AZ Walks

To say Mother’s Day 2011 was a day that would forever change my life does not even speak to how fortunate I was to survive. On this day, I broke and shattered my C5 vertebrae resulting in a six-year recovery process from complete paralysis that I continue to battle daily.

Less than 1% of individuals with spinal cord injuries ever regain full function, and I am blessed to be within that slim 1%. I’ve defied the odds time and time again! As the years pass by, the physical milestones have become even more challenging due to the development of chronic pain and inadequate equipment. No longer will my current brace, sheer will and determination alone be sufficient.

In order to further my recovery, I researched cutting edge orthotics developed by military prosthetic pioneer, Ryan Blanck. The advanced device known as “The Exosym,” is used in an array of physical issues to increase mobility regeneration and would offer me the opportunity to walk independently without pain.


 
The technology used to develop this brace came from the idea to allow people in the military with physical limitations in their lower limbs to regain mobility and ultimately salvage limbs that were being considered for amputation.

The brace is a lightweight brace made of carbon fiber developed to comfort and support the weak areas of the lower extremity. It has similar technology used in prosthetic limbs for amputees that propels them using an energy storing system. The device is custom fit to each persons physical necessities and provides support as well as minimizes pain.