There is further good news today from Arizona, where University of Evansville sophomore soccer player Abby Guerra continues to make progress following a life-threatening traffic accident on July 18.  Below is the  latest news from the Guerra family, posted Sunday at http://www.abbysfightforlife.com.

August 21, 2010

"Today was a great day. Abby spoke for the very first time. Her first word was “Hi.” She later went on to say “mom,” “hi dad,” and other 2 word combinations. The joy, relief, and excitement are only a few descriptions of our emotions. Sorry it’s been such a long time since our last update, but we’ve been busy. Abby got transferred from the ICU to the neuro unit on Wednesday. She has been participating in multiple therapy sessions: physical therapy for strength and range of motion, occupational therapy for activities such as brushing her teeth and wiping her face, and speech therapy to work on speaking and exercises with her tracheostomy. She hasn’t mastered these techniques quite yet, but having the ability to go through the motions is exciting all on its own. The next step is for Abby to go to rehab. Therapists have determined she can handle 3 hours or more a day. She is scheduled to go on Monday. Another accomplishment Abby achieved today was the ability to write. She wrote “mom” and “tita” on a small piece of paper. The funny part of the story was how Abby took control of the paper and pen. She automatically grabbed the paper and placed it in her left hand and took the pen and continued to ‘click’ it open and closed. Her personality is really beginning to shine through. Stay tuned for the next update. Thanks again for your support."

University of Evansville and Indiana University soccer fans raised more than $400 for the Abby Guerra Donation Fund at Friday's season opener at McCutchan Stadium. 

In addition, the University of Evansville Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Evansville Texas Roadhouse location at 7900 Eagle Crest Boulevard are teaming up to help the Abby Guerra Donation Fund on Wednesday, September 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a donation night.

Anyone who brings the Abby Guerra Donation coupon (click on the link below) to Texas Roadhouse on September 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. will have 10 percent of their purchases donated to the Abby Guerra Donation Fund.  The fund has been set up to help assist with the medical expenses.

•  Abby Guerra Donation Coupon (PDF - is needed to receive donation)

 
For those people unable to attend the September 1 donation night, the UE Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is also selling Texas Roadhouse gift cards in which 10 percent of the gift card amount will be donated to the Abby Guerra Donation Fund.  Interested parties are encouraged to purchase gift cards by Monday, August 30.  For more information on purchasing a gift card, please contact either UE Senior Associate Athletics Director Sarah Solinsky by phone at (812) 488-2759 or contact SAAC representative Ellen Sawin via email at es128@evansville.edu.