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

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

Becoming Independent

Hey Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics.  In my opinion, the opening ceremony was creative but I don’t think it compares to China. I did love the bit with the Queen “skydiving” and Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean)! He always knows how to make people laugh.

Today’s video blog is about my independence. I drive now with hand controls (thank you again to the Travis Roy Foundation) to school. When I get to the parking garage, I have to assemble the wheelchair. At first, it was difficult not only because the wheelchair was heavy but also because I had to figure out the most effective way to assemble it.  I watched YouTube videos on how others do it but it seemed everyone had their own strategy. So I combined what I learned and figured it out: in the beginning it took me 7 minutes but now I can assemble my wheelchair in under 3.

This year, I also lived on my own for the first time in university housing. I was both nervous and excited. I am so excited to move back when school starts. Yay!

So here it is, my new video on independence: CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Keep an eye out for the next video.   It will be my take and recommendations on recent movies and books I have watched and read this summer.

God bless and Love always,
Jen Bou Lahoud

Introduction to Video Blog

HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!


I hope everyone is enjoying their summer like I am! I know this blog post is long overdue but I have exciting news. I am switching to a video blog! So from now on my blogs entries will be accompanied by a video diary from me.


This video includes is an introduction with basic background information about me. The video topics will focus on my opinions and personal life. I feel after these past years my audience has not had a chance to get to know me.


So to catch you up on what’s going on, I just finished my first year at the University of Southern California.  This is thanks to the full scholarship I have received from Swim with Mike. This was a major transition for me.  Not only was I switching from a community college to a university but I had to learn to live on my own.  Also, I grew a new passion in my studies..  My new goal is to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  And from there, I hope to pursue my PhD. I will be sharing more details about my change in majors as well as the classes I am taking next semester in the upcoming video blogs.


With regards to therapy, I continue to make significant progress. I attend CORE with Taylor Isaacs every Wednesday (it will be changing to Saturdays at the start of the school year) and Project Walk on Fridays. I also was able to buy parallel bars in my garage so I can continue my therapy at home. My main focus at this time is to stand up by myself. Currently, I can’t stand up without the assistance of someone blocking my knees. So I am focusing on my quad strength. I am still walking with the Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO) but I have progressed to forearm crutches. It is significantly more difficult but I do love the challenge!


Now without further ado, here is the first of many video blogs. CLICK HERE


I would love to hear your feedback on the video as well as any questions you have about Spinal Cord Injuries or any other topics. Email me at helpjenwalkagain@gmail.com.


And don’t forget to check out my website, www.helpjenwalkagain.com, for ways to contribute to my fight to walk again.


God bless and Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

PS I will be posting videos at every other Sunday of the month so keep an eye out! The next one will be on driving with hand controls, putting the wheelchair in and out of the car, and a tour of my apartment at USC.

Three years later...

Hey Everyone!

Three years ago today, I was injured in Big Bear, CA by a freak sledding accident. I landed on my back causing a dislocation at 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 recently finished my first semester at the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!). I have always wanted to attend USC. My older sister is a graduate and I’m proud to continue the tradition. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Psychology. I am balancing my time between school and therapy. When I first started the semester, I felt a wave of independence. I was now driving myself to school and living on my own. I have a one bedroom apartment two blocks from campus. I have classes Monday through Thursday and I attend therapy with Taylor Isaacs on Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30 pm and Project Walk on Fridays from 2:00-5:00 pm. I come home Thursday nights and spend the weekend with my family. I am also the Secretary for the Lebanese Club at USC. And yeah, I love watching the Trojans play football at the Coliseum. It is a dream come true!

Despite the busy schedule, I have been making significant improvements in my therapy. I continue to use my Ankle Foot Orthopedics (AFOs) to walk independently. I have graduated from the walker to forearm crutches. These crutches are the step in between a walker and a cane. When I first transitioned I could immediately feel a difference. They are less stable when compared to the walker. But as you all know, I enjoy a challenge! They allow me to stand taller and promote a more regular gait pattern of opposite leg to opposite arm. My other improvements include stable standing balance, the ability to do alternate knee bends on the Total Gym, and overall better control of my legs.

Click here to view my 3 year anniversary video

Looking back at the past three years, it has been an uphill battle. I wouldn’t be able to keep fighting without your support, I have made it this far because of my donors and angels. I am getting closer to my goal of walking without any assistance. My donations have decreased and in order to accomplish my goal, I need your continued help. I need to be able to continue my therapy. I know the economy is bad, but anything you can donate will help. Please donate at www.helpjenwalkagain.com to fund my fight to walk again.

Thank you!

God bless and love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Summer 2011

Hey Everyone!

I know I haven’t written a post in awhile but I was extremely busy these past couple of months. During that time, I made significant improvements which I want to highlight for you!

My first year in community college is complete! I balanced 16 units a semester while continuing therapy at Project Walk and at Taylor-Kevin Isaacs’ facility while maintaining Dean’s List status for both semesters. In addition, I was accepted into the University of Southern California (USC) as a transfer student. If this wasn’t enough good news, I also learned that I received a full scholarship thanks to Swim with Mike. I will begin at USC on August 22. I know that as a begin my new life at USC I will continue to focus on my ultimate goal of walking again.

I also was maid of honor at Kristel’s wedding. Since her engagement to Serge in October 2009, I had the goal of walking down the aisle unassisted and standing by side as her maid of honor. I have focused on this goal and May 29, 2011, it was accomplished! (You will see some footage in the video attached at the end of this post.) It felt so amazing to not only stand proudly with my sister on the biggest day of her life, but to walk down and know that I have almost reached my ultimate goal. I walked assisted with my AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthotics) braces and a walker. If you recall, last year, I was only able to walk with my trainer Jillienne locking out my knees. Now, with the AFOs, I can walk with the walker and lock out my knees independently.

These past months have been filled with amazing progress. One of the most impressive is my endurance and strength. I am now able to walk about 200 feet without taking a break. Before, it was on average 75-100 feet. Also, I have been trying to walk with the AFO braces but without a walker! Instead of using a walker, I would be holding on to my Jillienne’s forearms. This has been very difficult because it creates less stability. I began by taking about 5 steps and then would fall down. Now, I can take about 15 consecutive steps before resting. I am inching closer to walking again, without a walker, without braces, and without any trainers assisting me.

In addition, I have completed my driving classes using a modified car with hand-control gears. I will hopefully be getting my driver’s license by the end of summer. Thanks to the Travis-Roy Foundation, I was sponsored through a grant to pay for the hand control modifications to our car. I can’t wait to drive myself around. It is one step closer towards my effort to be more independent.

Unfortunately, as I have mentioned in the past post, I have had to cut back significantly on my therapy hours. Instead of attendance 3 times a week at Project Walk, it has been to 2 times a week. I am almost to the point of reaching my goal of walking again, completely independent. In order to do so, I need your help. I need your help so that I may continue moving forward.

To see my latest improvements, click here.

Please note, that both means of donating, NTAF and Our Lady of Mount Lebanon, go directly to a medical fund set-up specifically for therapy. Those funds are only released when administrators from NTAF and Our Lady of Mount Lebanon pay my therapists directly.

To donate please visit, www.HelpJenWalkAgain.com and click on the Donate tab.

Thank you!

God bless and Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Will you fund my fight to walk?

Hey Everyone!!

I hope everyone is having a great 2011 so far! I have made various improvements in the past two months. When walking with the AFO leg braces, I am able to take continuous larger steps. Also, I am able to initiate a mini kick when sitting on the edge of a table. Though the improvements are small, they are very important in my overall recovery.

In order to continue my fight to walk again, I need your help. I had to cut back on therapy because there are not enough funds to continue to go 3 times a week. I am now going to Project Walk only 2 times a week. It is difficult to cut back because I know the more hours I train, the faster I will recover. I have started to work out at home. I have been focusing on core exercises that I can do without the assistance of a trainer. Though I am glad I can do some exercises on my own, having trainers who create new exercises modified for my condition and progress as well as monitoring and giving me feedback on my gait mechanics are all essential to my recovery. I need your help to continue to donate so that I may continue moving forward. I know the economic times are hard, but I would greatly appreciate any donation you can make. Will you fund my fight to walk again?

Please visit: www.HelpJenWalkAgain.com on ways to donate.

Thank you!

Love you and God bless,

Jen BouLahoud

New Year. New Improvements. 2011

Hey everyone!

Happy New Year!! 2010 had its ups and downs but overall I thought it was a good year for me. I hope you enjoyed it too. I have a feeling 2011 will be even better! With the new year, comes new improvements. This video shows me walking with my new Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO) braces.

The first steps were shaky and very slow; but I did it! I am one step closer to walking by myself without assistance. I went across the entire gym! It is an amazing feeling to be able to get from point A to point B. This is only the beginning. My goal is to walk without the AFOs and walker. I know it is possible!! 2011 is the year!

To see the video, CLICK HERE

I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done. I still need your help. Please fund my fight to walk again. I am almost there! I know it!

Thank you! Happy New Year!

God bless! Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Angel Appreciation Banquet

Hey Everyone!

On December 12^th I had an Angel Appreciation Banquet to thank everyone who has donated and supported my fight to walk again. It began with a blessing from Father Zaidan of the Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Church whose words touched the audience: “When one member in our community is sick, the entire community is sick. It is important that we come together and help as much as we can.” Then my older sister, Kristel, gave her perspective of my accident as well as my progress. Her words made not only me but the entire audience tear up. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Then two of my most important trainers, Jillienne Feather and Taylor Isaacs, talked and informed the audience of the overall aspects of Spinal Cord Injury and my progress. The words that touched me the most were from Jillienne, “Together me and Jen share our blood, sweat and tears. You are my best friend, my sister and I am going to continue fighting my whole life for you.” Taylor also expressed, “It is an honor and a privilege to watch Jen strive for excellence every step of the way.” Then at the end, I surprised everyone by taking independent steps across the stage. It was amazing to see the number of people, some who don’t even know me, cheering me on.

As many of you know, insurance does not cover the cost for exercise-based therapy. Project Walk and Taylor Isaacs cost over $100/hour each. This equates to over $3,600 per month in expenses for therapy alone. To cover this amount, I depend on the generosity of those that believe in me and the contributions of my Angels. Each facility contributes to my progress and brings me one step closer to walking unassisted.

During the Banquet, videos were showed to illustrate my journey through the past two years.

To see the video of the moment of the accident that changed my life CLICK HERE

To view a slideshow that honors all my Angels CLICK HERE

To see how my cause is spread around the world CLICK HERE

And to see the most important video my TWO YEAR PROGRESS video CLICK HERE

Again, thank you all for everything! I am eternally grateful!

Love always and God bless,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Fall Update

Hey Everyone!

On October 16, 2010, I walked at Project Walk’s annual fundraiser, Steps to Recovery Event. I was asked to participate in the walk outside. It was an honor to be chosen to show my improvements to the public. I had the largest support group, about 25 people. I can’t thank everyone enough that came to cheer to me on. It means a lot to me to have so many supporters in my fight to walk again. Thank you!

I have been improving a lot within the past two months. I have been focusing a lot on my quad muscles in order to be able to walk on my own. Little by little it has become stronger. Not only are my muscles getting stronger, but my sensation as well. Within the last couple of weeks, I have been able to feel my legs shriving, upto my knees, when its cold. It is amazing to start getting my sensation back! I have also begun the process of ordering an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO )brace to assist me as I am walking. In the beginning of my injury I was given a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) brace to help me walk around. The down side of this brace is that it did not allow me to do the full range of motion as I walked: My legs were basically kept straight. But with this new AFO, its goal to allow me to go through the range of motion with my knee bending and locking out. It is expensive and not covered by insurance.

To see my latest progress, CLICK HERE

So again, I ask for your continued donations. I am almost to the finish line, I can feel it but I need your help. Please help me in my fight to walk again. Visit www.helpjenwalkagain.com on ways to donate.

Thank you!

God bless and love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud

Summer Progress

Hey Everyone!

This summer has been intensive and I have been keeping myself really busy:

· Project Walk 3 hours a day, 3 times a week

· Casa Colina for 2 hours a day, 3 times a week

· Acupuncture 1 hour a day, 3 times a week

· Working out on the weekend for 6 hours

· An online college history class 1 hour a day 5 times a week

It is a tough schedule but I do it to reach my goals. My summer progress has been amazing! I am always trying new exercises to challenge myself. I am trying to stand while lifting a 45-pound bar. Though it sounds simple, it is very difficult to maintain my balance. I also practice walking in different directions. I work at stepping sideways. When I take steps, I have the ability to bend, pick up and swing my leg, but I am still unable to lock my knees in place. In order to do so, I need to gain more strength in my quads. I now focus my energy on locking out my knees when I am on the treadmill. My trainers tie me to the treadmill in order to restrict my hips from moving my legs. The point is to only allow my legs to do the work.

Thank you for your continued support and donations. I can not achieve this success without your help. Since I am attending Project Walk and Acupuncture more often, my monthly costs has gone up to over $4,000. Every day, I get a little closer to my goal, but I need your continued support to cross the finish line.

For ways to donate, visit www.HelpJenWalkAgain.com.

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Thank you!

God bless and Love always,

Jen Bou Lahoud