WHISTLER!!!

It's been a while since I made a post, partly because it's felt like summer and so I've been outside a lot, but also because I have been traveling a little bit.

A group of us took a trip to Buffalo, to take in a couple hockey games, spend some time with family, and attempt to energize the Sabres as they run into the playoffs.

Continuing with my skiing, had a wonderful opportunity to check out Whistler, and its awesome adaptive ski program. Spent a week out there, and three full days on the slopes, attempting to master the bunny hill. Near solo missions were accomplished. The photos below are from the Wednesday and the great sunny, groomed conditions we had. We also skied the Monday and Friday, but because of large snow falls the hill was not as friendly to my sit ski.

Whistler is quite the place and I would recommend it to everyone, just a tad on the pricey side!

We are also running a NHL playoff draft as a fundraiser to potentially purchase a sit ski, like the one pictured below! Deadline for entry is this Friday, if you would like to take part email me at joebanchy@hotmail.com

Back to the hill!

This past saturday I had the opportunity to trying skiing. A guy I met this past summer through a common friend skis and got a hold of me to come out to try it. It was a great fundraiser put on by the Regina Adaptive ski program out at Mission Ridge (Fort Qu'appelle). A full days worth of fun, food and great weather. I really enjoyed being back on the hill learning how to ski sitting down. Very different view! I had some wonderful help from the organizers and volunteers who extremely patience and understanding. I can't wait to get back out.

Some explanation. I am sitting strapped to a glorified sled, mounted to two skis, that when I lean to one side allow me to edge in that direction. I have little skis mounted to my arms for balance and stability and also to help steer. This is the equipment I used, check out the results.

So, thoughts that first came to mind on the drive to the hill- do I really want to be a toboggan and/or do I really want to be a snowball. Well, you will have to watch the videos below!!

And give the videos some time to load..

Walk Aid

We have recently become aware of a device that can assist me with my lazy (uncoordinated) left leg. I have worn what some would call an AFO and most would call a leg brace to hold my left foot at 90 degrees to my left leg. It prevents my foot from dragging which greatly inhibits my ability to walk with a proper gait. So what this device does, called the Walk Aid, electrically stimulates the muscles in my left leg that pick up my toes and foot so that they clear when I step through. We (being me, my physio and my orthotics specialist) have been trying it for nearly a month with fairly good results and so I wanted to share what it is and how it works. From the video you can't really see it because it is strapped just below my left knee but you will hear a beep every time my left knee bends which is my leg getting zapped. Fun!

If the results continue to be positive then I hope to purchase a unit for long term use!

HAPPY BELATED HOLIDAYS!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. I AM A LITTLE LATE ON THE WISHES BUT I HOPE EVERYONE GOT TO ENJOY THEIR TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I SURE DID!! IT WAS BUSY.

A QUICK VIDEO ADDITION OF MY LAST WALK ON THE 'ROBO' MACHINE AT PW. A FEW MONTHS AGO NOW, BUT THIS CLIP IS FROM A 15 MIN CONTINUOUS SESSION, NEARLY UNASSISTED. ABOUT THE BEST IT HAS EVER FELT.

ENJOY THE START TO 2010.

Finishing Stronger...

Round 2 @ PW finished up solid. I am adding another mash up of exercises, so hopefully everyone can notice some positive differences.

I am coming home feeling re-energized, more knowledgeable and ready to continue the battle.

Can't beat this great November weather either!

Hope everyone is well.

Walking for Fundraiser

I had a chance to participate in a fundraiser for Project Walk down here. It was a showcase of people who have some ability to walk. It was a great atmosphere and although a little nerve racking, as you can see I did not wipe out.

Round 2 begins!

Well, plans came together very last minute and at the time of this post I have been down in California for a whole week already. What a great feeling leaving the snow behind. I know I will be eating those words when I return mid November, but I will be enjoying the sun, the beach and flip flops, for at least another few weeks.

I have had 4 solid workouts back at PW and below is a short clip of a few familiar exercises.

I have already noticed differences from my last visit in that I have increased endurance to complete my workouts and I also have energy left for the rest of the day.

Fun Fact: Timing is everything

Leonardo DiCaprio spotted at Warner Bros.

Martha Stewart spotted at Costco.

Welcome to fall..

The summer finished up stronger then it started. Weather wise, definitely, but physically I bounced back pretty good. My energy is returning. My schedule remained the same, physio twice a week, intertwined with gym workouts three days a week. I am still progressing, but like a slug or turtle Made it out to the beach most weekends. I have started the process of getting my drivers license back. Many steps are to be taken, but I have been told 'that we will find a way to make it happen'. You won't see me on the road anytime soon though. Maybe in the golf cart around the beach.

I am planning my next trip to California! Hopefully all the details will fall into place. I will keep you posted.

Hope everyone is well.

Two Years and Fighting...

Today is a day to take note. Two years post and I am not sure exactly what to think. Big changes had and big changes to come. I have survived so far and will continue to do so.

I know its been awhile since I made a post and this is mostly because I have been fighting with my body to keep moving forward. I have had a couple not so progressive months and have taken this time to reevaluate, alter, and actively rest my journey. I am still progressing and my internal fight still exists, but my body has been asking for a short hiatus. We have temporarily lightened work outs and slowed the pace somewhat.

I really don't have much video or picture to add except for this birthday present that I got last year that I finally had the chance to use. Below is a video of me riding my new one speed cruiser with my industrial sized anti-tip over wheels. Its still in its virgin runs but it looks like it has good freedom potential.

I hope everyone is doing well and now that the weather is finally warm in our wonderful province you can catch me at the beach.

Thank you to all for your continued love and support!

p.s. I am a tank and the helmet is a necessity.

The Latest!!

The next step, as shown below, is about finding the ability to walk with very little support. My physio does have a strong hold of me just above my hips on the white belt, but this is no walker, crutches or canes. It is a very unrealistic situation in the near future for me, but at this point it is maximum energy output but also maximum stimulation of all muscle groups, which means progress!

So I really feel like a waddling penguin here because I am dressed in black and have my hands nervously stashed in my pockets.

Thank you so much to everyone for making the evening at Earls another huge success! Dinner was great, the atmosphere was great, all thanks to Earls restaurant and staff. The auction was a big success and we can't wait to do it all again next year. A big thanks also goes out to everyone who helped out with donations to the silent auction. And thank you to everyone for coming out for the evening to support me. I had a fantastic time.

Joel

Earl's Fundraiser April 26

A 2nd Annual Earl’s Restaurant Benefit Fundraiser

The benefit for Joel’s “Road to Recovery” is taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Earls Restaurant, Albert Street & 28th Avenue. There will be two sittings: 5:00 & 7:30 PM

Plan on coming down for an evening of food and fun, with a Silent auction and a live DJ. "Remember the fun and follies of the first Earl's benefit"

Tickets are $60.00 each, which includes a 3 course meal and all the fun you can have!

To make a donation of goods or services or obtain further information, please contact:
Joel @ 531-3131· Shane @ 539-4194· Donna @ 530-6625


To purchase tickets please contact:
Earls Restaurant @ 584-7733
(Purchase Tickets & Seating Reservations Only)·

As an additional prize, everytime you visit Earls' on Albert Street South, between now and April 26, Earl's will be selling a chance to win a $2000.00 Travel Voucher!

Moving forward!!

I wanted to inform everyone of some recent accomplishments of mine. At Wascana, twice a month we have been challenging my body to endurance walking sessions. As shown a little while back in a post, we use the squeaky upright walker to achieve our goals. My latest distance and time is approximately 400 meters in 27 minutes. Its a hell of a workout!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am beginning to organize some upcoming fundraisers!

Hope everyone is well!

A Year-and-a half Benchmark!

So I just want to give her an update on how things have been going for me over the last few weeks. Today, the 22nd of January marks a year and a half since this new journey in my life began. I have much to take away from this. Surrounding yourself with family and friends makes any difficult situation much easier to handle and manage and having these people also keeps you on track and in line. I have also learned a lot about myself and how I cope when life throws a curveball. I have definitely had my ups and downs but the progression is still uphill - this battle never ends! Physically I'm doing everything I can to stay strong and ready for each up-and-coming workout, but the mental side of all this is so much tougher to deal with. I struggle day in and day out to find the energy to stay determined, motivated and sane. So far so good though, as the results I am seeing from physio and gym workouts is fantastic!

So I wanted to say a hello and thank you to everyone out there for their continued support and I hope to see everyone at some point.

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.

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!