I Will Walk Again

                                                   

Over the past year, I have battled with myself about what walking would look like for me in the future. I now know that of course I will walk functionally, but it will take everything I have to do so. 

Recently I have been inspired by a certain individual named Brock Mealer. He suffered a spinal cord injury at close to the same level as me and had only minor feeling in his legs at the time of the accident. Same as me! Through the principles of neuroplasticity, Mike Barwis (a revolutionary physical therapist) helped Brock rewire his spinal cord by creating new neuropathways and strengthening existing pathways. Three years after his injury he walked with zero assistance. Here is his truly inspiring story. https://youtu.be/p4ClRg7m-x4 

To rewire your brain or spinal cord using neuroplasticity you must follow these three principles. Quality, doing the right exercise to build the right pathway. Quantity, repeating the exercise day after day. Intensity, pushing yourself farther than you ever thought was possible. 

Modern medicine focuses on Quality and Quantity. Unfortunately, intensity is often left behind. This is the number one key ingredient in waking up paralyzed legs. Fortunately for me, Mike Barwis created a chain of gyms to help others as he helped Brock. I have the honor of being able to work with Nick Lucius, one of Mike's first students and the National Director of Barwis. Nick and the members of Barwis in Denver are experts in pushing people past their limits. In other words, Barwis has the drive and selfless spirit that I need to walk again. 

This kind of physical training is not covered by insurance and I need a lot of it. It is the most important piece of my journey back to walking. Spending the next few years devoting as much time and energy as possible to walking again will take everything I have.

I will walk again, but I cannot do it alone.