letters for chi/ fundraiser/ update and prayers

[tarkil]

http://oneloveforchi.com/working-title-oct-19th-visit-with-dai-ming/


Wed. Oct. 19th, 2011

12:30p.m. – Secaucus NJ

deftones

I'm here as predicted with our hero. They are treating our hero for a wound. His favorite nurse Dana is in the drivers seat as 3 other staff members watch on and go on with watercooler/shop talk. Our hero is in a precarious position at the moment, but this is just another day at the shop for the folks around here: all sweet, caring individuals that warm up to me. They tried to stop me from coming in at first, I tell them it's nothing I haven't seen before, although when I walk in, it is something new; something I won't go into details about, let's just leave it at that. You're better off thinking about it honestly.



I got here last night at 10pmish. Continental, not the same as Southwest: not coctails! Peanuts! and no free baggage checked: $25 bucks for my silly rolling suitcase. Bitch, moan, whine; I know: Can I get a little cheese with this wine!



But as I sit here pecking away on this laptop as I realize exactly how lucky I am: I can walk, talk, talk shit, type shit, wipe shit. Well, you get the picture. Everything is relative dig? I try my damndest to be grateful for what I got. In all honesty I'm probably one of the luckiest men alive. Nicknames aren't something you're supposed to pick for yourself. I started out a "Bucky," then went on to be an "unlucky bucky." After awhile, my friends/bandmates in L.A.(yes, I realize that sentence is a bit of an oxymoron. If you live in LaLa land you don't have any friends. Maybe people that you use and get used by. Wow I can be a cynical fucker right?)settled on just plain "Lucky." And I can tell you without a doubt, I am so lucky just to be here, doing whatever it is I do. So thank you higher power/universe for keeping me around.



Okay, they are about finished with their procedure. I will get back to you when I get some notes about our hero Chi.



4pm-I'm sitting across from Chi in his room. They have him in his wheelchair, hooked up to a neurofeedback machine. Basically it's set to play a song IF he keep his brainwaves "UP" to a certain level. Right now it's "playing" a series of Tom Pettys greatest hits. It plays in intervals. When his levels aren't up, it stops(pauses)the tune. Right now it sounds choppy at best, but Natalie(the tech)tells me this is actually a "good day" for him. I haven't seen him in a couple months, but he seems like he is at least pretty conscious today.



4:30pm-they have Chi(a.k.a Dai) underneath a laser helmet. He is wearing big huge sunglasses and has a cloth/napkin between his eyes and the glasses. The helmet looks like the kind you would sit under at the hairdressers, except that it looks like about 200 led lights are around the inside(apparently shooting lasers into his skull). The tech tells me this procedure goes on for 30minutes, twice a day.



Let me backtrack from where I left off earlier now.



1:30-2:30pm



I meet Jodi the occupational therapist and Nate(assistant). They take Chi out of bed and put him into his wheelchair. We wheel down to the exercise room. Jodi works on stretching his limbs and getting him to do basic things like: close his mouth, move his hands, etc. He lights up when Jerry the acupuncturist comes through. Jerry is next on the schedule board. Not knowing this I took Dai(Chi)down to the cafeteria to share some apple juice.



3-3:30 Jerry does his thing and we catch up with how progress has been. Honestly, with all the acupuncture needles sticking in Dai's head he looks like that Pinhead guy from Hellraiser. I will tell you from experience: if you ever get yourself in a bind(physically speaking)and nothing else seems to work, these guys with the needles do some magic.



4:45 I'm back to real time. Steve Millers Greatest hits is playing and the laser helmet just shut off. Natalia comes and takes it away.



Apparently I missed Diana the speech therapist this morning, but I've seen her routine. She gets Dai to try and speak(hit and miss at best), swallow ice, take deep breathes, etc. All the things you and I probably take for granted everyday.



Editors Note: As usual on my visit, I get lost in the days with my brother and am now back at home finishing my blog regarding my visit.



Monday Oct. 24th, 2011



1:49p.m. in my living room/Nampa, ID



Time to get caught up with the onelove merch and finish up with this little ditty too. Here goes nothing.



Got back in last nite and pretty much went right to sleep. The night before my mom and I had dinner with a documentary filmmaker named Denise Korycki. She wants to make a film about Dai. She worked at VH1 and MTV and said she must have interviewed the tones about SSEVEN- UH EGHTATEATEATE8 times. I think it will work out; she seems honest with good intentions. Gina and I think it will be good for you to be able to see clips of his progress on this site and Denise seems to be in it for the long haul.



Honestly, there is no telling how long this could take. After "talking" to so many of you, now that I've taken over the merch and donations on the onelove site, I realize that you too are in it for the long haul and are big enough to accept how Dai looks and is "today." I am so grateful to all of you that give what you can and I truly enjoy shipping shirts(a lot more now that I've been laid off and I am on "the unemployment")every other day; hell, at this point it gives me something to wake up to everyday. On that note, I should have a box of the new shirts here by the end of the week.



What can I tell you about how Dai is doing?



I will agree with my mom and quote her: "In some way that I cannot describe, Dai is getting better."



The therapists, doctors and nurses all seem to be at the top of their game



Uh eh, eh eh eh, ehuh?



Repeate 4X



The wound I mentioned in the beginning is a pressure sore. It's bad. I'm not going to start pointing the finger at anyone, as he seems to be getting top notch care, so let's just hope it gets better sooner than later.



On Saturday(oct.22nd)Lisa and I were able to push Dai and Jessica in their chairs over to my moms condo. That was the most exercise I've got in a while. Not sure if Dai was into it, but I don't think he minds leaving his room, that's for sure.



deftonesWhile I had Dai outside one day(I think it was Thursday), I was able to get him to lift his hands up about a dozen times. Apparently he doesn't do stuff like that often at all. I know he responds well to me and I am scheduled to be there again for 2weeks in November, so I will let you know what kind of progress we make. For the record I was able to also get him to lift up his hands every day after as well.



Did some shopping for Dai as well. Nurse Dana had a small list of necessities and we got some new music: Radiohead, Foo Fighters(recommended), Wilco, Ryan Adams(recommended), some Norah Jones duets cd(highly recommended), Janes Addiction and some others. Luckily Dai doesn't have a roommate at the time, so we can rock around the clock as we like. We caught part of the Pearl Jam Cameron Crowe movie that's coming out. Looks pretty good even if you're not a fan. I even have my own bed there if I want to sleep there. I got some of Roxy's beatles pics up around the room and here epiphone acoustic is there, but down to 5strings. Thanksfully it's just the high e string. Anyone that can't play with out a string or two ain't very creative methink, but what do I know.



Okay, I got some shirts to ship. Nice talking atcha. Thanks again for you're your love and interest in our brother Chi. For now-Cheers Ears!!! -M.







p.s. the following was at eyelevel on my American airlines/Continental Flight home from Newark N.J.







FASTEN SEAT BELT WHILE SEATED



USE CUSHION FOR FLOTATION DEVICE



I wonder how confusing that is to kids and aliens. In cheap blue leather, machine sewn into the back of the seats headrest. The stewardess is on the phone explaining/demonstrating our seatbelts, lifevests and emergency oxygen supplies. Life goes on.

[Vesanic]

It's been three years... We miss you Chi... Latest oneloveforchi entry talks about Chi's reaction when he saw the documentary. Check out the pictures.

http://oneloveforchi.com/chi-watched-the-documentary-sonny-pod-did/

[Penicks]

three years, jesus man. time flies.

[Vesanic]

I've made this little video with all the pictures of Chi since the accident I have found. It's pretty sad to watch, but spread it, maybe it will be a bit of an efficient propaganda thanks to its strong content.

Photos of Chi Cheng since his car accident (2008-2011) - Oneloveforchi.com

[976-EVIL]

Hope and Heartbreak at the same time. Thanks V....

[Sugartolove]

From Gina:

"I wanted to do something special for Chi for Christmas and I need your help! I know it has GOT to get pretty lonely for Chi at times and I really want him to know how many of us love and care about him! SO – what I was thinking is to create a DVD video compilation of "Merry Christmas/Love/Support" messages to Chi from all you!

All you have to do is a video response to this video. I will collect video responses thru Dec. 18th and put them all on a DVD for Chi so Momma J can play it for him.

Also – if you could ♥PLEASE♥ spread the word about this in any way you know how (facebook, twitter etc) I would appreciate it very much!

Thanks so much for your consistent love and support for Chi!

One Love For Chi,
Gina Blackmore"

http://oneloveforchi.com/need-your-help-christmas-video-dvd-for-chi/

Please share the link and contribute to make Chi's Christmas that little bit brighter   You can now also send postcards etc to the address in the link and they will be put in Chi's room so he can see them. In the link is also the video Gina is asking us to respond to.

[punkflop01]

http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/fuck/deftones-bassist-chi-cheng-emerges-from-three-year-coma

[ineedtofuckingsearch]

http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/fuck/deftones-bassist-chi-cheng-emerges-from-three-year-coma

"Hey all,

Today I woke up to people frantically asking me for more info on Chi being "AWAKE" and everyone was so happy etc. Then I realize not only had I managed to somehow miss the miraculous news but my oneloveforchi.com website was also down. I could not understand what the heck was going on. Surely if Chi was awake Momma J would have called me by now!

For those of you who regularly follow the website.. you are well aware that on Feb 1st I posted a short video clip of some of Chi's recent progress when he lifted his leg on request a couple times. I said "it's little baby steps like this that bring chi closer to recovery." I don't understand how someone could take this so far out of context to make it into headlines reading  "Chi Cheng is Awake After 4 Years in Coma"!? (example headline of what I have seen today)

Please don't think that we aren't completely thrilled with Chi lifting his leg on request.. but like I said it is a baby step. Although this is progress he is still considered to be in a "minimally conscious" state. He doesn't complete tasks like this on request every time.

So.. let me take the time to clarify things for those of you that are not aware of his current status. Chi is still not speaking.. isn't able to comunicate. He does make noises at times. It does sometimes seem like he is trying very hard to communicate. He has every once in a while had great moments like the "leg lift video" where he moves on request. He does make eye contact and turn his head towards you. It does show on his EEG scans that there has been "progress within" when they compare initial scans to recent scans. These are all great things and definite signs of progress/improvement. Now for a dose of reality... although Chi has had great occurrences of progress.. there is also lots of time far and in between where nothing at all happens and he is non-responsive. But when you are around him.. even when he is non-responsive.. when you look into his eyes... it's like he is speaking in another way. It's very hard to explain. He is "there" and that is apparent.. but he is in no way out of the woods yet. Still LOTS of work ahead.

I really feel the recent rumors/headlines of  "Chi Cheng Awakes From 4 Year Coma" could not be more inaccurate (unfortunately!). First of all I blame this on Hollywood. Comas are in no way black and white.. and Chi is still in a very grey area. Everyone seems to think that people emerge from comas in the same way they do in the movies.. full make up... great hair and back to life as it was pre-coma. In reality it just doesn't work that way. It is a very long road to recovery. That isn't to say some people haven't made miraculously quick recoveries... more often it takes several years to recover.. and sadly some never recover. That is the harsh reality of it. Are we giving up? Hell no! Never will. Chi is still fighting and so are we! We continue to have faith in him and his ability to recover and his tenacious strength.

But please guys.. let's be accurate in our reporting when it comes to Chi. He has a son and family out there and when misinformation like this gets back to them only to be let down that it is not true.. it just plain SUCKS!

From now on I would appreciate if you would please not use headlines like the ones referenced above.. unless you see it here first.
As always your continued love and support for Chi is very much appreciated!

One Love For Chi,
Gina"

http://oneloveforchi.com/wow-you-guys-crashed-my-server/

[rock_n_frost]

You know my english sucks
What the hell is happening?

http://oneloveforchi.com/the-countdown-begins/

5/17/2012 A.D.
Cheers mates
Long time no speak. Ming here. And when I say here, I mean with our brother Chi(herein referred to as Dai). Just flew in last nite. A week ago on my birthday(turned 43 btw)I got laid off from work. I suspect it may have had something to do with the fact that like an idiot, I told my boss I was 420friendly. Live and learn I guess. But as usual, the timing was perfect. Somebody needed to fly out here and be with Dai.
My Mom and Mae are rapidly trying to secure a home to fly Dai home to at the end of the month. God bless Gina and her "superfriends." They have already packed most of the house here in jersey and were with Dai these last couple weeks while we were dealing with the death of my father. What can I say, death sucks, but the man lived a full life that you could make a movie about. Hope I can say the same when it's all done. Probably, but it most likely will be a dark comedy. Anywho? For the record the Superfriends names (and I'm going from memory from the log/journal in the room with Dai) are Jenn, Eric? And Gabi. Also, crucial in helping keep it together with us is moms friend Jeanie(doubt I spelled that right, shoot me). So thanks crew. "Form of a moving truck" "Form of some moving blankets" You guys rock!!
I wish I could tell you Dai is doing well, but he's not. He just got over a pneumonia and now has CDIFS? It's and infection of some sort and it means just to walk in and say "hi", you have to put on gloves, a gown and a face mask.
Hindsight is 20/20. That said, we never should have listened to '"them" when they told us to move Dai into the hospital to get the treatments for the protocol. He can't and has never been healthy in these environments. For the last year he's had a bed sore that got so bad I could see clear to his bone. It literally made me sick when I saw it. Sometimes I feel pretty tough, but I thought I was gonna faint. This is finally healing after a year and a surgery that required taking some skin/flesh from a different part of his body. Now come to find out, he's got another one on his thigh. Haven't seen it yet, but they tell me it's not bad. I'm gonna take a peek tomorrow myself.
I snuck in through the back today to get a look at him and I didn't like what I saw: fingernails overgrown, feet scaly and stinking, the list goes on. As usual, I cracked the whip on the staff and they cleaned him up. I don't know if they are just understaffed or just plain suck there, but they will be lucky if I don't shove a lawyer up there ass once we get him out of there. There are others on the hitlist, but for now just getting my brother healthy enough to get on the plane in two weeks is the priority.
Don't get me wrong, there have been some real angels and saints over the last three and a half years. They know who they are. God bless all of you that have supported, helped, cared for and been there for us all this time. Without it, I know we wouldn't have made it this far.
I just want my boy home.
Gonna keep it short, I'm on a break at the condo and gonna run back and check in with our boy for the third time today. I'm pacing myself and going in for a couple hours at a time. I ain't gonna lie, to have someone you love that much suffering for so long takes an emotional toll on you that I can't explain. My poor mom, I just want her to be able to take a break once we get him home to Mae and Chris. God willing.
I use the term god loosely. I definitely believe in something bigger than me, a higher power if you will. Been trying to meditate lately to keep my soul in check, the "internal chatter" was killing me here and there these last couple weeks since pops died.
Hope the next time I have good news for you.
Til then, head up nukkas!!

[TheShade1989]

Basically: Chi has an infection, he's gt another bedsore (if you dont know what a bedsore is, it's a sore that develops wen you're constantly putting pressure on an area and not moving enough), and some of the staff don't seem to have been looking after him properly, hygiene-wise.

[Vesanic]

That's terrible.

[rock_n_frost]

Thanks 89.
Thats too bad

I didnt understand the ''countdown'' thing, i thought she meant the last days of Chi or something..

[DEFinatelydeftones,fsho]

Awww man. I'm sending what I can hoping it goes to something as simple as cleaning him up and maintaining. This seems as if it were trending at one time to be all over helping Chi almost and we at least can't forget about him and let him be in this type of condition if at least we try. I know we all feel helpless but let's pull together and keep this going even individually. I'm selling a couple skate decks w Deftones logos and "one love for Chi" on them as soon as I recieve my orders from my guy and donating this cash. Maybe it will get him cleaned and nails cut. Idk, fuck me.

[pony_01]

stay strong Chi!

[976-EVIL]

Damn it! When I saw this thread bumped to the the top of the list I had hoped for some good news...

The Cheng Family is truly as stong as any I have known, keep fighting guys!

[Vesanic]

[DEFinatelydeftones,fsho]

  He's a fighter.

[luisch]

Update From Momma J

hi Gina! let me send you a quick blog to our lovely onelove family,

Mae has been staying with Chi for most of the time since Chi went into ICU on Thursday. Today when Sal and I went
in to see him, he looked better than we had expected. He was quite aware of what was going on. He is still on life support and not enjoying the tube down his throat.

He did respond to us and they are going to try to ween him off the breathing machine tomorrow. When they tried today he did not do well but he has been on it before and gotten off without incident.

He is sedated part of the time but knows that he is near home and we are waiting to get him back to the house. He knows that we are there. Sal read him all of the comments that were sent to him and he knows that there are so many people sending
prayers and love.

Sal took a few pics for me to share with you. He is quite intensely listening to what I say and responds in different small but
deliberate ways. He knows that we are waiting for him.

Thank you all again for the prayers and support! He wanted so much to be home and you all brought him home to California and to his family. We are so grateful! Please keep him lifted in prayer. Blessings to you all family!
-Mom J and the Cheng gang

[kurtone]

http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/deftones-bassist-chi-cheng-may-be-leaving-the-hospital-tomorrow?xm

[luisch]

From Awareness For Chi Cheng Facebook page

Please send Healing Prayers to Chi. He has pneumonia again and is very poorly. Please Pray Hard and send him all your love. Thank You.