• Our Services
    • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • News
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Menu Menu
  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Therapy Tools
  • Our Team
  • About Us
    • Partners & Board
    • News
    • Videos
  • Success Stories
  • FOUNDER’S STORY
  • Contact
  • Donate

Tag Archive for: August 8th

The 8th of August: Five Years Later

August 8, 2015/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

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. Bridge beam

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.jpg 443 476 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2015-08-08 09:13:112015-08-08 09:19:11The 8th of August: Five Years Later

Archive

Categories

  • Annoucements (48)
  • General Blog Posts (85)
  • Homepage (14)
  • Media (12)
  • News (16)
  • Personal (1)
  • Success Story (12)

Facebook

Instagram

neurohope

View

Mar 14

Open
#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

neurohope

View

Mar 9

Open
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.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 😀.
#therapydog #therapydogsofinstagram

neurohope

View

Mar 8

Open
Here’s to the amazing women who make our community what it is: leaders, clinicians, patients, caregivers & supporters.  Thank you!
.
#internationalwomensday

neurohope

View

Mar 2

Open
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! .
.
#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjury #sci #keeppushing #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Feb 17

Open
KENDAL driving NeuroFit class 💪💪!!
#adaptivegym #adaptiveworkout #cardio #spinalcordinjuy #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Feb 14

Open
Happiest of Birthdays to Wellness Director Bart!! He has helped build our programs for 5 years and helped hundreds of people (like Mitch 💪💪) on their recovery journey!  Thank you Bart!
#neurorehabilitation #neurorehab #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Feb 5

Open
Calab (Spinal cord injury), on the floor with Barry and Kendal.  Balance and core work to keep his body moving 💪💪.
#spinalcordinjury #neurorehab #sci #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Jan 31

Open
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.

neurohope

View

Jan 25

Open
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 💪💪.

neurohope

View

Jan 6

Open
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.
Recovery is a process.  It’s why we’re here!.
.
#affordablerehab #nonprofit #neurorecovery #physicaltherapy

neurohope

View

Jan 2

Open
Just a few of the NeuroHope #heroes battling #paralysis and the hard work they put in everyday….
.
#AffordableRehab #spinalcordinjury #strokerecovery #motivationmonday

neurohope

View

Dec 27

Open
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!

Readable link in bio!

#spinalcordrehab #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #sci #nonprofit #beinspired #indy #affordablerehab

neurohope

View

Dec 25

Open
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at NeuroHope!

neurohope

View

Dec 2

Open
It’s getting pretty Christmas-y at NeuroHope! 🎄 Decorations are up , and we’re in the spirit!
#tistheseason

neurohope

View

Nov 30

Open
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
Thank you all!

neurohope

View

Nov 29

Open
Keep those #GivingTuesday donations coming! $200 for a chance for four ROW 1 Colts tix, field passes, transportation to #MondayNightFootball on 12/26!
Donate link in bio!
Help us reach our $5,000 goal to help those recovering from paralysis!

neurohope

View

Nov 29

Open
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. 
Donation link in bio!
.
#givingtuesday #giveback #nonprofit #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #healthcare #indy

neurohope

View

Nov 14

Open
Day 1 of our @ndtassociation seminar led by DPT Monica Diamond. “Facilitating Transitional Movements Effectively”. 
Lecture and lab today - for postural control, and balance for neuromuscular impairments.
.
#pt #neurorecovery #strokerecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neuropt #physicaltherapy #ndta

neurohope

View

Nov 12

Open
Wishing a special #VeteransDay weekend to clients Mike, Bob, and ALL who have served!  Thank you for your service - and for being YOU.

neurohope

View

Nov 4

Open
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!.
.
#neurorecovery #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #affordablerehab #keeppushing

neurohope

View

Oct 27

Open
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!.
.
#neuroexercisetherapist #neurorehabilitation #neurorecovery #csps #nsca
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 2022

Privacy Policy

Scroll to top