Zumba, A Country Club, Some Family Time, And More Progress

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What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson  (No relationship to Lindsy)

This injury has left me with lots of “Firsts”.  I never thought I would try Zumba let alone Zumba in a wheelchair.  Low and behold there I was dressed in neon from head to toe “Zumbainig” in my chair on the dance floor with 100 other people as the DJ played bass heavy music and lights flashed all around me.  A huge thank you to Corene Marshalek and her team of volunteers for organizing, hosting, and participating in an awesome fundraising event.  Loving Lane Zumbathon 2014 went doesn’t last Friday at the Capital Athletic Club in Sacramento.  What a site it was.  It reminded me of the days of pegged pants, donut socks, and leotards.  I am very grateful for everyone that showed up to support me in my recovery.  This was the most successful fundraiser to date and one that will hopefully occur on an annual basis moving forward.

zumba2 zumba1

It’s been an interesting few weeks.  Lindsy went on vacation and my brother and mom stepped in to fill her role.  My time with my brother was nice as it was really the first time we have spent quality time together since the beginning of the year.  I finally got to experience Del Paso Country Club (thank you to Terry McDermott) and while I couldn’t play I was able to drive myself around the course and stay out of the sand traps as you can see below.  We got to hang out and see some movies, eat lots of food (this was a kale free vacation for him), and actually be brothers and talk about sports, life, and Thailand rather than my recovery and Loving Lane business stuff.

After my brother left my mom came down and stayed with me for the week.  It was actually quite pleasant being with her.  Probably the most amount of time under one roof since High School and the nice part was she couldn’t ground me for anything.  I have to remind myself that I am still me mentally and emotionally just not quite myself physically yet.  Thank you mom for reminding me.

I have been working out daily and the results are definitely paying off.  Between PT with Aunt Sally, SCI –FIT, stretching with Karen and Lindsy, and now American River College and the weight training program my triceps have finally decided to come alive and are firing (this was my last muscle group to wake up).  I can almost get my hand to my face and am relishing the day I can brush my own teeth and pick my nose (feeding myself will be nice too). I still do not have function but strength and flexibility are improving as is my ability to do flexion in my hands.  I should hear this week whether or not I am approved for aquatic therapy, if I am I have the perfect speedo picked out.

I am doing laps in the standup walker around the gym and my steps are improving (see video below) I am also practicing steps backwards.  I look like a very awkward Michael Jackson Moonwalk impersonator.  I am also working hard at SCI Fit on being able to stand upright on my own as well as hold myself upright in a sitting position.  The work is hard but I am seeing results which keeps me motivated.

I got confirmation today that my new power chair should be here in two weeks so things are moving along on that front.  The rest of my days are spent watching the 49ers disappoint, spending time with friends, and hanging out with Trapper.  I am glad the heat of Sacramento has subsided and am looking forward to fall.

Thank you to all of you who continue to support me.  I can’t do it without you. Also below a thank you note from my Aunt Sally for those who made Zumbathon a great and successful event.

Zumbathon Thanks!

Thank you all for participating in some way with the Neon Zumbathon last night ……. for your attendance, support, donation, caring of both Lane and myself and the Edwards’ family by attending the fund-raiser last night at the Capital Athletic Club…or for your generous donation to helping Lane rise from his wheel chair and one day, when he can, do the Zumba with us.

It means so much to me that you were there either with your donation or to dance for Lane. It was our goal to raise enough money to pay for 6 months of spinal cord injury rehabilitation (it’s about $2,000/month) that is not covered by insurance and is “out of pocket” so we have to raise it … someday, when he can, Lane wants to go back to work and we need every nickel and dime that we can raise to get him there.

with heart and deep deep appreciation,

Lane’s Aunt Sally

Comments

  1. says

    This is to acknowledge that I have received my first email from the http://www.LovingLane.org website. I really appreciate this functionality because it gives me the updates and information FROM LANE and video’s which were very exciting to see.

    Thanks. Keep posting for us, best nephew Lane!

    Aunt Sally

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