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Physical Therapy Boot Camp in Baltimore
0% complete
$7,345 raised of $10K
76 donations
On September 6 2018, Josh woke up to pain in his back, and within an hour couldn't move from the waist down. Nine days later he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Transverse Myelitis. We're not sure why, but his immune system attacked his spinal cord and caused severe nerve damage. He spent 23 days in the hospital.
The best treatment at this point is something called Activity-Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT). This is a form of physical therapy pioneered by the Christopher Reeves Foundation. It uses weight-bearing moving and electrical stimulation of muscles to help retrain the nervous system.
Kennedy Krieger's International Center for Spinal Cord Injury in Baltimore is a world-renowned PT center and fully equipped in ABRT. They believe that Josh is an ideal candidate for ABRT, and he has been scheduled to for there for three weeks beginning February 25.
Here's a video showing what ABRT looks like at KKI:
Here's a video showing the aqua therapy center at KKI:
He'll be gone for a 3-week "Boot Camp" working 6 days a week for 3-4 hours per day in therapy. After the initial three weeks, Josh will most likely need to travel to Baltimore every 6 months for 1-2 week refreshers for the next few years.
While in therapy, Josh and his wife Karlene will need to live in Baltimore. Unfortunately, given accessibility needs, housing will be extra expensive - as most inexpensive housing options are not wheelchair accessible, and have steps (which Josh can't quite do yet).
Funds raised will help pay for medical and travel costs incurred as a part of Josh's recovery, and to help support their family with any loss of income that may be necessary due to their absence at home.
The first year is the most important year for nerve regeneration and healing. It is important that Josh do everything he can to gain as much mobility and ambulation back after this terrible event. Having you all join him in his recovery is an incredible gift and he is so thankful that you would consider supporting his family during this time.
The best treatment at this point is something called Activity-Based Restorative Therapy (ABRT). This is a form of physical therapy pioneered by the Christopher Reeves Foundation. It uses weight-bearing moving and electrical stimulation of muscles to help retrain the nervous system.
Kennedy Krieger's International Center for Spinal Cord Injury in Baltimore is a world-renowned PT center and fully equipped in ABRT. They believe that Josh is an ideal candidate for ABRT, and he has been scheduled to for there for three weeks beginning February 25.
Here's a video showing what ABRT looks like at KKI:
Here's a video showing the aqua therapy center at KKI:
He'll be gone for a 3-week "Boot Camp" working 6 days a week for 3-4 hours per day in therapy. After the initial three weeks, Josh will most likely need to travel to Baltimore every 6 months for 1-2 week refreshers for the next few years.
While in therapy, Josh and his wife Karlene will need to live in Baltimore. Unfortunately, given accessibility needs, housing will be extra expensive - as most inexpensive housing options are not wheelchair accessible, and have steps (which Josh can't quite do yet).
Funds raised will help pay for medical and travel costs incurred as a part of Josh's recovery, and to help support their family with any loss of income that may be necessary due to their absence at home.
The first year is the most important year for nerve regeneration and healing. It is important that Josh do everything he can to gain as much mobility and ambulation back after this terrible event. Having you all join him in his recovery is an incredible gift and he is so thankful that you would consider supporting his family during this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Josh Clark
Beneficiary