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

Five Years and Still Strong

Hey Everyone!

Five years ago today, I was injured in Big Bear, California in a sledding accident. I landed on my back causing a dislocation of my T10/11 vertebras. I was told that I would never walk again, but today, because of your support and donations, I am proving them wrong.

I am now a senior at the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!). My goal is to walk at graduation on May 16, 2014! I am double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology, and I plan on continuing my education to obtain a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. My ideal job is to further research in the genetic field of memory and cognitive disorders.  As a research assistant for Dr. Clayton Stephenson, I have worked 4 to 5 hours a week in the lab where I collected, inputted, and analyzed data. I am also the President of both the Lebanese Club at USC and the Los Angeles Cedars Rotaract Club.

I continue to balance my time between school, internship, extracurricular activities, and therapy. I have classes Monday through Thursday and attend therapy at the new Project Walk in Claremont on Fridays.  I also train at C.O.R.E. with Taylor Isaacs on Saturday. The new Project Walk, thanks to the Be Perfect Foundation, is less than 15 minutes from my parents’ house.

I am happy to report that I have been making significant improvements. I continue to use my Ankle Foot Orthopedics to help me walk independently, but recently, I have been working with the walker to take larger steps. My standing is more balanced, I’ve improved my alternate knee bends on the Total Gym, and I have overall better control of my legs.

I fought hard every day because of your support.  I continue to succeed because of my donors and angels.  Each year, I am closer to my goal of walking without any assistance, so thank you for your support.

Thank you!

God bless and love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

PS: I am working on a new video blog about pool therapy. Keep an eye out for it!

Please visit www.helpjenwalkagain.com to fund my fight to walk again.

Traveling in a Wheelchair

Hey Everyone!

This blog describes my first airplane trip since my accident. It was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to do it again.

On the weekend of April 5-7, the Lebanese Collegiate Network (LCN) held their 6th annual convention at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The organization brings together Lebanese Clubs from various universities nationwide. Their goal is to connect and professionally develop undergraduates, and cater to alumni and young professionals. The convention consisted of various activities, including academic and professional workshops. It was a great learning experience and I connected with many new people. I attended the convention with the financial support from the USC Lebanese Club.  

The most exciting part was traveling to the convention. The last time I traveled was over 5 years ago, before my accident. It really was a whole new experience. Before going, I had done my reading on the topic of paraplegics and air traveling. My brother and I also attended a free workshop at the Abilities Expo in Los Angeles a few weekends prior to my trip to get some advice on traveling.

Chicago was only a two hour drive from the convention location, so with a group of friends, we decided to land at O’hare airport. We had some time before the convention started to explore the city. We checked out the main tourist sites like the renowned Willis Tower Skydeck. It is 103 floors high with a glass box balcony, allowing you to see all of downtown Chicago not only in front of you but also below you! We also got to see the infamous Bean in Millenium Park. I finally understand why everyone loves it. You get a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city. Oh! And I can’t forget the mouth-watering deep dish pizza from Giordano's! I would travel back to Chicago just for that pizza.

So here is how you travel in a wheelchair:  

Click here to see the video

As discussed in the video, I checked in as you normally would at the airport, but once you approach the airline counter to get your boarding passes, be sure to inform the employee behind the counter that you need an aisle chair. This chair will ultimately be of great importance because it allows you to get to your seat. You can also request a seat on the plane with more leg room to help with the transfer (and you might get bumped up to business class!).

Although the majority of checking in is fairly normal, the security check is different. With the wheelchair being metal, the metal detectors will obviously react. Therefore, you are taken aside and undergo a thorough pat down. The security guard wipes around the chair to test if there are any harmful chemicals. A positive to the special treatment is that you do not have to remove your shoes, jacket, belt, etc. as you normally would have to, which saves some time.

From there, you’re the first person to board the plane. The aisle chair that was requested at the check in is found at the end of the tunnel before entering the plane. All I did was simply transfer on to it. It is not the most stable chair, but the assistants were extremely helpful as they held the chair down for me. They then strap you in and take you to your seat as the wheelchair is put under the plane. The Airline employees suggested that I take my cushion and anti-tippers with me on board because the wheelchair is treated as a regular piece of luggage, meaning it can get tossed around below the plane which may cause some damage to the wheelchair. From my experience, I noticed that the spindles on the wheels became significantly looser when I landed in Chicago. Thankfully, it was a simple fix but it shows that you must be prepared for potential damage to your wheelchair.

After transferring onto the aisle chair, I was then taken to my seat. Unlike how I planned, I was placed in the third row as opposed to the first row with more leg space because the first two rows did not have movable armrests which makes transferring harder. Fortunately, the third row had armrests capable of lifting up. I got a window seat which just meant I needed to hop over a couple seats. It wasn’t too bad. Once we landed in Chicago and everyone got off the plane, the assistants brought back the aisle chair. After getting on it, I was taken to the tunnel where I retrieved my wheelchair. All I had to do was transfer back into it!

After landing in Chicago and quickly touring the city, my friends and I drove to Indiana for the convention.

It was a great experience and I hope to do it again soon! If you have the opportunity to travel, do not hesitate just because of the wheelchair. It is definitely feasible and worth doing! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at helpjenwalkagain@gmail.com.

God bless and Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Swim with Mike

Hey Everyone!

I would like to dedicate this blog to an amazing foundation: Swim with Mike from which I am one of their scholarship recipients. This organization began in 1981 when the founder, Mike Nyeholt, suffered a spinal cord injury from a motorcycle accident. Prior to his accident, Mike was an elite swimmer at the University of Southern California (USC) and due to his athletic drive, he did not give up on his fight to walk again and continue his education. That inspired one of his closest friends, Ron Orr, to organize a “Swim-a-thon” to raise money for an adapted van for Mike. From that event, Mike had a vision to create Swim with Mike, an organization to give scholarships to physically challenged student athletes. Since then, they have raised over 13 million dollars and have given scholarships to over 140 student athletes. Hard to believe but Mike still hasn't given up- he can literally swim over 6000 laps at the Swim with Mike annual events!

Many people ask why have an organization with that type of mission?  The answer is simple; after a spinal cord injury, education plays a key role and leads to independence.

Swim with Mike allowed me to attend my dream school, USC, and live off campus independently and cost free. It was hard to adjust to a new, independent lifestyle at first, but Swim with Mike is built upon a community of resources. If I ever have a question, I have the opportunity to ask fellow recipients for their input and help. It is also a great way to meet new people and hear their stories.

Having an injury should not be a reason to not pursue a higher education. It is a possibility because of organizations like Swim with Mike. 

Click here to see my video about Swim with Mike

If you have been a victim of a spinal cord injury, I encourage you to apply. Also, if you are available on Saturday, April 13, come down to the USC McDonald’s Swim Stadium for the Swim With Mike’s annual fundraiser!  You will see the many people they have impacted and supported over the years as well as see the many opportunities they provide to their recipients. Feel free to contact me for details.  I’d be more than happy to provide you with them.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at HelpJenWalkAgain@gmail.com.

Another event to put on your calendars is March 15-17 for the Abilities Expo at the Convention Center in Los Angeles. It is an open forum with workshops and you get a first look at all the new adaptive equipment. Admission is free so stop by!

God Bless and Love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud

SCI Standing Frame

Hey everyone,

Below you will find a quick video of my new standing frame. Thanks to recent contributions to my cause, I was able to purchase one.

A standing frame assists a Spinal Cord Injury individual into a standing position. I can stand with a walker and AFO braces but the standing frame allows me to stand for longer durations completely by myself. Though the standing frame is considered to be “passive” standing, there are various benefits:

• Keeps the legs active through weight bearing
• Helps the blood to circulate to the lower extremities
• Strengthens joint stability
• Maintains bone density

Since I have the standing frame at my apartment on campus, I will be able to stand on a daily basis. With the addition of a table, I will be able to do my homework as I stand. It is a win-win!

Click here to see my new standing frame.

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To purchase a standing frame as shown in the video, please click here.
Prices vary on any specific features you may want but the one I purchased was $2,500.
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This is the next step forward, but I still have several steps to go in my recovery. Please visit www.HelpJenWalkAgain.com on ways to donate.

Thank you my angels!
God Bless and Love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud

Basic Campus Life Tips

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is having a great start to the school year. Midterm season is over and now I have to think about final papers and exams. This cycle truly never ends!

This video blog is going to centralize on some basic tips I picked up during the past school year. The main topics cover: better backpacks, rain readiness and night sight when crossing the street.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.
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To purchase a wheelchair umbrella holder as shown in the video, please click here.
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In the future, I will be discussing cooking on my own. If you have a certain recipe you want me to try out, email me at HelpJenWalkAgain@gmail.com. Please let me know if you have questions about being independent on campus. It just might be the next topic on my blog. ;-)

In addition, keep an eye out for a video on Swim with Mike. This amazing organization gives scholarships to disabled athletes so they can continue to further their education. Without them, I wouldn't be living out my dream here at USC.

God bless and Love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud

California Legislation AB 1657

Hey Everyone! 

I hope you are all doing well! So this video blog is a special one. I know I said the next video blog will be about my review of some movies and books I have watched and read recently but this topic needs to be addressed first.

I want to discuss with you a California legislation that affects individuals with spinal cord injuries. 

The California Legislation AB 1657 is a legislation that will give grants to researchers throughout California in hopes to find a cure for paralysis. This all started back in 1994 when a young football player Roman Reed injured the C-level of his spinal cord while playing football. He came up with the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act of 1999.This act received 1.5 million dollars annually to give to researchers. Unfortunately, this program was cut.

California AB 1657 is a pending piece of legislation that aims at rebuilding a source of funding for paralysis research. The solution that was proposed is to raise traffic violation by $1 and that additional dollar will go to researchers directly.

This legislation was passed by the California Assembly and Senate. It is now in the hands of the governor, Jerry Brown. So we are asking you to write a letter or email him and show your support. Below is the letter I will be sending and you are welcome to copy any portion of it.

For the members of my audience that do not reside in California, I encourage you to look into your state legislation and assess whether you have a similar legislative Act or policy. And if not, please become an advocate for one.

CLICK HERE to see my video that discusses AB 1657.

CLICK HERE to read more about this legislation.

God bless and Love Always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

PS: Next video will be about living on my own at USC. I am open to answer any questions you may have. Email me at helpjenwalkagain@gmail.com

My Letter to Governor Jerry Brown

Attn: Legislation AB 1657

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Governor Brown,

                My name is Jennifer Bou Lahoud and I am writing to you in the hopes of encouraging you to approve the AB1657 legislation. This is an extremely important piece of legislation that will have the opportunity to positively affect thousands of people who live with paralysis in California. The research funding associated with AB1657 will allow paralysis research to move forward.  I hope that California will be in the forefront of this research.

               Personally, I have been living with paralysis for the past 4 years.  On December 28, 2008, I was involved in a sledding accident in Big Bear, CA where I fell on my back and dislocated two vertebras at the T10/11 level.  Since that day, I have been paralyzed from the waist down. I do not have complete motor abilities or sensation below my injury line.

                I continuously attend various therapy facilities, such as Project Walk in Carlsbad and CORE in Northridge. Currently, I can walk with a walker and AFO braces (Ankle-Foot Orthopedics). I am fortunate enough to have made it this far in my recovery but others have not.

                Any research towards the cure of paralysis is worth the funding. Paralysis comes from not only Spinal Cord Injury but from various diseases and disorders. Being in a wheelchair does not only affect the individual physically but also emotionally and mentally.  I am young, motivated, and determined to continue to fight but we need your help. Please sign the AB 1657 and help us walk again.

For more information about my story,  please visit www.HelpJenWalkAgain.com.

Thank you!

Warm regards,

Jennifer Bou Lahoud