Run For His Walk 5K Run & Walk

MY STORY

Football! 

What can I say? As a running back and quarter back for Danville High School, my dreams of playing football for college was one of my biggest goals. I was accepted at Campbellsville University, where I had the opportunity to play football for their team and looked forward to football games the next season. 

Then it happened.

One day in 2009, I was on my way to pick up someone from work one day when my left tire blew. I to pull over on the side of the road when the left wheel hit a hole and caused my car to flip. 

At this time my life changed.  As a very athletic and active person, I never thought that I would be in the position I am today. I was involved in a car accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. 

Of course, being paralyzed wasn’t what I wanted, but I don’t let that stop me from doing what I love. I have been paralyzed for eight years now and continue to live each day to the fullest by pursing my career in Insurance and Risk Management and taking care of my son.  I am currently attending college at Eastern Kentucky University, where I will be graduating in May of 2017. I also work part time at a local Insurance Agency.

  I have been to Doctors, Chiropractors, Rehabilitation Facilities (SCI Step, Cardinal Hill, Frazier), and other treatment centers. Although my doctors and the treatment centers that I have been to stated say that I’ll never walk again, I have not given up or lost hope. I have faith that I will be able to walk again with the proper treatment. I have talked with them regarding recommendations to facilities and treatment centers that specialize in Stem Cell Treatment in the United States; however, you have to meet certain requirements to be selected.

THE PROCEDURE 

     While doing some research, I looked into Unique Access Medical ( www.epiduralstimulationnow.com) in Bangkok, Thailand, which specializes in Stem Cells as well as Epidural Stimulation. Although certain requirements have to be met with this facility and you’re responsible for the cost of the treatment, they provide an opportunity for all individuals.  My condition of course would require the Epidural Stimulation in which a small impulse generator (stimulator) is implanted under the skin on the lower back or buttocks. The thin wire travels under the skin from the stimulator to the epidural space at an approximately at the level of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, in close proximity to the surface lining of nerve tracks in the spinal canal (not directly on the spinal cord but remains in a potential space called the epidural space similar to epidural injections for steroids and also for labor analgesia). This tiny electrode- coated wire will carry the electrical current from the impulse generator to the spine, and when  the stimulator is turned on, it sends extremely low electrical impulses to the nerves, creating a tingling sensation which allows the electrical impulses to interfere with the body’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain, resulting in less pain and discomfort.

WHY I NEED THIS PROCEDURE

I can’t say that this procedure will get me back to where I was prior to the accident. However, this new procedure is my best hope to regain mobility.

 I had the pleasure of talking to a 31- year- old gentleman from England who had this procedure done at the beginning of this year in Bangkok.  He was paralyzed from the waist down due to a motorcycle accident in 2015. His situation was similar to mine and he stated that his doctors also told him that he would never walk again, but he did not give up hope either. He explained to me that when he had this procedure done, and three days later the doctor turned on the device and his legs began to move for the first time in 3 years. He regained motor functions back in his legs, including his gluteus, hamstrings, quads, calves, and ankles, which allowed him to stand and hold his own weight and take assisted steps. Over time his training has allowed him to progress considerably to where he is now walking with a walker and, with more training, he should be walking unassisted in a matter of time. 

After the procedure is completed, I will be required to have Physical Therapy, which is normal and included in the provided cost.  The cost of this procedure is $92,000.00 and the money that is raised from the fundraiser will be go only to the procedure. I will be paying from my personal savings for my travel expenses to Thailand.

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL HELP ME

  I’m not the type of person who likes to ask for assistance. However, I feel that this could be a life- changing experience for me. I never thought that I would be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of my life, especially at my age. A life- changing accident could happen to anyone, and I believe that with me having the opportunity to have this procedure done and it resulting in my regaining any disabled functions would be a success story. I believe that this would give others who suffer from the same condition as me hope and confidence that there is treatment who suffer from the same condition as me. I would greatly appreciate any assistance to help me to receive the quality of life back that I once had.

 

Here's the links to the person I was able to speak with check out the progress!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVIOPlriQNM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf8cRsxXm1E