An update on C.J.

Dear Members,

We're delighted to share with you this wonderful update we recently received about our Beefsteak Dinner recipient, CJ Personette. As many of you know, CJ suffered life-threatening injuries after a car accident on Sept. 1st, 2007, and his recovery has been miraculous.

CJ and his family enjoyed some quality family time down at the Jersey shore this summer. Although there was a slight setback in early July, CJ continues to amaze his doctors with just how far he has come in such a short time. Given the extent of his injuries, his remarkable progress cannot be explained by medical science. Please keep those prayers coming!

CJ is able to write and draw quite well with his left hand, and physical therapy is ongoing to restore function on his right side. He continues to heal, and his dazzling new smile is just one of the many indicators that he is on the road to recovery.  His speech and motor development are constantly improving, and on October 2nd, CJ will be marking another big milestone: he will be joining his friends at Pascack Hills High School, taking freshman English, Biology, and pottery.

CJ's father also relayed this account of a very special day they recently enjoyed: "On Friday, September 19th, CJ was asked to be the honorary PHHS football captain for the home game, and PHHS won 24 to 0. The elated coaches gave CJ the winning football which he greatly prized. During CJs 8th grade (Montvale recreation) football season he made 22 touch downs and was Player of the Year. It was the first and last year he'd play. CJ was on the PHHS freshman team and attended football camp, running 5 miles a day with the team right before the accident. They loved him so much that they honored him. CJ couldn't stop smiling and had a wonderful time, while I was teary-eyed, especially when the fans chanted his name: 'CJ, CJ, CJ.'"

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we'll close this update with some photos of CJ that are sure to bring a smile to your face. We are all so proud of CJ, and will continue to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.