New Announcements for 2014!

As we kickoff the year, we’re moving, shaking and incorporating new ways for all of my friends to get involved with Get Back Up Today. There are two added plans for 2014, and I’m excited to share them with you. Here’s what’s happening:

1) 500 Acts of Getting Back Up

We want to see how you Get Back Up every day! Whether it’s walking the dog, running a race, getting a quick workout in, or playing in the yard with the kids, we want to see it. Post your picture on Facebook, Twitter or email GetBackUpToday@gmail.com, and let us know what Get Back Up means to you. I’ll also be counting my own acts as I travel across the country, but would love your help in reaching our goal.

2) Guest Blogger Posts

I have been lucky enough to meet so many people across the country who have all shared their inspiring stories with me. Throughout the years, I have realized we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs – no matter what we’re personally Getting Back Up from. I want to share those stories on my blog because it’s so important to get the word out and build strong community support. If you’re interested in sharing your story – whether you have foot drop or not! – send your story to GetBackUpToday@gmail.com. We will be posting guest blogger stories monthly along with my own posts, so check back often to see what’s new.

My Shoes

Here are a couple questions I am asked frequently about my shoes, so I thought I’d take a minute to share with all my friends the answers. (Feel free to share with your friends too.)

What other shoes do you wear besides sneakers (i.e. New Balance)? I have to wear them everywhere!

I do have several brands that I can wear which are a bit dressier, but still the selection is limited. Ariat makes a pair of boots and "clogs" that I can fit my brace in, and Aetrex makes a few options as well. I also have found European brands, (Dansko, Ecco and a few others), that will work. You just have to find a shoe store with a lot of brands and bring your brace in with you to try them on. Zappos.com offers free return shipping, so you can try ordering several pairs from them online and return what you don't want at no charge.

Do you have to wear wide shoes?

I have to get shoes that have wide toe boxes and sometimes I do actually get what they mark as "wide", but really every shoe company is different. Mostly I don't have to get the "wide" versions of the shoe, but again, I'm wearing shoes that are designed wider than most shoes in the first place.

News Coverage in St. Pete!

I am really excited to share with you news coverage that we were able to acquire while running in St. Pete, FL. No, I'm not excited because I got to be on the news.  I'm excited that we were able to spread awareness of Foot Drop and remind people that they can reclaim their mobility. You may not want to run a half-marathon, but you can get back up and check the mail, walk around the block, or even walk through your house. Get Back Up Today!

If you could get back up today, what would you want to do?

Here's a link to my YouTube channel with 2 of the news stories.