This section provides information on how and where one family found the support and facilities to help their son live a full and productive life after a paralyzing accident.  It is a narrative about one family’s fortitude that led to the establishment of Push to Walk.

In July 2004, Darren Templeton, then age 18, sustained a C5 spinal cord injury after diving into shallow water at the Jersey Shore. Cynthia Templeton, who co-founded Push to Walk with her son Darren in 2007, chronicled her journey and Darren’s in addressing what she calls “the challenging and sometimes frightening world of spinal cord injury.” Her goal in sharing her experience is to help others who are looking for resources and assistance in determining how best to support a family member or friend who has paralysis or another neuromuscular condition.

Be sure to read the section entitled “One Family’s Personal Story of a Spinal Cord Injury” in the Family Corner section, which is a compilation of e-mails sent out as things were happening with Darren’s injury and care.

Cynthia’s story and advice is both practical and inspirational.  If you have questions or comments, please send them to Kwolfe@pushtowalknj.org