Let's Help JoAnne Walk Again

“When something bad happens, you have three choices- you can let it define you, you can let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.”
-Theodor Seuss Geisel


JoAnne Egan, my mother in spirit and heart and all the ways that count, has chosen to let the adversities that have taken hold of her life strengthen her. But sometimes even the strongest of us could use a helping hand.

 

Hello friends. My name is Lindsay Hause, and I am writing to you regarding a beautiful, incredible individual who could use some assistance in moving forward against the unexpected struggles of this life. JoAnne has been a teacher, caretaker, nurturer, and listener in my life since I was sixteen years old. Over ten years I have known her, and in these years, I’ve come to know the beautiful individual that she is. A kind soul with nothing but warmth and laughter and love to give all those around her, and I have had the greatest fortune of knowing her in this life. Unfortunately, bad things happen to even the loveliest of people.

 

In July of 2016, JoAnne experienced a traumatic injury to her spine (cause unknown) and became paralyzed from the waist down. Such a life altering event cannot be foreseen or anticipated, and to say this event left her shocked, reeling, and hurting, is an understatement. The doctors were (and still are) unable to determine the exact cause of this paralysis. Nevertheless, JoAnne began the long and difficult process of healing and rehabilitating.

 

Then in April of 2018, another unthinkable set back occurred. Just as JoAnne was beginning an intensive therapy program and working hard toward being able to walk once more, she broke her knee. This at a time when she was making such progress, that she was able to stand with minimal assistance. Such a setback is heart-wrenching and unimaginably discouraging. But she did not let this stop her, shortly after this occurrence she said “So there is hope. I’m going back (to the program) when I am stronger.”
And now, after an entire year of healing and building back to where she had been before the knee injury, she is strong enough once more, and ready to put her all into this intensive program.

 

The ABLE program, or Activity-Based Locomotor Exercise Program, is provided by the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and it is “based on the most up-to-date scientific and clinical evidence. It’s designed to speed up recovery after a spinal cord injury. The objective is to help your brain and spinal cord relearn motor patterns associated with standing and walking. The ABLE program delivers a complete fitness and wellness program that incorporates locomotor training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and guided fitness activities to encourage muscles and movement below the level of injury.”

 If you’re interested in more information on the program, check out their website here: https://account.allinahealth.org/services/577

 

Such a program does not come without a cost, and we are seeking donations to assist in payment for this program. This is an ongoing process, and just for these first several months alone JoAnne will need to come up with $10,000 to pay for the program. Any amount helps, and you have our sincerest gratitude and thanks for your contribution. We will try to post updates on JoAnne’s progress as often as we are able. The road to rehabilitation is a long one and takes time, dedication, & perseverance. Fortunately, JoAnne has strength and perseverance in spades.

Thank you for taking the time to read JoAnne’s story, and thank you, in advance, for your amazing contributions. Every little bit helps.

“Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person.”