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-Jim Lynskey
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multiple organizations. Over the years I have volunteered with Ability 360, the Barrow Connection, Give Kids a Smile, The Day for Special Smiles, and Team of Physicians for Students (TOPS). As an educator, I have given many lectures and educational sessions to community organizations on a variety of topics of interest to people living with spinal cord injury. In my students and residents, I try to instill an interdisciplinary, whole person, patient centered approach to the spinal cord injury rehabilitation process. In my research, I try to develop and/or validate new approaches to spinal cord rehabilitation, with the hope of improving recovery after injury. As an example, I collaborated with Dan Bonaroti PT at Touchstone Rehabilitation on a case study a few years ago. This study showed that anti-gravity treadmill training could greatly improve walking ability in a person who sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury 2 years prior to our treatment. Not only did this person improve how fast they walked, but they also improved community walking and regained the ability to do hikes in the desert.
When I work with individuals with spinal cord injuries in the community, clinical practice, and research, I am humbled and inspired by their courage, compassion, strength, and resilience. My life has been enriched by just meeting and talking to many amazing people who are living their lives after spinal cord injury with no limits.
One major lesson that I have learned working within the community is that life is full of challenges (big and small), and that they are best met with determination, perseverance, creativity, and a positive attitude. This lesson has profoundly impacted my life through the years, and it is one I try to pass on to my students, friends and family.
The thing I enjoy the most is helping people. If even one thing I say or do helps improve someone’s day or recovery process then I am happy. Hopefully, we will continue to develop better approaches to spinal cord injury rehabilitation and minimize paralysis.