Wednesday – 8/1/2012

“We believe today’s announcement is just as important to our field as man’s first step on the moon was to the space program.”

The above words are from the neurosurgeon, Barth Green, M.D., who is the Co-Founder and Chairman of The Miami Project. The statement was proclaimed by Dr. Green yesterday as The Miami Project announced that they have received permission from the FDA to begin human clinical trials for the transplant of Schwann cells in patients with a recent spinal cord injury.

While yesterday’s news is in no way heralding a cure for paralysis, it does usher in another exciting chapter in the area of SCI research. I have been following the progress being made down in South Beach for some time, and I’m cautiously optimistic about the latest developments. I found yesterday’s news to be especially encouraging given the fact that the only other stem cell trial (in the US) that had ever been conducted recently had the plug pulled on it. It is important to note that the Schwann cell trials use the injured individual’s own cells and not embryonic stem cells. The Miami Project happens to be one of the research organizations that Getting Back Up hopes to be able to assist financially down the road.

Speaking of GBU, I’m excited to announce that we have partnered with an organization called, Run Kempa, to raise money through runner participation in the 2012 Road Runner Akron Marathon on September 29. Anyone interested in participating in either the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon or Team Relay and would like to help support GBU can find more information by either visiting GBU.

More information will be forthcoming, however, I wanted to get the early word out. Even if you’re not a serious runner, this is still an excellent way to help raise money for a great cause while having some fun!

Since we are on the subject of fun, let me take a minute to share a few fun tidbits:

First, power wheelchairs do not work well in the sand. I discovered this while down at Huntington Beach last week. I ventured a few yards onto the beach before getting stuck. I was laughing so hard that it was nearly impossible for me to instruct the nearby volleyball players on the best way to loosen me up. However, they figured it out, I was eventually freed, and still able to enjoy a few hours down by the water.

Second fun tidbit is that I stood yesterday for the first time without a standing frame. It still requires assistance – someone locking out my knees and someone behind me to support my upper body. Nonetheless, it was another new step for me as far as exercise/therapy goes. I lasted fairly long before getting dizzy in which case I had to sit back down, before getting up for another go at it. The only real downside was the wedgie I got as I was moved into a standing position. Other than that, things went pretty well.

And the third little piece of fun news to report is that my monkey will be joining me in late September! More on that later…

Looking forward to another great workout on Thursday and then checking out Brian Henke at Vento Wine Bar later in the evening.

Don’t forget to Run Kempa For GBU if interested!

My sincerest gratitude to everyone for the continued prayers and support!

Stand Strong!

Scott