This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Disability Advocate, Blogger (The Able Diary), and founder of Disability Matters; Sophie Hagy. We talked with Sophie about the shooting that resulted in the death of her friend Alex and her winding up with a spinal cord injury, the awful medical treatment she was provided early on in her injury, and being able to reenter rehab a couple of years post injury and how much more beneficial that was to her. We also discussed how she dealt with the mental strain this injury puts on you, the decision to start blogging and launch The Able Diary, and designing clothing and other goods for the company she founded; Disability Matters. Connect with Sophie at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Sophie Hagy:IG: @sophiexhagy TikTok: @sophie_hagy The Able Diary: https://www.theablediary.com/ Disability Matters: https://www.etsy.com/shop/disabilitymatters/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer= Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-sophie-hagy/donate?utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=linktr.ee  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Predum who is a Disability Advocate, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and in the Cofounder of Next Step Fort Wayne. We talked with Erica about the car accident that left her paralyzed, the massive challenges she went through during her rehab from the injury, and the tragic loss of her mother less than a year after her accident. We also spoke about overcoming the massive obstacles that were put in her way, the help she was given through the Walking With Anthony Foundation, and her motivation for starting Next Step Fort Wayne. Connect with Erica at the social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Erica Predum/Next Step Fort Wayne: IG: @nextstepfortwayne      @epredum FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576275480349     https://www.facebook.com/erica.lynn.992976    

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the opportunity to speak with Jeff Lefkowitz who is an author, inventor of the MAS neurological rehabilitation system, and the founder of Abilities Recovery Center (ARC). We spoke with Jeff about his early career as a chiropractor and working with professional athletes before a patient with a Spinal Cord Injury came into his practice and launched a new career in neurological rehabilitation. Jeff developed a breakthrough rehab device called the Mobility Activation System (MAS) that serves the purpose of multiple items in a standard rehab facility and cuts down on the time it takes to transfer to one of these other devices. Jeff is an amazing success with nearly every patient he's worked with having some sort of improvement after working with the MAS!! Connect with Jeff and ARC at the links below, as well as the MAS, which is truly a game changer in the world of neurological rehabilitation, and if you're in the Southern California area definitely connect with them in person!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!ARC/MAS: https://www.arc-la.com/ IG: @abilitiesrecoverycenter Unparalyzed: Learning to Move, Stand, and Walk Again. Volume 1 https://a.co/d/dPzlgOw    

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we are lucky enough to visit with Emily Powell who is a Disability Advocate, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. We spoke with Emily about the tragic car accident two days after her 16th birthday that left her paralyzed, the grit and determination it took for her to earn a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and the incredible support she received from her family, especially early on after her accident. We also talked about the devastating loss of her boyfriend Zach in a hit-and-run accident, the courage it takes to live on your own as a quadriplegic, and her amazing dog Azul. Connect with Emily at the social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Emily Powell: IG: @emiii21 FB: https://www.facebook.com/emily.powell.7731 Tik-Tok: @Theoneandonlyemilypowell

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Snellbaker, better known as Nicki Whitechoc who is an Entrepreneur, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Disability Advocate, and Founder of Nicki Strong. We spoke with Nicki about the car accident that left her paralyzed in 2003, laughing at the doctors when they told her she would never walk again, and turning daily tasks into outpatient therapy. We also discussed the immense friend/family support she's had, what Nicki Strong is all about, and sharing her story through social media.Connects with Nicki at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Nicki Whitechoc/Nicki Strong: IG: @nicki_whitechoc      @nicki.strong https://gofund.me/015d423a

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Derek Demun who is an Adventurer, Disability Advocate, and Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. We spoke about the work accident that left Derek paralyzed at the T8 level, transitioning from snowboarding around the world to hunting/fishing all over the country, and how important his family support was and still is after his injury. We also talked about some of the crazier experiences he's had since finding his love for hunting and fishing, having his dad with him on a lot of his trips, and fighting workers compensation in the state of California for the last 11 years. Connect with Derek and his social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Derek Demun:IG: @t8_outdoorsman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@T8_OUTDOORSMAN https://linktr.ee/t8_outdoorsman  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Carlton Brown who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Motivational Speaker, Husband, Father, and host of the Wheelchair Chronicles show on YouTube and Instagram. We talked about the unfortunate car accident that left him paralyzed, dealing with being a husband and father of four while dealing with this injury, and what inspired him to start Wheelchair Chronicles and how rewarding it's been for him. We also discussed dealing with mental health after an SCI, how faith played a role in his recovery, and the amazing support he received from his friends and family after the accident. Connect with Carlton at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!   Carlton Brown/Wheelchair ChroniclesIG: @wheelchair_chronicles FB: @CarltonCnoteBrown YouTube: @wheelchairchronicles

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Trish Brookes who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor and Disability Advocate. We chatted about the sequence of events that led to her spinal cord injury, Trish's work fundraising for the Spinal Injuries Association, and the impact the SIA has on the spinal cord injury community in the UK. We also talked about some of the fundraising adventures she's had up to this point, including diving with sharks, rifle shooting competitions, reppelling down a 100 foot building, and this year's upcoming challenge of competing in a Marvel Superhero themed triathlon. Connect with Trish and the Spinal Injuries Association at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Trish Brookes:IG: @trish.brookes.3      @spinal_injuries FB: @trish.brookes.3      @spinalinjuriesassociation https://www.justgiving.com/page/trish-brookes-7?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=IG  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we were lucky enough to visit with Disability Advocate, Racecar Driver, and Spinal Cord Injury Survivor; Torsten Gross. I spoke to Torsten about the diving accident in The Bahamas that left him paralyzed more than 30 years ago, how he became the world's first paralyzed rescue diver, and the unique story of how he became a racecar driver and the fire that lived under him to start the Just Hands Foundation to bring that experience to other people battling with mobility issues. We also talked about the new Amazon documentary series releasing on 7/31, Just Hands: For the Love of Racing. We also discussed the just hands foundation venturing into mountain bike riding, and the amazing bikes and wheelchairs that Bowhead Reach is making Connect with Torsten and the Just Hands Foundation at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Torsten Gross/Just Hands Foundation:https://www.torstengross.com/ https://www.justhands.org/ IG: @torstenfgross      @justhandsfoundation FB:  @torstenfgross        @justhandsfoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justhands  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Keshk who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Disability Advocate, Artist, and Ambassador Coordinator at the Triumph Foundation. We talked to Michelle about the freak accident that left her paralyzed, documenting her journey through this injury on social media, and how she doesn't let the injury get in the way of living her best life. We also chatted about how she connected with the Triumph Foundation, using her artwork as therapy, and the importance of the art she makes through her business Begin Within Creations. Connect with Michelle at her social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Michelle Keshk/Begin Within Creations:IG:  @meesh.peace      @beginwithincreations      @beginwithinbodyart www.etsy.com/shop/BeginWithinCreations   FB: @michellekeshkTikTok: @meeshpeace

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the opportunity to visit with friend of the podcast, Tyler Dunham. Tyler is a Wheelchair Bodybuilder, Disability Advocate, Stem Cell Recipient, and a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. I spoke with Tyler about taking part in the 2025 NPC Wheelchair Nationals Bodybuilding competition, how he's been feeling a year or so after receiving stem cells, his continuing goal of checking out wheelchair accommodations that NFL and NBA arenas, and his future plans and bodybuilding and in life. Connect with Tyler at his Instagram link below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Tyler Dunham: IG: @tyler_duhman90

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Brandon Parkes who is a Disability Advocate, Digital Creator, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Twitch Streamer. We talked to Brandon about the rare infection that caused damage to his spinal cord and left him paralyzed at the T5/6 level, his love of wheelchair basketball, and the content he's putting out from gaming to comedy to motivation for other people dealing with an SCI. Connect with Brandon at his social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!   Brandon Parkes: IG: @professorparkesTwitter: @professorparkesTwitch: @professorparkes12Tik-Tok: @professorparkes_              @professorparkesclips  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Jerod Nieder who is a Disability Advocate, a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Disability Consultant among many other titles you could put on him. We spoke to Jerod about the diving accident that left him paralyzed in Mexico, immersing himself in SCI research and the subsequent trials he participated in after his injury, and starting his consulting company Positively Paralyzed. We also chatted about his relationship with his beautiful wife Hanna and having their wedding documented on the Love Stories TV Youtube channel, competing in the 2021 and 2022 New York City marathons using his hand cycle, and the PositivelyFit Wheelchair Guided Workouts he does on his YouTube channel. Connect with Jerod on his social media channels!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Jerod Nieder/Positively Paralyzed: IG: @positivelyparalyzed  https://positivelyparalyzed.org/ Twitter: @PstvlyPrlyzd FB: @positivelyparalyzed  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@positivelyparalyzed Jerod & Hanna's Wedding Story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv1RWOkPzXQ&list=PLCcjPP2aelyMWaLU0YeA1kfQoqJknVx6Y

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Martin Quinn who is a Disability Advocate, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Defier of Odds. We caught up with Martin just after he completed the Boston Marathon working with the Christopher and Dana Reeve's Foundation to raise money for spinal cord injury research. We talked about the illness that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down 25 years ago, still dealing with some issues from the SCI while outwardly looking completely healed, and the thrill of being able to raise money for SCI research and the perspective that gives him having dealt with the injury. Connect with Martin at the Instagram link below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Martin Quinn:@martinquinn2207 https://www.givengain.com/project/martin-raising-funds-for-christopher-and-dana-reeve-foundation-89096 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hIv464E8hGI

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the honor of speaking with Christa Jo Cairus ( @roll_andsparkle ) who is a Disability Advocate, Author, Mother, Wife, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor among so many other titles. We talk about how Christa suffered a spinal cord injury, the abuse she dealt with four and after the injury at the hands of her former fiancé, and how she was able to finally escape that abuse. We also discussed the two books she's written; Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statistics and Turning Adversity into Glitter and the inspiration behind writing them and getting her story out there, and discussed her weight loss journey. Connect with Christa at her social media links below and check out the two books she's written at the Amazon links. Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Christa Jo Cairus:IG: @roll_andsparkle FB: https://www.facebook.com/christa.j.sexton https://www.instagram.com/p/DEh6n4Dowa0/   Books:Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statisticshttps://a.co/d/dq8BIx1   Turning Adversity into Glitter https://a.co/d/iWFBHvt  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Stroffer who is the host of the CureCast Podcast, the Cure Advocacy Network Manager for Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, and a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. We spoke with Jason about the car accident that left him paralyzed, 7 1/2 years ago, the process of getting accepted into Craig Hospital for his rehabilitation, and how he got into SCI advocacy so early on after his injury. We then chat about the elephant in the room regarding the elimination of funding for SCIRP which is about 1/3 of SCI research funding and arguably the most important 1/3. Jason lays out what SCIRP does, why it's so important, and some ways that we can fight to get this funding reinstated. Connect with Jason and Unite 2 Fight Paralysis at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Jason Stoffer:IG: @js_rollingFB: @jasonstoffer      @stomebody Jason's Article: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/article/collateral-damage-how-the-wrong-program-got-shot-down-in-the-hunt-for-government-waste.html   Unite 2 Fight Paralysis: IG:  @u2fp FB: @unite2fightparalysis Twitter: @U2FP_CureSCI YouTube: @unite2fightparalysis

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Annabelle Moult who is a Blogger, SCI Advocate, Disabled Travel Expert, and a Spinal Cord Injury and Neuromyselitis Optica Survivor. We talked about Neuromyselitis Optica and how this illness quickly caused a spinal cord injury and for her to go blind in a very short amount of time, the doctors struggling to realize what was going on, and the eventual partial restoration of her eyesight. We also chatted about her travels since being paralyzed and some of her favorite and least favorite places to visit, some funny stories and things to watch out for while traveling with a physical disability, and her website that provides amazing resources for exercise, nutrition, and connecting with your mind, body and soul. Connect with Annabelle at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Annabelle Moult: https://annabellemoult.com/ IG: @annabellemoult      @annabellemoulttravels FB: @annabellemoult    

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we were lucky enough to visit with Emmie Brookins who is an Influencer, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and Disability Advocate. After a brief senior moment from Ricardo (interview starts at about the 6 minute mark) we chat with Emmie about a wide range of topics from the car accident that left her paralyzed at 16 to her adorable service dog Levi. We also talked about the decision to document her story and answer questions related to SCI through her social media and YouTube channels, having a baclofen pump installed in November, and the incredible support she received from her family after her injury. Connect with Emmie at her social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!!   Emmie Brookins: IG: @_itsemmielynn https://www.youtube.com/@Em-Erin

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we were lucky enough to speak with Justina Plowden who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Mother, Disability Advocate, the founder of the WeMatter Organization, and Miss Wheelchair Louisiana 2024. We talked about the car accident in 2011 that left her paralyzed, the importance that of her friends and family that supported her after her injury, and how this injury affects so many people other than just the person is injured. We also discussed the WeMatter Organization and their focus, raising her daughter as a single mother with a spinal cord injury, and getting involved with and waiting the Miss Wheelchair Louisiana crown. Connect with Justina and We Matter at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Justina Plowden/WeMatter: IG: @beautifullyimperfectgirl FB: https://www.facebook.com/justina.plowden https://wematter.online/  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Erin Field who is a Disability Rights Advocate, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and Founder The 10% App. We chatted about the freak accident that left her paralyzed, the incredible support her friends and family provided her in the early days after your injury, and traveling with a disability. We also discussed the incredible 10% App that is going to be alive in the near future and will give people dealing with all kinds of disabilities a platform with resources, social groups, and forums to find out how other people are dealing with disability issues. Connect with Erin and the 10% app at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!Erin Field: IG: @erin.fieldd FB: https://www.facebook.com/livefearlessly3 YouTube: @ErinField   The 10% App: https://www.thetenpercent.io/ IG: @thetenpercentapp FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844740209857365 YouTube: @thetenpercentapp