We asked four HelpHOPELive clients to answer a single question.The result is a series of powerful insights for anyone who is struggling to keep moving forward after a debilitating injury.
“The journey gets easier over time. The first few years are the hardest post-injury, when you are trying to adjust to your body’s physical changes and all that comes with those changes.
If you’re interested in adaptive hobbies and athletics, a good way to start is to search for adaptive sports programs in your area. If there is a specific hobby you’re interested in, search for meet-ups or local clubs for that hobby. Talk to others who have your condition and are already doing the things you would like to be doing.
There are so many resources for support and information, and they are all at your fingertips. You can use social networks like Facebook to find and network with others who have spinal cord injuries.”
“Do the best with what you have and take control of your own care. Follow research in spinal cord injury therapy and stay involved.
Do not give up on recovering functionality and making gains through hard work. Keep your body in shape and ready for the treatments that will come – I hope that they arrive sooner rather than later.”
“Don’t give up. Our bodies want to heal if we will let them. Keep moving as much as possible and know that it will get easier and your body will get stronger.”
“Get out there and try anything and everything you can. Today there are so many options when it comes to adaptive sports and activities, with new ones being invested every day.
There is no excuse not to try to search for something that you will love to do.
Don’t be scared just because someone with a similar disability can’t or doesn’t do something. You can be as happy or as upset about your injury and your life as you choose to be. It’s entirely up to you.”
–Kirk
What’s your best piece of advice for someone who has recently sustained a spinal cord injury? Share it with us on Facebook or on Twitter.
