Great achievement involves great risk!

I hope the holidays have been great for everyone. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

I wanted to make a small addition to the last post that I did about broken wheelchair that I had. Here is a picture of the Savior!

The last few weeks have been very good at the gym and rehab has been going well. We are still seeing good gains throughout my whole body. all in So below is the latest video from my training. In this video we are doing kneelups and I have 20 pounds of weight hanging on my arms.

WELCOME BACK.....

Hello to all! I know its been a while, so I apologize for that! It has been a very busy last couple months. I was in Toronto at the beginning of Nov. for a national SCI Conference. Very informative and interesting to see where research is headed in Canada on SCI. Although the majority of the info was geared towards new injuries it showed good post-injury potential. It keeps my hopes up.

Last weekend we were in Buffalo, New York to catch some Sabres hockey games. It was great getting family together and a trip like that is always a ton of fun. We had a mishap with my wheelchair - having a flat tire getting off the plane, so I spent my weekend unable to get it fixed leaving me in the "comforts" of a rickety beast of a chair.

The gym and physio have been pretty good. We have had some struggles with my upper body but my core and lower body have been consistently stronger with each workout. We have been attempting to work on endurance walking so below is a small caption of one of my latest walks. My record so far is 218 metres without stopping.

Here is a look at that attempt.

wascana walk..

Hello all! Happy belated thanksgiving!

I hope everyone is doing well as fall sets in and we get a teaser of winter.

I have been okay the last while. Fighting the odd cold and a few minor infections have set me back energy wise but I am now feeling better and re-energized. Ready to keep fighting.

Below is a clip from Wascana yesterday. When my body is feeling adventurous and mentally strong we as a rehab team leave the walker parked and push my body to its current limits. A little more like freedom. They are grasping my hips for support as we take steps around the room for about 15 or 20 meters. A very familiar feeling but overwhelmingly scary at the same time.

part of my routine...

last week, this week and in the coming weeks will be a portrayal of my regular routine at the gym. here are some more clips....



standing balance...

local updates...

Walking is getting that much better. Small steps but big confidence!!


Some sitting practice on the balance ball...

Back in the swing!!

Hello all! Life is good. I have been busy getting back to the gym for workouts. Progress forward!! I am working out with a family friend who owns 'Adrenaline', a personal training studio. I am also back at Wascana Rehab a couple days a week for physio and occupational therapies. Workouts are strong, intense and exactly what is pushing my body to gain strength.

In my down time I have been at the lake soaking up the sun and enjoying the weather. All to soon will winter be here. Nothing else to add at this point as this is my current routine. Thanks to all for their kind words and encouragement and I hope everyone is well.

Go RIDERS!

First year into ....

....today is one year. One year of re-learning, re-training and re-discovering myself. Today I am undecided as to how I feel about this particular day, but I do know how blessed I am to be surrounded by great people, family and friends. To all, I want to say the biggest thank you! My heart holds and shares a spot for everyone! It has been a tough day...and an even tougher year..

Great strides are being made in my recovery. I feel strong, motivated and determined. In one year I have gained back what some believed would not happen - how I will continue to prove to them otherwise. I have no doubt about my abilities to overcome this injury, the only variable is time....

some follow up.....

I wanted to add some last video from down south. These are both from my last day and a benchmark for me to come home with.

I have taken some down time to relax for a couple days, but start back with physio this Monday. I will be filling in spaces with a personal trainer and we are back in Saskatchewan speed. What a great feeling!!

I hope everyone is great and enjoying the sun!

Perseverance is key....

So ends California...

Dick's Last Resort Restaurant downtown San Diego - be prepared for some head-gear!

Sorry guys, it has been a little while since the last post. I have been putting in the extra effort at PW and squishing in all the extracurriculars within driving distance! 

I celebrated a great 27th birthday...(well behaved of course!), got some sun and for some reason got hooked on dirty martinis!!!

We have finished our stay down south and are back June 30th. It has been a great trip, producing fantastic progress and I would like the thank everyone for everything that they have offered! The fight will continue and I hope to see all of you soon! 

If anyone ever comes to the zoo in San Diego you will love the big, huge and intimidating hills, especially in a chair on wheels - sucks to be pushing!!

.... check out the hippo



..... good for skating beginners



....back extensions, hmm haven't done them in a while

A little more pw workings!

Still getting my but kicked... progress is still happening!

....leg press



... more walking, I can't get enough!

nearing 3 weeks till the end down south..

... they call this tread climbing, maybe....



... wednesdays walk session

Strength...

Its been another great week down here in cali. Have been touring the area lately, covering a lot of miles seeing some great sights. Will have a few snapshots to follow soon, but here is the latest from pw.















.... some core work



... balancing squats with some assistance. They have me attached to springs only helping with balance - working on standing up more straight.

Just over a month...

I have just passed the one month mark here at Project Walk and the trip is still going great! Here are some more updated videos of how therapy has been going...they have me up and standing for the majority of the three hours I am there and have been working on balance lately. 

Thank you again for all the comments and support!

Miss you all!

Bringing it... somewhat!

My first attempt at being Rocky Balboa!  Unfortunately the headbuts did not make it into this cut, but let me tell you they were my saving grace against the weathered bag.  

Here we have a video from Monday's workout session. My trainers have started to push me a little more into doing my exercises standing up so we are working really hard on balance. The other video is just riding the bike - I tend to stay later after workouts to ride the bike for 15 or 20 minutes.

Hello all! We made it to the Wild Animal Park this past weekend. A little african safari anyone? We are very near desert here in south california. Pretty cool to see, but no hippos.

So, here we have some photos from the 'family' trip to Disneyland and California Adventures. What a great place, a tad busy, but tons of fun!



Wednesday was another intense day at PW. This is the third week being here and i am still loving it. Progress continues as does the battle even with some bruises, scraps and falls. The video is me free standing between two tables catching and throwing a ball - great for balance! Appreciate hearing all the continued support, it really motivates me to push harder every day. Thank you everyone!

A Tough Monday at PW

We spent a good weekend staying out of trouble. Some more family flew in on Saturday and as a group of seven we did Disneyland all day Sunday. What a place that is! (pictures to follow soon this week).

So we finally were able to get some video up on the blog again from today at PW. We had a real good day, felt real strong, spent the last two hours of my session up on my feet and here is a couple of videos from my morning. The first one is me standing at the hand bike and the second video is the best walking we have done so far.

Hope everyone is doing well. Its great hearing from people still.

First steps at P.W.

Wednesday I took my first steps at Project Walk. I hadn't been up on my feet in a while so it was a weird feeling again but they were some of the best steps that I have taken. We've been working really hard on my left leg to try and catch it up to my right leg and although it has a long way to go it's getting stronger. 

We spent the day at Sea World, got some cool pictures of some of the animals. Shamu the killer whale waved at me. 

Day four at P.W.

We had a great weekend! Saturday we took in a mexican festival, Cinco de Mayo, in old town San Diego. Sunday we cruised North to check out some beaches: Huntington beach, Laguna beach, Newport beach- not like you've ever seen on tv but the beaches are HUGE!

The video is from this morning , wearing a weight vest and getting myself up.

This week has kicked my ass!  We had three good 3 hour sessions of killing those muscles that 

work - even a little - and finding muscles that throb for days!  Its what I am here for though.  So below are a couple of pics from day two!! Missing seeing everyone... 

First day of pounding at Project Walk "PW"

Hello all from sunny California...a balmy 30+ today again. I had my first day of assessment at Project Walk today and everything went great! They worked me hard and then worked me hard...er! Should be quite the experience. 

Here are a couple pics of me working out this morning and a pic of driving up the coast! 

Chat with you soon!

The last walk at Wascana

Wednesday April 23rd was my last day at Wascana. A good day, but a sad day! We did manage to get one last walk in to give us all an idea of where I have succeeded to in the last 9 months and sets a benchmark for the next step for me.

Take a look...

Adios to Wascana and hellllllooooo California! (haha its 32 degrees today)

The planned escape... in slow motion!

It appears that my time has come to really take that next step along this journey.  I will be moving out of Wascana Rehab and into the comforts of home with mom and family.  Some 280 days of intensity, achievement, perseverance and friendship thus far will not end, it is the continuance of my life relearning and re-teaching my body to do what I want and need it to do.  

The initial plan as of next Saturday, April 26 is to catch a plane to california, to attend a specialized spinal chord rehab facility for two months of continued ass kickings.  At "Project Walk", I, along with numerous family members, will be learning and further developing my potential. 

Pool therapy has been very successful in my rehab and below is my 2nd attempt to escape my session early that day.  The first ended quicker than expected, the warm water got the best of me and need I say more.... stretching session anyone?

A short afternoon jaunt...

We have stepped up the intensity of walking recently to two sessions a day, a walk in the morning and then a brief jaunt in the afternoon. I have added video below of one of the most recent afternoon sessions. I won't however, tell you about the most recent 'floor' exercises I was trying out this week... lets just say - if you are going to fall, do it with style.  Not to worry though, it turned into a learning experience - I never realized I could do my stretches on the ground - who needs an adjustable bed anyways!  

Here is the latest afternoon jaunt in the parallel bars.  Enjoy!

Earl's Event Pictures

A GREAT Success!!

First let me say a huge THANK YOU to all who attended, supported and enjoyed this past sundays event at Earls restaurant. It was a fantastic evening of good food, fun and great people!! A huge THANK YOU also goes to Earls management and staff for all their efforts in turning this night into the success it was! For those who could not attend, I know your thoughts were with us.

Pictures will be coming soon...

Thank you to all!!!

...…wanna do brunch?!?

This Sunday, March 30th from 11am to 1pm the Keg Steakhouse and Bar will be hosting a brunch for FRIENDS AND FAMILY to enjoy!

Come enjoy eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and more!…and even some Mamosas!!!!!!

Proceeds from the brunch will be going to Joel Bancescue and his road to recovery.

Brunch is $10…paid at the door!

Thanks for you support

PS: Brunch is a great stomach filler before a good night of fun!!! (wink!)

Some Amazing Items for Auction

If you haven't already gotten your tickets for the upcoming fundraiser this Sunday, March 30th, please contact Earls Restaurant or me directly to get your ticket and reserve your table. Below are just a few of the fabulous items up for silent and live auction. Hope to see you there!!

Craven Country Jamboree 2007 Autographed Guitar (Reba, Big & Rich & others)
Forum Snow board and Bindings
Keg Restaurant Backyard BBQ for 20
Earl's Restaurant Backyard BBQ
Golf Kananaskis for 2 including hotel
Hockey Memorabilia (Ryan Miller, Robyn Regehr, Brian Propp & more)
Hot Air Balloon Ride
BlackBerry Pearl
1000 sg ft of Drywall including Installation
Wine Seminar & Dinner for 6 at Earl's
Cordless Tools
Numerous concert tickets (Kanye West, Symphony, Casino Regina)
Various restaurant gift certificates
Several pieces from well known Saskatchewan Artists
Spa and hair merchandise

....plus many more fabulous items!

The next STEPS!

So, Wednesday became the next big step on this journey. As you will see below we attempted to walk with one crutch on my right arm. This turned into quite a successful attempt. After a few practice steps my confidence allowed my Physio's to let me free, although they are hanging on to the back of me it is only for safety. I apologize for the small video.....




PS. Please get your tickets for the benefit - either from my directly or by contacting Earls, We have some great Silent Auction and Live Auction items catering to all. Hope to see you there!

Moving ahead!

Walking has become a key focus in my rehab for the last month or so. Each day, we work on strengthening activities focusing on my core and legs to help regain more balance. Throughout the weeks I have slowly gained the balance and coordination to walk more and more and start to do it more independently each day. Everyday, we work on my ability to stand up from the physio bed, with each time, needing less help.

This 1st video shows standing from the bed (from 20 inches)...

This 2nd video is what I have been working on the most! As I gain more strength, I am able to walk with less help and for longer distances. This video is the most recent progress of me walking. For the past couple months, I have been working on walking with 4 people, then down to 3, then we moved onto using a walker and now, we are down to 2 people, with a little help! (notice she lets go of my left hand for a bit)...

An Earl's Affair.. Joel Bancescue Edition

An Earl’s Restaurant Benefit Fundraiser for Joel Bancescue

The benefit for Joel’s “Road to Recovery” is taking place on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at
Earls Restaurant,
Albert Street & 28th Avenue.

Plan on coming down for an evening of food and fun, with a live DJ and a Silent and a Live auctions.
Tickets are $50.00 each
This includes a 3 course meal
To purchase tickets, make a donation of goods or services or obtain further information, please contact:

· Earls Restaurant @ 584-7733 (Purchase Tickets Only)
· Joel @ 531-3131
· Shane @ 539-4194
· Donna @ 530-6625

Working Out

Here is Joel working out on the leg press. He can push 40 lbs with his right leg and and 20lbs (same number of reps) with the left leg.

Joshua and Alana came in to Regina on a surprise visit during reading week. This was a huge and wonderful surprise to all of us. Here Josh and Joel are standing together. Can you notice how hard Joel is working on balance for him to be able to stand.

Earl's Fundraiser

A benefit for Joel’s “Road to Recovery”
is taking place on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Earls Restaurant, 2606 28th Avenue.
This benefit is to raise funds through a night of food and fun, a live DJ and will include a silent auction and a live auction.

Joel hopes to further his rehabilitation in San Diego, California at the “Project Walk” Centre, an extensive rehabilitation institute.
To facilitate this, Joel will need to rely on family to accompany him and financial support from many others.
Come out and help Joel and have a whole lot of fun!

*We are now looking for items to be used for the Silent and the Live Auctions.
All and any help on this matter will be greatly appreciated.*

More information forthcoming.

More Swimming Pool Action!!!!

Just doing a little floating around, enjoying the nice warm water



Some of the in water work, involves using a flutter board to help with standing and working on the all inportant core

Peddling Around!

Just another day on the peddle bike. He makes about 4-6 trips around Wascana and even goes up and down some ramps. This is a very hard work out as his legs are not of even strenght.

Here is Joel walking in the pool with some support from the parallel bars.....

In the Pool

Here is Joel walking in the pool without any assistance from anyone for the first time.

Beach Weekend

Thanks for the great fundraiser and a really fun time. The Poverty Plainsmen did a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd and everyone danced up a storm. Even the hippo beach representative stayed up way past a hippo's bedtime!





And a little bit of snowmobiling

Jan 16

Since being in Wascana, I have met some wonderful people. A couple in particular is my next door neighbour Rick and his wife Kathleen. Kathleen is a freelance writer in the Yorkton area. She was kind enough to write an article about JD. Here is the link:
www.geocities.com/just_as_i_thought/Jan16-08

Beach Bash!

Quick FYI the Poverty Plainsmen have been kind enough to involve me in one of their shows @ the Beach. Info is on the poster, tickets are $25. A portion of the tickets will be directed towards my recovery. It would be great to see as many of you there as can make it.

Some Pics

Here are some photos of the house...Please disregard the toilet seat being up! And don't mind the quality of the photos...there will be better ones soon. Just a few for now! And one BEFORE of the kitchen!

New Year continued progress...

Welcome to 08 everyone! I had a wonderful holiday season, busy both in town and at the beach with family and friends. It was great seeing everyone. I have been pretty tired lately but i am diligently working on continuing to take steps and standing for increased lengths of time. Took my truck for a drive on the lake with some weary passengers - who did survive the trip. I really miss driving. FYI - wheelchairs suck in the snow, I nearly ended up making snow angels a few times.

I want to again thank all for your empowering support, recovery is happening!!

P.S. - any food including leftovers would be great alternative to Wascana mystery meat.

Thanks guys
Joel (man this took some time to type)

Walkin Walkin............................