USC Newspaper Feature Article

Hey Everyone!

I am honored to be featured in this month's USC newspaper! Thank you for everyone who has supported me, especially my family, friends, trainers, and Swim With Mike. 

I am very excited to walk across stage this Friday, May 16th to receive my diploma. I will be walking with my AFO braces and limited assistance from my Project Walk trainers. 

  

Link to the article: 

https://news.usc.edu/62516/senior-aims-to-raise-awareness-about-others-with-spinal-cord-injuries/

Thank you all for your continued support. 

God bless and Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud 

Paraplegic Swimming

Hey Everyone!

At Project Walk-Claremont, I am privileged to have a few sessions in the swimming pool. This is a part of the new Aquatic Therapy Project Walk trainers are beginning to implement. A benefit of doing therapy in the water is the resistance it provides as well as the reduction of impact on the joints of my lower extremities.
 

In order to swim in the water, I utilize the majority of my upper body strength. When I swim, I have to tie my legs together with a belt in order to prevent them from veering side to side. After training in the Olympic pool for a couple of weeks, I am now able to do four laps (200 meters ~ 656 feet)!  
 

I also practice taking steps and use ankle weights to weigh down my legs. In the water, my legs do not lock out allowing me to walk more smoothly. Walking in water strengthens my hip flexors. Strong hip flexors ensure that my feet will not drag when I take steps.
 

As a child, I remember spending my summers with my siblings swimming at the San Dimas Swim and Racquet Club. It is a great feeling to be back in the water.

Click HERE to see a short video compilation of me swimming at Project Walk-Claremont.
 

Thank you for your continued support.

God bless and love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud

Promoting Swim with Mike at USC

Hey Everyone!

The 34th Annual Swim with Mike is coming up on Sunday, April 5th and I was asked to help promote the event on campus. I had a great day with USC Phi Sigma Kappa president Jay Juster. We joined forces to promote an amazing organization!

Click here to check out the video!

If you are free on Sunday, April 5th at 10 a.m., please come stop by USC and support a great organization. To learn more about Swim with Mike and the Physically Disabled Athlete Scholarship Fund, visit their website: SwimWithMike.org.

Unfortunately, I will not be at the event because I will be at the Lebanese Collegiate Network’s (LCN) Convention in Boston, MA! Of course I am very excited for the event but I am more excited about traveling out of California for the second time post-injury. I cannot wait to share my experience on the plane when I return!

Thank you for your continued support.

God bless and Love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud