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Tag Archive for: Alexa Cantwell

Client Spotlight: Alexa Cantwell

December 12, 2019/in General Blog Posts, Success Story/by Chris Leeuw

Alexa Cantwell, a 27 year old from Indianapolis, didn’t become a wheelchair-user instantaneously like so many others who injure their spinal cords. Instead, when she was just 8 years old, Alexa sustained a spinal stroke which resulted in a gradual decline in her mobility through her teens.

The spinal stroke caused damage from the C2 to T2 vertabrae.  “Because of the nature of the stroke, it took doctors a long time to discover what actually happened,” Alexa says. “I started using AFO leg braces when I was around 10 years old and later used forearm crutches.  I didn’t use a wheelchair full-time until I was seventeen.”

Since a spinal stroke can cause an incomplete injury, Alexa’s entire body is affected in some way.  She still has some sensation throughout her body. “Just a little less in my legs and feet. I can also move my legs a very small amount,” she says.

When Alexa was 12, her family moved into an accessible home as a precautionary step.  By the time she was in her teens she needed to use the elevator and accessible apartment in the basement. “When I was in college, we renovated my bathroom so I could use it independently.  We installed a roll-in shower with a bench, a sink I can roll under, and bars by the toilet. I’m so grateful to have a house that I could easily transition to,” Alexa says.

Since her injury was not traumatic, she did not go through traditional specialized neurological rehabilitation. Instead, she was sent to general physical therapy. “Before being at NeuroHope, I had gone to a facility that specialized in helping patients with neurological injuries and conditions, but it was still pretty traditional in a lot of ways. I wasn’t showing enough improvement after a short time so I was discharged.”

Frustrated with the results of therapy, she wanted more and was introduced to NeuroHope when she saw a post on Instagram.  “I checked out their page not realizing NeuroHope was in Indiana. I was surprised and excited to find out they were so close to where I lived. I wanted to try out a place that offered something different from traditional physical therapy but everything I found was too far away.”

Alexa has now been coming to NeuroHope for more than a year and has seen exciting results. “I’ve always been drawn to alternative methods instead of the traditional route when it comes to my health, so NeuroHope was right up my alley. One of my favorite things is the Xcite machine (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation). At my first appointment, I got to use it and stand up with a walker. It felt really good to be on my feet again.”

Now working as a self-employed lifestyle and wellness coach after graduating with writing and business administration degrees, Alexa stays busy with family and friends when she’s not working. “They’re so supportive and I don’t know what I’d do without them,” she says. “I also enjoy serving at church and traveling. I haven’t been out of the country since I’ve been in my chair, but it’s on my bucket list.”

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Alexa-Cantwell-blog.jpg 303 797 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2019-12-12 15:18:362022-08-21 18:23:57Client Spotlight: Alexa Cantwell

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#SpinalCordInjury recovery is a team effort💪. Caleb in a Locomotor Training treadmill session with the NeuroHope team. Step by step we’re here for you.  #keeppushing #AffordableRehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery

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On the first Friday of each month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month, @pawsandthinkinc, a fellow nonprofit that brings therapy dogs into the community paid us a visit!  Golden Retriever Nai’a had 3 objectives : Belly rubs, head pats, and smiles.
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Less than two months before her 2022 high school graduation, Olivia was paralyzed in a car crash.  She has been on a physical, emotional, and mental journey over the last year, recovering from her spinal cord injury.  In the year since her accident , she has suffered pressure sores, UTIs, blood pressure issues and more.
She bounces back , and keeps pushing.  The need for continued therapy and exercise programs after life-changing injuries is real - and her story is an inspiring one!  Read it through the link on our IG Story! .
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Calab (Spinal cord injury), on the floor with Barry and Kendal.  Balance and core work to keep his body moving 💪💪.
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We are looking for an energetic Occupational Therapist passionate about #neurorecovery AND a Development / Advancement Manager to help our growing team reach new audiences, donors, and partners!

Join our growing team .Interested applicants inquire through the link in our bio, and type either "OT" or "Development" in the subject line.

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Learning to walk again is something no one ever expects they will need to do.  It is the definition of determination, resilience , patience, and guidance.  PT Brittanie is here for Mark every step of the way 💪💪.

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Therapy Director Elliot and Chris were in studio @indynowtv to tell the NeuroHope story and the hundreds of families we have helped on their road to recovery from #Spinalcordinjury #braininjury and #Stroke.  Neurologic injuries are life changing.  The need for affordable rehab after hospital discharge, and specialized fitness programs to improve long-term health is REAL.  Thanks to @uindy_kspt, @orthoindy Foundation , @reevefoundation and all those who have helped us grow.
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Just a few of the NeuroHope #heroes battling #paralysis and the hard work they put in everyday….
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Dec 27

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Thank you @indystar for telling my personal story recovering from #spinalcordinjury , the growth of NeuroHope thanks to @orthoindy Foundation and most importantly ..the hundreds of people recovering from paralysis NeuroHope helps receive affordable , after-hospital care.

It’s all possible thanks to our amazing staff that change lives everyday , and the supporters that believe in us!

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Nov 30

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The healthcare system is complex, especially for people recovering from neurological conditions like spinal cord injury, brain injury, and stroke.  The cost of care is high, and the time spent in insurance-covered rehabilitation is short.  Our mission revolves around providing services for the people that fall through the cracks of healthcare.  It’s why we’re here.  We smashed our $5,000 #GivingTuesday goal, and raised $7,000 yesterday to support our programs for people recovering from paralysis
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Keep those #GivingTuesday donations coming! $200 for a chance for four ROW 1 Colts tix, field passes, transportation to #MondayNightFootball on 12/26!
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Help us reach our $5,000 goal to help those recovering from paralysis!

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TODAY!  A $200 donation could WIN FOUR 1st row @colts tickets, field passes, and transportation to Monday Night Football 12/26! Courtesy of @hensleylegal !

Help us reach our $5,000 goal today to help people recovering from #paralysis. 
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Day 1 of our @ndtassociation seminar led by DPT Monica Diamond. “Facilitating Transitional Movements Effectively”. 
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Wishing a special #VeteransDay weekend to clients Mike, Bob, and ALL who have served!  Thank you for your service - and for being YOU.

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Kayode (c4/5 spinal cord injury) working on sit-to-stands with Megan.  Activating quads, glutes and STANDING TALL.  Recovery is a process.  This is why we’re here!.
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Oct 27

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BIG Congratulations to Wellness Director Bart Richwalski - now certified through the NSCA as a Special Population Specialist (CSPS). This is a rigorous exam established for kinesiologists to address the unique fitness needs of those with chronic neuromuscular conditions.

We can’t express how lucky we are to have Bart leading our Wellness Team.  Since joining NeuroHope 5 years ago, he has built a parallel program to our clinical therapy side, and made NeuroHope’s overall model - a hybrid of skilled therapy and personalized fitness what it is today.

Congratulations Bart!.
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