The Story

This is a blog designed to keep my family and friends up to date with my recovery in therapy and life. For those that don't know, I was is a terrible snowboarding accident on March 4, 2010. I was traveling down a trail with my brother-in-law Casey. We were going fast, but weren't out of control. Due to the time of the day, there was what they call " a white out effect", that's when a person has a hard time noticing some elevation changes in the snow. Unfortunately for me, when I reached the point in the trail where it merged with another trail, there was a bad drop off. By the time I realized this it was too late. I sailed off of the drop and was about 15-20ft. in the air before I landed on my tailbone in the hard packed snow. My legs instantly went numb and I was having a very hard time breathing. Casey rushed to me and all I could say was " I just paralyzed myself, go get help!". I was air lifted to Loma Linda Hospital and after hours of test they found that I had shattered my T12 vertebrate. I was put into surgery for 4 hours and received a titanium cage, rods, screws and other materials to rebuild my spine. During the injury my spinal cord was compressed and the broken pieces from the vertebrate actually punctured my spinal cord. After a few days in the ICU, I started to get feeling on the top of my thighs, knees and front of my shins. This was amazing because initially the doctors didn't expect me to regain much, if any , feeling or movement in my legs. I spent 8 days recovering in the ICU before I was transferred to Long Beach Memorial Rehab Center. I spent 2 weeks recovering there, as well as receiving great therapy. I progressed so well that I was actually discharged a week early. Next, I researched outpatient therapy centers and found Precision Rehabilitation in Long Beach. Lucky for me their gym is close and has some of the most qualified therapist in the country. That's the story and the rest will be posted here for you all to enjoy.

As you all can imagine, this has been a terrorizing experience. If it wasn't for the strong support of my family and friends, I know without a doubt, I wouldn't be able to get through this. I strongly look forward to getting back on my feet, so that I can enjoy everyday with my beautiful wife and wonderful boys.


Sunday, October 17, 2010

October 17

Well I'm very pleased to tell you that the marathon was a huge success! Unfortunately the mile markers seemed to be a little inaccurate. The first mile marker seemed to be further than a mile. Everyone thought that it was weird that we walked so long to reach the first mile when we could see the second mile marker not very far away. It didn't matter if the first marker was farther than a mile or not because I still walked to it with my forearm crutches! Of course the first mile was the hardest one with a lot of elevation changes, and the last 2.2 miles were a little more flat. I sat in my chair from the first mile marker and somewhere around the last mile I stood back up and finished with my crutches. Our group was filled with many patients from Precision Rehabilitation, so we were a little slow. Unfortunately the city wanted the roads opened by 10:00am, so the finish line was taken down by the time we arrived. It didn't matter though because we had our own celebration. To my surprise I basically walked 2 miles, which now feel like two of the greatest miles I have ever walked. I look forward to next year so that I can show up without my wheelchair. Here is a video of the day and click here for the photos or view my gallery above. Just to let you all know, I have made it easier for everyone to leave comments. Now you don't have to be registered to the blog to leave a comment; however, it will show up as anonymous, so make sure you leave your name in the comment field. Also, for those of you who do leave comments, I removed the word verification to save everyone a step. Hope it helps. Thank you for all of your continued support. Talk to you soon, cheers!
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9 comments:

  1. SueOctober 18, 2010 at 1:24 AM

    Congratulations.. great job..gosh you were movin!! Looked like the weather held too. It was raining last night when I got home. I love your energy.. keep it up. Last night sure was fun!! I am so thrilled for you. Love, Sue

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  2. LHartongOctober 18, 2010 at 8:56 PM

    Love love Love it!! I am so proud of you. Looks like an inspring day for you all!! Josh, you are the BEST! xoxo Mumsy

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  3. AnonymousOctober 19, 2010 at 10:39 AM

    Excellent Josh, truly inspiring.

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  4. caseyOctober 19, 2010 at 6:09 PM

    You Are The Man, the video turned out great.

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  5. jason and melissaOctober 19, 2010 at 10:17 PM

    we are so proud of your strength and determination!! you are a miracle! Congratulations!

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  6. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 7:01 PM

    Hey Josh, great to hear how well you did! I tell my friends how you are doing and how you have improved and enjoy looking at updates and videos.
    Tell the family I said hi,
    Chase Thomas

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  7. AnonymousOctober 21, 2010 at 7:25 PM

    Wow Josh, we are all just amazed by you!! Keep doing what you do and know we are ALWAYS thinking about you and wishing you the best of the best!! Give hugs and kisses to the babes and Nicole.... xoxo Dana Cashman

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  8. AnonymousOctober 25, 2010 at 8:04 AM

    CONGRATS Josh!

    Pete, Lisa and Alyssa Wright

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  9. kculverNovember 3, 2010 at 11:58 PM

    awesome job josh!!! keep on keepin' on!

    Much Love
    Trieste and Keith

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