Learning to Walk Again
Determination and Hard Work Lead to Reaching Goals
James loves coffee, watching and reporting the news with his microphone, and having his sister, Deb, close by. Lucky for him, she happens to work where he lives. And she’s been there to witness James reach his goal – walking again!
The youngest of three children, James moved to Echoing Hills in 2020. Two years after this move, his older sister, Deb, began working in housekeeping. Her role involves providing laundry services for the individuals served. This is the first job in which she has worked with individuals with disabilities professionally.
Deb loves being close to her brother. She shares he is, “the most kindhearted and loving person, his personality is so sweet. Once you meet him, you have a friend for LIFE!” She continues, “Growing up, James was a typical boy, just with special needs. I knew I would always advocate for him.” Together, they enjoy going to church on Sundays, going out to dinner, and experiencing social events.
In 2020, James was diagnosed with severe stenosis of the neck. This type of diagnosis causes numbness in the extremities and the inability to walk. If left untreated, it could cause permanent nerve damage, including paralysis or death. Deb explains, “James had surgery and doctors said he would be in a wheelchair. The outlook was he was not going to be able to walk again. He used a wheelchair for about two years.”
With help from Jason, a physical therapist, and Ashely, a physical therapist assistant, James is once again walking. The process was long, with therapy consisting of consistent exercises every week. It is a journey that has inspired everyone involved.
Proud of her brother’s new independence, Deb knows that James feels the same way. “It has been amazing. He has come a long way, and all the glory goes to God!”
Deb is grateful for Echoing Hills’ encouragement and Jason’s hard work with her brother. To celebrate, Deb and James went to dinner where he walked in, leaving the wheelchair at home. “That was a great meal,” shares Deb.
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