Trial Week at Project Walk

Hello friends and family! I had a very rigorous week at Project Walk. Thank you to all my St. Lucy’s girls and faculty and staff that raised money. All the proceeds went to paying for this one week of therapy. Thank you again for making that happen!

Project Walk was fantastic! I learned a lot of new stretches and exercises. My trainer, Jillannie, was impressed with my determination and motivation. During the evaluation on Monday, Jill was able to feel some slight muscle tension in my legs. This, she said, was a good first sign. They are going to work with these slight muscles and strengthen them in addition to creating new nerve links that will awaken dormant muscles. After the evaluation, Jill worked on my balance and core. This helps train my hips to stay steady when I stand. At this point, my hips still sway side to side, but slowly I am learning to hold it in place.

The equipments they have are amazing. Each has their own function and purpose. They have a treadmill with bars and straps to hold me up. I have two trainers on my side and each helping to bend my legs and move my foot to recreate the walking motion. They said they are trying to remind the legs their purpose. Every so often when they move it, I have a tickling sensation. Jill said this means a nerve is attempting to go up the spinal cord. Another machine is the gait trainer. This is similar to the treadmill but is more of a passive movement, where the machine walks for me. This is another way to trigger my muscle memory. They also have an FES bike which stands for functional electrical stimulation. To ride this bike, they have to place pads that stick to my legs (on the quads, hamstrings, and butt). Then with a wire connected to the pads, electrical shocks run though my legs which make my legs pedal the bike. A normal person can only handled 40%-60% of the shocks; I can barely feel 100%. Slowly but surely this bike helps with sensations and muscles in the legs. All this equipment help remind my legs their purpose. Project Walk looks like a gym, it has weights, spin bikes, leg machines; the only difference is that you can easily be motivated by looking at the person next to you. Even if they have a better or worst situation, you see them smiling as they take their first step or crawl around the room. Each time I see someone walking, I whisper to myself, “That’s going to be me. No matter how much pain an exercise gives my back, I have to push though to be the next one to walk. I have no other choice but to walk!”

All the trainers there are motivational and push me to do more. If they want 20 crunches, I give them 30. If they want me to lift 10 pound weights, I lift 15. I do not care how much pain I get. I am willing to go though as much pain and therapy as I physical can. If my body did not have to rest, I would do therapy 24 hours a day. I am so motivated because I cannot handle my family and friends being hurt just because I am hurt. I need to be strong and keep working. I have no other choice because the chair is not me. I am Jennifer BouLahoud. I am an active girl. I love to the craziest things that no one would ever dare to. I am Jennifer BouLahoud and I AM going to walk. Just wait and see!

The only way I can keep up with this therapy with your help. My family and friends are working on a website. This website will have donation page. If you want to see me up and running, please support the Help Jen Walk Again Foundation. Once the site is up and running I will let all of you know. Until then, thank you for all the support and prayers!

Love always,

The one,the only

Jen

Founder of Help Jen Walk Again