Dear Friends,
The excitement for Tommy's Nite Out III seems to be building.  Our family is so blessed and humbled by the show of love from all of those involved with this endeavor.  It seems to grow with each event.  I am truly excited to see so many old friends that are planning on coming; as well as, new friends that have heard about this great party!  This will be a unique gathering and fun for all.

The steering committee and the multiple sub committees have worked tirelessly to create a special evening for everyone's enjoyment.  It is amazing to think that this all started three and a half years ago in Dallas, Texas when I was still at Craig Hospital in Colorado.  Someone recently asked why they called it Tommy's Nite Out when I was not able to attend.  Robyn and I both said it was the spirit of our friends.  They knew that even though I would not physically be there,  I would love being in the middle of all my friends having fun.  I am so glad that I have been able to attend all three events here in Fayetteville, and to be a part of this great gathering of folks!

Ephesians 3:17-19 "...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Love,
Tommy

Hello all,
Tommy and I are so excited to tell you that, believe it or not, there is going to be a Tommy's Nite Out on September 14th!  We went to the first meeting last Thursday night at Tony Sherman, our fearless leader's, office.  Tommy and I were running late and when we walked in we were stunned at the people  gathered in the conference room.  The excitement level in the room is high anticipating the fun we are going to have at the Pendergraft barn.  After the meeting, Tommy and I told each other that we both cried on the inside because we are so humbled by our wonderful friends.  We are blessed beyond measure, and as always we are witnesses of God's love through the faithfulness of our friends.
Love,
Tommy and Robyn
Ephesians 3:17-21  

OK people, this is our 5th day of over 100 degree temperatures.  Since my injury, my body temperature is about 96 degrees.  THEREFORE, I love the hot weather.  However, those around me are dropping like flies.  Have a good weekend.
Tommy

Tommy and I had a couple of T-sips in from Austin last week.  Gordon and Sarah McHaney.  Sarah and I went to college together, and the couple became our friends after we married.  Gordon and Sarah LOVE the outdoors so they came to beautiful Arkansas to fish the White River, canoe the Buffalo, and to experience Eureka Springs.  On their way back home to Texas they stayed with us for the night.  Tommy missed his calling as a tour guide because he loves showing off Fayetteville to guests!  We loaded up the magic van and showed the McHaneys Razorback Stadium, Baum Stadium, U of A campus, Dickson street, and the beautiful houses in the historic district.  We initiated them into our way of life when the power on Tommy's ventilator got very low.  I was driving, and the McHaneys were biting their lips with anxiety.  Sarah is definitely one to have in an emergency, she just took the "ambu" bag and was on the ready.  She had to use it on Tommy while I changed tubing from the chair ventilator to the bedside ventilator.  I wish I had that on video, it was classic.  Thank you Gordon and Sarah for your help and friendship!

Robyn

Dear Friends,

I have had "good intentions" of sustaining regular blog updates.  Obviously,  I have not met that goal this year.  Believe it or not I have been very busy trying to juggle health care and business.  The good news is I have been relatively healthy, and I have been able to participate regularly at work with a reduced schedule.

Just recently, I was blessed with a new wheelchair that will help with my quality of life and nagging health issues.  For instance, I was experiencing chronic head pains associated with the head rest and my positioning within the chair.  This chair, with a few adjustments to the head rest, seems to have decreased my issues with head pain.  Also, this new chair allows me to recline completely which is good for doctor visits, blood pressure issues, and pressure point redistribution.

Speaking of doctor visits, a few months ago I visited Dr. Luke Knox, my neurosurgeon, to make sure that the snap, crackle and pops I was hearing were not just a loose screw in my head.  Dr. Knox assured me that was not the case, and in fact four times during our hour session he would get right in my face and tell me "how good I looked."  After my usual answer of "well, of course I do"  I got serious and asked, "what did you expect for me to look like?"  His answer was simply that many times people in my condition, especially ventilator dependent people, are chronically ill, slumped over and generally do not look healthy.  The reason I am mentioning this to you is not to just brag about my good looks, but also to let you know that "I look healthy" because of your generosity which allows me to have great care.  I have been so blessed to have people who are not only caregivers, but who also generally care about me and my family.  When you need as much care as I require this is a tremendous blessing for the whole family.

I also wanted to let you know that besides work and doctor's visits, that we have been able to make a trip.  I actually wrote this blog from Florida!  Through the incredible generosity of a man who himself is wheelchair dependent, and I have yet to meet, our family has been able to take our first vacation since my accident.  As our boys get older and they juggle summer jobs, it is such a treat to have all of us together at the same time.

So for now please know that Robyn, Ross, Jack and I continue to live our life one day at a time.  Anytime we may feel discouraged or frustrated all we have to do is count our blessings and rejoice.  We are still amazed that after three and a half years our friends continue to reach out to us in different ways.  We see first hand how God in His mysterious and infinite wisdom weaves our lives with other's lives for blessing and Glory to His name.  We can not believe that again our friends have decided to throw another Tommy's Night Out in order to help us with our expenses.  As always we pray that those who touch our lives in any way are blessed with the knowledge that God is present in each of our lives and circumstances.

Love,
Tommy

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1Thessalonians 5:18

A quick thank you from Tommy and Robyn regarding Tommy's Nite Out II:

"Dear Friends,

Please do not interpret our delay in reaching out to you as anything, but Tommy and I processing the magnitude of your generosity and basically what this group has done for us. I wish we could express this in a more creative way than just words because words really do fail us at this time. I can tell you that several times Saturday night I was overcome with gratitude and sheer blessing to know that I would not want to be anywhere else in the world besides in that room with all of you. Again you have taken what was suppose to be a tragedy and turned it into a triumph of Spirit and sheer good will. Every one of you have not only shared your heart and soul, but your hands and feet. I promise I don't mean to sound "too religious," but you have allowed God to use each one of you in our lives to live out what Scripture commands us to do for one another. Tommy and I really are humbled by this and we continue to pray that our circumstances will be used to glorify God. Through these events you have enabled us to be comforted with good care so we are not overcome, but we are able to concentrate on what is truly important and that is our relationships. THERE IS NO GREATER GIFT THAN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER! Thank you for loving our family, and I beg your patience as we continue to learn from you how to go forward and love not only you, but others as they are brought into our path. We pray that you truly have been blessed through this time, we do not want this to be a one-way blessing!

The party could not have been more beautiful and successful. We heard over and over again how impressed people were with how well the event was executed and the abundance that came forth from such a small group over such a short period of time. From Tony and Mary Beth's stewardship to the phone-a-thon, to all of the details of paper work, e-mails, errands, input, output, the food-I heard was delicious, the band-that was awesome, the blood, sweat, tears, the clean up crew, the precious parking crew, the bar crew, the auction group, the people who donated the fabulous auction items and those who bought them. FUN, FUN, FUN! Those who donated and didn't even come to the party. Okay I am in tears now, the list goes on and on. If somehow we do not personally thank you, please know we have prayed for you and are so grateful for you. We want to hear details and behind the scenes stories, so we will have a get-together soon to share our experiences. We would love to hear stories from anyone who wants to share. Tommy hopes to be sending a blog today or tomorrow sharing a story (he has to get permission) so stay tuned.

We love you dear friends,
Tommy, Robyn, Ross and Jack"


"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

My Thoughts on TNO

Recently I was asked to share my thoughts about Tommy's Nite Out for a mass email that is sent out by the Steering Committee. I know some of you may have already seen the below note. However, I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of how grateful and lucky Robyn and I are to call you our friends.

"Friends,

The last several months have been a little precarious with regard to pesky health issues. However, I am happy to say that I feel better than ever and am ready to continue moving forward. As always, my family, caregivers and friends put in great effort in helping me overcome these obstacles.

My family has been so blessed with the many people who have come together in good spirit to care for our family at this time. Tommy's Nite Out was a wonderful gathering of friends far and near...some who haven't seen each other in 30 years and some who see each other on a daily basis. Everyone was connected by past and present...it was magical! Tommy's Nite Out was a blessing, completely unexpected. An anonymous guest commented that he did not believe in "the whole God thing" but that there is something special going on here...those of us intimately involved with the event choose to believe the Holy Spirit was hard at work that night. I was humbled by the experience and outpouring of love by so many known and unknown to me. Most off all, it was a heck of a good time!

My family is honored to know that those who took on this project ("the Steering Committee") have decided to put together a second Tommy's Nite Out. Additionally, we are grateful for those who have already begun to participate in Tommy's Nite Out II. We are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Your love continues to humble me and I look forward to seeing you all on March 12th!

Warmest Regards,
Tommy"

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Tommy's Nite Out II

When Tony and Mary Beth told me that they were planning to do another Tommy’s Nite Out, I didn’t think anyone would want to do this again. It takes so much work and effort, and really people want to do this for us again? Not only did they have the first meeting, but the committee members actually showed up, and were excited about working together on another event. Upon reflection, this really is not about us. However, we are incredibly blessed to be the receiver of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring through you. It was evident at the first Tommy’s Nite Out, it went way beyond helping a family in need. The feeling was palpable and contagious. So, we want you to know that on those days when we feel overwhelmed with the changes in our life, it is your prayers and your support that keeps us lifted up. You have taught me so much about the value of giving, giving from the heart, a caring word or card, and certainly your prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share our life with you.

Robyn

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

the last 10 months

As you can see, my plan of updating everyone on a weekly basis or even a monthly basis was unfulfilled. I’m sorry for the lack of communication; it has been an eventful 10 months. I have had multiple hospital stays, surgeries and various medical issues which have slowed me down but I have continued to work at the office many days, spoken at an 8-5 workmatters (a work/faith organization based in Northwest Arkansas) event, gone bowling, spent a few weekends at the Savier’s cabin on the Little Red River. Robyn and I sent Ross to TCU for his freshman year of college and enjoyed a weekend along with some close friends on our annual camping trip (with me in a cabin).

We have had a few small hurdles to overcome, but together we continue to move forward with God’s grace and direction. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers….I couldn’t do it without you.

"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe." Mark 11:24

Tommy taking over the blog! :)

After several months of getting acclimated to being at home and back to work, I realized that its been several months since we have updated all of our friends on my current situation. I want to thank Trey and Jill Hollis for managing this blog over the past year. It is my plan to continue to update the blog with the "typing assistance" of my family, friends and caregivers. My intention is to update this blog on a weekly basis in hopes of continuing what I have been told has become a ministry of hope and encouragement.

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all of your notes, emails, texts, etc... You have lifted my spirits beyond imagination over the past year. While I have had the pleasure of visiting with many of you, I realize there are friends that I have not been able to re-connect with since my injury. For those of you that I have not been able to see, I wanted to give you an idea of my current condition. This wheel chair has become an extension of my life and I am very thankful for all that it enables me to do with my family, coworkers and friends. I feel great, and other than my obvious limitations, my spirits and day to day health are back to normal (as much as I was ever normal!). Posted above is a recent picture of me. I look forward to more contact with all of you as I continue on this journey of healing and rehabilitation.

Many thanks and may God bless you!

Tommy

Watch Tommy's Nite Out Video.....

A Message of Appreciation from the Van Zandt Family Trust

There is no adequate way to thank all of you who gave of yourselves, your time, your money, and your love to our family that has needed help so badly. But…thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Your contributions to the trust over these months, and including most recently the fabulous Tommy’s Nite Out event in Fayetteville, have literally been “manna from heaven” to Tommy, Robyn, Ross and Jack.

We are encouraged and over-whelmed with thankfulness to God and to all of you.

Your generosity is overwhelming, and the family will never forget what you have done for us. Tommy wants everyone to know that he is starting back to work part-time already, and that he is determined to build up income and add value once again to the Sage Partners team at the office.

The contributions to the Family Trust are enough at this time to last for several months to pay family expenses, including nursing care for Tommy. It is my understanding that another “Tommy’s Nite Out Benefit” is being discussed for next year. This is awesome news for the family. Right now we are asking for your prayers for Tommy’s on-going recovery. Please pray also for strength for Robyn, Ross, and Jack. Finally, please pray for Tommy’s care-givers to love and nurture him in his recovery.

If you have not seen or talked with Tommy recently, his attitude continues to be amazing! He is so focused on the good that God has planned for his life and all that he has the privilege to touch. Keep your cards and emails coming. He and Robyn will continue to need and appreciate your encouragement.

Their contact information is:

Email – tvanzandt@sagepartners.us

Home address – 2044 Winchester Place, Fayetteville, AR 72701


Thank you and God bless you and your family,

Mark Saviers, Co-Trustee, Van Zandt Family Trust

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Words of reflection and thanks from Robyn...

I wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of our entire family to thank all of you for supporting us over the last 8 months. As you can imagine, our entire world has been turned upside down. In a matter of seconds my healthy husband was paralyzed from the neck down. Earth shaking, mind blowing, heart pumping, yet spiritually invigorating. There is no possible way I can explain my experience of the last eight months in a few short minutes, but it has been harder than and more blessed than you can possibly imagine. From the moment Tommy fell he began praying, the moment I got in the ambulance I began praying, when our neighbors saw the ambulance they began praying and the praying hasn’t stopped. It has not stopped and it is what sustains us to this day. Not only have your prayers sustained us, but your willingness to step forward and help us in very real and meaningful ways has been invaluable.

As most of you know, Tommy grew up in Arkansas and from the day I met him he did not stop bragging about Arkansas. Being from Mississippi, I thought what in the world is the big deal. But then I met his family and fell in love with them. Soon after I began meeting his Arkansas friends in Dallas. Great people. Then we began visiting Northwest Arkansas. I too fell in love with Arkansas’ beauty and the people. We made the big leap of faith and moved here in the summer of 2000. We have not looked back since. We still love our friends in Dallas, and thoroughly enjoy visiting, but Arkansas is home. This community has turned out tremendously for us during this difficult time. The spirit of love, friendship, concern and support is real and it sustains our hope for the future. We will never be able to properly thank you for the impact you have had on us. We just hope to pay it forward some day. I have always considered Tommy a gift and a special man. It occurred to me one day, he is not just meant for me and our family. A gift this good is meant to be shared. Thank you for sharing our lives with us. May God bless you as you have blessed us.

We love you and believe it or not this Longhorn is proud to say Go Hogs!!!!!


And a thank you for "Tommy's Nite Out"...

Tommy and I also want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make "Tommy's Nite Out" an overwhelming success. We are blown away by the generosity of people's time, talent and treasure. The Spirit was palpable at the gathering and we continue to be uplifted by the love of our friends and even of people who do not know us personally but who have reached out to us financially, and with their encouragement and prayers. This has been quite the journey so far with many ups and downs. Our Spirits hold steadfast in the belief that we will overcome this tragedy with hope and blessing. We ask that you continue to support us especially with your prayers as this has been called by many a marathon and not a sprint. Tommy and I continue to pray that anyone who has even read the blog or thought a kind thought towards us let alone reached out to us will be blessed. We would also like to specifically thank Neal and Gina Pendergraft for opening their home for the event, to Tony and Mary Beth Sherman for presenting the idea and then making it happen through their tireless and passionate work, to the steering committee for persevering from a loose band of friends to a dynamite event organizing team, to all of you who volunteered countless hours of your time to make the party so fun and successful and to all of those who came out on that cold night to celebrate friendship and life. We truly wish we could personally thank you, but we hope this will suffice for now and maybe some day we can thank you personally for making a real difference in our lives.

Love to all and God Bless You,
Tommy, Robyn, Ross and Jack Van Zandt


The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

Good News! Tommy made a trip to his office yesterday. T.J. shared, “Tommy came to work today for the first time, it was awesome! He wheeled in on his own and we talked for almost 2 hours about office stuff and deals. He got to go back in his office too!”

Praise God, because in the midst of difficulty, He is so good to bring encouragement and hope!

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Wow! Wow! Wow! Tommy's Nite Out was an amazing celebration of Tommy and our community. More than 800 people gathered to show their support for the Van Zandt family while enjoying fabulous music, great food, awesome auction items and best of all, time with the most beautiful friends imaginable. For anyone who has lost faith in the goodness and generosity of people, let me assure you that it still exists! Please continue to pray for strength and wellness over the coming months and praise God for the powerful gift of friendship.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

Tommy is out of the hospital and enjoying being home! Robyn and Tommy are scheduled to pick up their new van this Friday and their first trip out will be to the fundraiser! Tommy and Robyn are extremely excited about seeing everyone Friday night and ask for your prayers that all the details of the fundraiser run smoothly and that Tommy continues to feel well.

"You have granted me life and loving kindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit." Job 10:12

After a strong dose of antibiotics, Tommy is feeling better. The infection appears to be under control. Progress is being made in the attempts to clear any blockage in his lungs. There is hope that Tommy will be able to return home soon! Your prayers are being felt and Robyn and Tommy thank you for them. Praise God that He is our healer! Robyn asks that you continue to pray for Tommy's continued recovery and Tommy asks that you pray for him to be able to go to the Dave Matthews Band concert in a couple of weeks! :)

On another note, Robyn and Tommy and their family, as well as all those involved with the fundraiser send out a gigantic thank you for the amazing support of this community. It continues to be overwhelming!!! The upcoming fundraiser, Tommy's Nite Out, on Friday October 9th, will be a celebration of Tommy and all that is good about this community! To those of you who may have donated to the Van Zandt trust prior to the fundraiser being planned, please feel free to contact Mark Saviers for tickets to the fundraiser in exchange for your prior donation. He can be reached at MSaviers@sagepartners.us Also, continue to check the fundraiser website, www.friendsoftommyv.com, for more auction items! Looking forward to seeing EVERYONE there! It will be an awesome night!

"...for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5

Despite appearances that Tommy was feeling better, new medical issues have arisen. Over night, Tommy's fever has once again increased and there is considerable concern over problems in his lungs as well as other infections. A new round of antibiotics has been started and there is a possibility of scoping the lungs. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for the doctors and clear direction for Robyn and her brother-in-law Mark as they make important decisions about where Tommy needs to be and what procedures need to be done. Also, please pray for God's encouragement over Robyn as she seeks to remain strong. Praise God for continuing to provide so many people to come alongside the VanZandts at this time! -- You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry... Psalm 10:17

The good news is that Tommy is in good spirits and feeling pretty well. However, due to a high fever and concern over infection, Tommy has been taken to the hospital today for monitoring. There is some concern of pneumonia as well as other infections but treatment is underway. Tommy should be back home soon.

Please pray for wisdom and discernment for the doctors as well as healing. Praise God the caregivers He has provided.

"You are my help and my deliverer, O my God, do not delay." Psalm 40:17

I am thrilled to report that Tommy is home and doing very well! As many of you know, Tommy's welcome home started with a gathering of friends who lined the streets with signs and waves. We all knew Tommy was in good spirits when Robyn texted the waiting crowd to let us know their arrival home would be delayed because Tommy insisted on driving by Razorback stadium!!! (Tommy was unaware of our greeting plans) There is indeed no place like home...especially when you are from Arkansas!

After a few days home, Robyn reports today that Tommy is still excited by the reality of being in his own home! God has continued to care for the Van Zandts in amazing ways as he has provided rest, peace, wonderful caregivers, loving friends to help when called, meals, and even perfect timing as the respiratory therapist showed up at the exact time she was urgently needed...twice.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10