In keeping with the theme of my last post regarding progress, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation just published its winter 2012, “Progress in Research” Journal. The periodical is filled with several articles highlighting the state-of-the-art research being conducted in the field of SCI treatment.
There is a section which highlights all the work being done in Cleveland regarding FES technology. My experience with the cough assist device is highlighted on pages 8 & 9. The article can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
The gentleman I am pictured with is my friend, Chris Wynn, the owner of Buckeye Wellness Center, the spinal cord fitness facility I work out at twice a week. Speaking of which, I had another great week of workouts. I was able to generate some more muscle twitching and slight movement in my left leg. I have a video which I plan to post a future date which highlights some of the progress I’ve made during my therapy sessions – I’d be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding job that my personal trainers, Mike and Kyan, continue to do with me. They’re not afraid to try new and alternative exercises, constantly seeking to restore the dormant connections of my nerves.
I would encourage anyone who is in need of (or knows someone in need of) a regimented physical therapy program geared towards spinal cord injuries to check out the facility. I have made great strides in a short amount of time and expect great things to continue. The importance of physical therapy cannot be over emphasized for someone living with an SCI.
For more information about the facility and its programs, please call (216) 816-6860.
Additionally, Chris will be speaking about the facility at the Northeast Ohio Spinal Cord Injury Chapter Association meeting Monday evening at Metro Hospital. I am looking forward to his presentation.
Before tomorrow evening’s meeting, I will be in downtown Cleveland filming a TV commercial for Cuyahoga County. I was contacted by the same studio that put together the video for the Champions Ball I participated in last year. I guess I didn’t flub my lines too bad and must have done a decent enough job for them to consider me for the upcoming thirty second TV spot. I do admit that I am in need of a haircut, though, so hopefully I can make myself look presentable enough!
Quick update on the nonprofit foundation I am setting up: the IRS informed me that they still need some information from me, but can’t yet tell me what that information is. Furthermore, they don’t know when they will contact me to ask for it… So I’ll continue to wait. Just another classic example of our efficient government at work. In the meantime, work is progressing on the website and other behind-the-scenes activity. Despite the fact that this is taking longer than anticipated, I am still very excited for the foundation to come to fruition. I am very passionate about being able to help others living with an SCI, and ultimately support the causes seeking to find a cure for paralysis!
For those NASCAR fans out there, it was an exciting and wreck-filled Bud Shoot Out last night. It is truly amazing to see the drivers continue to walk away from horrific crashes. It dumbfounds me that more serious injuries, including broken necks, do not transpire as a result of all the accidents. Then again, I used to ride bulls and in a lot of cases found myself head-planted onto my neck. The human body is so durable, yet so fragile. I think the same can be said for the human spirit.
Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support! Stand Strong!
Scott