times. Me and the nurses laugh because he will not watch anything else. We don't even bother asking anymore.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

June 30, 2010

I'm sitting in the hospital room with Alli girl. There is a beautiful feeling here. I know the angels are watching over her and Lukee. I am playing her favorite music, Kenny Chesney "Be As You Are" album and talking to her telling her all about the love from everyone. She is sedated, but opening her eyes a little. She knows what I am saying.. I love this girl.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

June 29, 2010

Update on Allix and Luke: Allix is off of her blood pressure medicine, and they have turned down her respirator. She is doing better, not so anxious. Lukee has been resting and not so anxious. Love you all.. Please keep up the prayers everyone..

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

June 28, 2010

Update: Allix and Luke, Both doing well. Allix is healing a little slower than Luke. She is still on a breathing respirator. The doctor said it is to be expected due to what she went through. It is going to be a long haul for them. Thank you everyone for your love, messages, kind words, prayers, and those who have stepped up to the plate to plan a huge fundraiser for them July 10th. Miracles are going to happen. They already are.

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

June 26, 2010

If anyone wants to help with the fundraiser, some wonderful people have put together, please call Janet at 801-688-9644. Everything will go to Allix and Luke to replace everything they lost. They have setup an account at Wells Fargo under "Hope for Allix and Luke". Please please pray for them...

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

June 26, 2010

At the hospital, tears in my eyes from all the love and support from everyone. Update is Luke is doing better. He cannot open eyes due to swelling, but we talk about woody and Buzz and sing primary songs. He is in lots of pain, but such a strong boy. Allix is still Critical, but I know she is strong. She is still on ventilator, but does respond in ways. xoxoxo to everyone..Miracles are going to happen...

-Shari Thrall, Allix's mom

6/26/10 Message from Shari, Allix's Mom

My daughter Allix and her son Luke had a fire in their apartment. They lost everything. They were taken by Life flight to the trauma burn unit at the University of Utah Hospital. She is in critical condition. People have set up a fundraiser for them at Albertsons Saturday morning on 90th South Redwood Road. Different things for sale, donations, or there is an account setup at Wells Fargo under "Hope for Allix & Luke". I will update. Please no calls to hospital. Please pray for them.