Updates: (12/2/2025)
- Lida Walsh
- Dec 2, 2025
- 3 min read
We have some exciting news to share today!
I haven’t posted in a few days because things have been slower and more steady, which has been reassuring for all of us. Eli continues to make progress every day, and he is working incredibly hard to recover.
On Friday he had his repeat video swallow test. We were all hopeful he would pass so he could finally drink regular fluids. Unfortunately he did not pass, and he is still at risk for something called silent aspiration. This happens when food, liquid, or stomach acid slips into the airway without triggering a cough. It usually goes unnoticed, but if it happens often it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which requires treatment. This issue is connected to his brain stem injury. We are hopeful that he can pass the re-test in a few more days, and if not, the ear, nose, and throat team will get involved.
Eli was definitely the most disappointed by the result, but the doctors were able to offer a small compromise. He is now allowed to have ice chips as a temporary solution. It is not the outcome he wanted, but the ice chips are at least better than the thickened juice he has been stuck with!
The weekend was pretty quiet. A snowstorm came through, so my parents had to stay home for the majority of the day to stay safe. Eli was also having a rough day on Saturday, so it probably ended up being a good thing that he had some quiet time to decompress.
He started wearing safety glasses with tape over one eye to help with the double vision he has been experiencing. The hope is that this will improve with time.
He is still having small moments of confusion, but they are happening less often, and he is not getting quite as stuck in the confused memories. His overall mood has also been much better. He is very eager to start moving, rebuilding strength, and getting back to himself.
And now for the best news today, Eli officially moved to the PT floor! This floor is an intensive in-patient therapy unit where the primary focus is rehab. He will be doing three to four hours of physical, occupational, and speech therapy each day. That begins tomorrow and he is so ready to get started.
He is also able to get out of bed by himself now with the walker. He can go to the bathroom on his own and feels more independent, which has lifted his spirits. He still has a sitter, but it sounds like he may not need one much longer.
We are not completely sure how long he will stay on the PT floor. The doctors estimate anywhere from one to three weeks. It really depends on how quickly he progresses. We all know how strong Eli is, so we know he is going to crush this next phase of therapy.
As he moves into this part of his recovery, updates may start to slow, but I’ll continue to share anything new as soon as I can. If there’s a pause, it simply means Eli is doing the hard work of healing. Thank you all for being such a remarkable community for him. He feels your love, he reads your comments, and they mean the world to him. ❤️
I’m old and am just now realizing I can comment! Oh boy…where to start.
Reading this news is amazing. Seeing Eli giving 2 thumbs up and smile is really something. I’ve been following these posts closely and sending prayers daily. Asking for things that you already have but could maybe use a bit more of right now…strength and courage mostly. Man, you’re really showing that you have both of these in spades. Now keep going. Through the bad days, tough times and setbacks. Keep going. And of course, celebrate those wins! Pulling hard for you brother. Love to you, your parents and your awesome sister for keeping us all connected to you.
Hi Eli, It's Tom Healy from the PR Cycling club(I'm the one taking constant pictures of all the rides and posting on FB). I'm just finding out about what happened and thanks to your sister, I'm all caught up on what happened and the tremendous progress you have been making on your journey to recovery. I am not surprised at how well you are progressing, because you are one of the strongest riders I've met since joining the group and the strength, stamina, and passion you have shown on every ride(especially the recent North Shore Century Ride back in September in which you blew out in front of the group and left all of us A, B and C riders…
Oh Eli! I just found out this news - holy shit! - and read every single blog post (thanks to your amazing sister who is keeping us all updated). I am in awe of your determination and the progress you've made so far... it may be a tough road ahead, but you are even tougher. Thank you for being so kind and supportive when I chase you on the faster cycling rides. Seriously, telling me I am crushing it and being genuinely excited to see me push harder to improve has been so encouraging. So I will give it right back to you - you are absolutely crushing it... focus on the small improvements, try not to get discouraged, keep…
Eli, it’s Derrick from Thunderbird. You’re a warrior man, glad you are progressing, I’ll tell ya, everyone at work has been concerned from every dept. we’re all hyped to know you are recovering in good fashion. Keep it up, godspeed, look forward to seeing you soon!
You got this, Eli! If you're bringing the same spirit to your recovery that you bring on the bike, you'll be getting stronger every day. Sending all healing vibes, bro.