This is where the staff of the Reeve Foundation is sharing up-to-the-minute information and putting some context around the news affecting the spinal cord injury and paralysis community. Not to mention insight into what's going on here at the Foundation.
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Rob Summers willing to walk again
Posted by
JLoTuesday, December 27, 2011
In May, we introduced you to Rob Summers through our research breakthrough announcement of epidural stimulation (EpiStim) through which, Rob, living with a spinal cord injury, regained some function, walking, and standing abilities.
ESPN recently caught up with Rob to tell the story of his life. Have a look as the story translates in one man's remarkable journey...
"Counting down: 3-2-1," Rob says. Shakily and with assistance, he stands, holding on to handlebars as Green supports his legs and several other therapists fasten a harness around his waist. Seconds pass and Green lets go, scooting his chair backward.
"Independent," Rob says, and the stopwatch begins.
His legs quiver as the seconds tick by. He leans his entire body to the left, announcing each move as he proceeds -- "shifting left" -- before leaning back to the right -- "shifting right." He stares straight ahead. He does not smile. Later, Rob will say that while he's standing, he focuses on each muscle, envisioning the fibers and neurons working together again.
His legs shake more violently, wobbling like a grazed bowling pin that's seconds away from toppling over. After almost two minutes, he calls out, "Sitting." Green scoots forward in his chair to hold on to Rob as he lowers himself.
"That was as strong and as uniform as I've seen you," Harkema says. Her smile is broad.
Read the rest and watch the video.
Janelle
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