Every year the Indianapolis Business Journal selects forty individuals in the Indy metro area who “have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement before the age of 40.” The annual list is meant to recognize some of our city’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs, philantropists, and community leaders. I am honored to be a member of the 24th class!
A special print edition of the IBJ was dedicated to the class, and an in-depth profile of each member was included. Read my segment here:
The class of 2016 was honored at a reception at the Skyline Club in the One America Building and will also have the privilege to preside over a $40,000 grant, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation(CICF), to local charities.
I can’t thank the NeuroHope team and our supporters enough for all that has been done to launch our clinic over the last three years. Without their support NeuroHope would be an idea instead of reality. And, we are only just beginning!
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IBJ_40u40.jpg350960Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2016-02-25 19:14:092016-02-25 21:04:59Chris Named to IBJ’s “Forty Under 40” List
Team NeuroHope was out in full force at last week’s Indianapolis Monumental Marathon!
A HUGE THANK-YOU goes out to our friends and family who braved the cold to participate in the race and festivities, and all of their supporters who contributed in the fundraising effort. The total amount pledged?
A resounding grand total of $8,790!
THAT is an incredible number that blew our initial goal out of the water, and gives us the funds necessary to purchase the $5,000 hydraulic therapy mat that has been on our wish list for quite some time.
A shout-out out to all 31 team members that walked / ran the 5K, and the half marathon in support of NeuroHope is posted below. You are all true rock stars!
Special recognition is needed for the amazing Aika Yoshida (far right in the photo on the left). A spinal cord injury survivor herself, Aika walked, yes WALKED the 13.1 miles with time to spare!
We also can’t forget our volunteers who worked the finish line all morning handing out water, medals, and bananas to more than 17,000 race participants. We are overwhelmed by your support.
2015 Monumental Marathon Marathon NeuroHopeTeam:
Stephanie Adkins
Victoria Andrews
Larry Carter
Stephanie Deaton
Shannon Dillard
Erin Dull
Renee Edwards
Diana Fjeld
Brent Foster
Nora Foster
Jenny Garza
Georgine Getty
Lynnette Goodwin
Carrie Graunke
Sarah Harnish
Brooke Kroll
Allison Leeuw
David Marks
Amy McRay
James McRay
Kelson Moran
Melissa Owen
Jeanie Pelt
Donna Peterson
Betsie Reed
Tina Repking
Sara Sale
Kelly Shaw
Stephanie Shaw
Amber Soper
Sherry Surface
John Viray
Julie Wojtaszek
Kristen Yates
Aika Yoshida
NeuroHope’s Monumental Marathon Volunteers:
Carol Campbell
Justin Davis
Elaine Drew
Maurita Ducanes
Rhonda Fishel
Gene Leeuw
Monice Leeuw
John Mead
Beth Overmyer
Carol Vojt
What an event. Allison did an amazing job organizing and leading our team. Let’s make it bigger next year!
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/monumental.jpg350960Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-11-20 14:10:592015-11-20 14:22:03Team NeuroHope at the Monumental Marathon!
Get your hands on this month’s Indianapolis Monthly magazine!
The November issue features a lengthy piece that details my injury, my recovery, the struggles my family and I went through to find long-term care, and what we are building at NeuroHope.
This is an article that was more than a year in the making. We first reached out to the magazine’s editor, Megan Fernandez, in the summer of 2014. At the time, we had just launched our initial crowdfunding campaign. The magazine was not able to cover the story, but Megan kept us in mind, and we reconnected this summer.
I met with the author, Jeff Vrabel, multiple times. He visited NeuroHope twice, we had lunch once, and we spent a lot of time on the phone during the writing process. It was humbling to see Jeff’s passion to tell my story. He was focused on learning as much as he could about the complex topics of neurologic recovery and the insurance industry. His effort shows. He captures the message eloquently in the article.
This article is about more than my journey back from paralysis. Jeff covered the bases. He took the time to speak with our staff and clients, the founder of Neuroworx, leaders from IU Health, the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, and Senator Patricia Miller, who authored an Indiana law that passed this year to help fund recovery programs.
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/indyMonthly.jpg350960Chris Leeuw/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svgChris Leeuw2015-11-04 08:58:172015-12-31 18:10:41NeuroHope Featured in Indianapolis Monthly Magazine!
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
After a diving accident in 2010 left him paralyzed from the neck down, it took nearly two years and a brief move to Utah for Chris Leeuw to be able to walk and drive again.
Now, Leeuw is determined to give other patients that same chance.
The 32-year-old opened the doors of the NeuroHope rehab clinic on Feb. 18 to offer patients more time to recover and to help them remain healthy in spite of their immobilizing spinal cord and brain injuries.
“Neurologic injury takes months and sometimes years of intense rehabilitation to maximize recovery and a lifetime of maintenance,” Leeuw said, but unfortunately, “Insurance runs out quickly, no matter how great the plan.”
Most rehab hospitals and clinics are set up to deliver only the services paid for by insurance. But NeuroHope is trying to develop a low-cost operation that provides care—including specialized equipment not available in Indiana—for as long as patients need it.