A few weeks ago I went to BODIES . THE EXHIBITION, for those that aren't aware of BODIES it's displays of preserved human bodies and all their miraculous parts. I spent 2 hours observing and reading about the human body. It's incredible what are bodies consist of and what they are doing when we're not thinking about it at all. A couple weeks before I saw this exhibit I spoke with Aaron about a muscle return I gained just recently after more than 8 years of my injury. It made me think about my body and how much is going on inside of me. The last 6 years or so I gave up on trying to heal myself. I haven't done any exercising or range of motion but my body hasn't given up, it's still trying to mend itself after all this time, AMAZING. When I saw this new movement I knew it was time to make some changes in my life and start helping my body. I guess what I'm trying to say is the human body is a wonderful thing so BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and don't let time waste away while you're still alive. Picture: my PS2 controller, MX UNLEASHED best game ever.

Sean Kelley C3,4  http://www.pullmyplug.net/

The perception of soul, limitless in every way known and unknown. It is the I in I am, our mind our body & spirit are held by our individual being. But, is that it? Is our soul apart of our being or is it a perception of being? There is a lot to be thinking about, so much so that if your brain allowed you to process more, humans would not be good for much physical work, if any. People in general think of their souls a their essence beyond human form, may it be a complete being, or a piece to something larger. l think that people, humans, mankind as a whole must stop being afraid of criticism and step out of the darkness and into a place were we are ok with not knowing all. This place is called earth named by an ancient observer from that we know not. My only truths in this world are my perception and my faith. In life, especially the last 3 years and 2 days I have changed my path to be a very slow and difficult one but one which allows allot of time for myself to reflect on Life, Death and Time. .Now is the time for you to reflect.

Joshua Hendrickson

C-3

My name is Marc Richards and here is my story. I had a grand mal seizure in January 1998 caused by a brain tumor. They removed it and I started on chemo in March. Through a misunderstanding, I overdosed and within a month my white blood cells not only attacked the chemo but also the myelin at about T-4 rendering me a paraplegic. Since meeting Taylor Isaacs in 2003, I've learned to walk using RGOs and participated in 5 marathons or 5ks, walking across the finish line in each case. I've made considerable progress physically and while I live with my wife and two kids, I manage my daily activities quite independently. The quality of character of the people I've met since my injury is inspiring. We're all on this path of improvement and we can all learn from each other.   Visit - www.spinalman.com

Hello everyone,

My name is Bryan Richardson. I suffered a T-12 incomplete spinal cord injury on July 22, 2005 after crashing my dirt bike on a motocross track in the Houston, TX area. I have ridden motorcycles for 23 years, both dirt and street, and have loved every minute of it. When I rode I always felt free and it made the unpleasant parts of life seem to melt away! I recently looked back at all of the injuries I have suffered due to riding motorcycles and was surprised by how every scar or past injury I remember was due to riding a motorcycle. This crash tops all others though, and I now focus on my recovery over going to the track to ride. I am frustrated by what the doctors tell me and my wife, they all have different theories on my body's recovery. I think my biggest inspiration came from speaking to Aaron Baker, and him telling me not to listen to the doctors, but to use my mind and hard work to heal my body. I have new hope for the future and tell as many spinal cord injury people as I can about Aaron's story and how his success can be their success also. Everyday I thank God for giving me a wonderful wife and daughter that have taken care of me from day one, and a few friends that have stuck with me to lend a hand!

This is a crazy world we live in, surrounded by so many fake, superficial things.  How do you know who or what is real anymore?  I find myself getting stronger and stronger as the days go by; I'm becoming more immune to negativity. I tend to worry about the more important things in life, such as my over all health, i.e.  My mind and body, and spending quality time with quality people.  At times I feel lost, but for the most part I have this stable sense that I enjoy. I now am able to live comfortably in my own skin, this feeling has never felt better. I am also more open with my love and share eagerly with others around me, helping to guide them in a positive direction.  I don't regret the things I've done, and I thank myself for listening to the teachings of life. Some people question how a mind can develop a wisdom and intuition at such a young age?  Well, it's possible, anything is possible... I have learned not to underestimate life and its endless potential, we all possess this potential...including you!

-Stephanie Minafra

http://cpkweb.com/BriansStory.htm

Ello, I'm not very good at typin stuff like this but what tha hell I'll give it a try.  My name is Brian and I'm a bit lost lately, I like to think I'm good at changing situations or getting what I want but unfortunately I cant really buy my way out of this one, If you don't like your situation change it, if you cant change it get out of it, I don't think I bitch or complain about much, and I don't like people that do, if your fat then go on a diet, if your on drugs then stop, if you need money get a job etc. honestly its all that easy, shut up and make it happen, at least that's what I tell myself and like to live by. In the past when one door closes another has always opened, I hope im not out of doors, I have basically all I need in life although its not all I want, I strive to have a Ferrari and a 10 million dollar home and an airplane etc. and I will with out a doubt but what does any of that matter without someone to share it with, to me a family and a wife is what I want, everyone questions me on that and I guess for some or most people they want to party and have fun etc....I know what I want... I want someone to love and someone who loves me, there's only one thing in life that scares me and that's being alone, what I want is simple, I want a cool wife and a rad little son or daughter, I want to drop my son off at school with his Mohawk as he jumps outa my Lamborghini with his skate board. then pull up in my garage and park next to my wife's Benz as I wake her up with breakfast and flowers I brought her...am I the last one around like this? I'm starting to think so I can say im over partying, not saying im going to stop but its only to pass the time, I love to have fun, I love to travel and I'm always down for whatever, not sure what I'm doing wrong here, but all tha chicks I meet just wanna drink and party what tha shit? isn't this backwards,,,dood I'd like to meet a girl that doesn't want to get nailed the first night I meet her, how bout dinner and a movie? fuck does that sound gay ha-ha shit I guess my 1950 morals don't exist anymore....anyways I could probly ramble on for hours here but like I said I suck at typing stuff like this and I need to get my car washed. Hope everyone's having a great day...later

My name is Kenny Craig and I have a C-3,4,5,6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Contribution - To give or supply to a common fund or for a common purpose. To help bring about a result; act as a factor: Contributing is what my friends and family were doing Sunday in Tahoe. One of my best friends, Melody, and my two sisters put on a car wash fund raiser in the parking lot of my mothers work to raise money to help pay for my living expenses and therapy while in Southern California for rehabilitation.  It is amazing how a town can pull together for one individual in a time in need. To have had no contact with friends over 400 miles away for over 15 months now, and get the results that we received is truly amazing. Elementary school friends, who I haven't seen since, contributed. The car washers were there not to only wash cars, but to inform everyone about my situation and my determination to reaching my ultimate goal. 25% of the entire amount raised was money donated from individuals entering the car wash with "Kenny who?" on their mind, and leaving feeling like one of the family. Topics and stories of me were flying around everywhere. Many people who originally came to get their car wash picked up a hose and wash-rag themselves and starting cleaning others cars! My sisters told me that they had never seen so many selfless deeds done in one spot at one time in their entire life. Many just stopped to donate money with no intention of receiving a car wash. Even young adults with tight budgets found a way to contribute if not by money, washing cars. Even the pizza delivery guy donated his tip money of the day. For a man who hardly ever is emotional, this deed that my family, friends, and townspeople pulled together for, truly made it seem I was a 16 year old girl who just got her first set of roses. Wait, wait, wait, me? Shed a tear? Noooo, of course not. Help is out there, it's a fact. People want to contribute to the ones that they know will take advantage of the help they are providing. Go out, work hard and be that person!

Hi my name is Jarred Evans, my level of injury is C-6 and I am a quadriplegic. Today was a good day; I took a shower all alone for the first time since my accident. I've been trying to do this since I was injured over year ago. I did have to research and buy some products to make it easier, for instance I got a shower head that stays in place, so I don't have to use my hands. I also got a new bath bench that allows me to close the shower curtain, so water doesn't get all over the floor.  We also got soap dispensers for my shampoo, soap, and cream rinse. This allows me to get what I need without handling bottles which makes things a lot easier. I also worked with my therapist Taylor Isaacs for a long time to build up my balance, which allows me to sit in the shower by myself. Since I'm living alone, this reduces the amount of time that I need help from my assistant, saving me money.