Video Updates

Two video updates from this last week.  My proprioception (sense of awareness, as described in an earlier post) and strength keep improving, making for smoother and more confident movement.  These videos show that clearly with ongoing progress from earlier updates: first, with hands-and-knees activity like crawling; second, with the ability to get down onto my stomach and then back up to hands and knees without help.  More to come!

Three Injuries and Up Again

Three spinal injuries and battles with paralysis?  Recovery is a pretty good reason for Thomas Smith to go back to the Boston Marathon. 

Amit Goffer's ReWalk

This Newsweek article is actually an excerpt from a recent book.  Here, author Avi Jorisch tells the story of Amit Goffer, who was paralyzed in an ATV accident in 1996.  Eighteen years later Goffer completed the first ReWalk.  In simplest terms, the ReWalk is an exoskeleton which allows users to stand and walk with crutches.  It offers mobility and potential health benefits to many people with spinal cord injuries or other types of paralysis.  Although a higher-level injury prevents him from using the ReWalk, Goffer continues to invent technology that will help others stand and walk.  It is good to hear that he himself has finally been able to stand again using his recently-invented UpNRide device.

Court-ing Recovery

My latest link to a recovery story: Anthony Hodges, paralyzed two years ago and back to playing college basketball!

Crawling (Video Update)

Crawling, forward and backward. 

Using Leg Braces to Cross the U.S.

Having used KAFOs (long leg braces) in everyday life for many hours and for many miles, I truly appreciate this article.  Joe Kals has used leg braces for many things, including climbing the Eiffel Tower and completing a seven-month walk across France.  He's now asking for support to accomplish a walk from New York to Los Angeles.

Still Valentine's Day

A Valentine's Day surprise for Sara Conchieri, who was injured in December 2017 and has been in recovery since then.  Her friend spread the word that she would like some encouraging cards - and the results are still coming!  This was a nice story to see.  Please don't forget to think of Sara as February moves on.