Whether you use a wheelchair or not, finding a great pair of dress pants is never easy. Thankfully, I took a gamble buying Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants. And it paid off. I found the perfect dress pants. Even as a wheelchair user.
Continue reading “The Most Awesome Dress Pants Ever Made”How to Stay Warm this Winter
What Freed Me from the Prison of Spasticity
After my C6-7 spinal cord injury at age 16, I experienced severe muscle spasms. My legs would extend out straight or pull in so forcefully that the Velcro® strap behind my heels would break. I would kick off my shoes when my legs involuntarily shot out straight. My hands balled up in fists so tight that my finger nails left an impression on the palms of my hands
Continue reading “What Freed Me from the Prison of Spasticity”Why a Urine Culture is So Important
Yes, I Traveled to Florida (But not for THAT Reason)
I did it. After several years of being restricted by a disobedient bowel program, I traveled solo for the first time after the BCIR procedure.
Continue reading “Yes, I Traveled to Florida (But not for THAT Reason)”How and Why I Got a Professional Massage
It had been 10 long months since I’d had an occupational therapy session. And I was feeling the repercussions of it. Finally, I bit the bullet and purchased two sessions with a massage therapist.
Continue reading “How and Why I Got a Professional Massage”Do Not Tell Me I’m Confined to a Wheelchair
I’d like to punch the person who first used the phrase “confined to a wheelchair.” Or at least roll over their foot with my power chair.
Earlier this week I got riled up after reading a great article about my friend. Unfortunately, the phrase “confined to a wheelchair” stuck out to me and left a bad taste in my mouth (as my grandma would say).
Continue reading “Do Not Tell Me I’m Confined to a Wheelchair”How The Gift of Tendon Transfers Changed My Life
It had been 9 years since my spinal cord injury. I had just graduated with my master’s degree in counseling psychology. Although I was uncertain of my future career, I was sure of one thing: I was taking a year off to have a series of surgeries called tendon transfers.
Continue reading “How The Gift of Tendon Transfers Changed My Life”The Gift of Tendon Transfers after Spinal Cord Injury (video)
Why do I take the time to wrap gifts each Christmas? It gives me time to be thankful for the gift of Dr. John C. Shaw, who gave me increased hand function and independence through tendon transfers after my spinal cord injury. (Video)
Click on the picture below to watch my video at Bard Care about wrapping presents and tendon transfers.

To see other examples of how tendon transfers affect my ability to cook, watch Quadly Cooking: Cheeseburger Soup and Quadly Cooking: Coconut Curry Lime Chicken.
Quadly Cooking: Cheeseburger Soup
I love soup. Warm. Easy. Comforting.
Watch the video to see how easy it is to make cheeseburger soup.
The recipe, as well as Tip and Tricks, are included. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Cheeseburger Soup”
My Favorite Things: Personal Care Items
Many things in life are more complicated with a spinal cord injury. Whether it’s shaving my legs or staying warm, I’ve found several “life hacks” that make every day activities easier. Continue reading “My Favorite Things: Personal Care Items”
Kiss the Wave – Video
I’ve had many requests to post the video from church last weekend.
I’d like to encourage you in one thing. My story is in this message, but that does not mean I’ve figured all this out. I still struggle. At times I despise the words endurance and perseverance. But I can look back and be grateful for the many opportunities I have had as a result of my injury. I have learned to “kiss the wave.” Continue reading “Kiss the Wave – Video”
Quadly Cooking: Make This Easy Pumpkin Chili for a Perfect Fall Day
When I Need to Count Every Blessing
During the seemingly never-ending string of surgeries and recovery time this year, my mind would wander to that all familiar question of doubt: Why me? Continue reading “When I Need to Count Every Blessing”
My Doctor Made Me Do It
I didn’t know what to expect. But I’d heard the horror stories. The inaccessibility. The discomfort.
I was past my doctor’s recommended age to have a mammogram. But my primary care doctor was relentless in her pursuit, so I made an appointment at an imaging center several miles from where I live.
At Bard Care we’re getting the word out about the importance of mammograms. Three of six of the women on our team have had breast cancer. Read my entire Bard Care article by clicking the link below.
How to Get a Great Cardio Workout: Erging (Video)
BCIR for Bowel Program Maintenance with Spinal Cord Injury
A 3-month post-surgery video update on how the BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) surgery has given me the ability to independently do my bowel program for the first time in 29 years.
Maintaining Your Health after SCI
Quadly Cooking: Qabuli Palow
Qabuli Palow is one of the most popular dishes in Afghanistan. I figured out a way to easily mimic this dish. Is this recipe the “real deal”? No, but it tastes incredibly good and reminds me of my time spent in the country. Best of all, it’s all done in a rice cooker (and with a fraction of the oil). Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Qabuli Palow”
My First (but not last) Experience with Kroger’s Home Grocery Delivery Service
Rainy Day + Empty Fridge = The decision to try home delivery with Kroger Continue reading “My First (but not last) Experience with Kroger’s Home Grocery Delivery Service”
Ticket to Work
8 Things to Pack for an Extended Hospital Stay
After my 3-week hospital stay turned into almost 17 weeks, I discovered several must-have items for an extended stay as an inpatient at a hospital or rehab facility. Below is a list of my top 8 recommended items. Continue reading “8 Things to Pack for an Extended Hospital Stay”
Suffering Well
BCIR Update #7
A lot has happened since my last update. I flew home. Then less than two weeks later I flew back to Florida. Continue reading “BCIR Update #7”
Do You Have a Wheelchair?
Have you ever stopped to consider if people in developing countries have access to wheelchairs or other mobility aids? I hadn’t until nine years after my injury when I asked David and Magda, two friends from Poland, what accessibility was like in their country. Read more at Bard Care by clicking the image below.
Commemorating 29 Years of SCI
Today is the 29th anniversary of my injury. (Math tells me that, but I don’t believe it. I’m not even 29 years old, right?)
On the evening of July 10 when I was 16 years old, my best friend Barbara and I sat in a swimming pool discussing what it would be like to be paralyzed. Continue reading “Commemorating 29 Years of SCI”
Why Traveling Overseas with a Wheelchair is Not Impossible
Do you want to travel to a developing country (or simply travel), but think it’s impossible? Don’t dismiss the thought. It might take a little extra planning, some additional help (how much depends on your disability) and possibly a little extra cash. But it’s well worth the effort. Continue reading “Why Traveling Overseas with a Wheelchair is Not Impossible”
Quadly Cooking: Naked Burritos
Whether it’s Qdoba, Chipotle or Moe’s, building your own burrito in a bowl is a tasty treat. Save some money and do it at home. It’s easier than you can imagine. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Naked Burritos”
BCIR Update #6
I’m home. I’m on IV antibiotics and had a scary run-in with sepsis the last week. But I’m home. Continue reading “BCIR Update #6”
Quad Friendly Fashion
My Most Valuable “Asset”
Wonder Women
BCIR Update #5
I started to write this update 10 days ago. It began: “I’m dressed. I transferred into my chair. I’ve been spending about 45 minutes twice a day outside here in Florida’s fresh, breezy warm air. But Thursday or Friday will be the true test: I will begin intubating (using the stoma to empty the new pouch).”
Today (Thursday, May 17) I’m still sitting in a Florida hospital room, drinking Miralax to clean my system out for a second surgery to repair a fistula (same one as last time). Continue reading “BCIR Update #5”
To All Moms
Quadly Cooking: Sausage and Kale Soup
Friends + Soup + Netflix = A Great Evening In. This soup is extra comforting when served with some warm, crusty bread. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Sausage and Kale Soup”
7 Easy Fixes to Make a Bedroom More Accessible
My bedroom is a place I go to not only to sleep, but to relax, rest or read.
Here’s a list of 7 fixes in my bedroom that make it more accessible and functional. Continue reading “7 Easy Fixes to Make a Bedroom More Accessible”
BCIR Update #4
I had not expected this update to be written from a hospital bed. I “should have been” discharged last week and back at home. Instead I had surgery for a fistula on Sunday. Continue reading “BCIR Update #4”
Abundant Living
After my injury it took me quite some time to learn, or re-learn, the concept of trying. My go-to response was, “I can’t.”
Eleven years after my injury, I finally attempted a sport again. I tried playing wheelchair tennis. I was awful. Seventeen years later, I’m still bad at tennis. But I try. And I play.
I’ve learned to live. What’s the use in being alive if you aren’t living boldly? Click below to read about 4 principles I try to put into practice to live an abundant life.
Quadly Cooking: French Toast
Breakfast? Dinner? I say both. French Toast is always a winner. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: French Toast”
BCIR Update #3
Well, I knew when I decided to have this procedure there were risks of complications. Unfortunately, I’m one of the people to develop a fistula. A fistula is a small hole. Mine is located near the top of the pouch and leads to the surface of the skin. When a I began intubating on Wednesday, it didn’t go well. By evening, I was back on suction with a scope scheduled for Thursday. After the scope confirmed the fistula, I had a CT Scan with contrast. Continue reading “BCIR Update #3”
BCIR Update #2
I thought I knew what I was getting myself in to. And yet…
This is so much harder than I ever imagined. Continue reading “BCIR Update #2”
How a Quad Puts in Contact Lenses
BCIR Update #1
Due to overwhelming support, but inadequate energy, here’s a brief overview of my BCIR journey so far. BCIR is an internal continent catheterizable colostomy with no external appliances like a colostomy or iliostomy. Go to www.bcir.com for more info on the procedure and here for my journey on the decision.
I enjoyed “My Last Supper” and took in a beautiful Florida sunset.
Why the New Adaptive Jeans from Target Are the Real Deal
I recently came across an article about Target’s Universal Thread™ adaptive clothing line. I’ve heard this song and dance before, so I was hesitant, if not downright skeptical. But my interested was piqued. Continue reading “Why the New Adaptive Jeans from Target Are the Real Deal”
How to Clean and Declutter with Less Effort
Quadly Cooking: Stuffed Cabbage Roll in a Bowl
Part soup. Part stew. Part cabbage rolls. All served up in one wonderful bowl. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Stuffed Cabbage Roll in a Bowl”
My Decision to Have BCIR for Bowel Program Management
I plan on having surgery at the end of the month (as long as insurance cooperates). Watch this video to hear about the BCIR procedure and how I hope this will help me gain back one of the biggest losses that comes with a spinal cord injury.
For information on BCIR, Palms of Pasadena Hospital and Dr. Rehnke, go to BCIR.com.
My Favorite Things: In the Living Room
Some things just make life easier. Others make it more enjoyable. I thought I’d share some of my favorite quad-friendly fixes from around my house. In this post, I’ll talk about my favorite modifications or adaptations in my living room. Continue reading “My Favorite Things: In the Living Room”
Home Sweet Accessible Home
Don’t Be Like Rosie: A Lesson in Self Care
I want to introduce you to a coworker. Rosie works in my office and she has a big job to do. It’s stated in her job description that she is supposed to periodically re-energize herself so she can finish her assignment. Regrettably, we find Rosie in odd places in the building, simply having lost her ability to do her job because she ran out of energy. Continue reading “Don’t Be Like Rosie: A Lesson in Self Care”
Quadly Cooking: Asian Salmon and Kale Rice Bowls
Folks, pay attention. This dish is so incredibly delish. And easy. I’m not confident in my fish-cooking skills, but I figured this was worth a shot. And I’m so glad I tried it. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Asian Salmon and Kale Rice Bowls”
On Being Single
It’s almost Valentine’s Day. With that in mind, I’m re-posting this Bard Care article.
I’m single. I rarely sulk in my singleness. I am free to do what I want and when. The remote is always in its place, except when my dad comes over. As an introvert, I truly cherish my alone time. I’m in charge of my finances. (Read: I like control.)
Read the rest of the article by clicking on the picture below.
Yes, I Can Wear Boots
Watch my video over at Bard Care Community on how I manage to put on boots as a quad.
Click the picture below to be linked to Bard’s website.
Quadly Cooking: Sicilian Pasta with Meat Sauce
I know what you’re thinking: “Cinnamon and raisins in pasta?”
I promise, it tastes as good as it looks. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Sicilian Pasta with Meat Sauce”
Glossary of Terms for SCI
Quadly Cooking: Coconut Curry Lime Chicken with Rice Noodles (Video)
Let’s start off by defining Quadly Cooking. I’m a quadriplegic due to a C6-7 spinal cord injury. “Gimpy” or “quadly” aptly defines the function – or lack thereof – that I have in my hands. Continue reading “Quadly Cooking: Coconut Curry Lime Chicken with Rice Noodles (Video)”
Welcome
Welcome to my site! To be honest, this is a bit overwhelming and intimidating. But let’s take this journey together and see where the path leads.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, an article I wrote was published by The Mighty. To say it has resonated with many people is an understatement. Unfortunately, just as surprising is the number of people who are unaware of the financial issues that some of us with disabilities face.
Read the article at the link below. As a disclaimer I do not agree with the title. I do not think society is the problem; government policy is where the problem exists. I shared my story with the hope that my voice will be heard in Frankfort. I urge lawmakers to reverse the income limits for personal care programs so that others with disabilities will not find themselves in my position.
Click below to read this article.