Aaron Baker's Recovery Story

Here’s a link to an article by Laquita Dian, co-founder of C.O.R.E. (Center of Restorative Exercise) and mother of walking quadriplegic Aaron Baker.  The story of Aaron’s ongoing recovery is worth the time.  For more on C.O.R.E.'s exercise fitness program, see here.

Summertime SCI Prevention/ Emergencies

Summer is the biggest season for spinal cord injuries, with July being the peak month for SCIs.  They can’t always be avoided, but some can be reduced.  For instance, there are more diving accidents in the summer.  Learn more about SCI prevention and symptoms here.

Yale GSAS Article

Yale GSAS published this piece a few days ago.  Thank you to Gila Reinstein, article author.  It was an honor to be interviewed.

Four Years Later

Four years ago today my family’s car and our lives were turned upside down by a texting driver on the highway. On June 15, 2013, I woke up to a seemingly normal day. The next morning, without motion or sensation below the waist. Since that time, I’ve come a long way, and truly have much to be thankful for: I can walk with a walker and braces, and continue to regain feeling. I have had support from family and friends, met many wonderful people, and returned to graduate school. The past year has held many milestones. A few months ago I felt water droplets on one knee and a warm breeze on my legs, both sensations for the first time in years. I’ve finally begun to see quadriceps and hamstring function start to return, and have been able to work towards less bracing support. The critical next step has been regaining the ability to stand hands-free. Coming back from a broken leg, that has been a hard goal to achieve, but it’s closer than ever before. These improvements may seem insignificant, but they are huge.

A catastrophic spinal cord injury happens in a split second, and its impact is not small. It stops you in your tracks and changes most of your life. I won’t pretend that this has been an easy experience. It’s included everything from broken bones to heatstroke to chronic pain. At the same time, I am so grateful for the many blessings that I have and look forward to. The accident was a confirmation that I was already doing what I loved and striving to live with the future in mind.

If your life were to change in an instant, would you be ready? Do you try to appreciate every moment and realize how quickly everything could change? The truth is that there is a much bigger picture which extends far beyond what we see every morning and expect every night. Each breath, step, and decision makes a difference. Please take a moment today to pause, reflect on your priorities, and be glad for the small things you enjoy every day.

Video Update

Almost four years into recovery, I'm seeing ongoing improvement.  More of an update to come soon, but for now, here's a video from last week.

Devon Gales: "I'm on the way!!"

Football player Devon Gales suffered a spinal cord injury in 2015 and has been working hard to recover since then.  He recently began using an exoskeleton to take steps - may they be the first of many to come!