LincolnsRecovery

Update 5/21

Day 167--

A big THANK YOU for all of the cards, lucky (and unlucky) scratch tickets, words of encouragement and well wishes sent to celebrate Lincoln's 24th birthday.

Despite the news that surgery on the right arm is not possible due to high risk of nerve damage which would render his right arm 100% unusable versus the maybe 50% he has now, Lincoln is beginning to do some weight bearing with the arm, which has helped with mobility and balance.  Shortly after his birthday, the last drain was removed from his abdomen and he was 'promoted' to the acute rehab unit for intensive (3 hours per day) physical & occupational therapy.  He was greeted on the new unit with a poster made by his team on the medical unit where he had spent 51 days recuperating, managing the ups & downs, training nurses on best approaches to wound care :), learning to appreciate solid food again, practicing patience, and taking his first steps.  

And now, Lincoln's time at Spaulding Cambridge is coming to an end!!  He is expected to be discharged on Saturday, May 30th, having the month of June dedicated to in-home nursing and therapy visits before starting outpatient appointments.  While this begins new, uncharted territory, we have dreamed and prayed, along with you all, for 6 long months for this time to come. 

We remain so incredibly grateful for the love and support Lincoln has  received, along with the support we have received to get us through this time.  If it was dropping off a meal, shoveling out our driveway while we were in Boston, sending cards or just a text of encouragement, we cant thank you all enough. 

We are invested in embracing change, preparing the house and managing a 'new normal' as we find ways to give back.  And maybe, we will find some time to rest.  So, to those who are local, honk when you see Lincoln or when you just happen by 48 Cedar... he will hear you! 

To those far and wide, please continue to keep Lincoln and his recovery journey in your thoughts so that he can continue to improve. We hope he inspires you in your personal struggles as much as he does in ours.

Update of 5/3

On Tuesday, May 12th, is Lincoln’s birthday and we ask you help us in wishing him a Happy “24th” Birthday!!!!

You may send cards to Lincoln directly at the address below:

Lincoln Berounsky Kelley

c/o Spaulding Rehabilitation

1575 Cambridge Street

Room 312

Cambridge, MA  02138

Since our last update, many of you have appreciated the warmth of the sun, school vacations and spending time in the fresh air.  While we New Englanders are gearing up for our seasonal change, Lincoln too is slowly transitioning to a more frequent 6’4” stature!!!

Lincoln’s palatability of food continues to be low making nutritional advancements challenging and prohibiting surgery to his right upper arm.  However, Lincoln’s attitude and outlook then, now, and moving forward has been nothing but commendable.

So, it is our desire to make his birthday memorable. Your consideration in sending a birthday card, text, snapchat or something as simple as a scratch ticket would help to pass the time away, provide some hand/eye coordination, and maybe even some Irish luck🍀; word searches and hand held games have lost appeal. While Lincoln is blind in his right eye, he has tunnel vision in his left eye making lighting shifts challenging. So… he is working hard to utilize that minimal vision to its maximum working capacity through perseverance.

Our family thanks you for your continued support, well wishes and interest in Lincoln’s progress. Please know that Lincoln, Scott and Carrie are thankful for each and every one of you.  Your check-in texts, silly snapchats and gracious acts of kindness have not gone unnoticed and are appreciated more than you know.  Also, random phone calls from friends help to bring back welcomed memories and offer opportunities to reconnect❤️

https://youtube.com/shorts/x7VDtyPE5a8?si=Ywviqgfrnxrkp0Wc

https://youtube.com/shorts/SxFXko3zNoQ?si=X3ICG6yRH7Pts2sy

Update 4/22/26:

It has been a month since our last update and by now, the spring flowers have bloomed at Spaulding  Rehab in Cambridge.  We want to share the best news of all… Lincoln took his first steps today; Day 138!!!  Lincoln practiced with different assistive walking devices and likes a quad cane the best.   He looks forward to being strong enough to use his Poppop's cane someday soon.

The last month has been challenging in many ways; a lesson in patience and faith.  Lincoln has been in the cross hairs of a medical status that is too stable for MGH level of care, but too sick for an inpatient Rehab.  Lincoln has been diagnosed with 'severe malnutrition', an obstacle to having his upper right arm surgery performed (because the arm wouldn't heal), and has been battling a cycle of infection, constipation and nausea; making eating very unpleasant and requiring ongoing total liquid feeds.  This week feels like Lincoln is turning a corner.  To address plantar fasciitis and bilateral osteopenia in his feet, he is sporting new sneakers, which have helped alot.  Lincoln is no longer accepting pain meds, is willing to try anything asked of him and is eager to take the nurses up on their offer of training his dad & Carrie on maneuvering him in / out of bed.   With some tunnel vision in his left eye, he has begun working on word searches, watching movies, snapchatting and researching new beds for his room.  He got to enjoy a visit with Molly, one of his goldens who turned 8 this week,  and he keeps saying how much he wants to come home.  Leaving him has become increasingly emotional for all of us at the end of visits.  Lincoln is increasingly aware of all of his supporters and those who have kept Scott & Carrie in one piece during this time and he personally sends his love and appreciation.  It truly gives us something uplifting to think about, in addition to the places he wants to see!

Keep praying, keep sharing and stay tuned for big milestones to come!

Update 3/25

Day 110:

This update is in loving memory of Brian Kelley, Sr., Lincoln's “Poppop”, who passed away on March 12, 2026.  While Lincoln was not able to attend services in person, he was there in spirit and able to tune in via live stream.  In the attached photo, Lincoln is seated with Meme & Poppop at Le Continental restaurant in Quebec in September 2023, the year he turned 21.

We can't thank you all enough -- those who took the time at the services to check in on us, ask about Lincoln, his progress and offered words of encouragement; even at a time when you were dealing with your own sorrow over the loss of a great friend, neighbor and colleague.  It meant a lot that you took the time to inquire of Poppop’s absent pride and joy.

Since our last update, Lincoln worked his way off the trach and finally got a bed at Spaulding Rehab in Cambridge, being transferred from MGH on March 11th for the start of his long term acute care.   Unfortunately after a few days at Spaulding Rehab, he stopped eating and felt unwell, developing an infection.  On March 18th, Lincoln was transferred back to MGH through the Emergency Department; waiting 3 days in the ED for a bed to become available on a med surg floor. Lincoln’s infection and an abcess were addressed, had surgery to replace a drain in his back, and was treated for 'severe malnutrition'; having lost 25lbs over the past few weeks.  Lincoln began feeling better, eating like a horse and tolerating tube feeds again.  Lincoln is more alert and interactive for longer periods of our visits, often tolerating pain ranging from a 3 to a 7 on the pain scale.  Like his old self, he has begun looking forward to our beach vacations, reuniting with his dogs, Maggie & Molly, and has shown interest in playing video games again!

Lincoln was transferred back to Spaulding Rehab on March 25th from MGH and received a warm welcome from the unit manager.  Lincoln is extremely motivated to work hard in Rehab, often greeting us with an (unnecessary) apology and gratitude; classic Lincoln style❤️

Finally feeling signs of Spring, we look forward to venturing to the courtyard with Lincoln at Spaulding Rehab to enjoy the warmth of the sun and fresh air.

Lincoln is extremely appreciative of all who have supported him, his future through your contributions and your continued words of support and encouragement.   We appreciate your ongoing interest in Lincoln and sharing his story with others!