Shane's fight against Accute Flaccid Myelitis
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Shane suffered a spinal cord injury that was caused by a virus in May if 2017. He was suddenly paralyzed from the neck down. He lost not only the ability to move, but the ability to even breathe on his own all within a matter of hours. Shane was eventually diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a rare polio-like illness that affects mostly children.
(Shane before injury, during acute phase, and now)
Shane has since made remarkable recovery. He fought hard to get off the ventilator and to walk again. He's been going to Frazier rehab, in Louisville, KY where for 4 hours per day he does intense physical and occupational therapy that is geared towards spinal cord recovery.
Although Shane has made great strides, unfortunately his arms were hit hardest by the virus. He has regained some function in his right arm with therapy and a muscle transfer operation. His left arm is almost completely flaccid or limp. What takes someone seconds to do on a daily basis can take Shane several minutes or even hours. Sometimes he needs help from us or even full assistance to do activities of daily living.
We have recently learned about a new medical device that is used to help reconnect signals from the spinal cord to nerves that can possibly help regain function. The machine, which is made by a company in Austin, TX is called a Neubie. There have been other children that have tried this device who have AFM and they have made some huge gains toward recovery. As parents we want nothing more than to leave not one door unopened, no stones unturned. We want this for Shane in hopes that he will regain his independence.
Shane also has his own goals that any young man his age would want. He wants to drive most of all. With this piece of equipment we could possibly reach this goal sooner. If you've never met Shane, I can tell you he is the strongest person I know. He is kind, loving and has a heart of gold. He never gives up and neither will we.
This is a video a local charity in our town has made. It highlights his journey with AFM and how far he has come.
Another video that tells Shane's story and how he adopted Samson, his service dog. Shane won the Oldham County Humane Society $50,000 by sharing his amazing story.
(Shane before injury, during acute phase, and now)Shane has since made remarkable recovery. He fought hard to get off the ventilator and to walk again. He's been going to Frazier rehab, in Louisville, KY where for 4 hours per day he does intense physical and occupational therapy that is geared towards spinal cord recovery.
Although Shane has made great strides, unfortunately his arms were hit hardest by the virus. He has regained some function in his right arm with therapy and a muscle transfer operation. His left arm is almost completely flaccid or limp. What takes someone seconds to do on a daily basis can take Shane several minutes or even hours. Sometimes he needs help from us or even full assistance to do activities of daily living.
We have recently learned about a new medical device that is used to help reconnect signals from the spinal cord to nerves that can possibly help regain function. The machine, which is made by a company in Austin, TX is called a Neubie. There have been other children that have tried this device who have AFM and they have made some huge gains toward recovery. As parents we want nothing more than to leave not one door unopened, no stones unturned. We want this for Shane in hopes that he will regain his independence.
Shane also has his own goals that any young man his age would want. He wants to drive most of all. With this piece of equipment we could possibly reach this goal sooner. If you've never met Shane, I can tell you he is the strongest person I know. He is kind, loving and has a heart of gold. He never gives up and neither will we.
This is a video a local charity in our town has made. It highlights his journey with AFM and how far he has come.
Another video that tells Shane's story and how he adopted Samson, his service dog. Shane won the Oldham County Humane Society $50,000 by sharing his amazing story.
Organizer
Alex Roof
Organizer
Louisville, KY