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Tag Archive for: spinal cord injury

VIDEO: Overcoming Paralysis, Changing Healthcare, and Finding Your Passion

February 20, 2019/in General Blog Posts, Personal/by Chris Leeuw

Last August, exactly eight years after waking up in the ICU, I had the honor of speaking at the 2018 Joseph Group Wealth Summit in Columbus, Ohio.

It was the first time I gave a public account of my entire personal story – the moment of the accident, life as a quadriplegic, what happens to the body after spinal cord injury, and a detailed description of early rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, and the roadblocks patients encounter as they navigate through a complex healthcare system.

I also explained traveling to Neuroworx to receive affordable, continued therapy, and the model of patient-centric healthcare that inspired the birth of NeuroHope.

 

Full talk:

0:00 mark: Waking up in intensive care and the day of the accident
9:20 mark: Spinal Cord Injury 101 and life as a quadriplegic
12:55 mark: Re-thinking healthcare, the journey from the hospital, to a nursing home and the void for continued therapy after neurologic injury
21:20 mark: My journey to Neuroworx and re-learning to walk
25:44 mark: A life changed, creating NeuroHope and finding purpose.

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Chris-Leeuw.jpg 894 1594 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2019-02-20 11:56:332019-04-09 10:55:31VIDEO: Overcoming Paralysis, Changing Healthcare, and Finding Your Passion

Client Spotlight: John Piper

March 21, 2017/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

A veteran of the Pike Township Fire Department and the War in Afghanistan, in June of 2015, John Piper suffered a life changing spinal cord injury in a motorcycle crash.  His journey from the ICU to inpatient and outpatient rehab, to extended rehab at Frazier Rehabilitation Institute and NeuroHope is an inspiring one.

Recovering from neurologic injury is a physical, mental, and emotional battle.  The determination John shows each day is moving.

THIS is what it’s all about everyone!

 

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Piper-1.jpg 350 960 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2017-03-21 20:46:522017-03-21 20:46:52Client Spotlight: John Piper

Client Spotlight: Macy Huff

April 7, 2016/in General Blog Posts/by Chris Leeuw

Macy Huff was a 15-year old sophomore at Ben Davis High School when a tumble at cheerleading practice went terribly wrong.

On April 25, 2013 she was demonstrating a maneuver to a younger student and miscalculated her landing.  She over-rotated, landed on her head, and broke her neck.  The spinal cord injury Macy suffered instantly left her paralyzed from the shoulders down.  In the blink of an eye she was thrust into a new and formidable reality and forced to cope with a new body and a new life.

Macy&Mom_cropped The mental and the physical toll that spinal cord injuries administer are difficult to overcome.  It is an arduous road of healing, rehabilitating, and learning how to live with a body that has changed in look, feel, and function.  Macy lives on that road.  And she has confronted her struggle with fortitude from day one.

She is considered a c5/6 quadriplegic and does not have much function below her injury level. She lives with significant paralysis in her core, legs, and hands.  Even so, Macy presents much better than most c5 quadriplegics.   Thanks to a unique insurance plan, Macy has been fortunate to take part in regular therapy and strengthening programs ever since her injury.  Most spinal cord injured individuals are forced to leave rehabilitation after a few months.  Unfortunately, many fail to keep up with therapy and exercise once they move home.  Not Macy.   The two years following her injury were spent taking part in weekly outpatient programs to maximize her recovery and strengthen her body.   Additionally, she’s been a regular client at NeuroHope ever since she left traditional therapy in the spring of 2015.  Last year she even experimented with a ReWalk Exoskeleton at the clinic.  You can see her first steps in the device here.

Macy’s hard work and determination over the last three years is evident.  She has fantastic posture and sitting balance.  She is comfortable transferring in and out of her chair.  Her blood pressure issues are a concern of the past.   For someone with a cervical spinal cord injury, those are difficult goals to achieve.

Macy_news Today, Macy is preparing for college.  But, before she leaves there is another goal on her mind.   She is training three times per week at NeuroHope to take assisted steps across the graduation stage to receive her high school diploma!

CBS 4 visited NeuroHope earlier in the year to detail her daily grind at the clinic.  Watch the video here!

Macy, like all of the clients we are privileged to work with, inspires us!  We are proud to be a part of her journey, and we are eager to see her standing on the Ben Davis stage on June 4th.

Click here to learn how you can help the Huff’s raise money for an adaptable van that she can drive!

 

 

 

 

https://www.neurohopewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Macy_Blog_Cover.jpg 350 960 Chris Leeuw /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/NeuroHope_Color.svg Chris Leeuw2016-04-07 07:47:582016-04-07 07:47:58Client Spotlight: Macy Huff

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?”

 

 

/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

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May 25

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Staff Highlight Video! This week, meet Wellness Coordinator Kendal Baker! Kendal manages NeuroHope’s “Path to Independence” (PTI) Wellness program.  

PTI is a monthly membership separate from physical therapy or personal training sessions, that features daily group cardio classes, circuit training sessions, stretching / massage, and open gym times so clients can workout at NeuroHope on their own. 

Kendal plays a critical role in NeuroHope’s hybrid model of care, which blends physical therapy with exercise and wellness programs for people living with paralysis. Visit NeuroHope any day of the week and you’ll hear her coaching echo through the gym! Check out Kendal’s thoughts on NeuroHope’s unique approach to Neurorecovery:

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

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May 18

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It’s amazing what a difference a year can make! 

Today, NeuroHope client Mark Bradley is celebrating one year of recovery from his C-4 spinal cord injury. 

As we know, all recoveries are different. Mark’s recovery from total paralysis to walking is the reason why we are here, to give people access to affordable rehab. We are thankful to be part of Mark’s recovery story. Congratulations Mark, your hard work and resiliency is very inspiring! ♥️ 

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #oneyear #neurohope #hope #congrats #congratulations

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May 17

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NeuroHope client Tom is working on his gait speed, step length (kicking the band), and standing posture with assistance from NeuroHope PTA Marshall and PT Tech Hamilton. Keep crushing those goals Tom! 

#cvasurvivor #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope #strokeswarenessmonth #affordablehealthcare

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May 13

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It was an awesome night with our friends at @conquerparalysisnow and @drivenlv for @sam.schmidt_ ‘s annual “Racing to Recovery” gala.  Raising funds, support, and awareness for paralysis recovery.

Life-changing injuries happen in the blink of an eye.  Discharge from Rehabilitation into a New World happens quickly, but the need for help continues long-term to maximize recovery, stay healthy, and improve quality of life after injury.

This is what everything we do is about: Affordable access to rehabilitation and wellness programs to change lives one injury at a time.

So happy to work with like-minded organizations that recognize the need, and STEP UP to change healthcare. 

#neurorehab #affordablerehab #neurorecovery #spinalcordinjuryrecovery #nonprofit #racingtorecovery

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May 11

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📣 New video series today!  Every other Thursday we will spotlight a NeuroHope team member, client, or caregiver to learn about their role at NeuroHope.
 
We start with Wellness Director, Bart Richwalski, who has been serving NeuroHope’s community for six years. Bart leads our team of Master’s level kinesiologists (Neurorecovery Exercise Specialists) that exemplify how the NeuroHope model is unique. Our wellness team works in cohesion with our physical therapy team to provide a seamless transition from clinical care to affordable personal training, fitness and wellness programs.  Bart has helped develop a program that has helped hundreds of people on their recovery journey. Bart’s story: 

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

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May 9

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Juan is pushing hard and crushing his fitness goals. James is pushing hard with help from Barry and our Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulator. Sam and Isaiah are pushing it in NeuroFit with Kendal! Keep pushing, you’re all doing great! ♥️

#neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorehab #neurofit #pushit #keeppushing #wellness #neurorecovery #pathtoindependence #neurorecoverynetwork

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May 5

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On the first Friday of every month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, our PTA Lydia and NeuroHope client Jenny hosted, “Peaceful Minds and Green Thumbs.” 

Jenny shared great mental health resources on combatting stress and anxiety. After the group discussion, Jenny’s sister, Beth, helped participants plant starter planters for an herb garden. Gardening is a wonderful stress reliever! Thanks to our organizers and participants for making this a fun and relaxing First Friday! 

#neurohop #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #NAMI #affordablerehab #may #stressrelief  #mindfulness #firstfriday #tgif #support #herbgarden #gardening #neurorecoverynetwork #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

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May 1

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Here’s more from our adventures at @bradford.woods this weekend! Thank you to everyone who made this outing a tremendous success! It was a great day! 💚

#neurohope #bradfordwoods #adaptivesports #greatoutdoors #hiking #fishing #archery #boating #canoeing #indianaweather #neurorecovery #neurorecoverynetwork #itsgonnabemay

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Apr 30

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NeuroHope community retreat at @bradford.woods this weekend!  We loved the time outdoors for adaptive zip lining, archery, and time on the water.

Thank you Bradford Woods for hosting more than 50 participants from the NeuroHope community.  We had a blast !

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Apr 21

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#TGIF It’s raining here at NeuroHope in Indianapolis, but we’re walking on sunshine! Have a great Friday! 

#NeuroHope #neurorecovery #affordablerehab #affordablehealthcare #spinalcordinjury #indy #rainyday #walkingonsunshine #sci #friday #makeyourownsunshine

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Apr 19

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Recovery from paralysis is a process that takes time, access, and a community of support. 
 
NeuroHope was created to make long-term therapy an affordable reality. 
 
Watch our story and be inspired…this is why we’re here!

#spinalcordinjuryrecovery #neurorecovery  #affordablerehab #neurorecoverycenter #inspiring #beinspired #spinalcordinjury #nonprofit #healthcare #indy #neurohope #hope

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Apr 17

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🎬 Check out some behind the scenes sneak peeks of our recent video shoot. 

Stay tuned…we’re releasing NeuroHope’s new promo video this week!

#neurohope #hope
#nonprofit #healthcare #affordablerehab #indy #spinalcordrehab #neurorecovery #ourstory

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Apr 14

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Calling Physical Therapists! We seek a high-energy PT who is passionate about changing the lives of people battling paralysis.

Join our growing team!! Click the link in our bio , and enter “PT” in the subject line!
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#physicaltherapy #neuropt #neurorecovery #choosept #affordablerehab #healthcare #indy

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Apr 11

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April is Occupational Therapy Month! 🎉
 
We are so grateful for our OT’s at NeuroHope and beyond! OT’s play a vital and meaningful role in the #Neurorecovery process! Thanks for all you do! ♥️

#neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorehabilitation #otmonth #occupationaltherapy #otstudent #occupationaltherapymonth

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Apr 7

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On the first Friday of every month, we host a community group of rotating activities and topics. This month our interns, Andrew and Hamilton, lead a mindfulness and adaptive yoga class with the guidance of local yogi and NeuroHope client and @thehotroomyoga ‘s @laura.burdick10 . We feel so rejuvenated and relaxed! Namaste 🪷

#neurohop #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #yoga #affordablerehab #addaptiveyoga #mindfulness #firstfriday #tgif #namaste #neurorecoverynetwork

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Apr 7

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First Friday: Mindfulness & Yoga Class 🪷 

#namaste #neurorecovery #affordablehealthcare #affordablerehab #yoga #otmonth #adaptiveyoga

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Apr 4

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doing things 💪 #neurohope #affordablerehab #neurorecovery #spinalcordrehab

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Mar 31

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On a summer afternoon in 2019, Chuck Knox fell down his stairs and suffered a life-changing incomplete #spinalcordinjury.

Told 3 months after his accident, he had plateaued in his recovery…Chuck never gave up hope …or EFFORT.  He has been a regular in our PT, OT, and exercise programs for more than 3 years …and today , he walks in and out of NeuroHope with confidence and continues to work hard to improve strength and quality post injury 💪💪.

We are honored to be part of Chuck’s recovery.  Read his STORY by Neurorecovery Exercise Specialist Barry Moore through the link in our IG STORY!!
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#walkingafterspinalcordinjury #neurorecovery #sci #AffordableRehab #inspiringrecovery

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Mar 28

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Thrilled to welcome Occupational Therapist Krista Kaufman & Advancement Director Jacqui Goldstein to the NeuroHope Team!!

Krista comes to us from Community Rehabilitation Hospital South, where, as a Saebo Certified Clinician, she specializes in treating patients with upper extremity #paralysis.  Her passion for neurorecovery is rooted in her own lived experience of stroke recovery.
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Jacqui joins NeuroHope as Advancement Director after serving Indy’s healthcare and social work community since 2004 in non-profit communications and outreach.

WELCOME ABOARD KRISTA & JACQUI!! We’re thankful you’re here to help us grow!
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#nonprofit #healthcare #indy

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Mar 23

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Yesterday we were presented with an $80,000 donation through @barnraisers by Erin Habel, the Habel Family and NeuroHope Board Member Drew Poston of @compass_construction to honor the life of Andrew Habel and the legacy he leaves.

We are continually in awe of the community that supports the work we do to better the lives of people living with and recovering from paralysis, and are eternally grateful for program changing support like this.

The Habel wall at NeuroHope will forever honor Andrew , and be a reminder for the lives this gift will serve!!!
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#habelfest #nonprofit #fundraising #indy #healthcare #

neurohope

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Mar 14

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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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