KEITH HAS BEEN CONTINUALLY IMPROVING.IT IS RARE THAT HE HAS TO USE HIS WHEELCHAIR NOW.HE IS NOW USING A WALKING STICK.HE STILL GOES TO THERAPY 3 DAYS A WEEK.HE CAN WRITE SOME LETTERS AND NUMBERS NOW. WE PLAY POKER.HE KEEPS SCORE WHILE WATCHING HIS CHILDREN BASEBALL/SOFTBALL GAMES. HE ALSO REALLY ENJOYS WATCHING THE PHILLIES AND THE FLYERS.

        KEITH HAS BEEN CONTINUALLY IMPROVING.IT IS RARE THAT HE HAS TO USE HIS WHEELCHAIR NOW.HE IS NOW USING A WALKING STICK.HE STILL GOES TO THERAPY 3 DAYS A WEEK.HE CAN WRITE SOME LETTERS AND NUMBERS NOW. WE PLAY POKER.HE KEEPS SCORE WHILE WATCHING HIS CHILDREN BASEBALL/SOFTBALL GAMES. HE ALSO REALLY ENJOYS WATCHING THE PHILLIES AND THE FLYERS.

        THIS IS WHAT KEITH WANTS TO SAY: I LOVE EVERYONE; THE PARENTS, KIDS, OTHER COACHES, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. ME GETTING ON THE FEILD HAS HELPED MY RECOVERY. I PRAY FOR THE KIDS EVERYDAY. WHEN I AM WALKING ON THE FIELD WHETHER I AM YELLING AT A PLAYER OR PLAYING WITH THEM I AM IMPROVING.ALSO EVERYONE PRAYERS AND GOOD WISHES GOT ME THIS FAR AND I PLAN TO GO ALL THE WAY!!!!!!

        Keith is still getting better every day. It has been a little while since I have stopped by to see him although I am planning to stop by shortly. I have updated the pictures throughout the site to more recent photo's of Kieth coaching over the 2007 Football season. His presence was inspiring to the coaches, the kids, and the fans. The kids took to him and his advice without hesitation. His knowledge of the game, and what was going was amazing. There were a few times this season where he made quite a few people standing close by drop their jaws in amazement. I do miss Keith out on the field with us every night. Hopefully this year he will be more of a fixture. God Bless and keep fighting......

        Yesterday was a big day!!! It marked the return of Coach Keith Welch to the football field. The Woodstown Bandits dedicated their season in his honor. Keith was on the sidelines with the players, coaching the best he could. Still in his wheelchair but I don't see it part of his life much longer. He did stand at the fence for a short period of time. I was there personally when the opposing coaches hugged him and wished him well and praised his return. I for one felt confident with him on the sidelines with me. Keith was awarded the game ball at the end of the game in honor of his triumphant return. Being with the kids seems to really brighten his day along with theirs. Thank the good Lord for returning him to us.

        Keith continues to improve with each week. Over the past couple of weeks, he was able to attend some Angelina's Softball Games. He was even at the championship game this past Saturday to see the Alloway All-Star 10-11 year olds Softball Team become STATE CHAMPS !! He is continuing with his outpatient therapy and enjoys many of the visitors who have come to see him now that he is home. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

        It is so great to have Keith finally home. He is adjusting nicely to the home enviroment which is especially evident with his laughter and the priceless expressions when Ang and Austin are around him. His thoughts and vocabulary continue to improve with each week. He has been on a few road trips around Alloway which have sparked many memories. He is even been playing the role of a backseat driver by providing directions. He has started his outpatient therapy which helps to fill up his days.

        Well today was that magical day, we brought Keith home! He was very very happy to come home. He tried to hurry Nita up while she was getting all of those last minute details taken care of. His excitment could be felt through the entire hospital. Many of the nurses, doctors and staff were there to say their goodbye's. And I must say what a wonderful and caring group they are. They did an excelent job taking care of Keith. No one ever acted as if it was just another job, they got to know Keith, his family and friends personally. While driving home I think it really hit him that he was coming home. He asked us several times where we were going. As we drew closer his excitment grew that much more. His smile was as big as the day is long. When we hit Alloway his anticipation grew, he seemed to reconize some of the places we passed. He was greeted in the driveway by family and close friends, I didn't think his smile could get any bigger, but it did. Keith is at home now with his family, continuing that long journey that God has laid before him. We are all anxious to greet him, but please read the previous update provided by his family. Thank God for returning him home.

        Keith will be leaving Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital on June 20th to continue his rehabilitation in the home environment. He has come a long way since his accident and is gaining strength and progress as he continues to recovery from his traumatic brain injury. His current phase of rehabilitation is relearning those everyday tasks that you take for granted like walking, talking, brushing your teeth, and tying your shoes. He is becoming more aware of his surroundings and is working hard at remembering names and faces. For those of you that have been visiting Keith at the hospital, please feel free to continue to do so; however we ask that you call ahead. For those of you that were not able to visit Keith at the hospital, we ask that you continue to respect Keith’s privacy during this next rehabilitation phase. The entire Welch Family and Keith’s extended family wish to thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts and support during this most difficult time. Please check back for additional updates on Keith progress and when he will be able to see additional visitors and or receive phone calls. Thank you for your patience.

        I stopped by to see Keith this evening, and he was in good spirits. He was smiling and we laughed about a few things. We were able to go outside and enjoy the good weather.

        I stopped by to visit Keith on Monday, he greeted me with a name. He was eating when I arrived and really enjoying himself. After dinner we went for a walk and a short stop outside to enjoy the great weather. He has a way to go, but I see the improvements with every visit.

        RJ and myself went up to visit Keith on Friday evening. We had a very good visit. His speech is getting better, and he was even talking in complete sentences. He even laughed a couple times during the night. We walked through the halls the entire time we were there with Keith directing us in which direction to go. He has come a long way from Cooper Hospital, and still has a long journey ahead of him. But this was the most encouraging and exciting visit I have had to date. Thanks for everyones thoughts and prayers as they are being answered. Charlie

        Coach VanAtta and me stopped by to see Keith on Saturday. He slept most of the time we were there. But did manage to wake up, shake our hands and give us a thumbs up. We also got to hear Keith say a few words and phrases. That was exciting for me, just another step forward in his progress. His rehab is a long process so please keep him your thoughts and prayers.

        I visited Keith for a short time tonight. He seemed in good spirits, giving us a thumbs up when we walked in. He was full of smiles while we took a small walk around the floor. Everyone of the staff knows his name, he waves to them as he travels through the halls. He looks good and has gained some of his weight back now that he eating real food. Keith is in a good place, and is getting better every day.

        I stopped by to see Keith today, he was looking pretty good. My visit was not very long because he was going to a rehab session. He smiled at me and shook my hand when I arrived. The nurse told me he ate a pretty good lunch of maccaroni and cheese. He also said that Keith really liked his cranberry juice and was drinking it by himself.

        Keith is still in the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital in Bryn Mawr PA. There he has daily therapy sessions. After seeing him in Cooper Hospital he has made great progress. His bruises have healed up pretty good. He has taken steps in therapy and has played a game of catch with me. He directed me around the hospital floor while taking him for a walk. Keith shakes my hand when I get there and gives a thumbs up. He is now eating applesauce and pudding.