• Our Services
    • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • NeuroHope News
    • Media Coverage
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • NeuroHope News
    • Media Coverage
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Events
    • 6TH ANNUAL SWING “FORE” HOPE GOLF SCRAMBLE PRESENTED BY VALEO FINANCIAL
  • Contact
  • Donate

One Summer Sunday: A Sister’s Perspective

August 15, 2014/in General Blog Posts, Success Story/by Chris Leeuw

Chris and Allison

My sister Allison has been by my side since day one after the accident 4 years ago.

At the Rehabilitation hospital, she stayed well past the “allowed” visiting hours each night.  At the nursing home,  she kept me company, fed me, and did her best to keep my spirits up during the darkest times.  She spent hours fighting and writing hospital and insurance company administrators in an effort to grant more rehabilitation time.  She was my biggest cheerleader every step of the way as I slowly gained back my mobility and independence.  She even walked with me as I struggled through a mile at a fundraiser for the Reeve Foundation at the Kentucky Derby Marathon in 2012.

Now, she is playing an instrumental role in helping to create NeuroHope.

Allison recently posted the update below on her facebook page.  It’s both chilling and moving, and a reminder that entire families are changed by spinal cord injury – not just the person thrown into paralysis.

Essentially 4 years ago – August 8, 2010.

It was a sunny afternoon. I was enjoying a typically beautiful summer day at Lake Wawasee with close friends and family. I remember going on boat rides and trying to take kiddo’s on the jet-skis.  We were “borrowing” Chris’s two SeaDoos, and I remember calling my “little” brother to ask his advice about some issue we were having.

Carefree and oblivious.

“So Chris, what kind of oil do they take?” We spoke so briefly. Just a random chat. It’s funny how the random details stick with you.

I remember our dear friends packed up early to go home and to work/school the next day. I think the first day of school that year was the upcoming Monday.  I stayed behind at the cottage. I was vacuuming, cleaning, and enjoying one last summer sunset with a plan to drive back to Indianapolis in the morning.

I didn’t hear from anyone else that evening and I crashed early.  It still shatters my soul to think what was going on back home.

I woke up the next morning to strange and somber voicemails on my phone. From cousin Julie: “Allison, I heard about Chris’s accident, call me, let me know what we can do, we love you.”

That was how I heard the news.  Through all the drama of the day, a helicopter trip to the ICU and a night spent in the Emergency Room, Mom and Dad hadn’t called me. They knew I was three hours north and feared me driving back on my own. They were caught up in a nightmare.

Somethings are a blur now. We felt like zombies for months. Tears and Panic. Hope and Fear.

“Fight fight fight” , became the mantra.  I will never forget the strength of Chris’s attitude. I still try to live each day with gratitude and purpose.

Today, we have a renewed purpose.

Four years after a C4/5 spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down, we have created a public charity that will offer the extended rehabilitation services he struggled so hard to obtain.

We need your support.  We need help to spread the word.

If you haven’t already, please watch and share the inspirational video that Chris put together with help from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and his close friends.  It is too easy to take the simple things for granted in life. Mobility. Freedom. Health.

Take a moment and breathe in your life and your blessings.  Life can change in an instant and yet we all have the power to change lives.

Ask yourself, “What change will I make today?”

 

 

Tags: Allison Leeuw, NeuroHope, spinal cord injury
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg 0 0 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2014-08-15 15:04:522022-09-26 16:42:31One Summer Sunday: A Sister’s Perspective
You might also like
The 8th of August: Five Years Later
Client Spotlight: Macy Huff
Client Spotlight: John Piper
Pictures from Rehab Week London!
Team NeuroHope at 2017 Monumental Marathon!
Client Spotlight: Ryan Bardellini
Chris Leeuw Awarded “Rosenbaum Friend of Physical Therapy” from INAPTA
VIDEO: Overcoming Paralysis, Changing Healthcare, and Finding Your Passion

Archive

Categories

  • Annoucements (32)
  • General Blog Posts (69)
  • Homepage (16)
  • Media (13)
  • News (14)
  • Personal (1)
  • Success Story (14)

Facebook

Instagram

neurohope

View

Sep 20

Open
It was an amazing 6th annual ”SWING FORE HOPE” presented by Valeo Financial!! Thank you to our sell-crowd of participants and sponsors that made year six a success at Ironwood Golf Club: All told $63,000 raised for our programs!!.

Thank you @hensleylegal @rehabmedicalinc @fourdayray Barnstown Bourbon, @jacksonfamilywines for a fantastic day raising funds for #paralysisrecovery 

And ALL of our hole and food sponsors that made happen! @goodmancampbellbrainandspine , @vonlehman , @conquerparalysisnow , @indy_biplanes
.
#fundraiser #nonprofit #golf #indy #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Sep 14

Open
Team NeuroHope hosted a two-day seminar with @iuskillsonwheels for chair practice navigating ramps, curbs, obstacles, transfers and all around wheelchair skills.  Big thanks to the volunteers and the Skills on Wheels team for an awesome time ♿️💪!
..
#wheelchairusers #wheelchairlife #wheelchairdontcare #skillsonwheels

neurohope

View

Sep 7

Open
Thanks to @indynowtv @fox59 for having Chris and NeuroHope patient James Ahlers in studio to talk about spinal cord injury recovery, NeuroHope’s growth and “Swing Fore Hope” - where James will be the 2023 “Grand Marshal”!

#healthcare #indy #nonprofit #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Sep 5

Open
Tune in @indynowtv tomorrow morning at 10:00! 24-year-old James Ahlers and NeuroHope Executive Director Chris Leeuw will be on @fox59 to raise awareness for our programs!
Hear James’ story - paralyzed with a #spinalcordinjury in a swimming accident last summer - and his journey at NeuroHope. 💪💪.
#spinalcordinjury #neurorecovery #affordablerehab #nonprofit #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Sep 1

Open
We’re kicking off National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month with First Friday with Friends, featuring Health Coach and NeuroHope client Laura Burdick, MPH. Laura gave us amazing tips for making delicious healthy snacks and fueling our bodies with dense nutrients to promote healing and good health! We are so grateful for the supportive community here at NeuroHope! 

#healthcoaching #neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #health #adaptivefitness  #firstfriday #spinalcordinjury #wellness #nationalspinalcordinjuryawarenessmonth b

neurohope

View

Aug 24

Open
Staff Highlight Video! Spotlight on Physical Therapist, Brittanie Howe!

Brittanie started her career aspirations with a Bachelor‘s degree in Biology and then moved on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Trine University. In graduate school, Brittanie found her passion for the neurologic population because of the complexity of the patients, needs and the amazing people within this population. Brittanie is LSVT certified, a treatment protocol to aid those with Parkinson’s disease.

In this video, Brittanie describes the supportive nature of the NeuroHope community and compares it to a family. Brittanie describes her goal-oriented approach to physical therapy with clients and how she is inspired by her client’s resiliency and positive energy. Check out Brittanie’s video here…

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

neurohope

View

Aug 17

Open
Don't miss the EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION for our 6th Annual Swing "Fore" Hope Golf Scramble at Ironwood Golf Club on Monday, September 18th, 2023 presented by Valeo Financial!  Our teams are almost full! Join us with a foursome or sponsor a hole. Register here: https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

We will kick off the event with a meet-and-greet with special guest, Indy 500 Champion Alexander Rossi. NeuroHope client James Ahlers will speak at our opening ceremony as Grand Marshal and Dalhia Goldstein from Country Summer will sing the National Anthem!

Enjoy an end-of-summer day at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Your ticket covers breakfast, coffee from Lulu's Coffee & Bakehouse, bourbon cocktails and cigars by Bardstown Bourbon, lunch, beer from Four Day Ray, pizza dinner, and a full day of fun. Please help us reach our $50,000 goal to expand our programming!

Big thanks to our early-bird event sponsors: Hensley Legal Group, Rehab Medical, and Langdon Shaw Associates. 

#swingforehope #indygolf #neurohope #hoosiergolf @arrowmclaren @alexanderrossi

neurohope

View

Aug 15

Open
Wooo Whooo!! James’s approval from a power chair to a manual chair got approved. This is a big step in his recovery journey! We are so happy for you, James! 

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

neurohope

View

Aug 11

Open
Groundbreaking Day with @conquerparalysisnow and @sam.schmidt_ !  Excited to begin renovations on the 108,000 square foot facility : expanding our services for an affordable continuum of care for neurologic injuries .

Read about it in the Indianapolis Star! Link in bio!

#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #affordablerehab #healthcare #indy #nonprofit #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #bethechange

neurohope

View

Aug 9

Open
🚨MAJOR NEWS!!🚨 Thrilled to announce a partnership with @sam.schmidt_ & @conquerparalysisnow as we begin renovations this fall for our FUTURE HOME! - the 108,000 square foot , former “Five Seasons Sports Club” on the northside of #Indianapolis !

This is a monumental step for the community as we take our shared mission of providing an affordable continuum of care for neurologic conditions to the next level.

1 in 4 people will experience a paralyzing condition (#stroke, #spinalcordinjury, #braininjury) in their lifetime.  These conditions often take months or years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery. 

Unfortunately, due to rising #healthcare costs, and limited insurance allowances, it is difficult for traditional healthcare providers to offer affordable access to  long-term care.

 The average stay in acute rehabilitation for patients has declined from 98 days in the 1970s to just 16 days in 2022.  Then, most insurance plans limit outpatient therapy to just to an average of just 28 days.

It’s a sad irony: As research and therapeutic innovation advances, access to resources declines.

 Since 2015, NeuroHope has worked tirelessly to fill this void in care in Indiana.  With support from @uindy , @uindy_kspt , the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund, the @orthoindy Foundation, @reevefoundation @cicfoundation and many others , we have built a multidisciplinary #physicaltherapy, #occupationaltherapy, and adaptive wellness center that has helped hundreds of patients. 

The need for care has outgrown our 13,000 square foot gym.  We are honored to be working with CPN to create a continued care, and #adaptivefitness center unlike any other!

STAY TUNED!! #neurorecovery #nonprofit #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury #socent #affordablerehab #neurohope @drivenlv

neurohope

View

Aug 4

Open
In March 2020 Renee had a heart attack and a stroke. After completing treatment at Community South and RHI, she came to NeuroHope in March of 2023 to continue her recovery journey with us. Renee works hard, engaging in both physical and occupational therapy. Check out Renee running on our Power Step with the support of PTA Lydia and Tech Lex. 

#neurohope #strokesurvivor #physicaltherapy #affordablerehab #hope #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness  #cvarecovery #tgif #beyonce

neurohope

View

Jul 27

Open
Unveiling our new @bionessrehab BITS Balance training system - thanks to the generosity of an incredible donor!!
OT Elizabeth and PTA Lydia demonstrate how BITS combines vision, cognitive, motor, and balance tasks to challenge and assess patient strength , memory, and stability.  Our team can use this tool for posture and balance training, hand-eye coordination, vision re-training and much more.
It's all part of our continuing mission to make the best resources and interventions available to the patients that need them.
.
#neurorecovery #affordablerehab #nonprofit #strokerecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #braininjuryrecovery

neurohope

View

Jul 25

Open
James taking a stroll on the @hocomamedical Lokomat. Like most insurance covered therapy - access to resources like this are typically limited to an average of 28 therapy visits before coverage is exhausted. 
The reality is - MUCH more time and access is needed to maximize recovery.
The great irony - at a time when breakthroughs in research and therapy interventions are being discovered, access to them is becoming increasingly limited.
Affordable, longer-term access is needed.
This is why we’re here!
.
#neurorehab #affordablerehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #walkingafterspinalcordinjury

neurohope

View

Jul 21

Open
Longtime client Juan #tbi still making strides.  Sit to stand and ALL HIM 🙌. Long-term, affordable rehab.  This is why we’re here 💪💪

neurohope

View

Jul 17

Open
⛳️ EARLY-BIRD registration is ON for the 6th Annual Swing “Fore” Hope Golf Scramble benefiting NeuroHope, presented by Valeo Financial!  Monday, September 18 at Ironwood Golf Club in Fishers. Food, beer, prizes, bourbon tastings by @bardstownbourbonco and a day on the course. Early-bird prices until August 15!

Our goal: $50,000 campaign to expand our programming and spinal cord injury research. Sign up, sponsor, or spread the word! https://neurohopewellness.networkforgood.com/events/57914-swing-fore-hope

Thanks to our current sponsors: Langdon Shaw Associates, Inc., @hensleylegal and Rehab Medical. 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #hopetalks #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #spinalcordinjury#swingforehope #nonprofit #indygolf

neurohope

View

Jul 14

Open
Today is Disability Awareness Day and we’re shining the spotlight on one of NeuroHope’s caregiver/family members! 

Michele Green is the wife of NeuroHope client Steve Green. In this video, she shares her unique perspective as a family member and caregiver of someone who has suffered from a stroke that resulted in paralysis. 

Caregivers and support systems play a crucial role in a NeuroHope client’s recovery. Michele discusses how the NeuroHope team has supported and given her family hope during her husband’s recovery and rehabilitation. Listen to Michele’s insightful words here…

#neurohope #cva #neurofit #strokesurvivor #affordablerehab #hope #disabilityawareness #caregiver #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #disabilityawarenessday

neurohope

View

Jul 12

Open
🎉 We are so excited to welcome our new Wellness Coordinator Melissa “Mel” Spencer to the NeuroHope Team!

Mel comes to us from the University of Indianapolis and she is a certified Exercise Physiologist, working towards her masters in Exercise Science. Mel loves to run and spend time with her dog. We are so pumped to have her at NeuroHope!

#neurohope #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #wellness #neurofit #multifit #neuro#adaptivefitnessclasses #neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #hope #affordablerehab #adaptiveexercise

neurohope

View

Jul 11

Open
🎉 Thanks to the O’Bryant family for their generous donation of this stepper for our NeuroFit cardio classes! 

#neurohope #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurofit #affordablerehab #hope #sci #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indyhealthcare #indy #inspiring #healthcareheroes #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence

neurohope

View

Jul 5

Open
This is Debbie, she suffered from a stroke almost two years ago. After maxing out on insurance benefits, Debbie came to NeuroHope to continue her therapy through our Guided Rehabilitative Exercise (self-pay) program. 

Debbie has been working hard and making progress towards her recovery goals since she began treatment at NeuroHope a year ago. We are all inspired by Debbie’s positive outlook. Debbie is an ambassador of hope and encouragement for our NeuroHope community. 

Check out Debbie’s improved coordination, balance, and strength on her affected side! Go Debbie! Keep up the great work! 

#affordablerehab #neurorecovery #cva #cvarecovery #hope #strokesurvivor#affordablehealthcare #beinspired

neurohope

View

Jul 3

Open
HUGE Congratulations to our Director of Therapy Elliot Cohee - a newly board certified :  Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS)!!

It’s an honor that comes through years of experience, rigorous training , and devotion to understanding and treating neurologic conditions.

We can’t express how fortunate we are to have Elliot leading our clinical services.  His commitment to care is second to none.

Congratulations Elliot!!
.
#physicaltherapy #neuroscience #neuropt #ncs #choosept #neurorecovery #neurologicaldisorder #neurological_rehabilitation #neurologicalphysicaltherapy

neurohope

View

Jun 29

Open
Client Highlight Video! NeuroHope client Sam Schultz sustained a brain injury from a 2016 mountain biking accident in Colorado.  

After 3 1/2 months of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital, Sam came home to Indiana in need of continued care. She first came to NeuroHope in 2018 and has been a regular in our gym ever since progressing from physical therapy, to personal training sessions and is now a workout warrior in our wellness program.

Sam inspires us all with her words: “Continue to grow. Do not give up. You can do it - You’ve  just got to do it.”  Sam has set big goals for herself and she shares how NeuroHope has helped better herself. Watch her story here:

#NeuroHope #neurofit #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #hope #inspiring #beinspired #adaptivefitness #pathtoindependence #tbi #traumaticbraininjury #braininjuryrecovery
Load More

6002 Sunnyside Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46236

Located In The Concrete
Building Attached To The US
Lumber Warehouse

Contact Us

Phone: 317-525-8386

Fax: 844-556-4672

Open Monday – Friday

9AM – 5PM

Donate Now

NeuroHope is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides long-term physical rehabilitation and wellness following neurologic injury.   TIN: 46-1842276

Your contribution keeps our extended care services strong.  Thank You!

© Copyright NeuroHope 2023

Privacy Policy

4 Ways Outpatient Physical Therapy Must Change NeuroHope Featured on ‘Inside Indiana Business’
Scroll to top