MooreFriends

Happy Birthday to Dennis!!

Happy Birthday to Dennis!!

Friends of Dennis Moore - March 21, 2007

Hello Dennis Fans!

Spring is Here! (At least for today it is.) 

We see signs of spring all around us. All of us are praying that spring brings with it a time of new beginnings and renewed hope for Dennis and his family.

Dennis Moore Update: January 22, 2007

Hello Dennis Fans!

First of all, please accept my apology for not updating you before today. Where does the time go? Am I getting old? Anyway, I can not believe Christmas is over and a new year has begun. I wish all of you the best during 2007!

Season's Greetings

Season's Greetings - 2006
Blessings to you this Joyous season
with love, Dennis & Vicki

Boys of the Lough photos

Photos of the Celtic music group Boys of the Lough (/lok/) benefit concert at the Alberta Bair Theater for The Friends of Dennis Moore Foundation on Wednesday, November 29th at 7pm have now been posted.

Click on the picture of the "Boys" or visit this link:
http://holtheritage.smugmug.com/gallery/2209156

Dennis Moore Update: November 9, 2006

Hello Dennis Fans!

Check out our new photos of Moore's Miracle House and the Ravioli Incident and the Car Wash.
A lot has been happening around the Moore household - both good and bad. Which do you want first? Okay, bad.

Auto.net West

Auto.net West
Rick Chirrick - Owner
Mark "Curly" Helmbrecht
6708 S Frontage Road
Billings, MT 59101

Northwest Floors/Mohawk Floorscapes

Northwest Floors/Mohawk Floorscapes
Joe Moffet - Owner
2829 King Avenue West
Billings, MT 59102

Celtic Christmas Fundraiser Planned

We are thrilled to announce that the Celtic music group Boys of the Lough (/lok/) will be performing a benefit concert at the Alberta Bair Theater for The Friends of Dennis Moore Foundation on Wednesday, November 29th at 7pm. Tickets are now on sale at all Alberta Bair ticket outlets or you can purchase your tickets online by going to the AlBerta Bair website.

Ticket prices: $24 - adults; $12 - students and senior citizens. Seating is reserved/general admission so buy your tickets early! Call Sara Hofer at 669-3181 for more information. Hope to see you there - it's going to be a great time!

Friends of Dennis Moore Update - October 12, 2006

Hello Dennis Fans!

I just visited with Dennis. He sends his love and thanks to all of you. He knows how much you are giving of yourselves and can not thank you enough. He made me laugh a lot today; someday he will do the same for you.

Where do I begin? So much has happened since our last email, both with fundraising and with the Moore family.
 

A & E Architects

A & E Architects
Dennis L. Deppmeier, AIA
608 N 29th St
Billings MT 59101
406/248-2633
http://www.aearchitects.com

B and D Concrete

B and D Concrete
Kara and Dave - Owners
(406)259-6600

Hardy Construction

Hardy Construction
420 N 25th Street
Billings, MT 59101
(406)252-0510

JTL Group Inc.

JTL Group Inc.
1202 Shiloh Road
Billings, MT 59106
(406)655-2010

Wal-Mart Supercenter

Wal-Mart Supercenter - West End
Kevin, Flo, Brian and Judy
2525 King Avenue West
Billings, MT 59102
(406)652-9692

DCTribune: Moore back home, adjusting

Link: DC Tribune Online.

By Amanda Compton-Ortiz/amanda@dctribune.com Thursday, September 28, 2006 11:32 AM CDT

Former DeSoto County resident Dennis Moore, who is paralyzed after suffering critical injuries from a bad fall in early June, has returned to his home in Billings, Mont.

Photos: Moore house demolition

Click on the picture to visit the photo gallery of the demolition.

BillingsGazette.com: Dennis Moore receives help to remodel his home

Link: BillingsGazette.com :: Dennis Moore receives help to remodel his home.

Two days. That's how long Dennis Moore could wait after being released from the hospital to host a meeting with staff members at Parents, Let's Unite for Kids, where he is executive director.

Dennis Moore Returns Home to Billings

Dear Friends of PLUK,

Dennis and Vicki have returned home to Billings from the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. We wanted to wait a couple days for them to settle before announcing it to the public. They wish to thank everyone for their support and let everyone know their new contact information is now their home address and phone. Details are posted below and on the MooreFriends.com web site.

Here is the contents of today's press release to the media:

BBQ/car wash rescheduled for September 23 & 30

The BBQ/car wash for Dennis Moore and his family has been rescheduled for September 23rd and September 30th. Volunteers are still needed on both September 23rd and September 30th. Friends of Dennis Moore in collaboration with Wal-mart are holding a Car wash and BBQ fundraiser at the  West end Walmart near the auto center.  We will need at least 16-20 volunteers per date to assist with both the BBQ and Car Wash. The Car  Wash and BBQ will go from 9:00-5:00p.m This time includes the time needed for set up and take down.   It would be greatly appreciated if volunteers could sign up for a minimum of a 2 hour shift.

DENNIS TO RETURN, VAN IS HERE AND FUNDRAISING SUCCESSFUL

WELCOME HOME DENNIS! Dennis should be back in Billings this week! Vicki returned this past week and is busy getting their home ready and completing the necessary paperwork and tasks in preparation for his return. From what I understand, Dennis is anxious to return not only to Billings but also to his job at PLUK. He continues to make progress and is getting stronger everyday.

Van is on its way to Billings

The guy on the right is driving.

DeSoto County Tribune - Thank You from the Dennis Moore Family

TO: Desoto County Tribune - http://www.dctribune.com/

Dear Editor:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful people of DeSoto County who participated in the fundraiser for Dennis Moore.  Sara Jones, her son, Ernie Jones, and Dooley Company did a tremendous job of organizing the sale of Corky's B.B.Q and with the help of Joyce Reeves, Jimmy Blann, and CLM Insurance Company delivered 100 pork butts to families who were able to enjoy them over the labor day holiday.  Thanks to Mr. Kelley for use of his building.  The money they raised will help Dennis purchase some of the necessary items he needs for his recovery.  As you know Dennis has been in the hospital since he fell on June 4, 2006 and suffered a spinal cord injury.  Although Dennis is doing extremely well and planning on returning home on September 12, 2006, he still has a long road of therapy to face.   There are many new challenges on the horizon, but all of you who know Dennis, know he will meet every challenge with strength and courage.  Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated in this fund-raising event.  You showed Dennis how much DeSoto County still loves him.

Thank you
The Dennis Moore Family

Billings, Montana continues to give “Moore”

Judith Marrs, Southaven Press, jmarrs@myspeedworks.com
http://www.southavenpress.com/

Harvest Evangelical Church in Billings, Mont., adopted Crosspoint Church (Minister Israel Cox) in Gulfport, Miss., after hurricane Katrina’s devastation.

Harvest’s goal is a five-strategy plan: relate, resource, restore, rebuild and relocate. For more information: www.harvestweb.net.

Harvest Church, under the leadership of Outreach pastor Tim Wiedlick and Pastor George Burgin, is also helping a former Mississippi resident, founder of DeSoto Sunrise Homes, Dennis Moore, after his neck injury from a fall from the roof of his home in Billings.

We Moved It!

A huge thank you to Keenan Aberle, Tammy Job, Brad VonBergen, Lance Hawk, Kyle Baluka and Deb Baluka for moving Dennis and Vicki's furniture to the storage unit. I'd like to say that I helped but I just stood around, drank my Mega Mocha and visited. I don't know about anyone else but I had fun. Regardless of my lack of involvement, the Moores will now be able to use their living room as a multi-purpose room while the demolition/remodeling is going on. YEA!
Thanks to all who offered to help. If we couldn't use you this time, we'll get you later. Again, thanks guys and gals for your muscles. Fourteen days until Dennis comes home! Work hard, Dennis. We'll see you soon.

Connie VonBergen

Update on the remodeling & donations

Update on the remodeling:
Did anyone hear me screaming "TTTIIIMMMBBBBEEERRR" yesterday afternoon? That's right, THE TREE went down with a bang! This next week's schedule will be filled with cutting up the wood and getting it the heck out of Dodge...I mean, Dennis' backyard. It will give us great pleasure to see it go. Also, we will be preparing the yard for construction. This includes removing the back flower bed soil. It should be good, fun work so if you'd like to join us, please do. Call (248-3690) or email me if you're interested.

Update on donations:
Way to go, Dennis and Vicki Fans! We continue to get donations in the mail and via the website (through Paypal). In two weeks we will have "We All Need Moore Friends/Victory over SCI (that means, Spinal Cord Injury)" silicone bracelets for sale. They will be $5 each. We will be happy to mail a bulk amount out so that you can sell them in your area. The only way to "keep it simple" is for you to pay for them ($5 each) and then collect the money so that you can get reimbursed. Does this make sense? Otherwise, we will have to keep track of your inventory and money...and let me tell you, my mind does not do accounting! Hope you like the bracelets and hope we sell lots. We could potentially make $2000! Let's go Team!

We have some exciting things on the horizon but we will need your constant and continued support. Dennis and Vicki will be returning to Billings in September...yea! I wonder if they miss us as much as we miss them? Take care and remember, We All Need Moore Friends!

Connie VonBergen

BillingsGazette.com :: Letter: Outlaws, community did right by Moore

Link: BillingsGazette.com :: Letter: Outlaws, community did right by Moore.

I don't know why I was so surprised when I discovered the tremendous generosity and kindness of the Billings Outlaws organization; after all, this team does belong to a city that is just as generous.

Southaven Press Article - August 16

http://www.southavenpress.com/

Community Continues Helping Founder of Desoto Sunrise Homes

By: Judith Marrs

Dennis Moore, founder of Desoto Sunrise Homes, has not been forgotten by those that care about him even though he has been a couple of thousand miles away fromCommunity Continues Helping Founder of Desoto Sunrise Homes

Two Fundraisers Bring in MOORE money!

KEEP THE GOODIES COMING...

Sib Clack sends great news that the bakesale they held at the Family and Community Health Bureau at DPHHS in Helena raised $343 in just one hour! They must have had some great goodies. Because Dennis can eat anything he wants now, I'm sure he would have enjoyed nibbling on a few of the items. A big "thank you" goes out to all who made the sale a huge success. You can reach Sib Clack, MA, Manager at:
Newborn Screenings Monitoring Family and Community Health Bureau Public Health and Safety Division MT Dept of Public Health and Human Services P.O. Box 2029521 Helena, MT 59620-2951 (406) 444-1216;  FAX (406)444-2750 sclack@mt.gov

BULL RIDING IS NOT JUST FOR COWBOYS ANYMORE!
Bull riding has been very, very good to us! We were able to raise $800 at a bull riding event that was coordinated by PLUK's very own Sara Hofer and her husband, Philip. She organized every little detail and let the riders know who was in charge. (I think those bull riders know better than to mess with her.) Even with all the stress of pulling off such a big event, she took the time to organize our 50/50 drawing. Sara was concerned we wouldn't make any money but those cowboy fans proved her wrong. It was truly amazing how the crowd supported us once again. The winner donated $50 back to Dennis and Vicki. We really appreciate every dollar that comes in. If you see Sara, make sure you thank her. You can also email her at shofer@pluk.org.

BillingsGazette.com :: Group works to modify injured man's home

Link: BillingsGazette.com :: Group works to modify injured man's home.

Dennis Moore is determined to go back to work, but first, the executive director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids has to come home.

Without some modifications to his house, he probably won't be able to get through the front door.

Happy Daze Dairy Bar

Friends use feast to raise revenue

Link: Ex-DeSoto Sunrise director broke neck in Montana accident

Friends of Dennis and Vicki Moore are selling barbecue pork butts to help defray the medical costs for Dennis Moore's continued rehabilitation.

Dennis Moore, 55, was the founding executive director of DeSoto Sunrise Homes, a nonprofit that helps at-risk children and adolescents. He fell at his home in Billings, Mont., June 4 and broke his neck.

 

Outlaws Fundraiser A Huge Success

The Billings Outlaws game was a huge success, both for the team and for the Moores. Our local Billings football team won the National Championship and we raised $3,000 for Dennis and Vicki!

It was a great night, filled with energy and enthusiasm. Many people asked who the 50/50 drawing was for; when we told them it was for Dennis, they reached deep into their pockets. All of the money earned was depositied into the Moores' account so they can begin paying for initial needed items and bills.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who worked so hard: The Eubanks, Dan, Deb, Kyle, Vance, Bobbie, Sara (Philip and Cody), Erin and Bryan, Brad, Chelsea, Terri, George, Jason, Dave and girls. I am so proud of all of you!
Thank you, thank you!

Connie VonBergen

Moore's Miracle House

FROM SALT LAKE CITY – DENNIS AND VICKI SEND THEIR DEEPEST THANKS AND GRATITUDE AS THEY CONTINUE THEIR HARD WORK TOWARD RECOVERY!

A huge thank you to all of you for the commitment and support you have shown to Dennis and Vicki since June 4th. They appreciate each and every little act and word of kindness during this difficult time.
So many of you have been waiting patiently to find out when, where and how you can help Dennis and Vicki. The Friends of Dennis Moore committee has been working hard on determining the greatest area of need and also how to fill that need. After several talks with Vicki, we have discovered that what Dennis needs immediately is a home to come back to – his home.

“Moore” friends support founder of Desoto Sunrise

Judith Marrs
Southaven Press
jmarrs@myspeedworks.com
Dennis Moore, founder of Desoto Sunrise Homes, is being helped by a new specialized hospital and also by many people that care.
Dennis Moore, executive director for Parents Unite for Kids (PLUK) in Billings, Mont. and founder of DeSoto Sunrise Homes in Desoto County, proudly carried the relay Olympic Torch for Billings during the 2002 Winter Olympics using two strong arms and legs.
But because of a 15-foot fall on his birthday, June 5, those strong limbs he used while carrying the torch are not working although friends and family believe they will be. Moore is rehabilitating in Salt Lake City, Utah at a hospital that specializes in head and neck injuries.

Moore at Utah rehab center

from the Memphis Commercial Appeal http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/desoto/article/0,1426,MCA_451_4853989,00.html
By William C. Bayne -  July 19, 2006
Dennis Moore, the founding director of DeSoto Sunrise Homes, was transferred Tuesday to the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Moore, 55, is recovering from a broken neck he received in a fall at his home in Billings, Mont., on June 4. "We got here in less than two hours and Dennis appears to be in good shape," his wife, Vicki, said by telephone. She said an air ambulance was used to transport Moore from the Billings Clinic to Salt Lake City. Originally, plans had been made to transfer Dennis to a rehab center in Denver, but that failed to work out. Instead, he went to the spinal cord rehabilitation facility at the Utah Medical Center. "We expect he's going to be here through early September," Vicki Moore said. "It's based on progress, but overall, it's a program of about six weeks or so. "Dennis is eager to get on with it. He's talking to everyone, but he remains paralyzed." She said her husband was limited to a "shoulder shrug" for mobility. "It's about the same as it was. He can't wait to get started," she said. The Moores have some family friends in Salt Lake City and Vicki Moore said she will stay with them while he goes through the rehabilitation process. "It's going to work out well for us, I believe," she said. Moore underwent a six-hour surgery in Billings June 19 in which two vertebrae were fused and a metal plate was placed in his head. Earlier, he had a tracheotomy to allow him to breathe easier. Meanwhile, two bank accounts have been established to aid the Moores with their mounting medical expenses. An account was established at U.S. Bank in Billings and another was set up at First Security Bank in Olive Branch. Both banks are accepting donations for Dennis and Vicki Moore. Dennis Moore was executive director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids in Billings. The organization set up an e-mail site for him. It's dennis@pluk.org.  Moore moved to Billings to head the organization after leaving DeSoto Sunrise, a nonprofit agency that provides services to at-risk children and adolescents, in 2000.
-- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408

Dennis Moore transported to University of Utah Medical Center

Dear Friends of PLUK,

We wanted to share today's press release with everyone before it begins to appear in the news. Dennis and Vicki did not want to announce their trip to Salt Lake City until today.  Their plans to travel to the Craig Rehab Center in Denver did not work out, but they are very pleased to be at the University of Utah Medical Center.

Here is the contents of today's press release to the media:

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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 10:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Roger Holt, PLUK Co-Director, (406) 255-0540 or rholt@pluk.org 
Dennis Moore, Executive Director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids is arriving at the University Of Utah Medical Center today. You may recall Moore was severely injured on Sunday, June 4, after falling off the roof of his Billings home while cutting tree branches. Moore, 55, suffered a spinal cord injury in the fall and is paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. He's spent the past six weeks at the Billings Clinic and was transported to the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. There he will undergo a five to six week physical, speech and occupational therapy regime. Billings Clinic doctors say it will be 18 months before the full extent of Moore's permanent injuries are known. Moore is able to talk and has remained active in PLUK's day to day operations.
This Friday night at the Billings Outlaws play-off game, volunteers from the "Friends of Dennis Moore" will be selling the 50/50 tickets. The proceeds will go to help the Moore family with medical expenses. That game is in Billings at MetraPark arena at 7:00 p.m.
PLUK is a statewide, non-profit organization that offers resources to parents who have children with special needs.
Cards can be sent to: Dennis Moore c/o University Hospital Rehabilitation, University of Utah Medical Ctr., 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Donations to the family may be made out to "Dennis Moore" and sent to: PO Box 1135, Billings MT 59103.

 

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We will continue to post updates at http://www.pluk.org/dennis.html. Email messages may also be sent to Dennis & Vicki at dennis@pluk.org.

The "Friends of Dennis Moore" group has set up the accounts to receive donations for Dennis and his family and will soon have a web site to accept donations online and take over the duties of posting updates.

All of us here at PLUK wish to thank all of you for your calls, cards, messages, and words of comfort and support these last six weeks. Our greatest asset are people who support the organization and our mission of helping children and families. PLUK remains healthy and thriving thanks to you.

Sincerely,

Roger Holt
PLUK Co-Director

 

Dennis and Vicki will soon be heading to the Craig Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center in Denver

Dennis and Vicki will soon be heading to the Craig Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center in Denver (see http://www.craighospital.org). Everyone is invited to stop by the Billings Clinic ICU South for cake and punch on Friday, July 14 from noon to 3PM to wish them well. Also, Vicki's 50th birthday is next week so we will be celebrating this too. You may also send email messages to them at dennis@pluk.org or cards and letters to:

Friends of Dennis
PO Box 1135
Billings MT 59103

Also, for everyone who has asked about donating funds to Dennis and his family, the "Friends of Dennis" committee has set up an account to accept donations (100% goes to Dennis & Vicki). Just make out your checks to "Dennis Moore" and send them to the address above. There will soon be a web site to make donations online. 

Moore surgery 'a success'

Article in Desoto Appeal
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/desoto/article/0,1426,MCA_451_4809287,00.html
Former DeSoto Sunrise director to be moved to rehab center in Denver
By William C. Bayne, June 29, 2006
Dennis Moore, the founding director of DeSoto Sunrise Homes, may soon be moved to a rehab facility in Denver. Moore, who left DeSoto Sunrise in 2000, was paralyzed in a fall at his home in Billings, Mont., on June 4 and underwent surgery. "He came through the surgery fine, but he's been having some pain in his neck while he's recovering," said Vicki Moore, Dennis' wife and the former head counselor at DeSoto Sunrise. "They had to fuse the first two vertebrae, and then they had to place a metal plate in his head," she said. "The surgery lasted for six hours." The surgery was completed June 19, she said. Medical officials at the Billings Clinic, where Moore remains in intensive care, are awaiting word that the rehabilitation facility in Denver is prepared to accept him. "Dennis is still on a ventilator, so we'll have to work out the details so he can be flown to Denver and then taken to the rehab facility," she said. "We want to be ready when the hospital is ready for him." Moore, 55, was on the third story roof of his house in Billings trimming limbs when he slipped and fell June 4. Vicki Moore said he had no pulse and was not breathing when she reached him, but she started CPR and got his breathing re-started before paramedics arrived. Doctors performed a tracheotomy on Moore June 12 to aid his breathing. The second surgery June 19 was far more extensive. "He's in the healing process and we know that it's going to take time," she said. "He's experiencing some pain now, but the doctors tell us that's a good sign. It's just more of the process. "He continues to have a good attitude, and he's cooperating well with the doctors." Vicki Moore said Dennis has received hundreds of e-mails from friends and supporters in DeSoto County and the surrounding area. "We've read all of the e-mails to him and they really give him a boost," she said. Moore had been serving as the executive director of Parents, Let's United for Kids in Billings. The organization set up a special web site to receive e-mails for him. It's dennis@pluk.org.  Meanwhile, Nancy Scott, a friend of Dennis and Vicki Moore who now lives in Knoxville, was making inquiries Wednesday about arranging some kind of benefit for the Moore family. "With all they're going through, I'm sure they could use some help," she said. She said she planned to contact members of the old Friends of DeSoto Sunrise group to see what could be arranged.

Moore's body, not personality, paralyzed

from the Desoto Tribune
http://www.dctribune.com/articles/2006/06/29/front/00news05.txt
By Amanda Compton-Ortiz The Desoto Tribune Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:58 PM CDT
Critical injuries from a fall in early June at his home in Billings, Mont. may have left former DeSoto County resident Dennis Moore, the founding director of DeSoto Sunrise Homes, paralyzed but it sure hasn't affected his spirit. "Dennis is fully paralyzed and can't breathe on his own, but his personality is still intact and his spirits remain bright," said Mark Taylor, president of the board of directors of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (PLUK) in Billings, where Dennis has served as executive director for the past six years. Dennis, 55, remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of Billings Clinic in Montana with extensive paralysis from head and neck injuries received in a 15-foot fall off the roof of his three-story home where he was trimming tree branches on his 55th birthday June 4. When Dennis fell, his wife Vicki, 49, administered CPR and called 911. Upon admittance to the hospital, doctors diagnosed him as being comatose. But he woke up, and he is now aware and communicative. According to Mark, Dennis was initially communicating non-verbally but is now able to whisper a bit. "I remember the day after the accident, Dennis became alert and signaled that he wanted to communicate," Mark said. "Well, everyone kept guessing what he was trying to say to us and to our surprise, he was giving us instructions on what to do about business at PLUK. It was a shock to us that he was still interested in work after such a tragedy." Dennis' eagerness to stay in touch with what's going on with work is just another sign that his personality has been unharmed by the tragedy. "Dennis is a very dedicated person," Mark said. "If it makes him happy to keep up with things going on at work, then we'll do all we can to keep him connected and updated on everything that's going on in the office. We hope to hook him up through a cell phone and Internet services while he's in the hospital so he can participate in staff and board meetings." PLUK is a private, nonprofit organization that offers resources to parents of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Mark said Dennis has played a vital role helping the organization expand to better serve families and individuals across Montana. "He has really put together a strong organization," Mark said. "He has expanded programs and public awareness of PLUK. The organization is now a footprint in the community." Dennis has so far undergone two successful surgeries, a tracheotomy and the repair of his three broken vertebrae. According to close friends, neurosurgeons also removed a splinter in his spinal cord, which was fortunately not severed during the fall. Dennis will be in a halo jacket apparatus for the next few months to keep his head still while healing. When his condition stabilizes, his family hopes to transfer him to a rehabilitation center in Denver, Colorado. His wife will accompany him. Both their employers are holding their jobs open indefinitely. Doctors have indicated that Dennis would face many weeks of rehabilitation, and within 18 months, a prognosis should be known as far as Dennis' mobility. "Dennis is a very generous person with a terrific sense of humor," said Mark, who was visiting Dennis at the clinic last week. "He is looking good. Everyone is praying and hoping he'll be okay and reach full recovery. Mark added that a huge part of Dennis' progression is largely credited to the support he has received from family and friends, and that will continue to play a vital role in his recovery. "He loves to have visitors and has really loved and appreciated the letters and e-mail he has received from his friends and others in Billings and in DeSoto County," Mark said. Dennis is getting e-mail messages at dennis@pluk.org. Updates on Dennis' condition can be found at www.PLUK.org.

Dennis Moore Update for June 27

Greetings to everyone,

     First, Dennis and Vicki would like to send out a warm "Thank you" to all of you that have been sending messages to them through the dennis@pluk.org email address and encourage you all to continue.
    Dennis continues to improve and heal from his injuries. He has recovered well from his last surgery to repair the vertebrae in his neck and is now itching to get out of intensive care. The next step will be to begin the rehabilitation process to regain as much function in his body as possible. This should begin any day. We will report on the process and be able to publish statements from Dennis once he is discharged.

"Friends of Dennis" Task Force

     Connie VonBergen, a friend of the Moore's and chair of the PLUK Associate Board here in Billings is taking the lead to organize a "task force" to help raise needed funds for Dennis and his family and is asking that all those interested in participating to contact her. She asked that this message be distributed to all friends who may be interested in helping:

    I know many of you are super busy but please don’t think this will take up a lot of time. (Do I sound like Dennis now?) It may just be that you have some ideas or have some great contacts with people in the community. Or, it may be that you have experience or talent in one area of fundraising and can work on a specific event for a short period of time.
    If you know anyone who is not involved with PLUK but would like to help or who would be a good resource, please invite them. If you do not live in Billings but would still like to help, feel free to let me know. It would be nice to have representatives from around the country and every Associate Board in the state.
     If you are interested, please email me at connievb@bresnan.net or call me at 406/248-3690 or 406/672-0912. The committee will be known as “Friends of Dennis.”

Trivia note: Connie's husband, Brad, is an ER nurse and just happened to work on Dennis when he was brought to the emergency room of the hospital right after his accident.

 

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

     If you are interested in participating in a sort of write-in campaign to nominate Dennis and his family to get a home makeover for all the accessible features that are going to be needed once he returns home, the television show - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - just happens to be coming to Billings. The nominations closed on May 17, but we have been encouraged to send in nominations anyway. You may find more details on the local ABC affiliate here: http://ksvi.com/
     Here is what everyone needs to know: 

• Compose an email to this address:  casting2@emhe.tv
• Subject Line: Billings Montana
• In the body of the message, include the names and ages of everyone in the house: Dennis (55), Vicki (wife - 50?), Keenan and Katie (daughter - 22), Addison (granddaughter - 1) , the top three things wrong with the house (examples: stairs, no bedroom on main floor, no garage, no bathroom on main floor, 100 year old house, etc.) , and five sentences explaining why Dennis and his family deserve a home makeover. That's it.
• If you have questions, just direct them to Connie above.

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Thank you for all your support.

Sincerely,

Roger Holt

Dennis continues to improve and heal from his injuries

Dennis continues to improve and heal from his injuries . He has recovered well from his last surgery to repair the vertebrae in his neck and is now itching to get out of intensive care. The next step will be to begin the rehabilitation process. This should begin any day. We will report on the process and be able to publish statements from Dennis once he is discharged. 

Clinic founder has first surgery - Tracheotomy part of 'long haul' for ailing Dennis Moore

     There is an article in the DeSoto Commercial Appeal today that provides details on Dennis' first surgery - a tracheotomy. An additional surgery is scheduled this week to repair the vertebrae in his neck. Read the article online here: http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/desoto/article/0,1426,MCA_451_4770020,00.html or view below.     
Dennis remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit with extensive paralysis and three broken vertebrae (c1, c2, & c3), however, tests have shown that the spinal cord was not severed. Vicki has asked that people send no flowers or gifts, but send emails of support to Dennis at dennis@pluk.org.

Clinic founder has first surgery - Tracheotomy part of 'long haul' for ailing Dennis Moore
By William C. Bayne
Dennis Moore, the founding director of the DeSoto Sunrise Home, underwent a tracheotomy Monday at the Billings Clinic in Montana . He's scheduled to undergo further surgery Sunday as doctors seek to repair three broken vertebrae Moore received in a fall at his home in Billings June 4. "The surgery this morning was successful and he's scheduled to have additional surgery on Sunday. Then he's going for rehabilitation at a hospital in Denver ," John Moore, the son of Dennis and Vicki Moore, said by phone Monday. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open a breathing hole in the throat, to make breathing easier. Dennis Moore, 55, had been on a ventilator since he fell from the roof of his home and broke three vertebrae in his neck. The injury caused extensive paralysis, but Vicki Moore said last week that doctors are hopeful Dennis will regain movement once the swelling eases. "The spinal cord was not cut," she said. "We're in this for the long haul." She said doctors had indicated that Dennis would face many weeks of rehabilitation once the surgeries have been completed. Doctors delayed operations to repair the vertebrae initially hoping that the swelling would go down, she said. As Moore remains in the intensive care unit of the Billings Clinic, Vicki Moore said it would be best that people send no flowers or gifts. However, she said a special Web site has been set up to send e-mails to Dennis. She said the e-mails may be sent to dennis@pluk.org. Dennis Moore is the executive director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids in Billings . He has headed the agency since 2000. -- William C. Bayne: (662) 996-1408

Former Sunrise Home director injured in fall

from the Desoto Appeal
By William C. Bayne
Dennis Moore, the founding director of DeSoto Sunrise Home, was injured critically Sunday in a fall at his home in Billings, Mont. He is 55. "He was dead," said Vicki Moore, Dennis' wife. "There was no pulse and he wasn't breathing. I called 9-1-1 and said I was afraid to turn him over because he wasn't breathing. "The operator told me to turn him over and start CPR. I had just established a good rhythm when the ambulance crew rolled up." Vicki Moore, 49, said Dennis was taken to the Billings Clinic, where he was diagnosed as being comatose, with three vertebrae in his neck broken. "Fortunately, there was no severing of the spinal cord, but he remains paralyzed," she said Thursday in a telephone interview. "He's totally aware and he's communicative, but he's paralyzed and we're in for the long haul," she said. The accident occurred while Dennis and Vicki were on the roof of their three-story house in Billings. She was washing windows and he was trimming an overhanging limb with a handsaw. "Suddenly, I heard him fall," she said. "When I looked over the edge of the roof, he was not moving. He had fallen from 12 to 15 feet, but it's the way he hit, the doctors said." Dennis Moore had been scheduled for surgery, but Vicki said that was delayed to allow some of the swelling to ease. "We're still going to have the surgery, then I think he's going to be in a rehab center for about two months," she said. Meanwhile, she said Dennis' spirits remain bright. "He's always liked a challenge and this is just one more trip for him," she said. "He's heard from friends all over the world, and I think he's enjoyed all the contacts." He particularly enjoyed the wedding of Air Force S. Sgt. Nick Moore and Mysti Clifton in his room in the intensive care unit Wednesday night. They had planned to be married in San Antonio in September, but got married in Billings so Dennis could attend the wedding. "All of that went off without a hitch," Vicki said of her son's wedding. "I think it perked him up some." Dennis Moore has served as executive director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids, in Billings for the past six years. He's getting e-mail messages at dennis@pluk.org. Vicki Moore works as a counselor in the county prosecutor's office, mainly working with witnesses and victims in domestic abuse cases.

Dennis, Vicki and their family and all the PLUK family wish to send a warm "Thank You" to everyone

Dear friends of PLUK,     
First of all, Dennis, Vicki and their family and all the PLUK family wish to send a warm "Thank You" to everyone for their prayers, messages, calls, and visits of support, it helps more than you can imagine (especially the jokes, laughing is good). You all are encouraged to continue to send messages directly to Dennis and his family at dennis@pluk.org.     
Dennis' condition continues to stabilize, but remains very serious. There was a very happy moment this last evening we wished to share with everyone when Dennis' son was married in his room in the intensive care unit. There is a heart-warming article in today's paper with photos which you may read here: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/06/08/news/local/30-wedding.txt
We will post additional information here as it becomes available. Sincerely, Roger Holt - PLUK

Dennis Moore, the Executive Director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids, is seriously injured

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Updated: Monday, June 5, 2006 - 10:00 a.m.
CONTACT: Mark Taylor, President - PLUK Board of Directors (406)255-0540
The condition of Dennis Moore, the Executive Director of Parents, Let's Unite for Kids, is stabilizing. Moore is now able to communicate non-verbally with doctors and family. However, the full extent of his head and neck injuries is still unknown. He remains on a ventilator.
In Moore's honor, the Sports Legends Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, 6/7, will take place as planned. Moore worked very hard to host Charles "Chuck" Bednarik and Bob "Rapid Robert" Feller for the event. Staff and board members feel Moore would want the event to go on. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana. Dinner is at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction of autographed sports items. All proceeds benefit PLUK.
Background: Moore, 55, was on the roof of his home Sunday morning, 6/4, trimming tree branches when he fell approximately 15 feet to the ground. He was taken to the Billings Clinic where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit with severe head and neck injuries.
Moore has been the Executive Director of PLUK for 6 years. PLUK is a private, nonprofit organization that offers resources to parents of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Moore has played a vital role helping the organization expand to better serve families and individuals across Montana.

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