Client Bios

Valerie is 24 years old and completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard University. She continued her studies for her graduate degree at the University of Cambridge in UK. On January 12, 2008, Val sustained a spinal cord injury in a vehicle rollover on the highway while in route to a track meet with her track team. Val was wearing her seatbelt but was the only teammate to sustain serious injuries. Her injury level is C7 incomplete. Val says she got through this difficult time with the help of family and friends and received many cards and well wished from her loved ones.

Val was rejected from Kessler Institute’s rehab program and was searching for other options when she heard of Push to Walk through word of mouth. Val started coming to Push to Walk in July 2009, “Push to Walk sounded awesome and I knew I had to give it a try,” says Val, who works out here 3 times per week for 2 hours each session. When she first came to Push to Walk, she was getting ready to head into her freshman year of college and wanted to gain more functionality to do things independently. After her injury she needed to wear an abdominal binder, which she no longer needs because of her training. She says she has a much stronger core, balance abilities and an easier time doing everyday things.

Val says she enjoys coming to Push to Walk to get in a great workout and get out of the house and interact with others. When comparing Push to Walk to traditional physical therapy, Val says Push to Walk pushes her harder and cares about her ability to maintain good health and function. She continues pushing herself outside of the gym on her at-home FES bike and standing frame.

Outside of Push to Walk, Val enjoys watching TV, especially baseball, singing karaoke, baking and blogging. Check out her blog covering wheelchair-accessible bakeries, cafés, and the like here: https://theaccessiblebakeshop.wordpress.com/