Gridiron Heroes hosts red carpet fundraiser

Gridiron Heroes hosts red carpet fundraiser
The Schertz-based charity Gridiron Heroes is hosting a star-studded fundraiser featuring the screening of two episodes of the NBC drama ‘Friday Night Lights.’

The fundraiser, including a red carpet event and an after-party, is set for 6 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, at Santikos Palladium IMAX theater, 17703 I-10 West. Tickets for the event cost $20 and can be purchased at www.gridironheroes.org Continue Reading »

Local family grateful for support for son

Ken Majonis, 31, was paralyzed in accident; now convalescing at home

MARLBORO — The Majonis family of Marlboro saw a happy ending to 2008 and an early look into 2009 provides hope for the future.

Ken Majonis, 31, suffered spinal injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down as the result of a dirt bike accident on Sept. 21 in Tinton Falls. Majonis was flown from the scene of the accident to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, where he underwent surgery to stabilize his shattered T-12 vertebrae. Continue Reading »

Spinal Cord Injury

An injury to the spinal cord could result in a catastrophic permanent disability to the patient. Approximately 10,000 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) occur each year in the United States with most occurring in men between the ages of 16 and 30. The etiology of the majority of cases is associated with motor vehicle crashes followed by penetrating trauma; falls, especially in the elderly; and sports and recreational activities. Elderly patients are more prone to suffering from SCI from minor trauma due to degenerative vertebral disorders. In addition, elderly patients have become more active over the years; thus, the incidence of SCI in the elderly is on the rise. Continue Reading »

Delta Regional Takes Giant Step Toward Limb Rehabilitation

Breakthrough Technology Benefits Stroke and Neurological Patients

GREENVILLE — By helping stroke victims regain hand control and grasp objects, they can now master tasks once believed impossible, thanks to highly sophisticated technology now available at Delta Regional Medical Center.

Through a partnership with Bioness Inc., the rural hospital is among the first in the nation to offer the breakthrough therapy and serve as a regional evaluation and treatment site for patients interested in trying out the new device. “We have integrated this technology into both our acute inpatient rehab program and into our outpatient setting,” said Stephanie Kent, director of musculoskeletal services at Delta Regional. Continue Reading »

Art therapy: Marks’ exhibit showcases therapeutic power of art

Although Kenneth Martin is confined to a wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury, his imagination knows no limits.

The independent living coordinator of L.I.F.E. Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping disabled adults lead independent and productive lives, Martin enjoys painting in his spare time and hopes to become a full-time working artist one day.

“I love the freedom to express certain concepts in a visual form,” he said. “I like expressing universal experiences that people of all cultures can relate to.” Continue Reading »

Church helps injured teen on long road to recovery

Gabe Rodreick, who suffered a spinal injury in Costa Rica, hopes to get back to a top rehab center.

Gabe Rodreick of south Minneapolis was on an exchange trip to Costa Rica in July when he suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a scuba diving excursion.

Upon waking in the nearest hospital, the 16-year-old learned he was unable to move his hands and legs. Not too long afterward, Gabe’s determination to regain his strength and hopefully walk and play the piano again kicked in. It hasn’t let up since then, said his mother, Carolyn Rodreick. Continue Reading »

Beyond disabilities

Interacting with people who use mobility aids

Probably the most recognisable form of Disability is physical. Yes, it is absolutely true! People using crutches, a wheelchair or some other mobility assistive equipment are almost always immediately identified as having a disability. The question is, is it always true? In most cases, yes it is, however, the severity of the disability is what is mostly misunderstood. Just because a person may be using a wheelchair does not mean they are totally unable to walk. It may simply mean that their physical limitation may not allow them to walk for long distances so they may use the aid of a wheelchair. Continue Reading »

Thankful for 50 more years

Thrill-Seeker Has Led ‘Wonderfully Fulfilling Life’ Since Accident

VIENNA, Va. – At 67, Sharon Hovey says she is ready to settle down.

An Ashville native and self-described thrill-seeker, Ms. Hovey says she has lived her life on the edge – though bound to a wheelchair for the last 50 years by Quadriplegia. Continue Reading »

Spinal education has plenty of backbone

An education program promoting spinal injury prevention was on track to reach the major milestone of 80,000 students by the end of the year.

Minister for Disabilities Services, Lindy Nelson-Carr said Disability Services Queensland had provided funding of $90,000 over three years for the Spinal Injuries Association program which informs young people about spinal cord injury and how to prevent it.

“The program targets young ones and raises their awareness about preventing spinal cord injuries before they enter the highest risk time of sustaining an injury, between 15 and 30,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“We know young adults are at higher risk of spinal cord injury than any other group, with the top three causes being road trauma, falls or crushes, and water-related accidents.” Continue Reading »

$1 million to fund first 12 patient treatments

New Zealand to join spinal cord repair effort

New Zealand has 5000 people in wheelchairs – one of the highest per capita ratios in the developed World

Advances towards breakthrough treatments for spinal cord injuries has encouraged the start of a fundraising initiative in New Zealand.

“We Will Walk Again,” will be a special arm of the Spinal Cord Society of New Zealand to focus on raising money so New Zealanders in wheelchairs can take part in trials of experimental (or novel) treatments from local medical specialists. Continue Reading »