My name is Amanda Parezo-Lyons. I’m from Toms River, NJ and now Philly is my home. I love this city and I just bought a condo for me and my ginger cat, Franklin!
On May 19, 2021, I fell victim to a senseless act of gun violence in the city. I finished playing a game of kickball with my best friends. We were resting and sitting in the park. Out of nowhere, we heard several rounds of gunfire. I thought “get to the ground” and in that split second, I fell backwards. My legs immediately went numb and motionless. I knew that I was shot.
I spent months recovering as an inpatient. Then more months at Magee Rehabilitation in their outpatient program. It has been a grueling process, navigating all the changes that come with being a spinal cord injured person.
I am an athlete. I would wake up every morning at 6 am to work out. I am a healthcare professional (Occupational Therapist). This is my space, so I knew what was ahead of me.
My primary goal is to walk – no matter the means. I am newly injured and the best home continuum of care treatment to improve my overall health and wellness is by increasing the load I put through my legs with weightbearing mobility. I am at risk for a long list of complications. Therapy walking is the medicine needed for a longer life and to be the healthiest me!
Being empowered and able to walk at home and in my community of Philly would also allow me to be more independent, engage in more activities and standing at social settings.
So, I contacted ReWalk to trial their exoskeleton. PT Lauren from ReWalk contacted me the very next day. I was so excited! The idea and vision became real when Lauren called with a trial date at Magee. It felt so normal to be upright and walking! My mind immediately started racing – thinking of all the ways I can use a ReWalk in my daily life; cooking, cleaning, walking around the block, getting coffee, teaching… the list goes on! As an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, I imagine being able to greet and teach my students in the ReWalk. I am also determined to dedicate my voice on gun violence awareness and to support other victims and survivors. What a wonderful learning experience for all.
Besides all of the above, I am still an athlete. Once trained I’ll have a newly added vision to conquer; Marathons in my ReWalk! Follow me or join me here in Philly to race for a cause!
Help me with my visions and setting the bar in what can be possible!
Amanda Parezo-Lyons
#ReWalkingOnSunshine
Family and friends of Amanda Parezo-Lyons are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
Amanda has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
