Reset Priorities

Great piece! This intensive exercise approach by ADAPT, Project Walk, and others is a lifesaver

[“Second Chance Rehab,” April 2015]. My wife, injured at C5-6 incomplete, was lucky to discover SCI-FIT in Northern California It gave her hope, and the staff are now family. She is now a “walkin’ quad” and no doubt will see more independence as a result of this type of therapy. My advice to anyone with mobility struggles, be it from SCI, multiple sclerosis, stroke or whatever, is find a SCI-FIT type of rehab, or help start one, and you will never regret the expense. You will reset your priorities to make it a part of your life.
Carey Chenowith
Sausalito, California

Brain in a Bottle
My wonderful wife Debra researched a bunch last year and discovered ADAPT [“Second Chance Rehab”]. Just today I was up there for my session, even though this does involve a five-hour round trip drive with six stops for weight shifts (I am labeled a quad with a need for tilting my chair to minimize skin breakdown). My physical therapist is Orlando, and for the last few months I have been impressed with his skill, creativity and great sense of humor. I do not approach this more active form of exercise with false hope, though the sky is the limit. For me, even if nerves do not wake up, I definitely feel stronger. As I pointed out after my first session, during my two years after my injury I have felt a bit like a brain in a glass bottle. I am grateful to find ways to move my body and exercise my body. In fact I was surprised to discover these avenues. Thanks, ADAPT!
David W. Oaks
Harvard University

PPS Antidote?
This story [“The Cars in My Life,” April 2015] is a refreshing reminder that the automobile, in whatever incarnation, is the best antidote for our post-polio sequelae symptoms.
Barbara Lee
Adelphi University

‘Can Do’ Quad Detective
Bryce Clarke has always been a “can do” person and is always looking for ways to improve his environment for the benefit of everyone [“Portrait of the Detective as a Real Person,” April 2015]. His input into the Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities courses was very helpful and made people try to go that extra step. Way to go, Bryce!
Terry Jordan
Portage College

Sydney in September
So glad that Cory Lee had a great accessible time in Sydney [“Accessible Sydney,” April 2015]. You can also add springtime, which occurs September through November in Australia, as a great time to come here. Before coming, check out when our school holidays are — any time outside those are good for cheaper flights and accommodation.
AccessAbility Travel

The Value of Giving Back
As I read the Bully Pulpit about turning 70 [“Geezer Wisdom,” March 2015] I found that much of it sounded familiar. I was injured 30 years ago — T3 complete — and also took a couple of years to “find myself.” I went to vocational rehab and was told after a psych evaluation that I could do anything I wanted. So much for the value of psychologists. Anyway, I decided to try teaching, which I had done about 15 years before my injury. I ended up teaching chemistry at the high school level for 24 years and just retired a couple of years ago. I, too, am 70.

Turns out that I miss the kids. So, I am volunteering at the high school. That wasn’t enough. I said I’d never be an adjunct prof because they pay slave wages, but I thought I had something to teach the next generation of science teachers. So, I’m now doing that at Temple University.

You gave us good advice in your column, but may I add that giving back and doing for others helps one feel needed and useful, and that helps make life worth living.
Allen Bronstein
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

A Mike Sandwich
When I was in graduate school finishing my master of fine arts in creative writing, I only had a few classes to take before I received my degree, but one class was located on the third floor of a decrepit building with no elevator [“Elevator Tales,” Bully Pulpit, April 2015]. My instructor was named Mike and my husband is named Mike, so we devised a plan to get me to the third floor. Instructor Mike walked in front of me and husband Mike walked behind. They picked me up and carried me. I was between them as a sandwich, so the Mike sandwich very carefully walked step-by-step up to the third floor, and we did the reverse coming down, and I did get my degree. I do not recommend this method, but it did work. I cannot say that it was safe, but I got there and got back, without falling, and ready to receive my master’s degree.
Diane Hoover Bechtler
Charlotte, North Carolina

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