1. Where were you employed before your spinal cord injury? What were your interests?
I was employed as a part-time cashier at a large drugstore chain in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I was a full-time chemistry student at the University of Manitoba.
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis?
I was skiing with friends on December 29, 2011 when one of my skis detached and I made a head-on collision with a tree. The impact created a hairline fracture in my cervical 1 vertebra and I shattered my cervical 5. The prognosis was that there was a very small chance of me regaining functional control of my legs or hands.
Through a fellow patient in my rehabilitation hospital.
4. What are your goals?
To regain hand function, bladder function, bowel function, and to burn my wheelchair.
5. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
So far, Project Walk is the only optimistic environment I’ve been in. I’ve been here since August 2012 and have gotten stronger; enough to the point that I can now walk with a regular elbow walker, which has given me a lot of hope!
6. What advice would you give to prospective clients?
You write your own future.
7. Dhruv’s progress since coming to Project Walk on August 13, 2012.
Dhruv’s Team of Specialists: Nelly G., Danielle J., and Jason W.
Lead Specialist, Nelly, and SCI Specialist, Danielle: Dhruv Kapoor started at Project Walk in August 2012. He was shy and quiet, but soon opened up with a little push. Within a little over three months he has progressed amazingly through Project Walk’s program. He has regained more strength and control in his lower extremities, especially his hamstrings, and has increased some strength in his triceps. Dhruv has seen tremendous progress in his posture, core strength, and gait. When he first arrived walking with an elbow walker involved us assisting his left leg, as it was difficult to take a step without dragging his foot. Straps were utilized to provide the toe lift, but today he’s able to walk without them and with minimal amount of assistance, which is mainly for tracking. There were instances where we were able to let him take steps on his own while he pushed the walker simultaneously. Although it is challenging and maybe terrifying for him, Dhruv is able to rise to the occasion and give it his all!
Dhruv’s attitude and determination towards his recovery has been relentless since his arrival. He is always open to different modalities, even though he will initially give you a hesitant “okaaay.” One can also spot him before or after his scheduled sessions working out with his father, Sanjay Kapoor.
Moreover, Dhruv engages in other activities outside of Project Walk to supplement his regimen. He does aqua therapy at least twice a week, acupuncture, and he has also done hand therapy. Dhruv has overcome many obstacles, but the biggest obstacle he overcame was his own fear. His drive and motivation will continue to make him successful in his recovery. It has been an absolute joy to see him smile during his workouts!
Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery- Steps to Recovery 2012- Walk and Client Awards
Join us as we celebrate our clients’ achievements!
This year we are proud to be sponsored by Alphatec Spine.
Family, friends, and the entire community are welcome to experience a day filled with DEDICATION, HARD WORK, and HOPE!
Each day our clients are training to regain their INDEPENDENCE and achieve their personal RECOVERY GOALS.
Please save the date and support our mission in creating morespinal cord injuryawareness.
If you would like to make a donation or for more information please call Gigi Betancourt: 760.431.9789 Ext. 102.
Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Spotlight
October 2012 Spotlight: Ryan Porteous
1. Where were you employed before your spinal cord injury? What were your interests?
Before I got injured I had just graduated from high school and was starting college at University of California Santa Barbara. I loved sports and being outdoors. I played football in high school as well as competed in sailing, swimming, and surfing. I was always having fun with my friends outdoors riding or skating around, mountain biking, surfing, snowboarding, or just running on the beach with my dog.
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis?
On October 8, 2011, I broke my neck at C6 diving off a boat dock. I’m not sure what exactly I hit and was lucky not to have drowned. I had a little feeling in my legs and some movement in my arms.
I heard about Project Walk while in inpatient rehab at Sharp Hospital in San Diego.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Project Walk is special because it works with people who need specific training that is hard to find or not even offered in some places. Insurance companies often suck and are quick to stop helping. Project Walk offers a lot of the equipment and trainers that are specifically for those with spinal cord injuries and facilitating recovery.
5. What are your goals?
Physically, I work to eventually make a full recovery. However, my true goal is to be happy and enjoy life, which is more important than anything else, no matter where I end up.
6. What advice would you give to prospective clients?
The vibe at PW is very positive and friendly. Also you can take what you learn from PW and apply it to a strength training program at home if it is safe. In addition you can utilize the equipment available at PW when not with a trainer; there are some restrictions though.
Still in his first year post injury, Ryan Porteous has seen tremendous progress in his quest to walk again. Using the same drive and athletic mindset that made him an accomplished football player and surfer, Ryan has pushed his body every day. Ryan presented good activity when he arrived at Project Walk, still in his doctor prescribed cervical collar. Now, he has volitional control of nearly every muscle group and continues to improve his strength. Through a rigorous program consisting of two days of three hours at PW, as well as visits to other facilities, Ryan was recently able to reach the major milestone of taking steps (using a walker) while unassisted by a trainer. As he moves forward his focus will be on correcting his pelvic tilt, improving his balance, and fine tuning his movement patterns.
Though very independent in his daily life, Ryan has an excellent support system. He can usually be found working out for hours with his parents after his sessions. While many people require an additional push to aid their motivation, our job as Ryan’s trainers is usually to reign in his passion for rehabilitation. Still, most weeks, Ryan will be found exercising at least 6 days per week. Ryan’s friendly but quiet demeanor belies the intensity of his focus and impressively dry sense of humor. He has been a perfect client and there may be no limits to his recovery.
On Friday, September 7, 2012 Project Walk Headquarters hosted a hugely successful event at Petco Park in honor of National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month.
Project Walk and over 300 supporters celebrated on the rooftop of the Western Medical Supply, Co. building all evening. Before the Padres took on the Arizona Diamondbacks, Project Walk invaded the field! Our very first client, Mike Thomas, threw the first pitch, demonstrating the extent of what can be achieved at Project Walk through the endless dedication, hard work, and hope we experience here daily. Other highlights included client Joey Abicca demonstrating Ekso Bionic’s innovative bionic exoskeleton, Cory Hahn’s inspirational road to recovery story, and the National Anthem brilliantly sung by our very own singer/songwriter KADA (who became long time client Barney Miller’s fiancé later in the evening!).
The rest of the night was spent on the rooftop rooting for the Padres, enjoying the stadium buffet, and bidding on various silent auction items.
We extend a very big “Thank you” to everyone from Project Walk, Ekso Bionics, our corporate sponsors, and our loving community who came out to support Project Walk and all of our local SCI heroes! More pictures from the event should be posted shortly, so please check back soon.
Also, save the date for our next special event Steps to Recovery on October 27, 2012!
Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Spotlight
August 2012 Spotlight: Sergei Kravsovsky
1. Where were you employed before your spinal cord injury? What were your interests?
Prior to my spinal cord injury (SCI) I was working for a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company on the East Coast. I returned to work a month after I was discharged from the hospital. I had a wide variety of interests which included both indoor and outdoor activities.
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis?
I was injured in a car accident. My prognosis was wheelchair for life.
3. How did you hear about Project Walk?
My wife started researching alternatives to traditional medicine which would help me recover from my injury while I was still in the hospital. She came across Project Walk while searching the web.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Project Walk provides an excellent psychological and therapeutic environment necessary for recovery.
5. What are your goals?
Some of my physical activity goals include hiking the Appalachian Trail, climbing Mount Elbrus and kayaking across Lake Baikal.
6. What advice would you give to prospective clients?
Follow the steps to recovery outlined by Project Walk. It’s all there.
7. Sergei’s progress since coming to Project Walk.
Sergei’s Team of Specialists: David Hofmaier, Ryan Regensberg, and Jason Root.
Lead SCI Specialist – David Hofmaier: Sergei came to Project Walk a couple of years ago and we began to talk about training during his exercise sessions. He came here to intensify his training and I gave him some advice. He worked hard and enjoyed his time at the old facility so much that he returned this summer to our new Project Walk home.
Sergei is one of the first clients at the facility at 8 A.M. and he trains for two hours per day, five days per week. During June, Sergei pedaled the spin bike on his own for the first time for seven minutes. In July, he pedaled the spin bike continuously for forty minutes. The neuromuscular connections that Sergei is regaining are lasting. He is getting more function and sensation in his legs and he says that sometimes he feels “connected down to his feet.” When this occurs Sergei is on fire during his workouts.
One of the training exercises that he enjoys is what he refers to as “the old ball and chain.” This is when Sergei does his crawling on all fours with ten pound weights attached to his ankles with bungee cords. We have noticed that this particular exercise helps him connect his upper and lower body together while using his core to control his hips. The work output is intense because the weights are getting so heavy that the bungees begin stretching like rubber bands. He follows this up with some more leg work and the connection is strong for him. Then he is off to grab some food with his wife and the two of them come back in the afternoon to work out a couple more hours on their own.
Sergei is very quiet, but he always has a devilish grin on his face. However, don’t let his humble demeanor fool you. If you talk to him and ask him about his therapy in Russia or what he has learned on his journey he is very open. He is always willing to pass on information and share his knowledge.
SCI Specialist – Ryan Regensburg: Sergei’s dedication, focus and positive mentality are key factors to helping his progress. He has overcome some obstacles that could have been very defeating. He was able to keep his focus through the ‘bump in the road’ and continued to train through it. By doing so, Sergei has achieved the ability to crawl and he continues to strengthen his core for seated balance.
SCI Specialist – Jason Root: Sergei’s work ethic and focus are solid and unmatched. In addition to his scheduled workouts, he comes in for a second workout session that he does on his own daily. He also utilizes Neuro-Acupuncture and Rolfing on a regular basis. The results of this are evident in his progress through load bearing in his trunk and legs. He has made fantastic gains in neuromuscular strength and control in hip flexion and extension.
We are truly honored to be nominated for the 4th Annual CLASSY Awards. This award is designed to recognize outstanding philanthropic achievements and to serve as a focal point for celebrating the work being done in the nonprofit sector. Please read and share Project Walk’s story and join us on Saturday, October 27th for our 8th Annual Steps to Recovery event as we celebrate our client’s achievements and progress!
“Project Walk goes BEYOND traditional therapy, embracing possibility, offering HOPE to those with a spinal cord injury. Project Walk is one of the BEST DECISIONS we have made in pursuing recovery for our son.”
On June 12, 2012 Project Walk client Patrick Ivison fulfilled his goal of walking to receive his high school diploma! Patrick suffered a C4 spinal cord injury when he was 14 months old and has been training at Project Walk since 2005 with his Lead Specialist, Jason Smith.
John, the father of Project Walk client Ashley S., recounts the graduation ceremony, “I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it. It was amazing to see. Everyone in the audience were on their feet and cheering in full celebration and support!”
There are no words to fully describe how proud we are of Patrick. He has accomplished and overcome more in his life at age 17 than most people do in a lifetime. He has the heart and perseverance like none other!
Best of luck at USC. FIGHT ON!! - Love, The Project Walk Family
ABC 10 News has the full story and video on this emotional and memorable day!
We are excited to have ABC 10 News at Project Walk Headquarters today! Thank you to 10 News Reporter, Bob Lawrence, for your continued support and coverage of our amazing clients! Stay tuned for this story!
Attention family, friends, and Padres fans!
Please support our cause and join us for a fun evening out at Petco Park! Group seating has been secured on the historic Western Metal Rooftop Bleachers.
Refer to the flyer below for more information. Also, direct any questions regarding this event and ticket sales to Kasandra Lam, Public Relations Administrator @ klam@projectwalk.org.
“If there was an event at the Olympic Games for NEVER GIVING UP and always staying OPTIMISTIC, then Mark Pollock would surely be the main contender for that gold medal!”
Please read this article about Project Walk client, Mark Pollock, written by Martin Murphy from Epoch Times.
In this article Mark shares his first experience using the Ekso exoskeleton from Esko Bionics in Berkeley, CA.
Mark states, “The reason I was able to use the robotic legs was, quite possibly, because I got fit and strong by attending Project Walk.”
The MOVE with Music event has NOT been cancelled, only postponed! We are still very excited to be hosting this first annual benefit concert at the Belly Up this summer.
The official summer concert date and more details will be announced soon!
This event will feature a demonstration of Ekso, a bionic exoskeleton that allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to STAND and WALK. Project Walk has been provided the opportunity to be within the first 15 centers and only location in San Diego to receive this exclusive device!
Ekso Bionics is committed to applying the latest technology and engineering to help people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable. Originally Berkeley Bionics, Ekso Bionics was founded in Berkeley, California in 2005. Since inception Ekso Bionics has forged partnerships with world-class institutions like UC Berkeley, received research grants from the Department of Defense and licensed technology to the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Today Ekso Bionics continues to pioneer the field of exoskeletons, designing and creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative solutions for people looking to augment human mobility and capability.
Project Walk is excited to have ESPN in the facility filming Donnovan Hill during his training session with Lead Specialist, Rodney Marquez. Donnovan was injured during a Pop Warner football game.
This is what Donnovan’s mother, Crystal, had to say about her son’s recovery, “My Donnovan is getting stronger. He is such a fighter. We would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers. When prayers go up, blessings come down. Donnovan is a blessing to me. His loving spirit keeps me going!”
Come out to support Project Walk and enjoy a night out at Padres’ Petco Park! Group seating has been secured on the Western Metal Rooftop Bleachers and is open to all Project Walk clients, staff, family, friends & supporters. See below for ticket information and contact Johanna Leinenweber, Fundraising Coordinator, johannal@projectwalk.org, with additional questions.
Project Walk’s MOVE with Music is a first time concert event featuring live performances by The Mar Dels San Diego’s most well-known & loved nostalgia band, Stone Senses, a Carlsbad band set out to embody the upbeat, positive nature of the scene that they grew up in; both alongside a familiar Project Walk face, Kadey Garnet, a songwriter from the east coast of Australia with sound that is soulful with a touch of R&B and folk.The focus of the special event is to raise funds for Project Walk to achieve their mission of enhancing the equipment within their worldwide headquarters. PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!
May 2012 Spotlight
Jeff Moodie
1. Where were you employed before you were injured? What were your interests?
Before my spinal cord injury I did sales for an oil company. I was interested in any physical activity and playing around with my son.
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis?
My injury happened when I was on my honeymoon in Mexico on March 3, 2009. I tried body boarding for the first and last time. A wave took me head first into the sand and that’s when I injured my spinal cord at my C-4 vertebrae.
3. How did you hear about Project Walk?
I heard of Project Walk when I was out on a day trip from the hospital and I met someone in a wheelchair that expressed the same frustrations with the physical therapy that we were receiving. They told me how they made the trip to Project Walk and how it was a positive experience for them both physically and mentally.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Project Walk has given me the strength and the knowledge to gain back my independence!
5. What are your goals?
My goal in life is to get better each and every day.
6. What advice would you give to prospective clients?
My advice to others would be to keep believing that you can get better. After being in Project Walk, seeing and experiencing first-hand what the staff here can help you accomplish, I know that anything is possible when recovering from a spinal cord injury.
7. Jeff Moodie’s progress since coming to Project Walk on April 5, 2011:
Josh Salic (Lead Specialist): Jeff Moodie has made amazing progress on his second trip to Project Walk. During Jeff’s first visit, he was able to relax his body and started to move free and easy as Specialist Jason Smith likes to say. J.W. and I knew when Jeff returned we would have to concentrate on his ankles. By focusing on that area, Jeff has been able to take steps with the blue walker. With J.W. and I on each foot, Jeff will step without assistance and we will catch the foot to help plant it then release and get ready for Jeff to toe off and knee drive his foot into our hands. Jeff can also roll over, sit up, get into hands and knees, and up into kneeling with a physio ball for stability. He also can crawl forward, backward, side to side. Jeff has a great work ethic and attitude. He comes in on his off day and does extra work with the arm cycle, standing frame and moving around on the table. He is here to achieve his goal and expects nothing less.
Jason Wanstreet (Floor Manager): Most of all I admire Jeff’s drive and determination. He takes one day at a time and focuses on how he can get better each day. He is not looking at the end result or long term; he knows he will get there eventually through his hard work.
Jeff comes into his workouts with an incredible focus on the task at hand. As a result making our job that much more progressive and his success that much greater. He is an inspiration and role model for all clients that come through Project Walk.
8. What other Specialists have to say about Jeff:
Steve Waite: Jeff is constantly inviting new challenges in his workouts at Project Walk and through determination and sheer effort, he manages to conquer each. His dedication is second to none and his focus impressive. He remains, as ever, a tremendous athlete.
Kimber Davis: Jeff comes to Project Walk hours before his workout time putting in the work to get results. He is a huge inspiration!
Jordyn Niemiec
1. Where were you employed before you were injured? What were your interests?
I had just started the 4th grade before my injury occurred. My interests included softball, basketball, soccer, playing with my dog Nick, and going to the park with friends and family.
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis?
I was injured on October 6, 2009 when my Mom didn’t stop at a stop sign and drove into an embankment on the other side of the road. Just seconds before that moment in time, I had taken my shoulder harness off to pick up a toy for my sister off of the floorboard. When I sat up I was flying forward with only the lap belt to stop me.
I was pretty lucky that I didn’t die that day. My lower intestines were severely injured and the theory is that I lost blood flow to my spinal cord long enough for the tissue to die off. My injury was categorized as a level T8, complete. Doctor’s didn’t give me any chance of walking again.
3. How did you hear about Project Walk?
While I was in the rehab unit at Children’s Hospital, my aunt told my dad about a person she had heard that was attending Project Walk, a spinal cord injury facility in Carlsbad. My dad, grandpa, uncle, and aunt all made the visit the next week and were really impressed with the facility and the people at Project Walk. I finally had some hope presented to me.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Project Walk is special because I get to meet and interact with people who are in the same position as me. We all share a common goal of getting back on our feet (and we all will!). Most importantly, I am around people I consider family. People at Project Walk let me be who I am and let me express my feelings without the fear of being judged.
In addition to giving me the opportunity to keep some of my previous active lifestyle going, Project Walk has changed my life by giving me a different perspective on my life all together.
Every time I’m working out I see the dedication and determination of everyone on the workout floor. It is very inspiring. It gives me hope to keep going and made me a stronger overall person.
5. What are your goals?
My goal is to play one more softball game with all my best friends. With the Project Walk family behind me I know I will achieve this goal!
6. What advice would you give to prospective clients?
I would tell them that if you do nothing you will get nothing (no results). Even if coming to Project Walk doesn’t help you walk again it will make you stronger, healthier, and give you the confidence to live more independently.
7. Jordyn Niemiec’s progress since coming to Project Walk in January 2010:
Jordyn’s Team of Specialists: Jillienne Feather, Kyle Yamauchi, & Nelly Geronimo.
Lead Specialist – Jillienne Feather: Since day one, Jordyn has had a positive attitude towards her recovery and workouts. Since beginning her recovery at PW, she has overcome two very invasive surgeries and continued to stay focused towards the potential of her recovery. We have seen significant improvements in her core and hip stability over the past two years, along with her endurance. Jordyn used to hold onto her specialists with a “death grip” whenever working on balance and core stability. She now has the confidence in her body and abilities to challenge herself during these exercises and really push her limits to continue to progress.
Just recently she has been getting deeper and stronger core contractions while working on crunches and stability exercises. She rarely misses workouts and her outlook and maturity during her workouts exceeds what would be expected of an 11 year old. Jordyn not only works towards her goals while she is with us but has a wonderful support system at home that encourages her and assists her with standing in her standing frame and riding the recumbent bike while she’s at home. The most important aspect of Jordyn’s recovery is that she is still taking time to be a kid. She is active in her sibling’s athletics and just recently went to 6th grade camp without a caregiver. She hangs out with her friends, is an excellent student, and goes to sleepovers. She continues to gain the independence allowing her to do all these things and that is the greatest reward as a Specialist. We all love working with Jordyn and are excited to be a part of her continued recovery!
KNOWLEDGE. DETERMINATION. RESULTS
Join us in celebrating this exciting opening day for the Dodgers! Project Walk has teamed with, Jerry Hairston, Jr., an infielder for the Dodgers, in a mission to raising awareness & funds for Project Walk through ‘walks for Walk’. We are humbled to be partnered with this MLB veteran and wish Jerry the best of luck in the 2012 season!
To hit off the season we held a drawing to help raise money for ‘walks for WALK’. Thank you to all that participated in the drawing for two tickets to opening games this weekend featuring the Padres vs Dodgers at Petco Park. Our generous & lucky winners are Alisa Scrafield and our own Dawn Huston & Terry Moffatt!! Congratulations & enjoy the game!
Help us achieve our goal of raising $25,000 for by making a donation today!
Sunday, April 1st at the Hollywood Improv, stand-up comedian, Bryan Callen, rises to the occasion for a dude who can’t. Join in for some good old fashioned quadriplegic humor to help raise money for a guy in a wheelchair and the place that is helping him in his recovery. If humor is the best medicine then why can’t it help Chris walk again? Well at least it can bring him some relief from high medical bills and help Project Walk continue to offer the best SCI recovery treatment available, state-of-the-art equipment, and educational programs to Chris and others with spinal cord injuries. If there’s only one spinal cord injury comedy show you see this year, THIS is the one. A show so wrong, but for a cause so right.
ALL TICKET AND SILENT AUCTION SALES GO DIRECTLY TO
CHRISTOPHER MASSEY MEDICAL TRUST FUND & PROJECT WALK SPINAL CORD INJURY RECOVERY CENTER
Have you recently been featured in a newspaper, on a website or on television? Send us the link to your story and we will put it under Our Clients on the website. Send it to: marketing@projectwalk.org
2. How were you injured? What was your initial prognosis? 
Dhruv’s attitude and determination towards his recovery has been relentless since his arrival. He is always open to different modalities, even though he will initially give you a hesitant “okaaay.” One can also spot him before or after his scheduled sessions working out with his father, Sanjay Kapoor.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Though very independent in his daily life, Ryan has an excellent support system. He can usually be found working out for hours with his parents after his sessions. While many people require an additional push to aid their motivation, our job as Ryan’s trainers is usually to reign in his passion for rehabilitation. Still, most weeks, Ryan will be found exercising at least 6 days per week. Ryan’s friendly but quiet demeanor belies the intensity of his focus and impressively dry sense of humor. He has been a perfect client and there may be no limits to his recovery.
On Friday, September 7, 2012 
Walk through the endless dedication, hard work, and hope we experience here daily. Other highlights included client Joey Abicca demonstrating Ekso Bionic’s innovative bionic exoskeleton, Cory Hahn’s inspirational road to recovery story, and the National Anthem brilliantly sung by our very own singer/songwriter 
5. What are your goals?
Sergei is very quiet, but he always has a devilish grin on his face. However, don’t let his humble demeanor fool you. If you talk to him and ask him about his therapy in Russia or what he has learned on his journey he is very open. He is always willing to pass on information and share his knowledge.
4. What makes Project Walk so special and how has Project Walk changed your life?
Jason Wanstreet (Floor Manager): Most of all I admire Jeff’s drive and determination. He takes one day at a time and focuses on how he can get better each day. He is not looking at the end result or long term; he knows he will get there eventually through his hard work.
3. How did you hear about Project Walk?
7. Jordyn Niemiec’s progress since coming to Project Walk in January 2010:
