| Jake Walks Again |
| Meet Jake - Once a Quadriplegic Then Walks again |
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THEN AND NOW After a devastating auto accident, I was diagnosed as having a broken neck. Lying in a coma for a week and having major surgery, I became a quadriplegic. After 4 months of being told I'd never walk again or move from the neck down, a bone fusion operation performed at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago gave me hope and a new lease on life. |
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| I am stretched out in a striker frame, a traction bed designed for those with spinal cord injuries. Positioned and bolted down, I was placed face down then turned face up every two hours. This went on for 4 months. The hardest part was laying there and listening to the sounds of cars, children, and activities outside while I was lying immobile, unable to move. At this time my wife (now ex) walked in stating she was leaving me - and that I would never see my child again. 6 months later the court ordered visitation privileges. |
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| My 2nd surgery was performed at the Northwestern University Spinal Cord Unit by Dr. Crillo and Dr. Brown, Neurosurgeons; Dr. Myer, Orthopedics. I have several stories to tell about my experience. I endured a long recuperation; 9 months of physical therapy and 3 years as an out-patient. During this time I gathered strength from God and relied on a part of my mind and spirit that we don't use until we are down and out. Rather then looking back, I went forward to better my life and that of others. I'll be sharing my every day life experiences here so take a look and come back again soon. |
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| I became stronger after 3 years of physical therapy and things went uphill from there. I went from a quadriplegic, to use of a wheelchair, to walking again with the aid of canes. I got on with my life. My days consisted of building houses, running an appliance repair shop, and collecting & racing muscle cars of the 60's & 70's. Even now you can find me racing Tweety at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Here I am with my daughter, who has been a great inspiration to me. |
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| This '48 Olds 88 was a favorite of mine. After experiencing paralysis and being told earlier on that I would never have feeling from the neck down or walk again, the thrill of an active life, especially collecting and racing cars, became significant to me. I exchanged a wheelchair for "racing wheels." |
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