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NeuroHope Featured on ‘Inside Indiana Business’

September 21, 2014/in Annoucements, General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

NeuroHope was proud to be featured on Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick last week!

A huge thanks goes to IIB's Health reporter Barbara Lewis for having me in the studio to spread the word about our mission of bringing the first extended rehabilitation and wellness center to Indiana.  I was able to briefly share my journey back from total paralysis, explain what we are creating in Indianapolis, and promote our crowdfunding campaign that is currently underway.

Inside In - makin pointThe program aired in Indianapolis on WFYI (PBS) and WTHR (NBC), and on affiliates around the state all weekend.

To watch the segment, click here.  (You will find the NeuroHope thumbnail on the right of the screen)

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Inside-Ind-2shot.jpg 266 475 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2014-09-21 20:14:342014-09-22 07:49:37NeuroHope Featured on ‘Inside Indiana Business’

As SCI Research Advances, Therapy Must Be Accessible

September 18, 2014/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

It’s an exciting time for spinal cord injury (SCI) science and research.

The last 12 months have seen breakthroughs in laboratories and therapy gyms around country, and have led to papers published in some of the most reputable publications in the world. SCI foundations and medical organizations are aggressively pursing funds to finance research they hope may bring them closer to the cure for paralysis.  Directly linked to that cure, should it ever come, will be the need for an incredible amount of rehabilitative therapy.   Long-term therapy that, in the current health care system, is nearly impossible to receive.

To be clear, the “cure” for paralysis is not around the corner.  The scientific community is nowhere close.   Strides are being made however, in discovering some of ways the nervous system works.  Scientists and doctors are embracing neuroplasticity, the concept that the nervous system is not necessarily irreparable, but in some cases can “learn” to retrain itself over extended periods of time. 

Right now, scientists are witnessing long-distance axon growth (transmission lines of the nervous system) in SCI models.  They’re studying the transplant of neural stem cells into SCI patients.  They’re even investigating ways to use technology to route signals from the brain past injury levels.

And, in April, researchers from the University of Louisville and UCLA announced the biggest news of all.  In a study that made headlines worldwide, four men who had been paralyzed for years (pictured above) shocked their own scientists when they re-gained bits of voluntary movement as a result of epidural stimulation of the spinal cord.  Each man had a stimulator surgically implanted in his spinal cord, that when turned on, mimics signals from the brain.  Movement was expected.  Electricity stimulates the cord, which stimulates the muscle.  Voluntary movement, however, was what shocked the world.   With the device turned on, all four were able to move muscles in their hips, ankles, and toes on command.

As exciting as these breakthroughs are for the SCI community, they still don’t represent a “cure”.  The four men only experience movement when the stimulation device is turned on, and that movement is minimal.   Much more research is needed, and the study resulted in more questions than answers, but it is without question the start of something exciting in the field.

But, lost in the headlines of the results, is the time, preparation, and access to therapy that the four men needed to be eligible for the procedure and for the procedure to be successful.

These are not four guys plucked out of their chairs 3 years post injury. All four had been participating in unique and aggressive wellness programs at facilities in the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network. 

DustinCrop2 Dustin Shillcox is one of them.  I met Dustin shortly after his spinal cord injury, two  years before he was selected to be one of the fortunate four in the study.  Dustin and I were both injured in 2010.  Like myself, he attended Neuroworx in Utah, one of the few places in the country where aggressive, long-term therapy is accessible after injury. Dustin and I rehabbed together at Neuroworx nearly every day for the better part of 2011 and 2012.  And, we both participated in the 2012 Kentucky Derby Mini-Marathon by walking / rolling segments of the race with the Reeve Foundation.

Dustin, and the other three individuals selected, had to meet specific criteria (injury level, motor complete, time after injury, etc.) to be eligible for the study.  Once selected, they were also required to participate in 80 Locomotor Training sessions before the procedure.   Eighty sessions! Just to prepare.

After the devices were implanted in their spinal cords, therapy ramped up.  For more than a year, daily sessions lasting for hours were underway.  Different areas of their legs and core were alternately stimulated.  Voltage and intensity changed.  Controlled movement and standing was practiced.  A myriad of tests and exercises were repeated over and over again.  In time, with the stimulation turned on, movement and endurance improved. DustinLiftingLeg

When the results hit the media last spring, most spinal cord injured people had the same thought: “How do I get that implant?!”

But, in spite of what it may sound like, this study and the results were never about a “cure”.  It was, and continues to be, experimental research exploring how the nervous system works. It won’t be anytime soon, but maybe someday implanting electrodes into the spinal cord will be a part of the rehabilitation process.   That sounds promising – but there’s a glaring problem.

Remember that Dustin had to take part in 80 intense therapy sessions before the procedure, and continued daily visits after the procedure for more than a year. To put it in perspective, most SCI patients receive a grand total of 30 outpatient physical therapy visits per year  – if they’re lucky.   Therein lies the problem. 

Even if epidural stimulation, or any other neurologic breakthrough, advances to a point it becomes commonplace, a complete change in the policy of outpatient therapy needs to take effect.

Maybe advances in stem cell research will continue, and methods to safely re-grow neurons will be discovered.  Maybe technology will advance to the point signals from the brain can be routed straight to the extremities. 

Even if a magic wand made a cure available tomorrow, long-term rehabilitation programs would need to be available for there to be a benefit.

Right now those programs do not exist in most communities.   

Fortunately, a paradigm shift is coming.  There are a handful of facilities around the country that understand the need for long-term rehabilitation and wellness for individuals with neurologic injury.  

NeuroHope is creating one in Indiana. 

Not only so programs are in place for discoveries in the future, but so programs are in place for those that need it now. That’s our mission.  With your help we will get there.

Learn more about epidural stimulation, and other SCI research here.

Photo courtesy: Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Esquire.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/4thpower.jpg 380 540 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2014-09-18 22:56:062015-08-14 15:22:02As SCI Research Advances, Therapy Must Be Accessible

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Jun 2

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✨ We’ve got that Friday feeling, let’s goooooooo! GO Mark, GO George, GO Steve 🎉🎉🎉

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #tbi #cvarecovery #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope

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May 25

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Staff Highlight Video! This week, meet Wellness Coordinator Kendal Baker! Kendal manages NeuroHope’s “Path to Independence” (PTI) Wellness program.  

PTI is a monthly membership separate from physical therapy or personal training sessions, that features daily group cardio classes, circuit training sessions, stretching / massage, and open gym times so clients can workout at NeuroHope on their own. 

Kendal plays a critical role in NeuroHope’s hybrid model of care, which blends physical therapy with exercise and wellness programs for people living with paralysis. Visit NeuroHope any day of the week and you’ll hear her coaching echo through the gym! Check out Kendal’s thoughts on NeuroHope’s unique approach to Neurorecovery:

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury

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May 18

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It’s amazing what a difference a year can make! 

Today, NeuroHope client Mark Bradley is celebrating one year of recovery from his C-4 spinal cord injury. 

As we know, all recoveries are different. Mark’s recovery from total paralysis to walking is the reason why we are here, to give people access to affordable rehab. We are thankful to be part of Mark’s recovery story. Congratulations Mark, your hard work and resiliency is very inspiring! ♥️ 

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #oneyear #neurohope #hope #congrats #congratulations

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May 17

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NeuroHope client Tom is working on his gait speed, step length (kicking the band), and standing posture with assistance from NeuroHope PTA Marshall and PT Tech Hamilton. Keep crushing those goals Tom! 

#cvasurvivor #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #strokeswarenessmonth #affordablehealthcare

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May 13

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It was an awesome night with our friends at @conquerparalysisnow and @drivenlv for @sam.schmidt_ ‘s annual “Racing to Recovery” gala.  Raising funds, support, and awareness for paralysis recovery.

Life-changing injuries happen in the blink of an eye.  Discharge from Rehabilitation into a New World happens quickly, but the need for help continues long-term to maximize recovery, stay healthy, and improve quality of life after injury.

This is what everything we do is about: Affordable access to rehabilitation and wellness programs to change lives one injury at a time.

So happy to work with like-minded organizations that recognize the need, and STEP UP to change healthcare. 

#neurorehab #affordablerehab #neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #nonprofit #racingtorecovery

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May 11

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📣 New video series today!  Every other Thursday we will spotlight a NeuroHope team member, client, or caregiver to learn about their role at NeuroHope.
 
We start with Wellness Director, Bart Richwalski, who has been serving NeuroHope’s community for six years. Bart leads our team of Master’s level kinesiologists (Neurorecovery Exercise Specialists) that exemplify how the NeuroHope model is unique. Our wellness team works in cohesion with our physical therapy team to provide a seamless transition from clinical care to affordable personal training, fitness and wellness programs.  Bart has helped develop a program that has helped hundreds of people on their recovery journey. Bart’s story: 

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury

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May 9

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Juan is pushing hard and crushing his fitness goals. James is pushing hard with help from Barry and our Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulator. Sam and Isaiah are pushing it in NeuroFit with Kendal! Keep pushing, you’re all doing great! ♥️

#neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorehab #neurofit #pushit #keeppushing #wellness #neurorecovery #pathtoindependence #neurorecoverynetwork

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May 5

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On the first Friday of every month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our PTA Lydia and NeuroHope client Jenny hosted, “Peaceful Minds and Green Thumbs.” 

Jenny shared great mental health resources on combatting stress and anxiety. After the group discussion, Jenny’s sister, Beth, helped participants plant starter planters for an herb garden. Gardening is a wonderful stress reliever! Thanks to our organizers and participants for making this a fun and relaxing First Friday! 

#neurohope #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #NAMI #affordablerehab #may #stressrelief  #mindfulness #firstfriday #tgif #support #herbgarden #gardening #neurorecoverynetwork #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

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May 1

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Here’s more from our adventures at @bradford.woods this weekend! Thank you to everyone who made this outing a tremendous success! It was a great day! 💚

#neurohope #bradfordwoods #adaptivesports #greatoutdoors #hiking #fishing #archery #boating #canoeing #indianaweather #neurorecovery #neurorecoverynetwork #itsgonnabemay

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Apr 30

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NeuroHope community retreat at @bradford.woods this weekend!  We loved the time outdoors for adaptive zip lining, archery, and time on the water.

Thank you Bradford Woods for hosting more than 50 participants from the NeuroHope community.  We had a blast !

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Apr 21

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#TGIF It’s raining here at NeuroHope in Indianapolis, but we’re walking on sunshine! Have a great Friday! 

#NeuroHope #neurorecovery #affordablerehab #affordablehealthcare #spinalcordinjury #indy #rainyday #walkingonsunshine #sci #friday #makeyourownsunshine

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Apr 19

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Recovery from paralysis is a process that takes time, access, and a community of support. 
 
NeuroHope was created to make long-term therapy an affordable reality. 
 
Watch our story and be inspired…this is why we’re here!

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope

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Apr 17

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🎬 Check out some behind the scenes sneak peeks of our recent video shoot. 

Stay tuned…we’re releasing NeuroHope’s new promo video this week!

#neurohope #hope
#nonprofit #healthcare #affordablerehab #indy #spinalcordrehab #neurorecovery #ourstory

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Apr 14

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Calling Physical Therapists! We seek a high-energy PT who is passionate about changing the lives of people battling paralysis.

Join our growing team!! Click the link in our bio , and enter “PT” in the subject line!
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#physicaltherapy #neuropt #neurorecovery #choosept #affordablerehab #healthcare #indy

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Apr 11

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April is Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉
 
We are so grateful for our OT’s at NeuroHope and beyond! OT’s play a vital and meaningful role in the #Neurorecovery process! Thanks for all you do! ♥️

#neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorehabilitation #otmonth #occupationaltherapy #otstudent #occupationaltherapymonth

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Apr 7

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On the first Friday of every month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month our interns, Andrew and Hamilton, lead a mindfulness and adaptive yoga class with the guidance of local yogi and NeuroHope client and @thehotroomyoga ‘s @laura.burdick10 . We feel so rejuvenated and relaxed! Namaste 🪷

#neurohop #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #yoga #affordablerehab #addaptiveyoga #mindfulness #firstfriday #tgif #namaste #neurorecoverynetwork

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Apr 7

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First Friday: Mindfulness & Yoga Class 🪷 

#namaste #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #affordablerehab #yoga #otmonth #adaptiveyoga

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Apr 4

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doing things 💪 #neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorecovery #spinalcordrehab

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Mar 31

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On a summer afternoon in 2019, Chuck Knox fell down his stairs and suffered a life-changing incomplete #spinalcordinjury.

Told 3 months after his accident, he had plateaued in his recovery…Chuck never gave up hope …or EFFORT.  He has been a regular in our PT, OT, and exercise programs for more than 3 years …and today , he walks in and out of NeuroHope with confidence and continues to work hard to improve strength and quality post injury 💪💪.

We are honored to be part of Chuck’s recovery.  Read his STORY by Neurorecovery Exercise Specialist Barry Moore through the link in our IG STORY!!
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#walkingafterspinalcordinjury #neurorecovery #sci #AffordableRehab #inspiringrecovery

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Mar 28

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Thrilled to welcome Occupational Therapist Krista Kaufman & Advancement Director Jacqui Goldstein to the NeuroHope Team!!

Krista comes to us from Community Rehabilitation Hospital South, where, as a Saebo Certified Clinician, she specializes in treating patients with upper extremity #paralysis.  Her passion for neurorecovery is rooted in her own lived experience of stroke recovery.
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Jacqui joins NeuroHope as Advancement Director after serving Indy’s healthcare and social work community since 2004 in non-profit communications and outreach.

WELCOME ABOARD KRISTA & JACQUI!! We’re thankful you’re here to help us grow!
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#nonprofit #healthcare #indy

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Mar 23

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Yesterday we were presented with an $80,000 donation through @barnraisers by Erin Habel, the Habel Family and NeuroHope Board Member Drew Poston of @compass_construction to honor the life of Andrew Habel and the legacy he leaves.

We are continually in awe of the community that supports the work we do to better the lives of people living with and recovering from paralysis, and are eternally grateful for program changing support like this.

The Habel wall at NeuroHope will forever honor Andrew , and be a reminder for the lives this gift will serve!!!
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#habelfest #nonprofit #fundraising #indy #healthcare #
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NeuroHope is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides long-term physical rehabilitation and wellness following neurologic injury.   TIN: 46-1842276

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