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Tag Archive for: Mark Ashcraft

Mark’s Story: A Loved One’s Perspective

July 14, 2017/in General Blog Posts, Success Story/by Chris Leeuw
By Zach Marr
Mark Ashcraft is one of those people you can’t help falling in love with.  He has a caring soul and an infectious, outgoing personality. Anyone who meets him is immediately drawn in.  He is a fighter with an enormous heart.  That is the reason he fights daily to walk again.  I have watched the progression of emotional states Mark has been through during his recovery, from the “Why Me?” stage to the “This isn’t going to beat me!” stage.   It is inspiring to watch his determination in action.  He passed through the initial stages of grief quickly.  His goal from the beginning has been to defeat paralysis and walk again.
Nothing can prepare you for watching someone you love become paralyzed and witnessing them struggle to live the life they once lived.  You see them unable to walk, run, or take care of themselves.  You see them unable to live in their own home.  It is difficult to watch the agony they live through on a daily basis, as they struggle to perform the simple tasks they are so used to doing.  It is crushing to watch spirits fade and fear settle in for the injured, and for every person involved in their life.  Loved ones attempt to pick up the pieces and try to appear calm, even though on the inside,  every fiber of their being fears what the future holds as well.
Mark was born with Scheuermann’s disease, and has suffered from its complications his entire life.  His is a condition where the spine curves and the discs and vertebrae fuse together.   As Mark aged, his condition got worse.  The deterioration caused pain on a daily basis.   Numerous tests, scans, and consultations determined that surgery was the only option.  So, in January 2017, Mark went in for a procedure.  The surgical process involved breaking most of his spine and removing the T9 vertebra.  Two rods and more than 30 screws were inserted into his spine for re-alignment.  Surgery went well and Mark was at home recovering for a couple of months.  He was walking with a cane and on track for a successful recovery.   In March, things turned in the blink of an eye.  He fell one day, and he began experiencing excruciating pain that shot up his spine.  His surgeon recommended an immediate trip to the hospital.  It was determined that Mark’s upper spine was trying to curve back into the state it was in before his surgery.  Since his lower spine was straight with rods and screws, this meant that Mark’s upper spine was applying pressure and pulling on his spinal cord and nerves.
In March of 2017, he underwent a second emergency surgery.  Doctors placed two rods and screws in his upper spine to correct the curve that was re-forming.  The procedure appeared to have wen t well, but nothing prepared us for what happened next.  Mark woke up paralyzed.  Doctors called it a “non-traumatic spinal cord injury”.  My first thought was, “Non-traumatic for whom!?” 
Other than the loss of my mother, watching Mark experience this kind of trauma, and not knowing if he would will ever walk again, is the most painfully emotional experience I’ve ever had to face.  I tried to remain in good spirits and stay positive during my hospital visits and phone calls.  But, on the inside I was in pain too.  I became the cheerleader on days he wanted to give up, the therapist on days he needed guidance, and the coach on the days he needed a pep talk.   Luckily, pep talks weren’t needed very much.  I have a fighter on my hands.  I have never known anyone with such a fighting spirit.
After several weeks in the hospital with no significant changes, we were let loose into the wonderful world of rehabilitation.  Here, Mark learned how to live with his disability.  He learned ways to shower, get dressed, and use a catheter.  He learned exercises to strengthen his upper body to assist with transfers.  Physical therapy sessions using hoists to get him standing, and exercises that helped him bear weight became his daily grind.  By the time Mark’s insurance was capped and his therapy benefits were exhausted, he was on his way to making great progress. In fact, his last week in rehab he stood on his own for a few moments by holding onto the wall.  But, in spite of his progress, I was worried about how Mark would continue his recovery with home rehabilitation, and I was concerned he wouldn’t receive the expertise he needed to learn to walk again.  Mark was concerned as well.  And within a few weeks of being home, I could tell he was becoming down and depressed.
Then, one afternoon last May, I received a phone call from an enthusiastic Mark.  “You HAVE to go to this website right now, and look at this place called NeuroHope here in Indy!”, he exclaimed.  I hadn’t heard him that excited in a long time.  He told me about NeuroHope’s inspiring story.  A spinal cord injury survivor named Chris Leeuw opened a clinic for neurologic injury for individuals that needed more therapy after their injuries.  The clinic was started from scratch and was helping people just like Mark.  That day, Mark called NeuroHope, left a message and prayed he would hear back and be able to become a patient at this amazing place.  A couple days later we were driving and his phone rang.  It was NeuroHope returning his call.  Mark began talking to the person on the line and I listened to his side of the conversation as he relayed his story.  After awhile, he asked the name of the person he was talking to, and he was as told it was Chris, NeuroHope’s Founder.
I actually had to pull the car over so he could gather himself.  I’ll never forget the look on his face.  It was like he was talking to a celebrity.  Mark was so excited to talk to the person who’s own recovery had inspired him to never give up.  Someone, like Mark, who knew what it felt like, and had chosen to help others in similar situations.  We went the following week for a consultation, met the incredible family of staff at NeuroHope.  It was quickly clear that Mark had found a home.
The last two months have been inspiring for all of us.  His therapists work him hard, and try new things to push his body and recovery.  His recovery is slow, but he sees improvement every day.  I’ve watched him improve transfers, begin to stand, and even TAKE HIS FIRST STEPS!
NeuroHope has been a perfect match for Mark to continue his journey, and he will never give up!
https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/MarkandFam_blogPic.jpg 350 960 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2017-07-14 17:47:042022-09-26 16:40:57Mark’s Story: A Loved One’s Perspective

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Jan 25

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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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Jan 6

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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.
Recovery is a process.  It’s why we’re here!.
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Jan 2

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

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Dec 25

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It’s getting pretty Christmas-y at NeuroHope! 🎄 Decorations are up , and we’re in the spirit!
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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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Nov 29

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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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Nov 29

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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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Nov 14

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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.
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Nov 12

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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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Nov 4

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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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Oct 19

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Happy #PTmonth to all the rock star physical therapists changing lives.  Our own Elliot and Brittanie, along with PTA’s Marshall and Lydia make  NeuroHope what it is. 💪💪.
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Oct 11

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Spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, and neurologic conditions can take months or years of recovery, but patients are often discharged from insurance-covered care in a matter of weeks. 

Since 2015 we have helped hundreds of families receive continued rehabilitative care during the most trying times in their lives.  It’s the reason why NeuroHope was created.

These injuries are life-changing.  We are honored and thankful that the @orthoindy Foundation is helping us build a care center in #Indy to support patients throughout their entire recovery process!
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#healthcare #AffordableRehab #neurorecovery #orthoindy #philanthropy #nonprofit #physicaltherapy #spinalcordinjury #braininjury #strokerecovery @indystar @ibjnews @wthrcom @wrtvnews @wishtv8 @fox59

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Oct 7

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Here we GROW!!
It’s time for some gym renovations, and prepping for a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT next week!  STAY TUNED!!

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Oct 5

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We are ready for our CLOSE UPS!! Get ready for a video series highlighting the amazing staff and patients at NeuroHope.  And STAY TUNED FOR A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT NEXT WEEK!

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Oct 2

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Yesterday, we celebrated the life of Andrew Habel.  Who passed one year ago due to a #TBI.  His wife Erin, his friends, family, and colleagues at @compass_construction launched “Habelfest”, an annual BBQ competition in his honor.  It was a day of OUTSTANDING food, a community of support, and more than $90,000 raised in his honor!

NeuroHope is beyond humbled to be the charity chosen by the Habel’s to receive the proceeds in his honor.  Andrew’s funds will be used for gym renovations at NeuroHope, and be placed in a patient care fund to directly serve patients in need, receive post-hospital therapy after neurologic injury.

We can’t thank the Habel’s, Compass, @barnraisers and his entire community of supporters enough for letting us honor and celebrate him with you!
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Sep 29

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PTs, OTs, SLP!! NeuroHope is hosting a @ndtassociation NDTA Seminar: “Facilitating Transitional Movements: A NDT Perspective” November 14 & 15. (14 CEs). Join us!  Register at NDTA.org
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Sep 27

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Happy Work-iversary to Therapy Director Elliot Cohee!! Can’t express how lucky we are to have Elliot leading the clinical team at NeuroHope.  His passion, expertise, devotion to patients, and leadership are second to NONE! 
Cheers Elliot! 🥂 .
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Sep 20

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AWESOME day for golf and fundraising for NeuroHope at  Hensley Legal Group, PC “Swing Fore Hope” yesterday.  Major thanks to the 20+ teams, sponsors, and donors that made our 5th annual scramble a success!!

#fundraising #nonprofit #paralysisrecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #socent #golfscramble @hensleylegal @rehabmedicalinc
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