Introduce yourself!

CommunityAdmin · February 2019

We would love to get to know you. Please tell us who you are.

Crucker · February 2019

Hi, I'm Allen Rucker and I've signed on to draw from my 23 years of being a T-10/12 para to give advice or suggestions (i.e., a mentor) to anyone who might be able to use it. I'm now 73 and a longtime TV writer and author or co-author of 13 books. One of those books is a memoir about paralysis -- "The Best Seat In The House, or How I Woke Up One Tuesday and Was Paralyzed for Life." I also write a bi-weekly blog for the foundation web site and speak and write a lot about disability. I've been around the block and in fact am still going around the block. My brain is here for the picking. Love to hear from you!

AskNurseLinda · February 2019

Hello, I am Nurse Linda for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. I have worked in physical rehabilitation of all ages and all diagnostics. I now specialize in spinal cord injury. Although most people think of SCI from trauma, there are far more individuals who have SCI from medical causes. The diagnosis of spinal cord injury includes all diagnosis and issues relate to those with other paralysis. Let's talk about health issues and how to navigate them together.

Julie · February 2019

Hi! I'm Julie and I am the Associate Director, Digital for ChristopherReeve.org. If you have a question about this site, please ask! I want to make sure you know where to look for answers to your questions or put you in touch with our awesome Information Specialists. #ReeveIntro

prc_Beth · February 2019

Hi! I'm Beth and I'm a part of the Information Specialist Team with the Paralysis Resource Center.

jaarch · February 2019

Hi! I'm Joe. After a successful 27 years in the Navy, life threw me a curve ball and I was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident about seven years ago. I am a peer mentor with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and I am a moderator on this forum. I love to tinker and design new ways to adapt my new lifestyle to the rest of the world.

garrisonredd · February 2019

My name is Garrison Redd and I am a Motivational Speaker, model, athlete/Paralympian, entrepreneur, and most of all an advocate for equal rights. I founded an organization called “TheGarrisonReddProject” with an essential goal of bettering the well-being of disabled individuals through a variety of methods. I provide free resources and services in the areas of advice, motivation, inspiration, health, and many other areas in order to improve the quality of living for disabled individuals.

I played various sports growing up such as boxing, basketball, baseball, and football. In football, I was a standout running back from youth football up until high school. I received various awards and accolades.

Going into my senior year at James Madison High School, I was outside on an ordinary summer night, when I was shot in my back. The bullet burned the nerves surrounding the t12 section of my spine, which left me unable to walk. Instead of feeling sorry for myself or depressed, I decided to triumph through the face of adversity. Most people would’ve felt that their life was coming to an end however, I felt like my life was just beginning. At 17 years old after this catastrophic injury had occurred to me, I wasn’t discouraged, because it made me into a different man. It made me think about the bigger picture. It made me think that maybe I was put here to inspire everyone from the youth to the elderly, which I am now on a journey to achieve.

Fast forward to present time, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from York College. I am currently training for team USA para powerlifting with aspirations of winning a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. I am a seasoned motivational speaker and I did a Ted Talk which is titled “Life is like Lemonade”, where I discuss some of the adversities I faced on my journey to success. I founded a nonprofit organization called TheGarrisonReddProject with a mission to raise awareness for disabled individuals along with promoting self-confidence.

TheGarrisonReddProject provides individuals with assistance in the community, the workplace, transportation, education and any other issues individuals may be experiencing. We also host fundraisers and charitable events to provide accessible equipment to individuals who are unable to afford certain items which will improve their quality of life such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and plenty other medical devices. TheGarrisonReddProject provides motivational and inspirational speeches to everyone on a variety of topics. Ultimately TheGarrisonReddProject has one goal in mind and that is “to make to this world more inclusive”.

Thegarrisonreddproject.org

instagram @bigmoneyygee

Facebook garrison Redd

WAGSofSCI · February 2019

Hello Everyone! Elena and Brooke here! We are The WAGS of SCI (Wives And Girlfriends of Spinal Cord Injury)! Our mission: to "empower women supporting their partners in chairs." Our group was founded in 2017 in Vancouver BC Canada as a way for us to connect with other women who have partners who have sustained spinal cord injuries. Elena's boyfriend is a C5/C6 Quadriplegic, and Brooke's husband is a C4 Quadriplegic. We found there was a huge need for this type of group and sisterhood as our personal stories, emotional and physical issues associated with this injury were largely ignored in the community. We felt that while there were many resources for the injured person, there was nothing specifically for us.. the caregiver AND wife/girlfriend. Once we started the group on instagram we were amazed by how many other women were out there in the world, who were in relationships just like ours. We strive to connect women with one another, and are always discussing topics and questions relating to our unique dynamic with our partners. Feel free to message us anytime!

deniseg1959 · February 2019

Hi! I'm the mom of a 23 year old son who was injured 9/10/17, so we are still very new to the SCI life and have soooo many questions about it all. He is a C7, T5/6 injury and is medically a quad. He has use of his arms, but limited use of his left hand (about 20%) and about 80% use of his right hand. He was extremely active pre-injury, and had gotten into weight lifting and hiking. He now does nothing but read and watch podcasts. I can't get him out of the house except for 3 days a week at the gym. He has basically quit living outside of the room we made for him by converting our carport. I am desperate for him to connect with others, and yet I know he has to want it himself. He wants to be independent, but doesn't really work at it (like I think he should). I didn't realize that this website could be a source of help for me so I'm excited about exploring the website and seeing all that it has to offer. The wonderful ladies of WAGS of SCI have been helpful, even though I'm a mom and not a wife or girlfriend

KLD · February 2019

Hello! I am a retired SCI clinical nurse specialist. I worked in a VA SCI Center for 28 years, and a previous 11 years in a large private sector rehabilitation center. I also am a moderator for the CareCure website, which I have done since 1997. Although I am retired, I still like to connect with the SCI/D community, and also serve on the United Spinal Association Medical Advisory Panel.

kdeeton · February 2019

Hi! I am the oldest sister of a 62 year old brother who was injured on 10/11/17 when helping friends evacuate from a historical fire in Northern California. My brother was standing on the side of the road and got hit by a fire truck. He spent almost a year in the hospital and is now a quadriplegic. I am doing everything I can to learn as much about his injury and help him adjust to his new life. Everything I learn I share with the rest of my family (and, of course, my brother). I am excited to be a part of this website. Just knowing there are so many resources out there to tap into helps lessen the stress and anxiety my family is going through.

Sterlion · February 2019

Hi, I’m Sterling and I am currently in my senior year of college. My freshman year I was on scholarship to play football and that is when I severed my c5-c6 vertebrae whilst making a tackle. That was in 2012, since then I took online classes while focusing on rehab. I just returned to campus spring of 2019 to finish up the remainder of my business administration degree.

After being diagnosed with quadriplegia I have made it a part of my life to remain physically active and be an advocate for SCI. I was a part of a wheelchair basketball team that won the national championship in 2016 and I founded an organization called Push Push Pray to assists individuals with catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

I look forward to sharing what I know and also learning what I don’t to help improve the quality of life for all!

alexwoodsfamily · February 2019

Hi I have a 47 year old son who was hit by car on12/5/2014 n left a quad with tbi. He is currently in a nursing home about an hour from us. I am hoping to learn more about coping with his condition. He is totally angry n refuses almost everything that can help him He spent almost year at VA facility b4 coming home. The accident was him trying to help multiple crash victim n being hit by car n landing block away on face. Look forward to learning more about coping n possible help for him. I am excited to be a part of this community.

Robinbrat · February 2019

Hi. My name is Robin. I was paralyzed from a car wreck in 2004. I finished my degree, worked and stayed very active since I became a paraplegic. I did not receive rehabilitation after my accident and therefore like to help newly paralyzed individuals any way I can.

JanFreeman · February 2019

deniseg1959 said:

Hi! I'm the mom of a 23 year old son who was injured 9/10/17, so we are still very new to the SCI life and have soooo many questions about it all. He is a C7, T5/6 injury and is medically a quad. He has use of his arms, but limited use of his left hand (about 20%) and about 80% use of his right hand. He was extremely active pre-injury, and had gotten into weight lifting and hiking. He now does nothing but read and watch podcasts. I can't get him out of the house except for 3 days a week at the gym. He has basically quit living outside of the room we made for him by converting our carport. I am desperate for him to connect with others, and yet I know he has to want it himself. He wants to be independent, but doesn't really work at it (like I think he should). I didn't realize that this website could be a source of help for me so I'm excited about exploring the website and seeing all that it has to offer. The wonderful ladies of WAGS of SCI have been helpful, even though I'm a mom and not a wife or girlfriend

JanFreeman · February 2019

I, too, am a Mom of a quadriplegic (who is also on a ventilator) and I wish there was a forum for us, not just for wives and girlfriends. My son, age 34, lives with me and I work and also run the business of his seven caregivers as he must have care 24/7. As a single, working Mom, there are many issues; and he certainly has had to become the "man in my life" with his constant care issues. I just wish the parents could have a forum; there seems to be support for siblings, wives, and girlfriends, but not for parents who are Caregivers. Is anyone else interested in this?

cjaydeep · February 2019

I am a newly paralyzed paraplegic please share your thoughts if I can get disability benefits?

anlyerla · February 2019

Hello, I'm Ashley. Wife of Jacob who is a T11/T12 incomplete. He was catastrophically injured while deployed to Afganistan, ten years ago this year at only nineteen. I'm currently a full-time SAHW. I initially stopped working to take care of Jake during some ongoing health issues and then we decided I should stay home once those issue resolved so we could focus on attempting to grow our family. Our life with paralysis has been a blessed one. We received a fully adapted Homes for Our Troops home in 2015. I'm here as a WAG. Finding Elena and Brooke has been a breath of fresh air when it comes to helping navigate caretaker vs wife and all the roles we fill inbetween.

dave_carver · February 2019

https://haslam.utk.edu/sites/default/files/Haslam-Winter2019.pdf?fbclid=IwAR189gK66lZuStAdqtt06Ci6HiINFArExrDZqqC58Plns74sQCO0yTlIbNE Hi. I am 5.5 years post injury (c4 incomplete). I spent 12 weeks in Kessler west Orange for inpatient rehab and have continued to spend time there (rehab, clinical trials, aftercare) ever since. I also have a personal trainer at my local YMCA who makes a big difference in my day. For the past 2 summers, I've been part of the empowersci camp at stony brook university on Long Island; an experience I cannot recommend highly enough as it was great for both my wife (who enjoyed a well deserved break) and I. My alumni magazine recently did a feature on us which provides additional information on my story. Glad to help anyone with any questions. Thanks

garrisonredd · February 2019

@Crucker I really enjoyed reading your last blog

IrinaCarmen · February 2019

Hi! I’m Irina, I’m from Romania (you can call it The Land of Nowhere) and I am engaged to a wonderful man who happens to be a C5 quad. To us, The CDRF has always been a huge source of info since our biggest struggle is, in my opinion, living here, where the information and resources are very limited - as well as accessibility or healthcare. However, we try to make the most of what we have! 🧡

Crucker · February 2019

Thanks, Garrisonredd. Appreciate it.

davidk · February 2019

Hi! I’m Dave. Unlike the other members of this group, I have a spinal cord disease, multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed in 1986. I’ve gone through a range of walking aids from a cane through various wheelchairs. I currently use a tilting powerchair.
So, I believe I have some things in common with the members of this group. I’m interested in hearing everyone’s experiences.

WillRigby · February 2019

Hello all. My name is Will. I sustained a C6/C7 incomplete spinal cord injury almost five years ago, just before my 40th birthday. My injury occurred when I dove into our swimming pool and hit my head on the wall before resurfacing.

I've come a long way since my injury, overcome many obstacles and have achieved many milestones. I currently volunteer as a Reeve Certified Peer Mentor for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, but I want to do much more.

Since my injury, my one month in ICU and three months at inpatient rehab, I have gone through rehab at home, outpatient rehab, a three-month program at a neuro- specific gym called REACT. I drive myself, I travel with my wife and two boys (ages 6 and 10). I have gone back to work a couple of times, but I'm currently unemployed and looking for a job that will fit my new lifestyle.

I hope to bring to the group anything I can from what I've gained through my experiences. I also hope to learn from others. More specifically, I'd love to learn of others' experiences as it pertains to professional career, public speaking, blogging, etc.

Though I feel like I've made great strides throughout my country over the past 4 1/2 years, I also know I have a long way to go.

brigittemc · February 2019

My name is Brigitte McCarthy and my husband is a C7 quad after a bicycling accident in July 2017. He did his rehab at Shepherd Center in Atlanta and resumed working full-time in January 2018.
As his primary care giver, I have many questions and am looking forward to participating in this forum.

FROYDELAPENA · February 2019

Injury or relation: Spinal cord injury, T11 due to a gun-shot wound when I was 16 years old (1984).

Hobbies/Interests: Playing Chess, competing in poker tournaments, traveling to places I’ve never been before, participating in family-related activities, learning things, boating, jet skiing, snowmobiling, target shooting, motorcycling, kayaking, horseback riding. I am also into anything related to the power of the human mind (e.g. personal growth & development) and power of the human touch (e.g. reiki and massage).

Why did you become a peer mentor? I became a peer mentor because I know what’s it like to live in this world with a disability, and to deal with other people who have a lack of empathy and compassion. I understand what’s it like to lose yourself and to feel worthless and a burden to others. I can relate to people who are losing hope as I, myself, tried to commit suicide. I can also relate to family members and friends of people with a disability because I’ve seen my entire family and friends impacted as well because of how my life has changed since my injury.

I also volunteer overseas (mainly Philippines - online and in person) helping my fellow PWD (People With Disabilities) improve their lives through public speaking and mentoring.

Facebook Account - I have been inactive on social media since January 2018 but still active on Facebook Messenger.

Christopher Reeves Foundation - I'm also one of the Peer Mentor for Christopher Reeve Foundation.

Mnichols23 · February 2019

Hello my name is Mike Nichols. I am 23 years old, when I was 17 I broke my c-5 vertebrae playing ice hockey. I am now attending college. I also hold a number of charity events raising money for spinal cord injury

cruiseybabbby · February 2019

What's up guys! My name is Cruise and I'm a 29-year-old, wheelchair bound but mentally free C-4 quadriplegic, professional smiler, positive thinker, artist and clearly a sex symbol. 🤙🏼

I had a skim boarding accident at the beach in sunny South Florida which left me immediately paralyzed from the neck down just after turning 19. This life with paralysis may not be as glamorous as the life you pictured yourself living but it is still life and can be just as beautiful and fulfilling as long as you approach it with an open mind, positive outlook and a rock solid mentality!

I'm here to help any and everyone with anything I possibly can! So please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns you may have!

jlubin · February 2019

Hi, I'm Jim Lubin. I've been a C2 quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe since I was 21 coming on 30 years now. I woke up with a pain in my shoulder. About an hour later the pain intensified and I suddenly could not stand then stopped breathing. I was resuscitated and taken to the hospital. Long story short, after two weeks I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, acute idiopathic transverse myelitis.

New Mobility magazine selected me as their 1998 Person of the Year for the support groups and websites I started back then. In 2008, The Transverse Myelitis Association established the James T Lubin Fellowship in Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders to honor me for volunteer work I do for those in that community. In 2011, I was one of the people featured in the Reeve Foundation video "Hands-Free Computing".

kellyclamb · February 2019

Hello All!

I’m Kelly Lamb and the girlfriend to Jon David. He is a C5/C6 incomplete quad of 6 years. We live in Little Rock, AR. I got involved with the Reeve Foundation 5 years ago when I started running marathons and fundraising for them. And they have become our amazing extended family!

bbynum11 · February 2019

Hello all☺...My name is Brandon and I've been a T4 complete for 20 yeras. I fell off a 50ft ledge at my 5 year class reunion. I've been active for many years but most days I sit in bed and watch tv. I had a bad reaction to an antibiotic called Gentamicin that killed the cells in my inner ears and now I stay dizzy. This happened New Years Eve (of the new year 2019...so it's not even been 2 months yet). So on top of being paralyzed I'm constantly dizzy😠..I'm like a pinball bouncing off the walls when I go down the hall..HAHA. I have a healthy sense of humor and stay happy 99% of the time. Please feel free to message me of you want to chat.

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