Update: 8.31.12
I had a moving experience this week. Some of
my staff came to where Fulton is rehabbing three days a week. We decided to
video him at work to show others the progress he is making. Sunday night during
my show, Dawson McAllister Live, we posted the video on my Facebook page and
asked for responses. There were many, but a couple of them really got me
thinking.
"It is so encouraging to know Fulton can
have a smile on his face even though he has to have grueling rehab every day,
that is such an inspiration, God bless to everyone in your family (:"
"Oh my gosh Dawson he looks great! He is doing so well. I am so happy for you and
Fulton. He has recovered more than you guys could have hoped for. God has
blessed you so much. He looks so happy around you too."
I had to agree with the posts. Fulton does
have a smile on his face most of the time and appears to be happy. I happened
to mention to my wife, Ruth Hill, that Fulton is happier now than he has ever
been. Even though my son has serious handicaps, he has learned how to be
content. God has given him a sense of peace and a deep contentment about his
circumstances. To have God's contentment and peace is priceless, but not always
easy to come by. There are millions of people who physically are in much better
shape than Fulton, but they have no contentment or peace.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do
everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians
4:11-13 NIV
May all of us learn the contentment that Fulton
is experiencing - a contentment that can only come from God. It is priceless.
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Update: 8.26.12
Many of you have been asking, and now here's an answer you can share:
Fulton Update 8 24 12
www.youtube.com
A
lot of you have asked about Dawson's son Fulton, and we thought we'd
show you how he's doing. Here's Fulton working on his physical
rehabilitation at Beyond Therapy.
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Update: 3.14.12
Fulton is doing much better, although he has a long way to go. He is still paralyzed on his right side. He is drooling much less, which points to the fact that he is swallowing more. This week he goes to botox therapy. He will be given shots to help relax his ridged, spastic muscles. If all goes well, he will enter intense therapy in Nashville for which he has received a major scholarship. Please keep praying for him. The healing is taking a long time but he is still on the mend.
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Update: 2.24.12
Fulton continues to improve, although he cannot walk, talk, or have much mobility on his right side. He has become extremely alert and communicates with basic sign language. His hearing is excellent and his limbs are more limber than ever. He has not plateaued. It’s been fourteen months now, and God has given us the grace and strength to face these difficult times. Thank you so much for your prayers. It has made all the difference in the world.
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Update: 12.19.11
Just a quick note to bring you up to speed about my son Fulton. As you probably know, he was in a tragic accident one year ago. His car was hit by an 18-wheeler. Somehow he lived, but is suffering from traumatic brain injury. He continues to improve. He’s trying to talk and has become much more alert. He smiles a lot, even though he is in intense therapy, almost every day. Please pray for Fulton as he still has a long way to go. Thanks for your support.
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Update: 11.6.11
Fulton continues to slowly improve on his recovery. He is brighter than ever before and responds to cues immediately. He is working on swallowing and speaking. It will no doubt take some time, but it will be a huge breakthrough when it happens. Please continue to pray for him; we both appreciate it very much.
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Update: 10.3.11
Fulton continues to improve although he still has a long way to go. He is gaining strength in all of his limbs and has become much more alert. Please keep praying for him. He still can’t walk, talk, or take care of any of his physical needs. He has learned to wipe his mouth and responds immediately to commands now. I have been taking him out lately on field trips to help stimulate his brain. Last week, I took him to a bowling alley and had a great time. I think he really enjoyed it. This week I plan to take him to lunch with my radio staff. Thank you for your prayers. You support means so much to me and my family.
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Update: 8.29.11
It’s been over 8 months since Fulton’s horrific car accident. He is completely out of the coma, but still has some tremendous physical needs. He can’t walk, talk, or take care of his physical needs and, in fact, has to be tube fed. All of these things frustrate him. The nurse asked him if he ever gets depressed and he gave her a “thumbs up” which is his way of saying “yes”. That being said, Fulton is smiling more often and even laughing at times. Little by little he is getting better, but it’s a long ride. Please pray that Fulton will have a breakthrough soon and my wife and I will have the stamina emotionally, physically, and spiritually to endure.
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Update: 8.15.11
It's been 8 months since my son's car accident. He's been standing with help of equipment for up to 20 minutes at once. The other day, I shared a joke w/ a friend in the room, I said, "I'm so old, I remember when the Dead Sea wasn't even sick!" Fulton broke into a silent laughter with his body showing his laugh. There was no sound yet, but it was good to see. He has a long way to go, but he’s not giving up and neither are we. Thank you for all of your prayers & encouragement these many months!
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Update: 8.2.11
It's been 7 months since my son Fulton's horrific car accident. He suffered severe brain damage, but we're trying to help him work through it. Fulton is getting more alert all the time. I talked with an expert this week and told him about all the love and support that Fulton has been receiving from everyone (including his wonderful nursing staff). The expert said that the attention that Fulton receives is a very good thing!
The nursing staff has been working with Fulton using a "standing chair" which lifts him into a standing position. He started out being in it for just 2 minutes. He's getting stronger on it and is now up to 12 minutes.
Fulton has good days and bad days. He also has reoccurring problems with his lungs. He still fights issues with pneumonia. It scares me when it happens because it can be so serious. They will be taking more x-rays today.
Fulton tries to talk, but it's frustrating for him. He wants to talk in the worst way and he thinks he's making perfect sense. But it's just sounds that come out. So he's communicating with us through hand motions and a touch screen.
My family and I really appreciate all of your encouragement, prayers, and support!
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Update: 7.13.11
Fulton continues to improve more rapidly than ever. For example, he can now touch his nose with his thumb, practice kickboxing from his wheelchair, and even broke out into a full smile. He is more focused and is tracking with his eyes a lot. We still have a long way to go, but the point is that we are moving in the right direction. I am encouraged! Thank you for all your support and prayers.
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Update: 6.20.11
Fulton continues to slowly recover. He has a long way to go. He continues to take special supplements. His complexion is better and he is obeying commands as well as tracking with his eyes more. I believe he is seeing better than he was before. The nursing home staff has been giving him some intense physical therapy. It is exhausting, but it is helping. Thank you so much for your prayers.
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Update: 5.2.11
My son, Fulton, continues to fight low-grade pneumonia and he’s recently contracted a staff infection from his neck brace. We’ve removed the neck brace and are still working on getting a brace that fits right. However, he is responding quickly to questions by giving signals. I am struggling with taking a few days off each week from visiting him, after being advised to do so. Please pray I would have the discipline to do it. Thank you for your prayers. At my darkest hour, I turn to you.
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Update: 4.25.11
I have bad news and good news. My son, Fulton, came down with pneumonia this past week. The good news is the staff at the rehab facility got on top of it right away and he’s doing better. He seems more alert than ever before. For example, he’s trying to talk and follow with his eyes. He’s still in a coma, but we are encouraged. Thank you so much for your prayers. We can’t make it without you.
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Update: 4.18.11
I have some encouraging news about my son’s condition. He is edging more and more toward waking up. Your prayers are making a difference. Today, he had his first shower in 4 ½ months. He was afraid at first, but when he came back he looked so content. The nurses also informed me that he said “mama” a few nights ago. He continues to kick his legs and is getting stronger. Finally, without any prompting from me, he gave my 4 year old granddaughter a “thumbs up” when she quoted a Bible verse to him. Please keep praying he will wake up soon.
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Update: 4.11.11
Thank you for your continued prayer for my son, Fulton. Since my last update they have removed the tracheotomy and he has responded favorably and seems to have a higher level of comfort. His legs are getting stronger as well. He’s now tapping his feet as a way to communicate “yes” & “no”. He’s still clinically in a coma, but this progress is encouraging.
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Update: 4.4.11
I have some encouraging news on Fulton’s progress. I visited him on Sunday and we had “church” as we normally do on Sundays. I read him bible verses and talk to him about God. During this time I said to him “I love you son, do you love me?” and he groaned what sounded like “uh…huh”. It was the best “uh huh” I have ever heard. Fulton continues to kick and move his legs more and more. He is looking around the room more and more too. He seems to have more movement on one side of his body. He is set to get his tracheotomy removed this week as well. We are very excited about the potential progress after the trach is removed.
Thank you for your prayers and support, please stay with me. It’s been a long 4 months and I don’t know how I would have made it without you.
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Update: 3.21.11
Thank you for your continued prayers for my son. He’s doing better and inching his way toward recovery. His eyes are tracking better this week and they seem brighter. The big decision I need your prayer support with is in regard to my son’s tracheotomy. We are considering removing the tracheotomy this week, but Fulton must be able to breath on his own for 8 hours before the doctor will consider permanent removal. I truly believe this could greatly progress my son’s recovery as it will not only allow him to be more comfortable, but also reduce his susceptibility to infection and bacteria, things that are common-place with a tracheotomy. Please pray Fulton’s doctor will make the right decision.
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Update: 3.10.11
After his hospitalization for pneumonia and intense treatment with
antibiotics, Fulton returned to the rehab center much stronger than
anytime since the accident. In the past couple of days he has begun to
move his entire body in the bed. In addition, he is lifting his head
and looking at people when they speak to him. Needless to say, this is
very encouraging to us. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
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Update: 3.3.11
After being rushed to the hospital last Sunday night with Pneumonia, Fulton's condition has greatly improved. He was released from the hospital and has been transported back to the nursing home. He is breathing much more easily and will resume his normal therapy. With deep appreciation, I thank you for your support and prayers.
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Update: 2.28.11
As I write you this morning, I have an urgent prayer request. Late last night my son Fulton was rushed to a nearby emergency room from the rehabilitation center he has been at for the past few weeks. The wonderful nurses were paying attention to Fulton and noticed that his pulse had begun racing and his oxygen levels were decreasing. There was major concern throughout the building.
Upon arriving at the hospital, it was determined that Fulton had come down with a case of Upper Respiratory Pneumonia. They have now started him on a few different antibiotics, but the next couple of days are critical. Whenever anyone is battling the trauma Fulton is, something like Pneumonia is even that more difficult to deal with.
Please pray for my Son. Please pray that the antibiotics would fight this off quickly. Please pray that the Pneumonia won’t have any long-term effect on Fulton’s recovery. And again, please pray that my son would wake up from his coma soon.
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Update: 2.18.11
Thursday everyone on my staff came to see my son Fulton. They spoke to him, sang to him, and prayed for him. We laughed and we cried. Though sleeping when we began, he opened his eyes throughout the visit. At one point, as I was speaking to him, challenging him to get well, he began to move as if trying to get out of bed. It didn't last long, but that movement was a jolt of fresh hope that he will get up and walk again.
My wife and I were extremely touched that our very busy and talented radio and HopeLine team was also so generous and kind and caring. I guess that's why they came to work here in the first place - so they could have the chance to make a difference in other people's lives. I want to thank them for their constant support. Likewise, I want to thank each of you who have posted or called, or prayed for Fulton. Despite this present struggle, I am a very blessed man.
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Update: 2.3.11
Fulton has been moved to a wonderful nursing home. The staff have been both professional and shown us and Fulton tremendous kindness. What a blessing from God. As to his condition, I am more encouraged than I have been in a long time. At the request of his physical therapist, Fulton raised his arm a foot or so in the air. When I asked him to blink if he knew I was there, he did. Doctors tell me his eyes need to be focused and clearly able to track multiple people in the room before they will declare him out of the coma. We are getting closer. Still, no one can predict the time or extant of his recovery. Please continue to pray for him. By faith, I am believing that God will bring him back a new and healthier man than ever before.
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Update: 1.26.11
Fulton is now in a nursing home that specializes in rehab. They are wonderful people who are comitted to helping Fulton get better.
Fulton has shown more signs of moving in the bed. He has opened his eyes for me when I ask him to. He clearly can hear my words.
Please pray for my wife and I that we may maintain our stength and faith.
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Update: 1.23.11
Fulton is still in a coma. However, he is beginning to hold his head up a bit and his eyes are now moving back and forth. This is real progress.
As a result, he is being moved very soon from the hospital to a nursing home. Right now the closest place with an open bed that can handle his needs is 50-60 miles away.
I am praying something will open up in the town where we live so we, and his friends, can care for him more easily. And as always, we are praying he will wake up soon.
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Update: 1.14.11
Today Fulton responded when his name was called. He opened his eyes and blinked. When I asked if I could hold his hand he began to move his arm and hand.
This is the most responsive day he has had in five weeks. My incredible radio production team was with me at the hospital this morning. Each of them spoke to him and we prayed together for his recovery. These friends were such a comfort to me.
One more thing - Last week a friend told Billy Ray Cyrus of Fulton's accident and condition. Out of the generosity of his heart he decided to come to Fulton's hospital room and sing to him. Thank you Billy Ray. That is a kindness this Father will not forget.
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Update: 1.7.11
The following is from Tim Altman, CEO of The Dawson McAllister Association:
This is an update on Dawson's son Fulton, as well as Dawson himself. I can assure you that Dawson is full of gratitude for your prayers. While impossible to count, we have heard from hundreds and hundreds of people who are praying. Most of them have relayed that their churches, groups, friends and families have joined in prayer as well. It is a comfort beyond words for Dawson and his wife Ruth Hill.
As for Fulton, he is opening his eyes more and more in response to conversation and music. Dawson told me they have stayed open as long as 15 minutes. He is coughing in response to congestion and beginning to make noises. Perhaps these are small things, but they feel like big progress when compared to just a couple of weeks ago. Doctors are continuing to treat a persistent respiratory infection and it is responding.
Dawson is doing an incredible job of living one day at a time. He came to the studio Sunday night, put on his headphones and served those who called like he has every week for 20 years. Does he have moments of fear and anxiety? Of course, but these moments have been dwarfed by his confidence that God is sovereign and in full control. How is it that he has been so calm and strong? Your prayers!
Thank you for continuing to be there for Dawson and his family. You have no idea how much it means to him.
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Update: 12.30.10
Fulton has taken another small but encouraging step.
My son Gene decided to play some of Fulton's favorite music for him. Not only did he attempt to open his eyes but his other body movements increased. The nurse agreed that the music seemed to be producing this.
Thank you for every note of encouragement. Continue to pray that he will wake up and be whole.
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Update: 12.26.10
After a couple of discouraging days, something very encouraging is taking place.
Fulton has partially opened his eyes in response to being asked by his nurse and by me. The doctor confirmed this was not a coincidence but a genuine response. While he is still in a coma, it is the most encouraging sign so far.
One more bit of good news - his white blood count is back in the normal range meaning he seems to have fought off the infection of the past few days. If you know me or have listened to the program a few times, you know I believe in prayer. So let me say this very clearly -- day by day your prayers are making a difference, and not just in Fulton's condition. I believe God has given my family and me tremendous comfort and strength through your prayers.
Thank you, and please continue to pray for Fulton's recovery.
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Update: 12.23.10
Thank you to everyone who continues to message your support. You continue to be both a comfort and an encouragement to us.
Today’s update is not what I would wish. Fulton has an infection which the doctors have not yet found. It has taxed his body for the past two days. They continue to give him antibiotics and run tests to try and find the source. They are very clear that it is a serious threat.
Pray that Fulton will fight this infection off. Pray that he will come out of his coma and wake up.
Thank you again for your love and support. Dawson
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Update: 12.20.10
The response on last nights show, on my Facebook page, in our Hope Community and from so many other sources has been overwhelming. I am deeply touched by your kind comments, encouraging words and heartfelt prayers.
Speaking of prayers, they are having an impact. Today, Fulton began moving his arms and legs spontaneously, which the doctors say is a good sign. He is definitely reacting to touch. The reaction is generally to pull away because it causes pain, but again, this is a good sign. While still having a touch of pneumonia, he has not run any fever for 24 hours. Finally, while periodically receiving breathing assistance so his lungs can rest, most of the time he is breathing 100% on his own.
You know, before the accident I planned the topic for this Friday's blog to be "The Real Meaning of Christmas". I didn't know at the time how timely this topic would be for me personally. Thanks for your friendship. It means the world to me and my family,
Dawson
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Update: 12.17.10
Fulton is now breathing on his own with the help of a tracheotomy. Fluid pressure in his head is in the normal range and stable. All sedatives and most pain killers have been withdrawn. He does have pneumonia, which is not unusual for an immobilized patient. They are aggressively treating this with antibiotics and attempting to move him as much as possible. While still unconscious, he has coughed and begun to move his arms and legs a bit. If he continues to progress, doctors think they may be able to move him to a rehabilitation setting shortly after the first of the year. Bottom line, he appears to have survived the most life-threatening phase of this crisis. God's mercies are great. It is without question that your many prayers are being heard.
Please feel free to keep checking back here for more information. We will continue to update this whenever we know something new.
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Update: 12.12.10
Dawson's 25 year old son Fulton was involved in a serious traffic accident on Saturday. He suffered severe head trauma and is in a coma. The doctors said their #1 job is to reduce the life threatening swelling on his brain. They have listed his chances of survival as 60/40, but indicate that the longer he survives the better his chances become. Please pray for Fulton, for Dawson, for his wife Ruth Hill and their other son Gene. Please feel free to share this with all those you know who would be willing to pray.