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October 27, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

My recent virtual flights: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/14k5uY8VvO4BZ58UIYoZf_Gknz9otfA04/view?usp=sharing” Four of those flights were completed on my Raspberry Pi 5. I think I have pointed out that I can hold a Pi 5 in my left hand alone. My first approach to KTAZ was aborted as my plane was going too fast. I turned around, landed, and took off to verify virtual air worthiness.

I recognize today, October 27, is a profound anniversary for my family and many of the TeamTodd readers. Ten years ago today I suffered and survived a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of a bicycle incident. Remembering this day is like remembering the day I was born. I have no recollection of either momentous event.

My sense of time is also impacted by my brain injury. My injury means it takes me longer to accomplish some things. I think I over compensate and depend on my routines to keep me focused. I like to be early with my commitments.

The Hokies defeated Georgia Tech in football. I was captivated by the game until the Hokies ran out the clock in the victory formation in the fourth quarter. I know from my days at Virginia Tech that a lot of points can be scored in two of three minutes.

Hello, TEAMTODD! Thank you for staying with us for 10 YEARS!

Today, How bittersweet… We celebrate Todd’s first day of recovery from a terrible accident. We celebrate Todd’s determination to “keep on keeping on”. We celebrate YOU, TEAMTODD for your steadfastness in supporting Todd over these last 10 years.

We thank you, TEAMTODD, for your prayers, good wishes, and positive thoughts over the last

10 years. It has been a journey, not yet ended. Your continued support is VERY important for Todd’s continued recovery. Please stay with us.

St. Luigi, We count on your intercession.

 October 20, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

I continue to complete virtual flights: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Acp2ieZvm70HgTndn14FETnUE8-fgb8C/view?usp=sharing”

My flight from KIOB to I83 was completed with FlightGear executed on my Raspberry Pi 5. I made some changes to the source code on my github site. The changes seemed to work: my ability to land was enhanced. I readily admit the code contains gaffs that reflect my diminished cognitive ability. But, I get an eternity (1 second) between Wahoo Speed Sensor transmissions so efficient code is not required.

Most of my intellectual effort goes into playing FlightGear while pedaling my bike on a trainer.

Today, Sunday was BIAMd Scarecrow Classic 5 kilometer/1 mile run/walk. My favorite sister came home for the event AND, my team was made up of 13 others who ran/walked with me.

Special Thanks to Mom, Dad and Libby, and Judy and David Irwin, and Drew Irwin, Lorena, María from Costa Rica, Meredith and Rio, and Daniel Wu, Debbie Cheung and Marion Spahn! For being there in person. AND! Special thanks to Sarah Hobgood, Aunt Amy, and Katie and Mike Gecewich for doing a virtural 5k in my name.

I completed the event and have a medal to remind me of the achievement. My walking ability remains the same as it has been. I did the one mile. Most importantly, I enjoyed the event immensely.

On Thursday night, the Hokies defeated Boston College during a football game. The third quarter was a reminder to the Hokies not to ease up.

Hello TEAMTODD!!!! What a GREAT day! Goodness! The ScareCrow Classic was indeed a “Classic”! I feel sorry for all who were NOT there! Such a celebration of survivors and supporters, caregivers and professionals supporting all of us!!! AND! The weather was FANTASTIC! Five of Todd’s Team placed in their age groups! It was so GREAT to hear their names and I waved wildly the TEAMTODD sign at each announcement. After 9 years, the TEAMTODD sign is a tradition. No one has a sign like ours. Actually, just before announcing the last TEAMTODD placer, Brian, the Exec Director of BIAMD and host of the event, said “Get ready for another TEAMTODD sign”…

Todd’s Team reconvened at 1 pm, 14402 Ash Court, for a Victory Celebratory Lunch. It was a good time, a great day!

Thank you for staying with us, TeamTodd.

St. Luigi, Thank you for the small miracles happening over the past week to make today possible, memorable.

Remember, TeamTodd, “A coincidence is when God does a miracle and remains anonymous”. There was a lot of that going on this week…. “Coincidences”….

 October 13, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

I continue to complete virtual flights: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/19NVhg-u9lwMSyxpb9GL6JxOoWbCKz8qv/view?usp=sharing” The second and third flights from the last were completed on my Raspberry Pi 5. Note: I can boast that I can hold the Pi 5 solely in my left hand!

I made a tweak to the code that transforms my bike into a human interface device to recognize when I intend to idle the engine in FlightGear. The tweak improved things but I think I need to change the code to allow the tweak to repeat – sometimes I want to idle the engine too soon. On the other hand, I could learn to pedal slowly … (why?)

The Hokies play football Thursday night against Boston College.

It was a faurly relaxing week for me. Before this month ends, I will walk the BIAMd ScareCrow mile and watch a webinar to gain CEUs to maintain my PE license.

Hello, TeamTodd,

Todd says it was a quiet week BUT Todd continues to challenge himself and that is good.

We are looking forward to the celebration next weekend, SUNDAY, 8am. the annual ScareCrow Classic Fun walk. 1 mile, 5 K run. Todd has 16 on his team. And we are hoping to add more. Remember, look for the opportunity to sign up under password: TeamTodd24.

It will be a GREAT time! We are looking forward to hosting lunch afterwards for the local TEAMTODD participants around noon here, 14402 Ash Court. Virtual participants will receive Panara Bread gift cards.

TeamTodd, stay with us and cheer us on next Sunday as we celebrate Todd in his 10^th year of recovery of Traumatic Brain Injury. Todd’s continuing recovery is because of YOU! TEAMTODD, your constant prayers, good works, thoughts and belief in Todd, have brought Todd to this level of recovery. We are forever grateful.

And, God Bless Katie Gecewich, as she walks mile after mile on the Camino trail from France to Spain with the intentions of many, including Todd’s. Pray for Katie’s safety and her safe return to her family.

St. Luigi, pray for ALL of us on whatever journey we are taking.

 October 6, 2024

Dear TeamToddTBI,

Happy Birthday, to My Favorite Sister and to Brian Mitchell!

This week included virtual filghts: “https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LTi3-xuQxFOWIKi_mHza8YrrjjExThSA/view?usp=sharing” I completed one short flight using the Raspberry Pi5 – it is possible. I still could not idle the throttle during landing though; I manually forced the virtual plane to idle using the keyboard.

I have a Social Security Administration form to complete I do not enjoy completing forms: recalling appointments in the past, with limited number of blanks to hold descriptions of those events, my nearly illegible hand writing, etc. My mother will help me tomorrow to fill out the forms.

I completed a webinar on 3 phase circuits in order to maintain my professional engineering license. My electrical knowledge can be succinctly summarized: I learned the difference between AC and DC voltages by being shocked by each; with AC you get 60 (only 50 in Europe) chances every second to break the circuit but with DC you must muster the energy yourself. (Brigid says” OUCH! Only Todd would know the difference because of personal experience.”)

My favorite sister came home for her birthday. She had packages waiting for her. I cleverly (I thought I was being clever, at least) re wrapped one so it appeared as though I went shopping and wrapped her gift. I still would like to know if my secret shopper selected the correct color.

My favorite sister treated us on Saturday morning with Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for breakfast.

The Hokies won their football game at Stanford.

Hello TeamTodd,

It was a good week of recovery for Todd. He prepared supper for us on Monday night. His favorite, known to many, Baked Ziti. And, as usual, Todd made enough for 2 meals. (YAY Todd!!!!) I welcomed the respite in my daily meal schedule.

On Wednesday, 1-3 pm. Todd participated in the webinar to obtain credits to keep his PE certification active. Todd is most alert in the morning and I think the timing of this webinar was NOT the best for Todd. AND, it ran over time. Todd is licensed in OH, requiring him to take a quiz afterwards. Todd passed the quiz BUT… he was mentally exhausted afterwards. These challenges are reminders that Todd is still recovering… Whew…Will it ever end…..

How grateful we are for Todd’s continued commitment to recover. And, how grateful we are for Todd’s sense of humor. Everyday, Todd comes up with a different way to inquire about a certificate arriving by USPS stating his recovery.. “What color is the envelope? Is it in a 9X12 envelope? “Did the mailman knock on the door?” “Who signed the document?”

Libby arrived home Friday afternoon, her Birthday. So we had some time to celebrate her. We MUST figure out a way to post pictures! Libby and Todd do enjoy each other. Libby plays head games with Todd and Todd is as amused as Libby. I am glad they are good friends.

We are counting the days to the ScareCrow Classic, October 20. We welcome ALL to join us on this day supporting the Brain Injury Association of MD. You can sign up as an “in person” runner/walker or a virtual runner/walker or “snooze” participant. Sign up for participating at www.BIAMD.org

Scarecrow Classic

TeamTodd24 is the password.

For those local runners/walkers, ScareCrow Lunch Celebration will be served noonish at 14402 Ash Court, October 20. If you are a virtual runner/walker, you will receive a Panara gift card for lunch whenever in your area.

Thanks for staying with us, TeamTodd. Your continued interest keeps us going forward.

St. Luigi, pray for all of us.

Todd wants to see if an image can be posted: