Burn Survivor on Dancing with the Stars

Did anyone catch “All My Children” star J.R. Martinez on “Dancing with the Stars?” If you didn’t, you may be wondering why I’m blogging about a reality show. Well, Martinez isn’t your typical reality show contestant. He’s actually a veteran and burn survivor who has overcome the odds.

While in Iraq in 2003, he drove over a land mine and experienced burns of 40 percent of his body and lost an ear. He underwent 33 surgeries to repair damages and recover from the accident. However, Martinez never let the injuries put a hold on his life. In 2004, he began his career as a motivational speaker for other survivors throughout the country. Then, in 2008, he joined the cast of “All My Children.” This year, he was selected to be a contestant on the 13^th season of “Dancing with the Stars.”

His current role as a ballroom dancer certainly has not disappointed. Judges and fans are raving over his performances. After his first performance, Martinez tied for first place with 22 points. This week, he landed second place with the same score.

We have a feeling he’s going to make it far this season. So, don’t miss next week’s performance! If you haven’t seen him in action, watch the video below…..

New research suggests there may be an end to phantom pain

Medical News Today shares the original story.

Phantom Pain is a common side effect for amputees. This condition causes a painful sensation in the amputated portion of the limb. Until recently, there hasn’t been a cure for this condition because doctors have not been able to figure out how to treat the part of the limb that is no longer there.

However,  Dr. Herta Flor believes she has found a way to prevent phantom pain from occurring among amputees. How? Mind games.

At the EFIC Congress 2011 in Hamburg, Dr. Flor explains that doctors simply have to make the brain believe the limb is still there through neurofeedback techniques or creating optical illusions. At the end of treatment, researchers hope to trick the brain into believing the prosthetic is actually the original body part. The idea may seem a little out there, but researchers believe the human brain can be successfully manipulated. 

Let’s hope their theory is right and phantom pains are no longer an issue for amputees!

Do you think this treatment will work? 

Check out this video to learn what phantom pain is all about.

This is for all of you SCI Survivors!

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is testing robotic legs on SCI survivors! And, so far so good!

The E-leg wraps around the leg and uses motion censors to push the body forward and put legs into motion. The Boston Channel reports that Annie Hayes, who has been paralyzed from the waist down for 6 years, is now walking! I think this is a story you have to see for yourself. Check out the video below of a man using the E-leg.

Follow this link to check out the legs in action.

A 9/11/01 Survivor Serving as Inspiration to Others

As everyone knows, we just passed the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. There is no doubt this was a horrific day for our country.  But out of that day came countless stories of survivors who now serve as an inspiration to others who have been catastrophically injured.

Allow us to bring to your attention one more story that we find particularly inspirational.  Lauren Manning worked in Tower One and was severely burned on the morning of the attacks. The burns covered 80 percent of her body, and no one expected her to live. But, with a child and a husband, Lauren wasn’t about to give up. Today, after years of physical therapy, she has healed and has even made a new addition to her family.

She recently released her book Unmeasured Strength to share her story and inspire others during recovery. Take a look at the prologue. I’m hooked!

Check out this video...

A few success stories to brighten up your day...

We LOVE reading stories about survivors who have overcome their injuries. Seriously, I can’t think of better way to start my morning.

Today, as I was catching up on my current events, I came across two SCI survivor success stories in a matter of minutes. So, of course, I felt compelled to share with you guys….

Let’s start with University of Alabama student Chelsea Thrash. The biology major was paralyzed from the waist down after a tornado struck her town on April 27. She underwent emergency surgery on April 28 and began therapy shortly after. Chelsea kept a positive attitude throughout recovery and made it her goal to walk around campus during the fall semester. Well, she did it! Chelsea has recovered in just four months!  Take a look at Miss Trash on her first day of class.

Matt Burns has another awesome recovery story. This 18 year old experienced a C5 SCI in July after diving into the shallow end of a pool. Doctors told him he would never walk again. But, after just four weeks of therapy, Burns walked out of the hospital on his own two feet. Although, he still needs some assistance with daily tasks, the teen is expected to make a full recovery. Click on this link to watch Matt’s interview with The Boston Channel.

Hope these stories brightened your day up like they did mine!

Take a look at this adorable pooch!

Check out the original story on WKRN-TV Nashville by Joseph Pleasant.

Scooter hasn’t had the easiest life. He was found on the side of the rode with an SCI after being shot 3 times. When Jordi, his owner, took him to animal control, the vets wanted to put him down.

But, Jordi knew Scooter had the will to survive. Today, he is training to be a therapy dog for children with disabilities. Jordi believes this is his true calling because he has a special connection with children.

Scooter now gets around with a specially designed wheelchair that is attached to his hips and lifts his back legs. Take a look at the picture below!

This pup has overcome the odds and serves as an inspiration to fight through life’s battles. And, we think this is awesome! There is no doubt this dog will make a difference for children with disabilities.