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PAW-ABUNGA FOR PATRICK
In addition, my sponsor, the
Rose Foundation awarded a grant
Patrick is a 15 year old boy with a spinal cord injury. In September 1995, when Patrick was fourteen months old, he and his mom were walking behind a parked car when the driver, who was arguing with his girlfriend, backed up suddenly, and ran over Patrick, pinning him under the car. The driver was un-insured. He suffered a C4-5 incomplete spinal cord injury, and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic. Patrick has been in a wheelchair ever since. At first, his muscles shortened and tightened, and his posture had deteriorated after years of being in a chair. But, at 10 years of age, Patrick started going to Project Walk, an intensive physical therapy program that helps people with spinal cord injuries build strength by exercising parts of the body they can't move or control on their own. They have had amazing results with people from all over the world. Since he began, his body has been in constant change! His muscles are elongating, his strength is increasing, and his posture is improving. He has an increased range of motion in both his arms and legs, and most recently has gained movement in his hands which allows him to pick things up. Patrick is able to do things he never thought he could! Patrick and his family want him to continue participating in Project Walk. The problem is, the program is very expensive. Each hour of treatment costs $100, and Patrick needs six hours of treatment per week for at least three years. I am trying to do my part to raise money so he can continue his physical therapy, and appreciate your help too! Patrick's goal is to attend college one day, and be independent in life. He dreams of walking across the stage at his high school graduation in 2012, and I believe with his determination, the help of Project Walk, and our previous fund raiser "Paw-abunga for Patrick", he will realize his dream! Patrick also received a service dog in August of 2009, which is giving him more independence. You can learn more about that at my other Pawabunga For Patrick page which includes additional info, pictures and videos. In addition to that, you can visit Patrick's site, Help Patrick Walk. Patrick also enjoys surfing, playing hockey, rugby, basketball, and snow skiing. The videos below will give you a better idea of who Patrick is too... and what Project Walk is all about. I feel privileged to know Patrick, and I hope you enjoy getting to know him too!
A video introduction of Patrick
Here's a video of Patrick surfing!
More surfing - The Today Show, Aug
7, 2009
Patrick at 12 years old - Project
Walk... his first attempt at walking Patrick at 12 years old - Project Walk... riding a stationary bike for the first time
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