I sat down in studio with Health reporter Barbara Lewis to provide an update about what has been an eventful year for NeuroHope, our supporters, and our clients. In September of 2014, Inside Indiana Business was the first media outlet to tell our story. At the time, our vision was merely an idea. We had no clients, no clinicians, no operating space and no money. You can watch the original clip here.
Since then, we've raised start-up capital, added an all-star therapy team, secured operating space, and changed a state law. We have a long way to go, but we couldn't be more proud of our first year!
I would like to give a big THANK YOU to Inside Indiana Buisness for having me on once again. We are offering a new paradigm in healthcare. Extended treatment made available outside the boundaries of insurances allowances needs to happen in Indiana. That is the goal we are striving for and are making available for our clients!
Thank's to all!
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IIB_set.jpg480640Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-09-30 17:41:542015-09-30 17:41:54NeuroHope Back on Inside Indiana Business
This generous donation of $10,000 to our mission of extended, supplemental rehabilitation for individuals recovering from neurologic injury provides a necessary bridge to ensure our doors remain open until we have access to the funds made available by Senate Act 166 next year.
The Foundation for Complex Healthcare Solutions assists organizations that are devoted to addressing the highest cost and most complex health conditions, and that develop programs, protocols, and approaches that are both more affordable and more effective than traditional models. The NeuroHope model provides healthcare outsides the boundaries of high fee schedules and insurance allowances, and we are proud to have the Foundation's support!
The Foundation states their purpose eloquently in their mission statement:
The concept of better healthcare and better outcomes is achieved through the delivery of quality healthcare at the right place and right time. Included in innumerable studies of the U.S. healthcare system is the finding that the extraordinarily high cost all to often does not assure high quality outcomes. The Foundation will design, develop and implement better ways to care for the most expensive diseases and conditions through its own programs and in collaboration with partner organizations.
A special thanks goes to the Foundation's Chairman, Doug Stratton (pictured), and board members Eric Banter and Dan Kranjnovich, as well as staffer Peggy Johnson for their passion and interest in the NeuroHope vision.
Five years is a long time to live in a broken body.
It's a long time to live with the pain of a permanently dislocated shoulder, muscle fibers wound as tight as rubber bands, plummeting blood pressure, and constant exhaustion.
I'm beginning to forget what it was like to have two arms, or to take a step without needing complete concentration. It's hard to remember what textures and temperatures felt like on my skin, or what it was like to take a full breath of air, and have a properly functioning bladder.
I'm grateful for the recovery I've made, and thankful that I escaped a life of total paralysis. Five years ago, that existence seemed like a real possibility. Many people that are hurt aren't as fortunate, and I remind myself of that everyday.
Nevertheless, there are times when nostalgia hits. Sometimes it's difficult to see pictures or video of myself before the accident, and there are times I struggle with the realization that the man I once was and the life I could have had is gone forever.
Before my injury, I empathized with people who were disabled, but never thought I would one day become one of them. Those are the types of things that happen to other people. Not me. Not in the prime of my life.
I still remember everything about August 8, 2010. Every year all the memories of that day flood back. I remember waking up early and going to the gym, excited for the kayak trip later in the day. I remember picking up my friend Markus at his apartment on the way to southern Indiana and wrestling with his dog in the living room before we left. I remember meeting our friend Justin at the campground, the bus ride to the launch site, and what an amazing day it was on the river. I remember approaching the 50 foot truss bridge on the kayaks, and I remember climbing up the narrow beam that towered above the river – the last act of physical strength I would ever perform.
It's impossible to forget what it was like to be a total quadriplegic. Memories of being a floating head on a pillow will never fade. I'll never forget what it was like to have a machine breathe for me, a team of individuals feed, bathe, and dress me, and what it was like needing a blow-tube to communicate with nurses. I'll never forget the fear that those experiences may be a part of my everyday life for the rest of my existence.
I try not to dwell. But on the 8th of August, I allow it. This day is a reminder of my past, but also signifies what my family and I have overcome, and what we try so hard to build with NeuroHope.
I've learned that when forced to adapt to a seemingly impossible set of circumstances, no matter the context, it's up to us to find new meaning, and new purpose.
As the years go by and I travel farther away from the able-bodied person I once was, I hope my purpose becomes clear.
Embrace your abilities. Embrace your physicality. Embrace your strength and the life you live.
In one fleeting moment, it could all be taken away.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/bridge2croped.jpg443476Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-08-08 09:13:112015-08-08 09:19:11The 8th of August: Five Years Later
Nora, Donna, Allison, and I want to extend a HUGE and heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our open house last Wednesday.
What was originally planned to be a small gathering to thank our contributors from last summer's crowdfunding campaign, morphed into a larger event open to anyone interested in our cause and what we are building for Indianapolis. More than 100 of you came to show your support. We were thrilled with the turnout and the passion each of you showed with your presence and by the personal conversations we had with many of you.
I also want to thank the volunteers that helped organize, set-up, and serve as "staff" for the night. Justin Davis, Rob Shaw, Katie and Markus Wilds, Jon and Sarah McAfee, Tony Allanson, Callie Burk, and Jonelle Ball were outstanding hosts for the evening. I've known them all since childhood, and it was pretty special to have them by my side on such an awesome night.
And, how 'bout that eatin'!? We had some fantastic food generously provided by some of our favorite restaurants. Pure Eatery (my favorite place in Fountain Square) donated wraps and salads for all. Iaria's Italian Restaurant supplied the delicious meatballs, and the spread from Indy's own Sushi Boss and Rocket 88 Doughnuts were gobbled up fast. I'd like to extend a big thanks to those restaurants that sponsored us!
We have come a long way since our initial fundraising push began last summer. We've opened our doors, purchased specialized equipment, changed a state law, and have started seeing our first clients. You have all played a significant role in our early success. As Allison and I explained on Wednesday, we hope you can help us spread the word past our existing network. We handed out 10 copies of a pre-written Outreach Letterto each of you that explains our mission and explains our goals. Now, we humbly ask for your help. We hope you can find 10 people in your network to send the letter. We left the title and the signature fields empty for you to fill in the fields or add a personal mesage.
If each of you reach out to just 10 family members, friends, co-workers, or social groups, there is a solid chance we will find others interested in NeuroHope and eager to help us reach our goals. We have an aggressive plan of $50,000 to raise by next spring which will ensure we stay viable until we can apply for money from the new state law.
Someone in your network may be the key to a major foundation or grant opportunity that can change the lives of many. LET'S FIND THEM!
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/openHousePics.jpg350960Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-07-19 15:14:312015-07-19 15:14:31Open House Pictures and Letter Posted!
Today Senate Act 166, an Indiana state law to help fund long-term physical therapy programs was signed into law by Governor Pence. It’s a special day for NeuroHope, and for all the clients we will serve, because it was written specifically with our mission in mind.
For the last seven months we’ve worked closely with key state legislators (Sen. Patricia Miller, Sen. Luke Kenley, Rep.David Frizzell, Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer and others) to raise awareness to the glaring void in care for people recovering from traumatic injury. There are too many families thrown into the world of spinal cord or brain injury who soon realize that the time available for their recovery is severely limited. Many will be discharged from inpatient rehabilitation after a matter of weeks, with only a small number of outpatiet visits available for the rest of their recovery.
We first approached Senator Miller, chair of the Senate Health Committee, last fall to share my story and the vision we had for NeuroHope. Back in 2007, Senator Miller helped create the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund. This is a wonderful fund that proves Indiana is already at the forefront of a changing paradigm of neurologic research and rehabilitation. Every year, the fund receives about 1.5 million dollars from statewide motor vehicle registrations. Every two years, the legislature decides the allowance. Previously, this money was only permitted to be used for research purposes. Last year for example, 9 researchers received grants for various projects around the state. One in particular is a very worthwhile study at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana researching diabetes and neurologic injury. This is great work that will continue, but Senator Miller felt that more could be done with the fund. She quickly became our leading advocate and introduced the bill that we’ve helped shepherd through the entire legislative process. She proposed that a portion of the fund, in addition to it’s use for research, be used for the long-term treatment of neurologic injury. Specifically, for a clinic that offers extended services at affordable rates after insurance expires – the crux of our mission at NeuroHope.
In January and in March I gave detailed presentations to the Health Committees of both the Indiana House of Representatives and the Senate. You can read my testimony here. I explained the compexities of neurologic injury, and how care is limited to the amount dictacted by insurance companies. I also discussed how an independent organization like NeuroHope, that is willing to provide services outside the boundaries of traditional facilities, will help fill the void in care in Indiana.
Our mesage was clear and our message was heard! The bill passed each bipartisan committee unopposed. It passed the Senate 47-0. It passed the House of Representatives 95-0. Throughout its journey the bill never received a single vote of opposition, and was signed into law by the Governor in April.
What it Means
A portion of the money in the Indiana Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Fund must now be granted to a facility that offers: “post-acute extended physical therapy services for individuals with spinal cord and brain injuries at affordable rates”.
An annual amount of 10{d57c75664ee40cd9f9f9d2c854d19b920dafc77e6732c691aa0b0118029496b3}-15{d57c75664ee40cd9f9f9d2c854d19b920dafc77e6732c691aa0b0118029496b3} of the fund (approximately $150,000 – $225,000) must now be used for this purpose.
The 11 member Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Board approves funding.
This opportunity WILL NOT fully fund NeuroHope! It is simply a fund which we are eligible to apply to for assistance each year.
Our model of service revolves around providing supplemental care for the patients that need it. That means longer therapy visitis, and more therapy visits. In order to do this, NeuroHope needs income outside of insurance reimbursement to offset the true cost of therapy.
As a non-profit, much of our success will always rely on fundraising. Searching for grants, organizing charitable events, and seeking out individual donors (however large or small), will always play an integral part of our sustainability. The new law now provides another potential revenue stream.
It’s not often that a grassroots organization like ours is able to help pass a law in a single legislative session.
This law will not fully fund NeuroHope! Even if we are successful in securing money from the fund, it will not be available until next year.
Nevertheless this is an important milestone for the healthcare system and for disabled individuals in Indiana and we are honored to be a part of it.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Governor_officialpic_resize.jpg594960Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-07-01 11:11:252022-09-26 17:07:23Our Law to Fund Recovery Programs Signed by Gov. Pence!
Last month, we welcomed Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) Healthcare reporter J.K. Wall to NeuroHope. He and a photographer dropped by on a bustling Wednesday to learn about the vision we have for our clinic, and to chat with some of our clients as they worked their tails off in therapy.
The result: A fantastic front page article in the March 15 edition! Wall eloquently explains the void in therapy in central Indiana, and the model behind how we are changing the paradigm for longer rehab visits, and affordable access.
We would like to give a big thanks to J.K. Wall for his visit, and to our awesome clients Randy, Brad, and Ariane for sharing their recovery stories.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IBJ-picture.jpg236354Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-04-13 17:05:522015-04-13 17:05:52NeuroHope in the Press: Feature in IBJ
In the months since our campaign for NeuroHope was launched, we've been turning heads locally about the need to address long-term treatment and wellness programs for people recovering from and living with traumatic injury in Indiana. I've shared our vision with healthcare executives, insurance leaders, politicians, and media outlets in an effort to help change the paradigm of neurologic recovery in the state.
One of the individuals who has taken our story to heart is Senator Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis), who also chairs the bipartisan Senate Health and Service Providers Committee. We've been working closely with Senator Miller in an effort to amend a law, that if successful, can help fund specialized programs that offer long-term, activity-based therapy and wellness services. Indiana has a fantastic law already in place that helps fund neurologic resesarch. This amendment would let specialized programs be eligible to apply for grants from the exisiting fund as well.
On Wednesday, I testified before the committee at the Indiana State Capitol. I shared my story, explained the void in care, and described how this bill has the potential to enhance the research it already funds and change the lives of those living with paralysis in the process.
The bill passed committee 11-0, and now will move to the Senate floor. First hurdle cleared!
UPDATE: On January 29th, the bill passed the Indiana Senate a resounding 47-0! A clean bipartisan sweep! This brings us halfway home. In March, it will move to a committe for approval to send to the House of Representatives.
My testimony is posted below. The first half tells my personal recovery story, the second half explains the the potential of the bill.
Four and a half years ago I broke my neck in an accident and suffered a spinal cord injury that left me completely paralyzed from the neck down. It may come as a surprise as you see me walk into this room, but after my accident doctors weren’t sure if I would ever re-gain any movement. They prepared my family and me for the scenario that I might be a total quadriplegic for the rest of my life.
Initially (as I was going into surgery and trying to process that I was paralyzed) the only glimmer of comfort that I had, was knowing that I would receive the best standard of care. Between Methodist, IU-Health, the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, and other hospitals, there are many fine facilities here in Indianapolis. But, it soon became apparent that in spite of the care these facilities provide in the early stages of traumatic injury, there is a HUGE void they are unable to fill AFTER discharge, which often comes after a matter of weeks. Insurance runs out quickly, no matter how great the plan.
I was discharged from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana after 8 weeks. I fought for and received two extra weeks due to the severity of my injury, and the early progress I was showing. But, at discharge I was still completely paralyzed except for small movements in my fingers and right foot, and I left the hospital on a stretcher. Many bodily-functions were not intact. I didn’t have the ability to feed or bath myself. I was still completely caregiver dependent. Leaving the rehab hospital meant the daily physical and occupational therapy I had been receiving, and desperately needed to continue, had to stop. I remember that being the single most devastating blow for me. Incredibly, insurance would pay for a $50,000 blow-powered wheelchair, but extended therapy was denied. All I could do was return for a limited number of outpatient therapy visits a few times per week, a total of 30, before they too expired. I went to a nursing home instead.
My situation is not unique. This is the way it is for everyone recovering from traumatic injury. Neurologic injury takes months and sometimes years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery and a lifetime of maintenance.
Six months after my accident – still wheelchair bound – I was fortunate to travel to a specialty outpatient clinic in Utah formed precisely to help fill this need. This facility not only provided long-term access to rehabilitation, but also had specialized resources and equipment for neurologic recovery that was not offered anywhere in Indiana. My mother (who was my caregiver) and I were able to stay in a small apartment in Salt Lake City for nearly 2 years. I spent 3 to 4 hours in rehab everyday, until I recovered to the point where I am today.
Everyone will not be as fortunate in recovery as I was. Every spinal cord or brain injury is different. But, everyone needs continued care after inpatient and outpatient visits expire.
Senator Miller’s bill speaks to a very good law already in place in Indiana, and has the potential to greatly ENHANCE the research that it already funds.
The current law regulates the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund that was established in 2007. This fund is a godsend. The fact that our state recognizes the importance of addressing traumatic injury puts Indiana ahead of many others in a changing paradigm of neurologic research and recovery.
The fund receives about 1.5 million dollars per year from vehicle registrations. Under the current law, this money can only be used for research purposes. Last year 9 researchers received grants for various projects, and this incredible work needs to continue. Unused money in the fund rolls over to the next year. There is currently more than 4.5 million dollars available in the fund. Senator Miller’s bill will continue to fund research programs. However, it will also allow the board that administers the fund to consider grants for specialized long-term therapy PROGRAMS.
These programs will INCREASE clinical research opportunities by potentially providing an ENVIRONMENT for research to take place, while treating patients in the process. A sandbox can be created for educators, students and researchers.
The current 9-member board has been an outstanding steward of the fund. They are experienced and well qualified to evaluate the grant applications to ensure that good stewardship continues. The language in this bill helps ensure that only specialized programs would be eligible for application.
It’s an exciting time in neurologic research. The last 12 months have seen breakthroughs in laboratories and therapy gyms around the world, and medical organizations are aggressively seeking funds to continue research that they hope may bring them closer to a cure. Directly linked to that research is the need for an incredible amount of rehabilitative therapy that in the current health care system is difficult to receive.
The packets you have been provided show a model of this changing paradigm in neurologic recovery. Today’s current model consists of only two stages: Inpatient stay followed by limited outpatient visits. That’s it.
The continuum of care should involve a 4-stage process. We need a 3rd stage of extended rehabilitation and activity-based therapy that focuses on re-educating the nervous system, and we need a 4th stage of long-term health and wellness that is critically important for those of us living with disabilities. This is an element that is just as important as the recovery stage, and cannot be overlooked. Individuals less fortunate in their recovery need wellness programs in place to maintain their bodies and all the complications that come hand-in-hand with paralysis. They need to prevent pressure sores, maintain muscle and bone integrity, and more, to promote their quality of life and keep them out of the health care system. Programs like this are working in other communities – I’ve toured and met with the leaders of 7 of them – and they will work here as well.
Also in the packet, you will find the most recent report of the Indiana SCI and Brain Injury Fund and a description of the program.
Finally, the packet includes a report from the Utah Department of Health that shows the potential positive impact of this bill. The state of Utah has set up a similar fund for therapy and treatment and has had great success in returning individuals to work and school, and improving their overall quality of life. Some of the grants went to the unique facility that I attended, and to which I owe so much of my recovery.
The future of neurologic recovery relies on innovate research AND long-term programs for individuals outside the boundaries of traditional care. This bill will put the board in position to address both.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chris10.jpg264463Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-01-23 10:44:052015-01-30 20:20:24NeuroHope Bill to Fund Recovery Programs Passes Senate
One hundred miles southwest of the bustling suburbs of the Twin cities is the town of Morton, Minnesota.
A 2-hour drive down a series of two-lane highways through a mix of farmland, tundra, and open space, takes you to the tiny burg of less than 500 people.Morton boasts just a handful of intersections and corner stores, but a block off Main Street, in a gravel driveway at the foot of a small hill, sits a modest size building with aluminum siding. It’s the headquarters of Altimate Medical Inc., which does business under the more familiar name EasyStand.
Nestled alongside a grain elevator and a seemingly abandoned railroad track, it’s not exactly the kind of place you expect to find a company making a global impact in the medical field.But, inside, EasyStand’s team of 40 employees design, develop, manufacture, and ship state-of-the-art standing frames to medical facilities and to people living with paralysis around the world. “I don’t think many people in this area even know what we do here,” said Kyle Smith, EasyStand Marketing Manager. “I’m from the area and didn’t fully realize the impact we had until I started working here.”
Every day 30-40 EasyStand standing frames are built from scratch, assembled, tested, disassembled and shipped from Morton to rehabilitation hospitals, physical therapy clinics, skilled nursing centers, and individual buyers around the world.Not bad for a small-town company started in the 1980s by Alan Tholkes, a C6-7 quadriplegic. Tholkes began tinkering with contraptions in a garage in order to create a device that could help him spend time out of his wheelchair.
“Many people don’t understand the toll that being confined to a wheelchair can have on the body," Smith said. “Paralyzed individuals must spend time out of a seated position on a regular basis. Being upright puts weight through the body, which maintains bone density, prevents muscle contracture, helps with circulation, and much more.”
Paralysis is more than losing motor function.
A large part of living with paralysis is learning to maintain a body that is no longer in full communication with the brain.Paralyzed limbs don’t simply become useless dangling appendages.Muscles become tight and spastic.They need to be stretched and re-positioned regularly to avoid locking up.Skin breakdown and pressure sores are a constant threat when too much time is spent in the same position, and bodily functions like digestion and circulation are all affected when the body remains sedentary.
EasyStand products provide sit-to-stand support.
Their frames feature an adjustable seat bottom that rises vertically to brace the waist as the unit lifts the body to standing position.Knee and hip supports lock to stabilize the lower body. Their most versatile unit, the EasyStand Evolv, is also EasyStand’s best seller.According to Smith, the Evolv is often the best option for individual home use.A large chest level tray lets users work on a computer, read, or browse the internet while standing.More advanced features include a mobile unit that users with hand and arm function can push and maneuver around their home while standing.
The EasyStand Glider is another popular model. The Glider enables active standing by providing arm handles and lower body range of motion.This lets users move the arm handles to create reciprocal movement in the legs, which makes a cardio workout possible while in position.
Standing frames have proven to benefit people that use them in their homes, and have become an important part of the rehabilitation process as well.Spinal cord injuries above the T1 level may have extreme blood pressure changes.Orthostatic Hypotension (dropping blood pressure) can hit when the body is upright.Standing frames are used to slowly re-acclimate the body to being upright again.
Following my C4 injury in 2010, I was first placed in a standing frame one month after my accident.I could only remain upright for a few seconds, but it marked a significant point in the recovery process. Over time, tolerance builds as the body adjusts.
Standing frames are, however, relatively expensive.A price range of $2,200-$6,000 limits the number of people that can afford them for in-home use.EasyStand is often able to work with insurance companies to secure financing for some people, but like most insurance appeals, the pleading can be difficult.
Unfortunately, in the same way that long-term rehabilitation is limited for those recovering from neurologic injury, so too are access to many of the resources like standing frames that are needed after “rehabilitation” is over.
Living with paralysis is a battle. It's an ongoing process that requires life-long maintenance.
A major flaw in most communities is the lack of specialized health and wellness centers for the disabled, where equipment like an EasyStand can be accessed by those not fortunate enough to have a unit in there home.
As difficult as it may seem for the able-bodied population to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, the struggle is multiplied 10-fold for the disabled.This is the crux of the NeuroHope vision: Long-term rehabilitation and accessible wellness for all of us living with neurologic injury.
An EasyStand is one of the three core equipment pieces needed for NeuroHope before we begin operation in early 2015.
We need your help to make it happen:
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/easystandblding.jpg7641146Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2014-12-23 11:49:022015-03-10 21:31:11Small-Town Company Making Global Impact for Paralysis Community
Last year, with the help of a local production company, we shot the NeuroHope promo video that tells my story and captures what we aim to build in Indianapolis. (This video is featured on our home page. You can also view it here.)
One day after we finished taping, I remained in the studio for hours and shared everything I've learned and experienced over the last 5 years, from the day of the accident and life as a quadriplegic to re-learning my first steps and the many intricacies of neurologic injury and recovery.
In the coming months, I'll be breaking down much of this "bonus footage" into short clips about different topics in an effort to keep the conversation going. The first video is below. In it, I share one of the many denial letters my insurance company sent to me throughout my recovery. INCREDIBLY, it claims that I wasn't progressing enough to justify extended therapy.
The need for NeuroHope in a nutshell.
Be sure to "Like" NeuroHope on Facebook, and click "Subscribe" on YouTube to receive updates from our channel.
/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg00Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2014-11-08 14:49:252014-11-08 14:49:25Video: Denial Letter from Insurance
We began a crowdfunding campaign in August to help raise start-up costs for NeuroHope. The first equipment piece on our wish list, a piece that Nora and I consider an integral part of any rehabilitation and wellness clinic, was a NuStep recumbent cross trainer. Now, we are thrilled to announce that our first machine has been generously donated by NuStep!
I reached out to NuStep VP of Sales and Marketing Steve Sarns shortly after we launched the campaign and told him my story. I explained what we are building in Indiana, and let him know the role NuStep had throughout my personal recovery. A NuStep was the first piece of equipment I could power (ever so slightly) on my own after total paralysis. Over the course of two years, from nursing home to rehabilitation clinic, a NuStep remained part of my daily therapy as I recovered movement and built strength and endurance.
Last month Steve welcomed me to NuStep headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan to tour the facility. I was blown away. Not just by the campus, factory, and facility (which was much larger and structured than I imagined), but by the entire staff. This is a team that is proud of what they have created and is genuine in their mission.
Steve’s father Dick Sarns founded NuStep in 1987, but the idea was born in the 1960’s when Dick began to research exercise products for people in cardiac rehabilitation. He wanted to create an easily accessible recumbent bike-style machine that could provide a safe and effective workout for people of all ability levels. The bicycle seat and pedals, however, were a problem; they were transformed to a chair with a stepping motion. Upper and lower body movements were connected to move in a reciprocal pattern, and NuStep was born. Over the last 20 years the machine has evolved and the company has grown. Every machine is made and shipped from their Ann Arbor campus. Sarns says around 40 new machines are built and shipped around the world each day.
The NuStep is not built specifically for people living with spinal cord injury. But, what makes the machine special is the accessibility it provides for people recovering from and living with varying degrees of disability. In rehabilitation a NuStep can serve as a therapy tool that some patients may benefit from early in their recovery. Incomplete spinal cord injuries need every opportunity to get their bodies moving. They must spend every moment they can sending signals through their healing central nervous system to promote as much neuroplastic gain as possible. One of the most memorable milestones in my recovery, on par with the moment I took my first step, was the first time I used a NuStep.
The first few months of therapy after my accident consisted mostly of range of motion exercises and assisted movement from therapists. That was the extent of my abilities as a quadriplegic with only trace amounts of movement from the neck down. After three months, however, movement had faintly returned to portions of my legs, and my body had finally regained the ability to better regulate blood pressure. I still lacked the ability to sit upright on my own, but my body could finally tolerate being in an upright position without passing out. My arms were still paralyzed but my therapist thought my legs might be strong enough to give the NuStep a try. She transferred me to the seat, put my legs and hands in place, and there I sat – in a machine and on my own for the first since my accident. It took a few seconds, but the pedals budged and soon all four limbs were gliding to the movement my legs provided.
It was the first moment I no longer felt completely paralyzed. I was barely moving the machine at the lowest setting, but I was moving it. It rejuvenated me. It gave me new goals to focus on and served as the impetus to the next level of my rehabilitation.
My unique experience aside, the main benefit of these machines is their role in wellness. They were built to provide people of all ability levels a way to achieve a low impact, full body-work out. It is just as important for people with spinal cord injures to remain healthy through exercise as it is for the able-bodied population. No matter the level of motor return, all spinal cord injuries require an incredible amount of daily maintenance. A NuStep is an elliptical machine or treadmill for the disabled. The motion loosens muscles, alleviates spasticity, improves circulation, prevents pressure sores and promotes overall health. The machine has adaptations that can be easily added for individuals lacking leg or hand function, making a full cardio workout possible for nearly all injury levels.
We plan to have our NuStep available when NeuroHope opens this winter. Whether it be for open-gym wellness purposes, or as a warm-up before a therapy session, we are excited to have the addition. I can’t thank the Sarns family and the NuStep team enough. It is an incredible gesture from a company making a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope this NuStep will be the first of several for our facility.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/John-WG-LS-crop.jpg497672Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2014-10-20 18:14:272014-10-22 09:17:44NuStep Recumbent Trainer Donated to NeuroHope