Meet Rick K., C5, 11 years post injury and still improving! When Rick first started at Project Walk in July 2005 he was already 10 years post injury. His muscles were tight and weak and the osteoporosis in his hip was severe. Additionally, the tone and spasms in his hips and legs was very strong and difficult to work with. Combined, these

factors limited Rick’s prospect of recovery.  He planned to stay at Project Walk for only six months hoping to see even a small amount of recovery, but his expectations were not high. 

At the end of his first six months Rick felt that he had seen enough improvement to stay for another six months.  The tone and spasms in his legs reacted favorably to the stimulation provided and had decreased enough that he started getting some controlled movement in certain positions. The increased demand in load bearing exercises helped improve his osteoporosis and he began to really step up the intensity of his workouts.  Rick started seeing major improvements in function and coordination; his body was coming to life and he was able to control it. 

Once we got Rick up on his feet, he just took off.  His body responded quite well to being upright. He continued to experience much more recovery than anyone thought possible.  On November 10, 2006, at our annual fundraiser, 2006 Steps to Recovery, Rick wasn’t a spectator but a participant in the walk, taking his first steps in public in over 11 years! 

This year, Rick’s workout goal is completely different from when he started the program.  The goal this year is very simple -- keep improving! Getting out of his power chair and walking isn’t a fantasy anymore, it is a great possibility!

To help Rick and others like him achieve what is considered medically impossible and walk after being injured and confined to a wheelchair for the past 10 years, click on Donating to Project Walk.

If you would like to contact Rick, post on our message board.