Todd hails from Copley, Ohio and shares his thoughts on what Get
Back Up means to him:
Get Back Up
Three simple words.
But when put together, they convey a very strong message. Our
“community” – those of us who have, and continue to battle, neurological
conditions, cancer, etc., feel a connection and bond that many times is
difficult to articulate. It is however, much easier to appreciate the
challenges others have faced. And understanding those challenges validates
one’s acceptance into this “community.”
My story – which is humble compared to many people I now cross
paths with, begins five years ago with melanoma cancer, three surgeries,
including removal of lymph sack from groin, loss of a femoral nerve, relocating
muscles, then chemo – lovely interferon. Re-learned to walk straight, and then
started running. Then dystonia onset in foot of the same leg. It took six
months before a correct diagnosis was made. Dystonia is permanent and painful. I
now take a series of three botox shots every twelve weeks in my calf to
eliminate the nerves firing the foot muscles. Re-learned to walk straight, and then
started running - again! This time with the aid of the Allard ToeOFF orthotic. After
filling a closet with numerous other useless orthotics, the ToeOFF was spot-on.
It provides comfort, control, and confidence – and I can’t begin to put a price
on those, especially during rehab.
Although my walking and running now consists of being able
to push off using only one foot, I still compete in numerous triathlons and
running events each year – I’m just not as fast. But being “fast” is no longer important. Priorities now
consist of enjoying the abilities I still have, and reaching out and
encouraging others in our “community” with methods and means to remain active. As
many of you reading this know, it’s not uncommon for the physical disabilities
to take a back seat the mental challenges faced, as a result of those
disabilities. That’s why having the support of the “community” and efforts such
as “Get Back Up” are crucial for maintaining a rich quality of life.
-Todd Hart
 | ||
| Beth and Todd at the Cleveland Rock 'n' Roll, | October 2013 |
No comments:
Post a Comment