June 10, 2019
Having spine surgery June 18 . Remove the screw on my disc. Put new screw in and refuse upper fusion that came unfused. Hope my spascisity and nerves return to normal. Not looking forward to the surgery recovery and rehab. After 3 years of bulging discs and mechanical failure now in early stages of congenital disc disease and arthritis. Wish me luck I might need it.
May 4, 2019
Big health updates after chronic uti's & sepsis, beat c-diff- lost 40 lbs. though . Finding out my central cord /myofascial pain was probably from the fact upper hardware never fused. Lower hardware is detaching and a screw on disc pinching nerves. Now it looks like I'm going back in for more screws and fuseing. This will need help. Health Care has changed since 2013. We really appreciate all the people the people that has helped us get so far . There is a benefit. planning but no dates yet
Stay Tuned. .
May 5, 2018
ROLL WITH JOEL FUNRUN IS BACK. MAY 12TH 8A.M. BROTHERS PARK PAVILLION - PARKLAND FARMS HEALDSBURG. 5K FUNRUN. BBQ MUSIC
FOOD DRINKS.
REGISTER DONATE OR GET INFO AT
ROLLFORJOEL.COM
HELP SUPPORT ME IN THE CHALLENGING BATTLE OF SPINAL NERVE INJURIES
November 21, 2017
As I approach 4 years injured, and 3 years fundraising, I would like to thank all of you that have supported my recovery. My health has gotten worse again. Having a uti infection since August , that 3 batches of antibiotics hasn't cured completely. Also neck shoulder nerve headaches are pretty bad, but hopefully chiropractic and pressure point massage will help. Thanks for your help.
May 20, 2017
Proud to announce the "BACKBREAKER 5K"
A charity funrun to assist me and my family with medical expenses and equipment needed for my spinal cord injury .
Look at Backbreaker 5k or healdsburg running company websites
Saturday May 27th 8:00 a.m.
Healdsburg California
November 18, 2016
Thanks to everyone for the recent donations. Dealing with paralysis is a lot easier when I know I have help. Back pain is chronic now but I have a new topical prescription that works okay.Hope everyone has a good holiday season and thanks again.
September 7, 2016
After 3 u.t.i. infections and a fungal infection and a food allergy, I am finally somewhat healthy. Now I am dealing with increased nerve pain, as I am returning to junior college adaptive p.e and trying 2 4-hour shifts at my old job. Should be holding a Facebook event soon, as my funds for medical expenses are dwindling. Thanks for your help, and stay tuned for more.
May 2, 2016
So excited, rode handcycles in Berkeley last week. Proud to announce the Healdsburg Fire Department will be purchasing a handcycle for me. I am looking forward to biking again for independence, transportation and the joy of bicycling. Live to ride, Ride to live.
March 31, 2016
Most health issues with a spinal cord injury are not visible. Here is my list of afflictions I battle with.
1. Nerve pain: constant electric leg buzzing, pins, needles, burning, freezing, numbness.
2. Spascisity: spasms, convulsing, muscle & joint pain & tightness, debilitating pain
3. Bowel & Bladder: uncontrollable flaccid b&b, catheterization, diapers, incontinence, laxatives, urinary tract infections
4. Sexual dysfunction: no visual stimulation, erectile dysfunction
5. Paralysis: unable to walk or stand unaided affects organs, circulation, muscles, bones
6. Spinal pain: lower back and spinal nerves tightening muscles and spinal fusion .
7. Skin pressure sensitivity. Lost protective nerve layer. Special cushions, bed needed
8. Circulation: pressure socks, foot and leg swelling, cold & hot spots, pale skin zones
9. Traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, cognitive, social skills, withdrawal
10. Social status: stereotypes, staring, 2nd class citizen, people uncomfortable with disabled people
Sorry to rant but this is my life now.
February 27, 2016
Pushing my p.t. Have gone from standing in walker or standing frame from 5 minutes to 13 minutes a day. Doing swimming and gym at junior college twice a week. With increased activity comes more nerve pain and spasms. As I work thru this I am lifted by everyone's help and support. Welcome to Winona High School class of 1981.Thanks for the contact and help. Go Winhawks!
December 11, 2015
After 2 lengthy infections, I am getting back to doing more physical therapy. I will be finishing p.t. at Kaiser and starting the adaptive p.e. program at Santa Rosa Junior college. It's a longer more intensive program and it's got a indoor pool. I continue to battle physical and mental challenges every day, but everyone's help and support keeps me fighting this debilitating condition . Thanks everyone and happy holidays.
August 17, 2015
Had a good BBQ benefit at Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg. Thanks to everyone that attended and supported me. The silent auction had some great items, the food was good, and we sold out the event. Thanks to all at Oakville Grocery who volunteered their time and effort. Also thanks to everyone that donated items for the auction and bbq.
August 5, 2015
BBQ fundraiser at Oakville Grocery, August 13th from 6-8 p.m , Healdsburg CA.
August 5, 2015
Rehab is progressing, walker and forearm crutch practice at p.t. is going well. Had my first outing with my walker. It was only across the street, up 3 steps and into a neighbors house. Wasn't far but it's a start.
June 22, 2015
Had a good benefit dinner at Chalkboard restaurant on June 9th. Thanks to all that attended, and a huge thanks to everyone at chalkboard. Also rolled 3k in the Fitch mt. foot race . I had a few pushes on the hills but otherwise rolled along to a 31 minute finish. In p.t. I can now walk unassisted with forearm crutches, and walk in the pool without balance rings.
May 25, 2015
Benefit Dinner at chalkboard restaurant, June 9th 5 p.m. - close. Healdsburg Ca.
20 % of all of the evenings proceeds will go to HelpHOPELive in my honor to go toward my out of pocket rehabilitation expenses. Spread the word and eat well for a good cause. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Chalkboard
May 4, 2015
Thanks Healdsburg for a good turnout for the Library meet and greet event. It was good to tell my story, thank the rescuers, and spread the word about my charity . Made our move on the 1st. Now I have some mobility and independence. We like our new place, still unpacking but it's getting there. Last time in the pool, I walked without balance rings or assistance. Also walking on forearm crutches in rehab .
April 15, 2015
With everyones help we are able to move back into Healdsburg. I will be able to wheel into town or take the city or county para-transit buses. This has been our biggest obstacle, mobility and independence will soon be ours.In rehab I have been walking with forearm crutches while using crane and harness for safety . Library meet and greet at the Healdsburg Library, April 29th 7-8 p.m.Thanks for the help everyone
March 4, 2015
Thanks to all the help from Winona and Washburn /Hayward area, your help has really pushed our charity forward. I have started aquatherapy and weight training, it seems to be a good complement to physical therapy. The water pressure on my unsettled nerves of my lower legs took a few times to get used to, but it's nice to walk in the water. Upcoming events :
Spinal cord wellness clinic- vallejo rehab center. 4-8-2015
Healdsburg library event- learn tale of survival and recovery. Meet Joel , rescue crew, and support network in Healdsburg.
4-29-2015 7p.m. (time to be confirmed)
Chalkboard Restaurant Dinner Benefit.
Coming up in season, date and time to be determined.
Thanks every one who has helped. Being able to afford the medical costs, equipment, and rehab that I need to progress in my recovery is key.
January 29, 2015
Thanks to everyone that has helped and supported me and my family. Even though I face a lengthy recovery, progress with my p.t. has been positive. Recently I had been standing and walking with a crane device. Now I have graduated to walking with just a walker. Walking slow small steps for short distances. Still have a weaker right knee and no movement in my left ankle or foot, but with these funds we hope to pursue more aggressive rehab . Getting help, equipment, supplies, and medical expenses taken care of is our main goal. Everybody's help makes us focus on my rehab instead of the medical expenses so Thank You.- Joel Billman and Family.
December 3, 2014
It is just over 1yr since Joel's spinal injury & becoming a paraplegic. Through the hard work by Joel & the staffs at Stanford, Kaiser Vallejo Rehab & Santa Rosa Kaiser he survived his accident & is working toward getting his legs & systems from the waist down functioning again. Though time & hard work goes a long way in Joel's recovery our family is finding the monetary burdens overwhelming. With Joel unable to work & state disability having ended after a year. Times are tough making regular ends meet & paying for insurance, doctor appointments, medications & PT sessions. I'm sure others understand the need to reach out when times get tough. Even in these times Joel works hard everyday doing his PT at home & never gives up. He has come a long way from the Stanford hospital bed to getting around in his wheelchair. We will keep adding pictures of Joel's progress at PT and with life.
