June 23

     Sorry to all of you for not updating sooner; I've been busy with end of schoolyear business.  School's out for summer, so hopefully I will get back to my weekly reports!...
    On June 16th Liam underwent a 13 hour reconstructive surgery on his right arm (vascular, nerve, & bone).  They also did what is called a "flap" on this arm: basically it's a skin graft in which they took some deeper layers of skin from his back side (after first attempting to utilize some skin from his thigh which proved to be unusable).  After surgery Liam spent 3 days in ICU so that doctors could closely monitor the blood flow in his arm.  This was a very painful recovery for Liam and to add to this, he was not allowed to eat any solid food until Sunday (in case they had to send him off for another surgical procedure).  He was very happy to be able to eat again and has been recovering nicely from this reconstructive surgery. On Sunday they moved Liam back to his regular hospital ward as Bill was told they had to make way in the ICU for 5 more injured soldiers arriving that evening.  On 6/21 Liam was back into surgery to remove the dressing from his right arm & to redress.  Doctors also did some repair work on his right leg and left arm.  Liam's right arm is coming along well; his blood flow is good, and he can wiggle his fingers! 
     As some of you know, Liam is an avid car enthusiast.  He, along with his dad Bill & brother Matt are members of the Connecticut  Autocross & Ralley Team, Inc. (CART).  Today (6/23), his fellow CART members raced up at Limerock racetrack in Lakeville,CT.  Through their ingenuity & generosity they were able to "hook Liam up" so that he would be able to watch these races live from his hospital bed in Bethesda and communicate with CART members via the internet.  NBC 30 was at Lime Rock to cover this story and did a wonderful job portraying CART's efforts and dedication to Liam (click on upper right hand picture to view).  Many thanks to all members of CART for honoring Liam today and for including him. Liam was thrilled to be able to get in on the action at Lime Rock and follow the activities of the day!!    
     I would like to take this time to thank all of you: our friends & family (near & far), neighbors, co-workers, parents &students of mine at Quaker Farms School, Bill's numerous friends & associates in manufacturing, teachers, staff, & students at: Oxford Center School, Great Oak Middle School, Oxford High School,  Long Meadow Elementary School, Memorial Middle School (Mikaela's school), Middlebury Elementary School, Beecher Road School in Woodbridge, Kingsbury School in Waterbury, all members of CART, parishioners of St. John of the Cross Church, and the Southbury VFW for your generosity & continued support (I hope I've included everybody!!). Our family has received numerous cards and letters, meals & other donations from your outreaching hands. Some of you have even managed the trip to visit Liam!  The warmth and care of your actions will stay in our hearts forever!  I know I speak for Liam as well.
     As some of you may know a Sgt. Liam Dwyer Fund has been set up at Webster Bank for those interested in contributing.  Donations can be done at any Webster Bank or by mailing a check made out to : 'Sgt. Liam Dwyer Fund' at

                    Webster Bank
                    Sgt. Liam Dwyer Fund
                   100 Main Street North
                   Southbury, CT 06488

That's all for now!  Thanks again!!