Thank you from Alex Denysenko

[Beth Denysenko]

Hi everyone - I just wanted to take a second and update you on Alex and more importantly say thanks.

Alex is still at the in-patient rehabilitation unit. He is where he should be right now, where they can work with him the best. They are currently expecting to release him mid-week next week which gets him home just in time for our wedding reception! He is still working hard to increase the strength on the left side of his body. Every day there are incremental improvements. It's frustrating it isn't happening faster for him, but our new mantra is "patience". Something we all need a refresher on, we are getting the PhD-level lesson.

We are so very thankful the stroke did not impact the part of the brain that makes our Alex what and who he is. He still can speak the many languages he did before, he still knows all he ever did about the different combinations, automotive history, "grey area" stuff about racing, still has that quick wit and crazy sense of humor. You know, the things that make him Alex. It's communicated out a bit slower, but every day that is improving too. The brain is a miraculous and complex thing.

The most important thing this speed bump in our life has taught us is that we have a lot of good people lifting us up, supporting us, praying for us when we needed it most and boy what a difference that has made! The cards, the emails, the phone calls, it has really kept us going in a time when we are unsure, charting new waters every day, not getting nearly enough sleep, trying to run two businesses to pay for the experience, and actively healing to boot. Thank you to one and all who sent him a note, a card, gave him a ring, remembered him in your prayers. They are working! It's been a team effort, and everyone needs to understand what an important part of the team they are. Thank you!!! Our racing family is the very very best!!!

Our goal is to be crew-chiefing for Tony at the Joliet Nationals. We will see how he feels as he will be only one week out of the hospital when it's time to go. If not, we will for sure be at Stanton. Past that, who knows....the sky's the limit!

Most Sincerely, Beth