Incredible: 09/22/08 3:40 pm

Derek and Family here......(Brad giving thumbs up above and smiling to the right)
As you can see from Zak's post below Brad is now breathing on his own!! He just met with the therapist and he was able to sit up with a little assistance but mostly on his own. He sat at the side of his bed and lifted his feet as directed. The most incredible thing is that he is talking. He speaks quietly due to his throat being sore from the tubes but he is cracking jokes, smiling and asking for things like water and to lay down. He is able to chew ice and swallow on his own which is a major achievement. He is still really groggy and sleepy from meds and the fact he has been sleeping for six days straight.

Brad still has a long way to go and will require alot of therapy and future work to ensure he is getting all the care he needs. Brad is young and is not established financially and with his current state and inability to work as well as the unknown about his abilities in the future the financial concerns will come soon (regular bills, medical bills, etc). Brad has health insurance with a very large deductible and the fact that the insurance will cap at some point. With all of this in mind the family has started the Brad Cochran Recovery Fund to help support Brads financial situation as at a minimum he will be out of work for months if not years. There is no minimum and anything is appreciated. If you feel it in your heart to provide a donation please make a check out to the Brad Cochran Recovery Fund and mail to Derek & Lisa Cochran 11023 Sonterra Lane, Frisco TX 75034 or give to a family member. All funds will be used solely towards Brads bills exclusively 100%. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers....they are working.