On this Sunday evening, I wanted to thank everyone for giving me so much encouragement from the video I posted last week. I was blown away by how many people that video impacted. It allows everyone to see with there own two eyes the power of prayer. I must say, that I still have a LONG ways to go in my rehab. I am not where I want to be in my goal of walking. I have regained a lot back in my legs, but I still need the assistance of a walker and braces to walk. My quads are not yet strong enough for me to support my body weight without the aid of braces. However, as you can see in that video, I have regained my hips which is something I was not suppose to do. I can take normal strides from the hips in order to walk. PRAISE GOD! I still need my quads and hamstrings to come in stronger in order for me to walk "normally".
I have made HUGE gains in my recovery. My ability to walk so far is beyond what anyone thought would be possible. With hard work and determination (and the power of God) I know that I will one day walk again. If I have come this far whose to say my recovery can not go even further. Everyday, I look down at my feet, trying to gain more control and movement in them. I sometimes stare at them for a long time just trying to get that BIG TOE to move a little bit more! This accident is so humbling! Who would have thought that just over a year ago, my concentration and thoughts would be towards MOVING MY BIG TOE!? It amazes me how God puts our problems into perspective. We can be humbled and brought to our knees so quickly. We feel like we have everything under control, then in a flash you are concentrating on moving a BIG TOE! I pray that everyone can use my experiences and understand how small we really are in this world. I hope people can realize that the only thing big enough to handle our problems is God! We have to give it all to him. The doctors (although they did a marvelous job on me) can not fix the body quit like the one who created me. I still remember the prayers a cried out laying in the hospital bed in ICU when I heard the news of my injuries at 3 AM. I prayed and prayed that I would be healed from this injury. After THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of prayers from friends around the world, my healing is slowly becoming a reality. I have to be patient, and steadfast in my recovery. Im not going to put a date on my full recovery, but just the unwavering FAITH, that it will happen! I will show the world what is possible! PLEASE continue to pray for me! I need help from everyone, and I know that with my friends and support it will happen. I am SO LUCKY to have the support group that I have! THANK YOU!!!!
GOD BLESS,
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
IM WALKING! Still have a long ways to go!
Well, its Sunday night again which means its time for my weekly blog post. As I promised in my previous post, I have attached a video clip of my walking. I must say, this is NOT my best walking performance I have ever done. After church today, we took a video of me walking before I went to my therapists house for more rehab.
I want to thank EVERYONE for there continued prayers on my behalf! The video below is just an example of the power of prayer! I wasn't given any hope of walking again. NOW....my legs have gotten movement back in my hips and I am able to take normal strides (as you can see in the video). I will try to post more videos in the future so everyone can see the results of all your prayers! I still have a long ways to go in my rehab, but so far it is coming along GREAT! I am getting more return in my legs and with God's help I will be walking again soon!
The reasons for this blog is to show others that through Christ ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! If we believe in our hearts and do not doubt the power of God, then we will see miracles. I give ALL the glory and honor to God for my recovery! However, I still have a LONG ways to go! My recovery is not even close to being complete, this will not take days, or weeks or months....but YEARS! I have to be persistent and NEVER GIVE UP! I have to keep pressing on! EVERYDAY, working towards my goal of complete recovery. Doctors, will say that it is impossible and that it is EXTREMELY RARE to see recovery in SCI victims. Well....I proved them wrong once...I CAN DO IT AGAIN!! Nothing is impossible if we BELIEVE in our hearts without doubt! I pray that this blog reaches people and encourages them to take on their trials. Everyone deals with struggles in their lives! Mine struggles happen to be physical (among other struggles) but, I can over come my trials if I believe! PLEASE, PLEASE keep praying for my recovery! The more prayers that go to God on my behalf has a DIRECT impact on my recovery! I NEED ALL OF YOU TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN! PLEASE share my story and blog with others!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
I want to thank EVERYONE for there continued prayers on my behalf! The video below is just an example of the power of prayer! I wasn't given any hope of walking again. NOW....my legs have gotten movement back in my hips and I am able to take normal strides (as you can see in the video). I will try to post more videos in the future so everyone can see the results of all your prayers! I still have a long ways to go in my rehab, but so far it is coming along GREAT! I am getting more return in my legs and with God's help I will be walking again soon!
The reasons for this blog is to show others that through Christ ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! If we believe in our hearts and do not doubt the power of God, then we will see miracles. I give ALL the glory and honor to God for my recovery! However, I still have a LONG ways to go! My recovery is not even close to being complete, this will not take days, or weeks or months....but YEARS! I have to be persistent and NEVER GIVE UP! I have to keep pressing on! EVERYDAY, working towards my goal of complete recovery. Doctors, will say that it is impossible and that it is EXTREMELY RARE to see recovery in SCI victims. Well....I proved them wrong once...I CAN DO IT AGAIN!! Nothing is impossible if we BELIEVE in our hearts without doubt! I pray that this blog reaches people and encourages them to take on their trials. Everyone deals with struggles in their lives! Mine struggles happen to be physical (among other struggles) but, I can over come my trials if I believe! PLEASE, PLEASE keep praying for my recovery! The more prayers that go to God on my behalf has a DIRECT impact on my recovery! I NEED ALL OF YOU TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN! PLEASE share my story and blog with others!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
Monday, March 16, 2009
A great day of therapy, and continued progress!
Its another Sunday night which means another post on my progress! Today I visited my therapists house for another grueling therapy session. What a GREAT SESSION it was and a great week for that matter. This week we have noticed even MORE MOVEMENT! In the past I have been able to kick my legs out a little if I was laying on my back with my quads on a stretch. I was able to flex my quads and kick my legs out from the knees. Holding the contraction is still something I struggle with, but I'm getting better at it each time. This week at my house we started working on my leg extensions sitting up (without my quads on a stretch) AND I DID IT!! the movement was not a lot, but with my feet off the ground and sitting on the edge of my workout mat, I was able to move my leg out a few degrees. The movement wasn't great, but it was movement nonetheless! In the past, and even today I sometimes cheat(on accident) and use my hips to move my legs. My therapist is QUICK to stop me from cheating and to focus on contracting JUST the specific muscle group for the movement. Let me just say, I don't cheat on PURPOSE! Its REALLY hard to concentrate on contracting the right muscle, and sometimes I contract the wrong muscle which carries over and moves my leg slightly. I've tried to explain what the feeling is like, but its so hard. Next time you do a SLIGHT movement, move your fingers, raise your arm over your head, walk. What do you "THINK" to allow that to happen? You dont...it happens automatically without you even thinking about it. For me however, I have to concentrate on contracting every muscle in order to move my leg...its the HARDEST thing to do. But I will get better at it in time.
I am making REMARKABLE PROGRESS. Some of the greatest advancements that I have made is in my sensation. My proprioception (which is the ability to know where an object is in space without looking at it) is phenomenal. Close your eyes and have someone raise a hand over your head....you know what they are doing, because you can feel it! In the past, I could not tell where my legs were or if they were moving. Today, I can tell you exactly what they are doing and what is being moved! I CAN FEEL THEM!! Praise God!! I feel that week by week, I am getting stronger and I know I still have a LONG road of recovery ahead of me.
Since the weather has warmed up here in Florida I have started doing pool therapy. My therapist (who by the way is amazing) has a pool at her house and it is set up perfectly for rehab. Today I was able to move my legs much better since I was in a gravity eliminated environment. I did bicycle kicks in the water, and leg presses against the side of the pool. I am excited to start doing more pool therapy and adding that to my workout regiment.
I have decided to post a video of me walking in my next post! I tried to get it done today, but the pool therapy WORE ME OUT! I will have my mom film me walking in the driveway to show everyone my progress. I sure hope I walk ok and I don't fall! I am petrified of falling! My body can not with stand anymore broken bones. Some of my problems with walking is just overcoming my fear of falling. I will get there in time! So stay posted for next sundays blog post! I hope to have a video of my progress!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
I am making REMARKABLE PROGRESS. Some of the greatest advancements that I have made is in my sensation. My proprioception (which is the ability to know where an object is in space without looking at it) is phenomenal. Close your eyes and have someone raise a hand over your head....you know what they are doing, because you can feel it! In the past, I could not tell where my legs were or if they were moving. Today, I can tell you exactly what they are doing and what is being moved! I CAN FEEL THEM!! Praise God!! I feel that week by week, I am getting stronger and I know I still have a LONG road of recovery ahead of me.
Since the weather has warmed up here in Florida I have started doing pool therapy. My therapist (who by the way is amazing) has a pool at her house and it is set up perfectly for rehab. Today I was able to move my legs much better since I was in a gravity eliminated environment. I did bicycle kicks in the water, and leg presses against the side of the pool. I am excited to start doing more pool therapy and adding that to my workout regiment.
I have decided to post a video of me walking in my next post! I tried to get it done today, but the pool therapy WORE ME OUT! I will have my mom film me walking in the driveway to show everyone my progress. I sure hope I walk ok and I don't fall! I am petrified of falling! My body can not with stand anymore broken bones. Some of my problems with walking is just overcoming my fear of falling. I will get there in time! So stay posted for next sundays blog post! I hope to have a video of my progress!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Monday, March 9, 2009
We serve an AMAZING GOD!!
Its Sunday night which means its time for another weekly update on my life! It still amazes me that people still follow my progress daily. Even though they do not leave comments I know that my blog is read by so many people! I am told all the time that they check my blog regularly and it encourages me to know so many people support and love me! I am so unbelievably lucky and thankful to all of you who pray on my behalf daily. I would like to encourage you to please share this blog with others. This blog is my ministry and it allows me to speak to others and hopefully give them encouragement. God uses people everyday to glorify him, I would like to hope that I am giving him glory through this blog. This blog however is only the beginning. In time, I would like to start speaking to groups about my experiences and showing others that through faith nothing is impossible. God will protect his children and he will show us miracles if we ask for them!
A few weeks ago, a member of our church family here in Orlando suffered a similar experience to what I had gone through. We received a call that a lady in our church's mother was in a serious car accident in Birmingham, Alabama. She was in critical condition with a broken back! Immediately the fear went to paralysis and if her mother would ever walk again! Maybe it is fate that this injury would happen to me so that I could help others? We kept in contact with the family trying to give them encouragement. My family knew all to well what they were going through. Through many prayers by the grace of God she did not suffer paralysis! She is actually taking steps now with a walker! PRAISE GOD!!!
We can not determine the paths our lives will take. All we can do is take the trials that are given to us and do our BEST to pass the test, while giving all the glory and honor to God all along the way! This accident is a daily struggle and is hard on both myself and my family. However, I do not ACCEPT this injury and never have from day one! I knew I would not spend my life in a wheelchair and told the doctors "that I will walk again!" despite the fact they said it wasn't possible. I told them that I WAS going to walk. They had heard that talk before! Everyone with paralysis says the same thing.....its just denial! I do NOT think like most people! My confidence does NOT come from what I can accomplish on my own, but through the grace of God! All of the statistics on spinal cord recovery has come from people trying to beat the odds ON THERE OWN! I am not going at this recovery by myself. My progress is due solely by the power of God. Recovery IS possible! I have seen it in many people! My friend Matt Courson from Arkansas who was involved in an ATV accident is now walking WITHOUT braces on the parallel bars in therapy in Baltimore! Pat Rummerfield has COMPLETELY beaten the odds and is walking perfectly fine today. My good friend Jennifer who I had mentioned in my previous postings is also making great recovery at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.
My recovery is still in its infancy! I am really not that far out from my injury yet my progress has already been AMAZING! PLEASE PLEASE keep praying for me! Tell others my story so that they can be encouraged by my trials! THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers!
I WILL WALK AGAIN!!! I WILL!!!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
A few weeks ago, a member of our church family here in Orlando suffered a similar experience to what I had gone through. We received a call that a lady in our church's mother was in a serious car accident in Birmingham, Alabama. She was in critical condition with a broken back! Immediately the fear went to paralysis and if her mother would ever walk again! Maybe it is fate that this injury would happen to me so that I could help others? We kept in contact with the family trying to give them encouragement. My family knew all to well what they were going through. Through many prayers by the grace of God she did not suffer paralysis! She is actually taking steps now with a walker! PRAISE GOD!!!
We can not determine the paths our lives will take. All we can do is take the trials that are given to us and do our BEST to pass the test, while giving all the glory and honor to God all along the way! This accident is a daily struggle and is hard on both myself and my family. However, I do not ACCEPT this injury and never have from day one! I knew I would not spend my life in a wheelchair and told the doctors "that I will walk again!" despite the fact they said it wasn't possible. I told them that I WAS going to walk. They had heard that talk before! Everyone with paralysis says the same thing.....its just denial! I do NOT think like most people! My confidence does NOT come from what I can accomplish on my own, but through the grace of God! All of the statistics on spinal cord recovery has come from people trying to beat the odds ON THERE OWN! I am not going at this recovery by myself. My progress is due solely by the power of God. Recovery IS possible! I have seen it in many people! My friend Matt Courson from Arkansas who was involved in an ATV accident is now walking WITHOUT braces on the parallel bars in therapy in Baltimore! Pat Rummerfield has COMPLETELY beaten the odds and is walking perfectly fine today. My good friend Jennifer who I had mentioned in my previous postings is also making great recovery at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.
My recovery is still in its infancy! I am really not that far out from my injury yet my progress has already been AMAZING! PLEASE PLEASE keep praying for me! Tell others my story so that they can be encouraged by my trials! THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers!
I WILL WALK AGAIN!!! I WILL!!!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Monday, March 2, 2009
MY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE!!
People have been asking me lately about my plans for the future. I decided to spend this post giving everyone a look at my current situation and my plans for the future. As everyone knows I am DEDICATED to therapy and working on walking again. That right now is my number one priority. I am waiting on my admission into the BEYOND THERAPY research program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. I am currently 51st on the waiting list. The list should shrink soon after the candidates for the ACTION CLINICAL TRIAL (which was the program I did not get into) are removed from the Beyond Therapy list. I hope to go there in a few months for my therapy.
I am also looking for a vehicle to help further my independence. We have decided on a pick up truck with a lift to pick up my chair and put it in the bed of the truck. Due to my left arm being injured I will not be able to break my chair down and put it in the vehicle. I will need a crane lift to place the chair in the back. I have been to Vocational Rehab which is a government agency which provides aide to help people with my type of injury get back into society. Vocational Rehab pays for vehicle modifications and equipment that I need. HOWEVER, Vocational Rehab does not have any money. They categorize each patient to which I am the TOP LEVEL on the priority list due to the severity of my injury. I was told that the agency does not have any money due to the economy! I will be put on a list and once there is funding they would look into getting the mods for my vehicle. How long that will take I have NO IDEA? We are looking at a small pickup (extended cab)a Chevy Colorado or equivalent. I need something low enough to the ground so I can transfer over to the seat, if the truck is to high I would not be able to transfer.
On a good note: A friend of our families is an entrepreneur and has decided to help me in my rehab! PRAISE GOD!! He is currently waiting on some funding to come through and once it does he will help sponsor me in my rehab goals. He has decided to start a foundation in my name in order to give me the help I need. PLEASE PLEASE PRAY for this to go through. I can not put into words what this man means to me. He and his wife has such a HUGE HEART and I love them DEARLY!! If the funding goes through I will be able to get the rehab I need in order to ONE DAY WALK AGAIN!! Mark my words: I WILL WALK AGAIN!! My progress will be ALL for the HONOR AND GLORY OF GOD!!
It has always been my goal to one day return to Little Rock, Arkansas. I have made Arkansas my home for 8 years. I still keep in contact with all my friends in Little Rock and miss them dearly. However, in order for me to move back I will have A LOT of stuff I will need to get in line. I will need an accessible apartment, or house and most importantly A JOB! I am currently looking into my options and praying for them daily. I have received news recently that my insurance company (Arkansas Blue Cross and Shield) will cancel my policy if I do not return to Arkansas shortly. In order to keep my policy I have to be an Arkansas resident. This causes a problem for me! As most of you know, I would not be able to get by without insurance because of my vast medical problems. My insurance has already paid ummm, lets just say millions in medical expenses. If I were to change policies my premiums would go THROUGH THE ROOF! because of preexisting conditions! This RECENT news has scared me, and I need the prayers of EVERYONE that this will work out! I HAVE to have insurance and I cant afford the premiums of a new policy. This news has handcuffed my options and my time frame on things!
As I just stated I have MANY MANY concerns and worries about my future! My future is uncertain? I do not know what will happen but I need the prayers of EVERYONE that things will workout! Where will I have rehab? How will things work with my insurance? My vehicle, and mods? A JOB and living arrangements? These are all concerns and I ask all of you to PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE THINGS!! I am so lucky to have the support and love from so many of you!! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! God has a plan for me and I cant wait to see how he uses me to further his kingdom!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM!
BRENT
I am also looking for a vehicle to help further my independence. We have decided on a pick up truck with a lift to pick up my chair and put it in the bed of the truck. Due to my left arm being injured I will not be able to break my chair down and put it in the vehicle. I will need a crane lift to place the chair in the back. I have been to Vocational Rehab which is a government agency which provides aide to help people with my type of injury get back into society. Vocational Rehab pays for vehicle modifications and equipment that I need. HOWEVER, Vocational Rehab does not have any money. They categorize each patient to which I am the TOP LEVEL on the priority list due to the severity of my injury. I was told that the agency does not have any money due to the economy! I will be put on a list and once there is funding they would look into getting the mods for my vehicle. How long that will take I have NO IDEA? We are looking at a small pickup (extended cab)a Chevy Colorado or equivalent. I need something low enough to the ground so I can transfer over to the seat, if the truck is to high I would not be able to transfer.
On a good note: A friend of our families is an entrepreneur and has decided to help me in my rehab! PRAISE GOD!! He is currently waiting on some funding to come through and once it does he will help sponsor me in my rehab goals. He has decided to start a foundation in my name in order to give me the help I need. PLEASE PLEASE PRAY for this to go through. I can not put into words what this man means to me. He and his wife has such a HUGE HEART and I love them DEARLY!! If the funding goes through I will be able to get the rehab I need in order to ONE DAY WALK AGAIN!! Mark my words: I WILL WALK AGAIN!! My progress will be ALL for the HONOR AND GLORY OF GOD!!
It has always been my goal to one day return to Little Rock, Arkansas. I have made Arkansas my home for 8 years. I still keep in contact with all my friends in Little Rock and miss them dearly. However, in order for me to move back I will have A LOT of stuff I will need to get in line. I will need an accessible apartment, or house and most importantly A JOB! I am currently looking into my options and praying for them daily. I have received news recently that my insurance company (Arkansas Blue Cross and Shield) will cancel my policy if I do not return to Arkansas shortly. In order to keep my policy I have to be an Arkansas resident. This causes a problem for me! As most of you know, I would not be able to get by without insurance because of my vast medical problems. My insurance has already paid ummm, lets just say millions in medical expenses. If I were to change policies my premiums would go THROUGH THE ROOF! because of preexisting conditions! This RECENT news has scared me, and I need the prayers of EVERYONE that this will work out! I HAVE to have insurance and I cant afford the premiums of a new policy. This news has handcuffed my options and my time frame on things!
As I just stated I have MANY MANY concerns and worries about my future! My future is uncertain? I do not know what will happen but I need the prayers of EVERYONE that things will workout! Where will I have rehab? How will things work with my insurance? My vehicle, and mods? A JOB and living arrangements? These are all concerns and I ask all of you to PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE THINGS!! I am so lucky to have the support and love from so many of you!! I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! God has a plan for me and I cant wait to see how he uses me to further his kingdom!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM!
BRENT
Monday, February 23, 2009
Another week of great improvements!! Prayers still needed!
Its Sunday night, and time for another blog post (pause for applause!)HA! Thank you for all of your prayers. I have seen amazing gains in the past week. I have decided to double my workout regiment each day! I am now riding my bike for two hours a day, and getting in my standing frame for an hour a day. I then get on my workout mat and do various exercises. Once my dad gets home I put on my braces and work on walking in my driveway. My therapist has been coming to my house a few times a week and as of lately I have started going to her house as well to get therapy. Each and every time my therapist works out with me I see tremendous gains! She works me hard...VERY HARD never letting me give up! She pushes me hard, which is what I need. Like she always says..."Im an athlete in training" I sometimes have to stop and sit up because my back is soaked in sweat! Just when I think we are done with a set of exercises she tells me...OK BRENT...5 more! HAHA! I am no stranger to a gym and use to enjoy working out, but NOTHING is as hard as what I am doing now! It is a total physical and mental workout! I strain as hard as I can to hold each contraction. If you were to walk by my room you would think I am giving birth. HAHA
I knew this wasn't going to be easy from the beginning. All I can do is work as hard as humanly possibly and leave the rest up to God! Nothing is impossible for those who believe. As I mentioned in my previous posts we must not doubt the power of God. If we believe WITHOUT DOUBT in our hearts then mountains can be moved!
Throughout my trials I often think of Peter when he walked on water. It took FAITH for Peter to step out into the water. It was BY HIS FAITH, he was able to walk on water with Jesus. However, once he saw the waves crashing around him he lost his focus, for a second....he doubted! "could this REALLY be HAPPENING?" "Is this possible?" once he took his focus off of Jesus, HE SANK! "Ye of LITTLE FAITH!"
In order for this miracle to become a reality I must have this faith, and I pray that all of you believe in your hearts as I do, that I will walk again! Do not doubt, do not think for a second that it wont happen! For as the bible says. "When you ask for something in prayer, believe that you have received it, then IT WILL BE YOURS!" Have the faith that it WILL HAPPEN and it will be so!
This injury has been a strain on me! It is a grueling test of endurance. As it says in James "consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because the testing of your faith develops perseverance!" My faith has been tested, the mountain that I must climb is steep and will take every once of perseverance to concur it. I am lucky to have the support of so many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage me and help me along the way! THANK YOU!! PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS!! Please do not forget about me or put off prayers on my behalf. I NEED THEM! I desperately need them because it is THROUGH Christ I have the only hope of regaining my legs!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
I knew this wasn't going to be easy from the beginning. All I can do is work as hard as humanly possibly and leave the rest up to God! Nothing is impossible for those who believe. As I mentioned in my previous posts we must not doubt the power of God. If we believe WITHOUT DOUBT in our hearts then mountains can be moved!
Throughout my trials I often think of Peter when he walked on water. It took FAITH for Peter to step out into the water. It was BY HIS FAITH, he was able to walk on water with Jesus. However, once he saw the waves crashing around him he lost his focus, for a second....he doubted! "could this REALLY be HAPPENING?" "Is this possible?" once he took his focus off of Jesus, HE SANK! "Ye of LITTLE FAITH!"
In order for this miracle to become a reality I must have this faith, and I pray that all of you believe in your hearts as I do, that I will walk again! Do not doubt, do not think for a second that it wont happen! For as the bible says. "When you ask for something in prayer, believe that you have received it, then IT WILL BE YOURS!" Have the faith that it WILL HAPPEN and it will be so!
This injury has been a strain on me! It is a grueling test of endurance. As it says in James "consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because the testing of your faith develops perseverance!" My faith has been tested, the mountain that I must climb is steep and will take every once of perseverance to concur it. I am lucky to have the support of so many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage me and help me along the way! THANK YOU!! PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS!! Please do not forget about me or put off prayers on my behalf. I NEED THEM! I desperately need them because it is THROUGH Christ I have the only hope of regaining my legs!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
Monday, February 16, 2009
More Progress!! Thank You For Your Prayers!
Let me start off by apologizing for being late on my weekly blog post! I am going to start writing a new entry every SUNDAY NIGHT! So be sure to check out the blog weekly for the new updates on my life and you can see the results of your prayers!
In the past few weeks my legs have started feeling in such ways I had never had them feel before! I am getting new sensations that are strange and exciting at the same time. I am starting to feel my muscles flexing in my legs. I can feel most all the way through my legs. Light touch is still lagging a little, but deep pressure and moments are coming along GREAT! My proprioception (which is the ability to know where your body is in space without looking at it) is WONDERFUL! I can close my eyes and tell you exactly what you are doing to my legs. I can tell if you are raising it, lowering it, moving my ankles exc. I can feel my legs well enough to know what they are doing!
My movements have also increased dramatically. I am starting to get much stronger and my legs are moving now, without me having to think about it! The knees and ankles are still slow, but they are coming in! My quads are firing and my hips have gotten really strong. In the past few rehab sessions I have been able to raise my leg in the air at the hip and HOLD the leg in the air. I can then lower my foot back to the ground slowly and stop my leg at anytime during the decent! This takes VERY STRONG muscle control and strength to maintain the weight of your own leg in the air! PRAISE GOD!!!
Your prayers are working and I am getting more and more return in my legs. This is a very, very slow process, one that takes a long time but the goal of walking is getting closer!
Last week I received a phone call from a man who is considered a CELEBRITY in SCI circles. He is the poster child for what is possible with someone who has a spinal cord injury. He SWEARS by ACTIVITY BASED THERAPY as being a huge reason he has regained so much return. Pat Rummerfield was involved in a high speed car accident in 1974 at the age of 21. Pat broke 4 vertebrae in his neck and was a QUAD! Pat started working out EVERYDAY on a motorized bike and doing activity based therapy. HE NEVER STOPPED working! After several years...he could stand and barely walk....after 17 years of INTENSE ACTIVITY BASED THERAPY, He is walking PERFECTLY FINE!! NO limp, no cane, no braces. He has done several marathons and triathlons to raise support for SCI victims! Pat called me to encourage me and tell me that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE, if you never give up and have HOPE! Well my hope lies in God, and my faith does also! With the prayers and support of so many of you! I know I will overcome this and WILL WALK AGAIN ONE DAY!!
(copy and paste this link to watch this AWESOME video of Pat Rummerfield!)
http://www.aarp.org/aarp/broadcast/Quiet_Heroes/Walking_Proof/
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
In the past few weeks my legs have started feeling in such ways I had never had them feel before! I am getting new sensations that are strange and exciting at the same time. I am starting to feel my muscles flexing in my legs. I can feel most all the way through my legs. Light touch is still lagging a little, but deep pressure and moments are coming along GREAT! My proprioception (which is the ability to know where your body is in space without looking at it) is WONDERFUL! I can close my eyes and tell you exactly what you are doing to my legs. I can tell if you are raising it, lowering it, moving my ankles exc. I can feel my legs well enough to know what they are doing!
My movements have also increased dramatically. I am starting to get much stronger and my legs are moving now, without me having to think about it! The knees and ankles are still slow, but they are coming in! My quads are firing and my hips have gotten really strong. In the past few rehab sessions I have been able to raise my leg in the air at the hip and HOLD the leg in the air. I can then lower my foot back to the ground slowly and stop my leg at anytime during the decent! This takes VERY STRONG muscle control and strength to maintain the weight of your own leg in the air! PRAISE GOD!!!
Your prayers are working and I am getting more and more return in my legs. This is a very, very slow process, one that takes a long time but the goal of walking is getting closer!
Last week I received a phone call from a man who is considered a CELEBRITY in SCI circles. He is the poster child for what is possible with someone who has a spinal cord injury. He SWEARS by ACTIVITY BASED THERAPY as being a huge reason he has regained so much return. Pat Rummerfield was involved in a high speed car accident in 1974 at the age of 21. Pat broke 4 vertebrae in his neck and was a QUAD! Pat started working out EVERYDAY on a motorized bike and doing activity based therapy. HE NEVER STOPPED working! After several years...he could stand and barely walk....after 17 years of INTENSE ACTIVITY BASED THERAPY, He is walking PERFECTLY FINE!! NO limp, no cane, no braces. He has done several marathons and triathlons to raise support for SCI victims! Pat called me to encourage me and tell me that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE, if you never give up and have HOPE! Well my hope lies in God, and my faith does also! With the prayers and support of so many of you! I know I will overcome this and WILL WALK AGAIN ONE DAY!!
(copy and paste this link to watch this AWESOME video of Pat Rummerfield!)
http://www.aarp.org/aarp/broadcast/Quiet_Heroes/Walking_Proof/
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
Thursday, February 5, 2009
KEEP THE FAITH!! MIRACLES WILL HAPPEN!
I wanted to start this post off by telling everyone how blessed I feel everyday! Since my accident I have been overwhelmed with love and support from so many people. Most people never understand what being a Christian is all about until a serious injury or circumstances come your way which you can not face by yourself. My accident although tragic has opened my eyes to what is required of me as a Christian. I am NOT living for this life, I am living for GOD and for his will for me. My legs are the consequence of a tragic accident, but through me God is effecting others by showing them that he is all powerful. I want to be a tool for God to use to show others his mighty power.
Since the day I was told “I WOULD NEVER WALK AGAIN” my thoughts immediately went to prayer asking God for a miracle. It wasn’t just me but people from around the world started praying to God for a miracle. FAITH is something we all must have as a Christian. Having faith is the building blocks to being a Christian, without it can we really truly believe?
God requires us to have faith, which mean we can not doubt the power of God. I have spoken on this topic several times. When Jesus performs miracles in the bible there is always something present in the verses…a single word….FAITH! “No where in all of Israel is there greater faith than in this centurion. Go and your servant will be healed as you said he would be!”
While in Little Rock, my friend Jake Smith was giving me a ride back to the hotel when he told me a verse that has stuck with me to this day. Not a day goes by that I do not think of this verse.
MARK 11: 22-24
22 Have faith in God” Jesus answered. 23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, Go , throw yourself into the sea , and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours!
That is the quintessential verse to me in regards to faith and prayer! The two go hand in hand together. Some people will say, well….Brent, that is not meant to be taken LITERALLY some things are impossible. I do not believe that AT ALL!! Jesus used the example of the mountain as an EXAMPLE that nothing is impossible. If I am to walk again, and this miracle is to happen I must have this kind of faith. An unwavering, undoubting faith that I will be healed and I BELIEVE it will be so! Like the verse says above…If you ask God for the impossible “AND DOES NOT HAVE DOUBT IN HIS HEART BUT BELIEVES THAT WHAT HE SAYS WILL HAPPEN, IT WILL BE DONE FOR HIM!”
I ask for everyone to have this type of faith! BELIEVE…do not doubt, do not say, I pray one day you will get better, but if you don’t bla bla bla….. If you say that…. Do you doubt that I wont in your heart?
We serve an amazing and powerful God whose power is limitless. He put me together before I was born, and he can do it again!
Please continue to believe! God has blessed me so far beyond measure and my healing is NOT DONE YET! I FEEL IT IN MY LEGS!! I get new feelings and sensations through my legs daily! I get throbbing and I am starting to feel ALL of my muscles!! My movement is getting stronger and stronger and my therapist is noticing NEW things that my legs can do in EVERY session. I have made REMARKABLE progress!! I still need the prayers if I am to be healed! THANK YOU ALL for your love and support! I could not do this without you!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM!!
BRENT
Since the day I was told “I WOULD NEVER WALK AGAIN” my thoughts immediately went to prayer asking God for a miracle. It wasn’t just me but people from around the world started praying to God for a miracle. FAITH is something we all must have as a Christian. Having faith is the building blocks to being a Christian, without it can we really truly believe?
God requires us to have faith, which mean we can not doubt the power of God. I have spoken on this topic several times. When Jesus performs miracles in the bible there is always something present in the verses…a single word….FAITH! “No where in all of Israel is there greater faith than in this centurion. Go and your servant will be healed as you said he would be!”
While in Little Rock, my friend Jake Smith was giving me a ride back to the hotel when he told me a verse that has stuck with me to this day. Not a day goes by that I do not think of this verse.
MARK 11: 22-24
22 Have faith in God” Jesus answered. 23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, Go , throw yourself into the sea , and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours!
That is the quintessential verse to me in regards to faith and prayer! The two go hand in hand together. Some people will say, well….Brent, that is not meant to be taken LITERALLY some things are impossible. I do not believe that AT ALL!! Jesus used the example of the mountain as an EXAMPLE that nothing is impossible. If I am to walk again, and this miracle is to happen I must have this kind of faith. An unwavering, undoubting faith that I will be healed and I BELIEVE it will be so! Like the verse says above…If you ask God for the impossible “AND DOES NOT HAVE DOUBT IN HIS HEART BUT BELIEVES THAT WHAT HE SAYS WILL HAPPEN, IT WILL BE DONE FOR HIM!”
I ask for everyone to have this type of faith! BELIEVE…do not doubt, do not say, I pray one day you will get better, but if you don’t bla bla bla….. If you say that…. Do you doubt that I wont in your heart?
We serve an amazing and powerful God whose power is limitless. He put me together before I was born, and he can do it again!
Please continue to believe! God has blessed me so far beyond measure and my healing is NOT DONE YET! I FEEL IT IN MY LEGS!! I get new feelings and sensations through my legs daily! I get throbbing and I am starting to feel ALL of my muscles!! My movement is getting stronger and stronger and my therapist is noticing NEW things that my legs can do in EVERY session. I have made REMARKABLE progress!! I still need the prayers if I am to be healed! THANK YOU ALL for your love and support! I could not do this without you!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM!!
BRENT
Friday, January 30, 2009
BAD NEWS!! MY HOPES WERE DASHED!
Today I received some very disappointing news. I DID NOT GET ACCEPTED INTO THE ACTION CLINICAL TRIAL AT SHEPHERDS! The lady who called me today to recruit me for the trial said that she knew I was looking forward to being apart of the study. She asked if I could answer a few questions for her and if I checked out, she would have me come to Shepherds to be evaluated. I was excited and told her how much I had been waiting for this phone call. The first 5 questions I checked out perfectly! Then she asked me if I was a LOWER or HIGHER MOTOR NEURON INJURY! I said LOWER, and then came the news! My heart sunk when she said that to be apart of the study you had to be a HIGHER MOTOR NEURON INJURY!
LET ME EXPLAIN: (sorry if I loose you)
The spinal cord ends at the bottom of the Thoracic Spinal Levels (the T level). At the end of the spinal cord there is what is called the ancona aquida nerves which comes out at the bottom of the cord like a "horses tail" The nerves spread throughout the legs and hips and all the way through your legs.
In order for your legs to respond to electrical stimulus the signal must travel up the ancona aquida nerves and into the spinal cord. The signal then travels UP the spinal cord to the injury level which then causes a REFLEX ARCH. The arch travels back down to the legs and CONTRACTS THE MUSCLE! In order for a reflex arch to occur the signal MUST travel up the spinal cord. My injury happened RIGHT AT THAT POINT where the ancona aquida meet up with the spinal cord. Thus the signal never can reach the actual spinal cord to cause a reflex arch...THUS...MY LEGS DONT RESPOND TO ELECTRICAL STIMULUS! SORRY IF I LOST YOU!
The research was going to work heavily on electrical stimulus to contract my muscles, since my body doesn't respond to the electrical pulses because of WHERE my cord was damaged it excluded me from the research!
I told the Doctor the movement I had gotten back already and all the gains that I have made. She told me that it was WONDERFUL! If I got so much back in my legs I could expect to even get MORE in time!! Just because I am a LOWER motor neuron injury does NOT have any effect WHATS SO EVER on the amount of return i can expect. All it means was that my spinal cord was injured at the ONE POINT that would exclude me from the trials! MY HOPES WERE DASHED!!! I tried everything to persuade her to let me in the trial. She told me she would go to bat for me and try everything to get me in but based upon one of the major criteria I could not be excepted. She said that she would make sure my name got put high on the list of any other trials they have coming up in which I would make a candidate for in the future.
I guess God was just telling me this was not the clinical trial for me! I will keep working hard EVERYDAY and I will never give up. If anyone of you hear of new trials and studies I could be apart of please let me know! HAHA! Ill do just about anything! Thank you SO MUCH for your continued prayers and support! This is just a minor set back! I will overcome this and I will walk again "IN TIME!" I just have to be patient and work as hard as I can in the mean time. When a trial comes my way that would better help me I am sure I will be accepted! PLEASE PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
LET ME EXPLAIN: (sorry if I loose you)
The spinal cord ends at the bottom of the Thoracic Spinal Levels (the T level). At the end of the spinal cord there is what is called the ancona aquida nerves which comes out at the bottom of the cord like a "horses tail" The nerves spread throughout the legs and hips and all the way through your legs.
In order for your legs to respond to electrical stimulus the signal must travel up the ancona aquida nerves and into the spinal cord. The signal then travels UP the spinal cord to the injury level which then causes a REFLEX ARCH. The arch travels back down to the legs and CONTRACTS THE MUSCLE! In order for a reflex arch to occur the signal MUST travel up the spinal cord. My injury happened RIGHT AT THAT POINT where the ancona aquida meet up with the spinal cord. Thus the signal never can reach the actual spinal cord to cause a reflex arch...THUS...MY LEGS DONT RESPOND TO ELECTRICAL STIMULUS! SORRY IF I LOST YOU!
The research was going to work heavily on electrical stimulus to contract my muscles, since my body doesn't respond to the electrical pulses because of WHERE my cord was damaged it excluded me from the research!
I told the Doctor the movement I had gotten back already and all the gains that I have made. She told me that it was WONDERFUL! If I got so much back in my legs I could expect to even get MORE in time!! Just because I am a LOWER motor neuron injury does NOT have any effect WHATS SO EVER on the amount of return i can expect. All it means was that my spinal cord was injured at the ONE POINT that would exclude me from the trials! MY HOPES WERE DASHED!!! I tried everything to persuade her to let me in the trial. She told me she would go to bat for me and try everything to get me in but based upon one of the major criteria I could not be excepted. She said that she would make sure my name got put high on the list of any other trials they have coming up in which I would make a candidate for in the future.
I guess God was just telling me this was not the clinical trial for me! I will keep working hard EVERYDAY and I will never give up. If anyone of you hear of new trials and studies I could be apart of please let me know! HAHA! Ill do just about anything! Thank you SO MUCH for your continued prayers and support! This is just a minor set back! I will overcome this and I will walk again "IN TIME!" I just have to be patient and work as hard as I can in the mean time. When a trial comes my way that would better help me I am sure I will be accepted! PLEASE PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!!
I LOVE YOU ALL
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SOME AMAZING NEWS!! I NEED YOUR PRAYERS!
Tonight's post is going to be one of the best yet! The Lord has blessed my recovery and has opened numerous doors for me. Yesterday, another door opened for me which has been what I have been waiting/praying for since my accident.
As most of you know I signed up for the BEYOND THERAPY program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a very intense physical therapy which focuses on neurological return in your body. Their FOCUS is to help people walk again!! I signed up months ago and I am currently 60th on the waiting list. I was expected to enter the program in about 6-8 months.
I received an email two days ago (which I almost erased because it was in my SPAM folder). I saw the address was from Shepherd so I opened it up. I received some of the greatest news!! The Shepherd Center has received a grant to start a research project called ACTIVE CLINICAL TRAIL. The study is similar to BEYOND THERAPY. However, due to the grant and the extent of the research Shepherd is having to hire more physical therapists. This is a 24 week (6 month) research study on activity based exercises to increase neurological recovery in spinal cord victims. The criteria to be excepted into the program is that you must be an INCOMPLETE injury, at least one year out from your injury, and either an ASIA C or D. You can also not have any other medical problems. I was so excited that I immediately wrote an email to the Doctor running the study expressing my desire to be apart of this study.
This morning I received a call from the doctor. He filled me in on what the study consisted of and explained how it worked. The study was the same as BEYOND THERAPY only it was research. However, since it is research my progress will be documented to prove how activity based exercise works in spinal cord injuries. THIS WAS THE CLINICAL TRIAL FOR ME! Not only would I be going through the same physical regiment as Beyond Therapy, but I would be getting it for 6 months!! The doctor said that from what I told him in my email and on the phone I would make a great candidate for the study. He would put a note down for the people recruiting for the study to highly consider me. If I get excepted I will be moving to Atlanta for 6 months to undergo intense therapy which will FOCUS on helping me walk again!!
Doctor McDonald (personal doctor to Christopher Reeves and one of the leading doctors on spinal cord injuries) has said that from his studies the most return he has seen in SCI (SPINAL CORD INJURY) victims has come from activity based therapy. Athletes who continue to work hard and exercise get the most return. This is the bases of which I will be working for when/if I am able to get into the research study at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
Being a part of this study is going to put a HUGE strain on my family. I will have to be moving away for 6 months. I will have to get an apartment, and take care of a million other smaller details in order to get closer to my goal of WALKING AGAIN!!
I ask everyone to PLEASE PLEASE PRAY for me to get into this program! I am not guaranteed to get in but from the outlook I have a good chance. I need the prayers of everyone that the doctors will accept me into the program so that I can get closer to my ultimate goal! I WANT SO BADLY TO WALK AGAIN! God has blessed me so much and my recovery is all because of him! He has seen me so far and has allowed me to overcome the impossible. Every gain I make is due solely to glorify God and to show the world his awesome power!
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
As most of you know I signed up for the BEYOND THERAPY program at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a very intense physical therapy which focuses on neurological return in your body. Their FOCUS is to help people walk again!! I signed up months ago and I am currently 60th on the waiting list. I was expected to enter the program in about 6-8 months.
I received an email two days ago (which I almost erased because it was in my SPAM folder). I saw the address was from Shepherd so I opened it up. I received some of the greatest news!! The Shepherd Center has received a grant to start a research project called ACTIVE CLINICAL TRAIL. The study is similar to BEYOND THERAPY. However, due to the grant and the extent of the research Shepherd is having to hire more physical therapists. This is a 24 week (6 month) research study on activity based exercises to increase neurological recovery in spinal cord victims. The criteria to be excepted into the program is that you must be an INCOMPLETE injury, at least one year out from your injury, and either an ASIA C or D. You can also not have any other medical problems. I was so excited that I immediately wrote an email to the Doctor running the study expressing my desire to be apart of this study.
This morning I received a call from the doctor. He filled me in on what the study consisted of and explained how it worked. The study was the same as BEYOND THERAPY only it was research. However, since it is research my progress will be documented to prove how activity based exercise works in spinal cord injuries. THIS WAS THE CLINICAL TRIAL FOR ME! Not only would I be going through the same physical regiment as Beyond Therapy, but I would be getting it for 6 months!! The doctor said that from what I told him in my email and on the phone I would make a great candidate for the study. He would put a note down for the people recruiting for the study to highly consider me. If I get excepted I will be moving to Atlanta for 6 months to undergo intense therapy which will FOCUS on helping me walk again!!
Doctor McDonald (personal doctor to Christopher Reeves and one of the leading doctors on spinal cord injuries) has said that from his studies the most return he has seen in SCI (SPINAL CORD INJURY) victims has come from activity based therapy. Athletes who continue to work hard and exercise get the most return. This is the bases of which I will be working for when/if I am able to get into the research study at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
Being a part of this study is going to put a HUGE strain on my family. I will have to be moving away for 6 months. I will have to get an apartment, and take care of a million other smaller details in order to get closer to my goal of WALKING AGAIN!!
I ask everyone to PLEASE PLEASE PRAY for me to get into this program! I am not guaranteed to get in but from the outlook I have a good chance. I need the prayers of everyone that the doctors will accept me into the program so that I can get closer to my ultimate goal! I WANT SO BADLY TO WALK AGAIN! God has blessed me so much and my recovery is all because of him! He has seen me so far and has allowed me to overcome the impossible. Every gain I make is due solely to glorify God and to show the world his awesome power!
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A GREAT WEEK and a GREAT BIRTHDAY!
Well on January 17th. I turned the big 27! I KNOW IM OLD!! My birthday was a lot better than last years. I spent last years birthday in a hospital room after being transferred from my acute care in the ICU at UAMS hospital. This year, I was able to take my therapists out to dinner to celebrate with me at my favorite restaurant (BONEFISH) I also enjoyed a couple of Cake and ice cream gatherings! I know they say you can't tell what you wish for when you blow the candles out....but...ill let you guys in on my wish! I wish that this year will bring even more blessings and miracles in my legs! I know that wishing on a cake is nothing but superstitious, but with PRAYER and PETITION, I know my dream will become a reality.
I am coming to you with GREAT news! As of last week the CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVES ACT passed through congress! This ACT will allow funding to open up on Paralysis research! After talking to several friends who are connected into the latest advancements in therapies and research we are confident that 2009 will see a lot of BREAK THROUGH's in spinal cord research! I was told that if i were to ever have this injury this was the best time due to all the advancements that are being made in the medical field on paralysis. I am confident that we will see a cure within my lifetime. Doctors have already regenerated nerve cells within a spinal cord and have regained more function within people. IT CAN HAPPEN!! Unfortunately funding for research has not allowed scientist to further their studies as much as they would like.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/16172312/index.html
(copy and paste this link to watch some exciting advancements that are being made by Dr Steven Davies in Denver!)
The following video was made several months ago! With the Christopher and Dana Reeves Act passing congress the scientist will get the funding they need to progress in the studies!
I am so blessed to have the support of so many friends and family! God is so amazing he leaves me speechless at times....(I KNOW THATS A BIG TASK!) I look at how he has blessed my life and I am so grateful to call myself a christian! We all have a story to tell....BOY, WILL I HAVE A STORY TO TELL! Not many people have gotten to experience something as traumatic as what I have been through and LIVED. I firmly believe that my life was spared for a reason.
A few nights ago I talked to one of my best friends Jay Weaver who was my roommate and at the track the day of my accident. He told me he remember following me to Conway Regional Hospital where the doctors rushed to stabilize me. It was too foggy that day to land a helicopter at the track and he told me the paramedics didnt think I would make the 40 min trip to UAMS where they had a trauma unit. They took me to a local regional hospital where they worked to stabilize my body. I was told that the doctor came out and told both he and my sister, it was critical and i may not make it! I was told that before, but never did I realize that it had come from a doctor. Its amazing when I look back and think of just how close I came to dying. Its a miracle I am here today, but I was spared for a reason....I KNOW that I must spend my days thanking God EVERYDAY for his blessings! I pray that I will live up to the man he knew I would become!
The next year will be the BEST EVER!!! I will work HARD and I am DETERMINED to walk again!....BUT in order for this to happen! I MUST HAVE THE PRAYERS OF EVERYONE! God will hear our cries just like he did when everyone asked him to save my life!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
I am coming to you with GREAT news! As of last week the CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVES ACT passed through congress! This ACT will allow funding to open up on Paralysis research! After talking to several friends who are connected into the latest advancements in therapies and research we are confident that 2009 will see a lot of BREAK THROUGH's in spinal cord research! I was told that if i were to ever have this injury this was the best time due to all the advancements that are being made in the medical field on paralysis. I am confident that we will see a cure within my lifetime. Doctors have already regenerated nerve cells within a spinal cord and have regained more function within people. IT CAN HAPPEN!! Unfortunately funding for research has not allowed scientist to further their studies as much as they would like.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/16172312/index.html
(copy and paste this link to watch some exciting advancements that are being made by Dr Steven Davies in Denver!)
The following video was made several months ago! With the Christopher and Dana Reeves Act passing congress the scientist will get the funding they need to progress in the studies!
I am so blessed to have the support of so many friends and family! God is so amazing he leaves me speechless at times....(I KNOW THATS A BIG TASK!) I look at how he has blessed my life and I am so grateful to call myself a christian! We all have a story to tell....BOY, WILL I HAVE A STORY TO TELL! Not many people have gotten to experience something as traumatic as what I have been through and LIVED. I firmly believe that my life was spared for a reason.
A few nights ago I talked to one of my best friends Jay Weaver who was my roommate and at the track the day of my accident. He told me he remember following me to Conway Regional Hospital where the doctors rushed to stabilize me. It was too foggy that day to land a helicopter at the track and he told me the paramedics didnt think I would make the 40 min trip to UAMS where they had a trauma unit. They took me to a local regional hospital where they worked to stabilize my body. I was told that the doctor came out and told both he and my sister, it was critical and i may not make it! I was told that before, but never did I realize that it had come from a doctor. Its amazing when I look back and think of just how close I came to dying. Its a miracle I am here today, but I was spared for a reason....I KNOW that I must spend my days thanking God EVERYDAY for his blessings! I pray that I will live up to the man he knew I would become!
The next year will be the BEST EVER!!! I will work HARD and I am DETERMINED to walk again!....BUT in order for this to happen! I MUST HAVE THE PRAYERS OF EVERYONE! God will hear our cries just like he did when everyone asked him to save my life!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Some news on my current status!
Well its mid January, and as I look back on where I was this time last year, my progress is simply amazing! My shoulder surgery was on January 10th of 2008, over a month after I was in the accident. My shoulder was shattered and needed extensive surgery, but due to my body being unstable they had to wait almost a month to do the surgery. I stayed at UAMS for another week after my shoulder surgery and left January 17th (my birthday) for Baptist rehab. Looking back on those days were tough! I remember the ambulance ride to Baptist Hospital and being in agony from the pain. You must remember for a month and a half I had only sat up a few times in bed. I remember my PT at UAMS trying to get me ready for Baptist Rehab, by getting me to SIT UP IN BED! haha BABY STEPS!! I remember trying so hard and struggling to sit up. Its amazing to see what I am capable of doing today, and I know I have a lot more recover in my future.
As I mentioned in my previous post I have signed up for several clinical trials and interviews at research facilities. I received a call from Gainsville on the clinical trials I had signed up for several weeks ago. The gentleman said that they were no longer holding trials for that particular study. He told me the trial had ended several months ago but they hadn't been taken off of the clinical trials registry. However, he wanted my info because he thought I would be a good canidate for future studies. I did a phone interview discussing my progress and my abilities. The gentleman was amazed at my progress and told me that he was sure they would have a study in the near future that I would be great for the clinical trial!
On January 30th I have an interview with the Miami Project. My family and I are driving to Miami to visit the facility. I received a phone call from a lady at the Miami project who told me that they were not a REHAB facility but a research facility. They Miami project only does clinical trials to test new therapies and drugs to cure paralysis. They are doing cutting edge research on stem cells which I am anxious to be apart of the studies. Please pray that I will be apart of this research!
Also in several months I will be going back to Shepherds to the BEYOND THERAPY research rehab!
I am so blessed to have the support and love from so many of you! Thank you for reading my blog and following my progress! More than rehab, studies, and therapy PRAYERS are what are curing my body. Please continue the prayers!! Doctors are already amazed at my progress. I am asked constantly what I would contribute to my success and I always say...IT IS GOD, THROUGH PRAYERS AND FAITH!! I still believe that to be the key to my recovery. Thank you for your love and support! Im going to use this injury to glorify God in all that I do. I will give him the honor and Glory to all my success and progress. My accident is to bring others to Christ. I hope and pray that I am used as an instrument to further his kingdom.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
As I mentioned in my previous post I have signed up for several clinical trials and interviews at research facilities. I received a call from Gainsville on the clinical trials I had signed up for several weeks ago. The gentleman said that they were no longer holding trials for that particular study. He told me the trial had ended several months ago but they hadn't been taken off of the clinical trials registry. However, he wanted my info because he thought I would be a good canidate for future studies. I did a phone interview discussing my progress and my abilities. The gentleman was amazed at my progress and told me that he was sure they would have a study in the near future that I would be great for the clinical trial!
On January 30th I have an interview with the Miami Project. My family and I are driving to Miami to visit the facility. I received a phone call from a lady at the Miami project who told me that they were not a REHAB facility but a research facility. They Miami project only does clinical trials to test new therapies and drugs to cure paralysis. They are doing cutting edge research on stem cells which I am anxious to be apart of the studies. Please pray that I will be apart of this research!
Also in several months I will be going back to Shepherds to the BEYOND THERAPY research rehab!
I am so blessed to have the support and love from so many of you! Thank you for reading my blog and following my progress! More than rehab, studies, and therapy PRAYERS are what are curing my body. Please continue the prayers!! Doctors are already amazed at my progress. I am asked constantly what I would contribute to my success and I always say...IT IS GOD, THROUGH PRAYERS AND FAITH!! I still believe that to be the key to my recovery. Thank you for your love and support! Im going to use this injury to glorify God in all that I do. I will give him the honor and Glory to all my success and progress. My accident is to bring others to Christ. I hope and pray that I am used as an instrument to further his kingdom.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A New Year-Great Things will happen in 09
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, MAKE IT A GOOD ONE!!
I pray that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Years! I had a great holidays and I feel that 2009 will bring even more miracles and great things for my recovery. I have a lot of great news as far as new therapies I am expecting to receive in 2009.
A few days ago I logged onto brain an spinal cord.org I went there to find out what clinical trials were available for me to be apart of for research. I wrote an email and sent it out to several doctors explaining my injuries and my current recovery. The following day I received a phone call from a gentleman who works for the organization that makes the website. He had some encouraging words for me and was astonished at my recovery. He told me just how RARE it was to go from an ASIA-A to an ASIA-C. He asked me what I did, or what I would contribute to my success. I told him that my faith in God and the prayers that went to God on my behalf is the only way my progress can be explained. The gentleman told me that through my email he could tell I was a man of faith. He went onto say that he too was a man of faith and a follower. He wanted me to tell my story to others, because so many times people do not look to God for help. The organization can not but spiritual things on the website, only educational information. He encouraged me to spread the word of God through my story and I agreed that would be my mission for the rest of my life! Its AMAZING how God works behind the scenes!
I have signed up for several studies and therapies in 2009. I will need the prayers of everyone for this reason. Pray that I will be admitted into these programs and get the therapies I need. I have signed up for a clinical trial in Gainsville, Florida. The trial would consist of using the Locomat which I used at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. It involves using treadmills and weight baring to further enhance my strength and endurance when I walk. I am expecting a phone call on Monday to look into the clinical trial in Gainsville. Pray that I can be excepted into this program. I read the requirements and it would appear that I meet all of them for the clinical trial.
I have also looked into the Miami Project for research and clinical trials. My family has decided to drive to Miami to check out this facility and see what clinical trials and research I can be apart of in the coming months. The Miami Project is making great advancements in research and are on the cutting edge in finding a cure. The Miami Project is one of the best centers in the country. We have a tentative date to meet with the people there and take a tour of the facilities. I will also attend a presentation on the new advancements the research has shown at the Miami Project. Please pray that my visit will be productive and that I could be apart of clinical trials and research that could help in my recovery.
In about six months I have been accepted back into the Shepherd Center to be apart of the BEYOND THERAPY program. This is a research therapy which Shepherd has seen to be VERY effective in the recovery of muscles. This is a very intense physical therapy regiment. Using new technologies and exercise, I will be working very hard each and everyday. I visited the Beyond Therapy program when I was at Shepherds in October and everyone in there was sweating from head to toe! I asked alot of the patients what they thought of the program and they told me that they had seen amazing results. I pray that I will see the same when I become a part of the program in a few months.
I have already made great advancements and my recovery has amazed everyone who has seen my progress. God is working miracles in my life. There is no doubt that my progress has been solely the work of God. He has given me so much to be thankful for in 2008 and I know that in 2009 he will bless me even more!! I humbly ask for more prayers on the upcoming clinical trials and research. Please pray that I can be apart of these studies and that I can get the care I need. Thank you all for your prayers!! I AM WORKING HARD, TO WALK AGAIN ONE DAY!! With God's help and the prayers of so many of you, I know I will walk again.
I LOVE YOU ALL,
SO MUCH IN HIM!
BRENT
I pray that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Years! I had a great holidays and I feel that 2009 will bring even more miracles and great things for my recovery. I have a lot of great news as far as new therapies I am expecting to receive in 2009.
A few days ago I logged onto brain an spinal cord.org I went there to find out what clinical trials were available for me to be apart of for research. I wrote an email and sent it out to several doctors explaining my injuries and my current recovery. The following day I received a phone call from a gentleman who works for the organization that makes the website. He had some encouraging words for me and was astonished at my recovery. He told me just how RARE it was to go from an ASIA-A to an ASIA-C. He asked me what I did, or what I would contribute to my success. I told him that my faith in God and the prayers that went to God on my behalf is the only way my progress can be explained. The gentleman told me that through my email he could tell I was a man of faith. He went onto say that he too was a man of faith and a follower. He wanted me to tell my story to others, because so many times people do not look to God for help. The organization can not but spiritual things on the website, only educational information. He encouraged me to spread the word of God through my story and I agreed that would be my mission for the rest of my life! Its AMAZING how God works behind the scenes!
I have signed up for several studies and therapies in 2009. I will need the prayers of everyone for this reason. Pray that I will be admitted into these programs and get the therapies I need. I have signed up for a clinical trial in Gainsville, Florida. The trial would consist of using the Locomat which I used at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. It involves using treadmills and weight baring to further enhance my strength and endurance when I walk. I am expecting a phone call on Monday to look into the clinical trial in Gainsville. Pray that I can be excepted into this program. I read the requirements and it would appear that I meet all of them for the clinical trial.
I have also looked into the Miami Project for research and clinical trials. My family has decided to drive to Miami to check out this facility and see what clinical trials and research I can be apart of in the coming months. The Miami Project is making great advancements in research and are on the cutting edge in finding a cure. The Miami Project is one of the best centers in the country. We have a tentative date to meet with the people there and take a tour of the facilities. I will also attend a presentation on the new advancements the research has shown at the Miami Project. Please pray that my visit will be productive and that I could be apart of clinical trials and research that could help in my recovery.
In about six months I have been accepted back into the Shepherd Center to be apart of the BEYOND THERAPY program. This is a research therapy which Shepherd has seen to be VERY effective in the recovery of muscles. This is a very intense physical therapy regiment. Using new technologies and exercise, I will be working very hard each and everyday. I visited the Beyond Therapy program when I was at Shepherds in October and everyone in there was sweating from head to toe! I asked alot of the patients what they thought of the program and they told me that they had seen amazing results. I pray that I will see the same when I become a part of the program in a few months.
I have already made great advancements and my recovery has amazed everyone who has seen my progress. God is working miracles in my life. There is no doubt that my progress has been solely the work of God. He has given me so much to be thankful for in 2008 and I know that in 2009 he will bless me even more!! I humbly ask for more prayers on the upcoming clinical trials and research. Please pray that I can be apart of these studies and that I can get the care I need. Thank you all for your prayers!! I AM WORKING HARD, TO WALK AGAIN ONE DAY!! With God's help and the prayers of so many of you, I know I will walk again.
I LOVE YOU ALL,
SO MUCH IN HIM!
BRENT
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Holidays Everyone!! I have alot to be thankful for!
Well, its the Holidays and I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I wasnt able to have a Christmas last year since i was in the hospital, still in ICU. Even though I have no recollection of Christmas last year, I was very fortunate to have so many of my friends and family come to the hospital to spend time with me and my family. It makes me feel good to know that so many people cared enough for me to give up there plans to come and spend time with me, even if I wasn't talking the fact that they were with me means so much. During the Holidays, we spend time with our families and reflect on what we are thankful for in the past year. I can say without hesitation that I am thankful for SO VERY MUCH!!
1) Im thankful to God, for giving me a second chance at life and sparing me!
2) I am thankful to my family! Without them it would be impossible for me to have gotten through this accident. They have been by my side throughout the entire journey. My mom flew up the night of my accident and never left my side for MONTHS, my dad, brother and sister sacrificed so much to be with me and help make my recovery easy.
3) I am thankful for everyone at my church both in Little Rock at Pleasant Valley and my church at home at West Orange. They have supported me through so much. The love that was shown me in little rock by my church family was literally indescribable. Never before had the doctors and nurses seen that type of out pouring of love for one patient. There kindness and loved spread to everyone working at the hospital and left a lasting impression. I hope to return to everyone at PV soon, and use this accident to further glorify God!
4) I am thankful to everyone at Farner Barley for helping me set up my home for me to live in. Farner Barley had my entire living area blown out and made it wheelchair accessible. They also have given my dad and family the ability to use there airplane to fly back and forth to Little Rock so that my dad could spend time with me. THANK YOU BOB AND STEVE!!
5) I am thankful for my friends Karen and Jim who come to my house to help me with my rehab. They come a couple times a week to help with Physical Therapy. It is because of them I have gained so much in my legs. Well.....God has given me the ability, and Karen and Jim have utilized my potential and have gotten the maximum return out of my legs. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
6) I am thankful for everyone who reads this blog....YES, that means YOU (whoever you are) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is because of you and your support and prayers that has made my progress which is a MIRACLE possible. This blog is my ministry, and everyone who reads this is directly effecting my progress with your prayers! THANK YOU!!!! PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!!
I could probably go on and on with this post! If I thanked everyone individually it would take PAGES upon PAGES to write about it all. I AM SOOO BLESSED!!! I encourage everyone out there, if you want to EXPERIENCE this type of LOVE....I would say to everyone to be apart of God's family. Being apart of his family is like nothing you could ever experience. Without Christian brothers and sisters in my extended church family, I would not be where I am today!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT!
1) Im thankful to God, for giving me a second chance at life and sparing me!
2) I am thankful to my family! Without them it would be impossible for me to have gotten through this accident. They have been by my side throughout the entire journey. My mom flew up the night of my accident and never left my side for MONTHS, my dad, brother and sister sacrificed so much to be with me and help make my recovery easy.
3) I am thankful for everyone at my church both in Little Rock at Pleasant Valley and my church at home at West Orange. They have supported me through so much. The love that was shown me in little rock by my church family was literally indescribable. Never before had the doctors and nurses seen that type of out pouring of love for one patient. There kindness and loved spread to everyone working at the hospital and left a lasting impression. I hope to return to everyone at PV soon, and use this accident to further glorify God!
4) I am thankful to everyone at Farner Barley for helping me set up my home for me to live in. Farner Barley had my entire living area blown out and made it wheelchair accessible. They also have given my dad and family the ability to use there airplane to fly back and forth to Little Rock so that my dad could spend time with me. THANK YOU BOB AND STEVE!!
5) I am thankful for my friends Karen and Jim who come to my house to help me with my rehab. They come a couple times a week to help with Physical Therapy. It is because of them I have gained so much in my legs. Well.....God has given me the ability, and Karen and Jim have utilized my potential and have gotten the maximum return out of my legs. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
6) I am thankful for everyone who reads this blog....YES, that means YOU (whoever you are) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is because of you and your support and prayers that has made my progress which is a MIRACLE possible. This blog is my ministry, and everyone who reads this is directly effecting my progress with your prayers! THANK YOU!!!! PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR ME!!
I could probably go on and on with this post! If I thanked everyone individually it would take PAGES upon PAGES to write about it all. I AM SOOO BLESSED!!! I encourage everyone out there, if you want to EXPERIENCE this type of LOVE....I would say to everyone to be apart of God's family. Being apart of his family is like nothing you could ever experience. Without Christian brothers and sisters in my extended church family, I would not be where I am today!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!
SO MUCH IN HIM
BRENT!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A wonderful week to remember my Year Anniversery!
Last week in honor of my year anniversary I flew to Little Rock to thank my doctors and therapists for all they did for me. I went there as a surprise because on Sunday morning I was speaking at my church. It was my chance to see all my friends and tell them what they meant to me. I spoke that morning to a large class in my church gymnasium. It was wonderful to see so many people in the audience. It was wonderful to tell the story of how the Lord is blessing me and the miracles in my life. I have a feeling I will be telling that story to thousands more people in my lifetime. I will be telling the story to all who will listen. I will tell the story of Jesus, I will tell how he is blessing my life. I CAN'T WAIT! This is what he is calling me to do. I have heard the saying, "Without a test, you can never have a testimony" Going to my church at Pleasant Valley in Little Rock, made me miss everyone so much. I can't wait for the day when I can return to all of you! The love that was shown to me in the past year was beyond description. For everyone reading this blog, I apologize that I can not put into words how Pleasant Valley loved me during my accident. The nurses at UAMS while I was in ICU, asked my parents where I went to church,because they have NEVER seen anything like this before! The people there opened my eyes to what Jesus was talking about when he said, "Love one another!" I have been shown love by so many people since my accident. People have sent cards, and sent prayers up to God on my behalf from around the world. I am so thankful to all of you!
I wish it were possible to have a reunion of everyone who has sent me a card, prayed for me, called me, or visited me. If that were possible I would like to sit down with each and every one of you and hug your necks, and tell you what you mean to me! If it were possible I would want to PERSONALLY thank each and everyone of you. I have kept every single card that I have gotten since my accident. There are thousands of cards and I have read them all. I will never throw them away and I will look back over them one day and be thankful for all the loved ones in my life! How do people go through traumatic accidents without Christian brothers and sisters?
While in Little Rock, my good friend Cristina talked me into doing a walking demonstration for my therapists at Baptist Rehab. I did a small lap for everyone with my walker. They seemed to be impressed by my progress, it made me feel so good to see their faces when I took my first steps. I remember going into that place weeks after my accident unsure of so many things. Just one year after my injury, I WALKED, in the rehab center.....I WALKED!! PRAISE GOD!! I wonder what kind of miracles are in my future for NEXT year!?
Thank you all for your support, and PLEASE, PLEASE keep praying for me!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
I wish it were possible to have a reunion of everyone who has sent me a card, prayed for me, called me, or visited me. If that were possible I would like to sit down with each and every one of you and hug your necks, and tell you what you mean to me! If it were possible I would want to PERSONALLY thank each and everyone of you. I have kept every single card that I have gotten since my accident. There are thousands of cards and I have read them all. I will never throw them away and I will look back over them one day and be thankful for all the loved ones in my life! How do people go through traumatic accidents without Christian brothers and sisters?
While in Little Rock, my good friend Cristina talked me into doing a walking demonstration for my therapists at Baptist Rehab. I did a small lap for everyone with my walker. They seemed to be impressed by my progress, it made me feel so good to see their faces when I took my first steps. I remember going into that place weeks after my accident unsure of so many things. Just one year after my injury, I WALKED, in the rehab center.....I WALKED!! PRAISE GOD!! I wonder what kind of miracles are in my future for NEXT year!?
Thank you all for your support, and PLEASE, PLEASE keep praying for me!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
SO MUCH IN HIM,
BRENT
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