Steve,
I just LOVED your note you wrote to us all, it was very heart felt. Happy
Anniversary!
Bobbie 36 years post
Sent from my iPad
On May 22, 2011, at 15:15, "Steve Oldaker" <steve.olda...@comcast.net> wrote:
> Today marks my 23rd year as a member of the quad fraternity. Some days it
> seems longer, other days much shorter. All in all, there have been plenty of
> bumps along the road, but the journey has been and remains worth taking.
>
>
>
> I remember clearly being advised by various sources while in rehab nearly 23
> years ago that we were likely just 5-10 years away from a cure when I would
> walk again, as though walking in and of itself defines a cure. Lo and behold
> 23 years later, in spite of a number of advances, the projection remains the
> same. And while they are remarkable, noteworthy accomplishments, I don't
> consider "walking" by means of electrical implants, exoskeletons or other
> recent non-biochemical achievements any kind of real cure or even
> substantially beneficial in their current state, though I suppose if someone
> is highly invested (ie. physically, emotionally, financially, etc.) in
> "walking" by any means, any form of walking may be considered substantial.
>
>
>
> For whatever reason, I have not shared the overwhelming desire if not
> obsession with walking that Christopher Reeve and some of my other SCI
> friends and associates seem to have (or had in Reeve's case). As a C4 quad,
> even paraplegia would be a remarkable improvement to me. There are a number
> of incremental cures that I would prioritize over walking including
> substantial pain reduction and full return of bladder, bowel, and sexual
> function, to name a few.
>
>
>
> Don't get me wrong. I would love to walk again, and I hope, pray, and
> contribute financially regularly to cure research. And while I support cure
> efforts as the ultimate goal, I do not subscribe to the notion of CURE not
> care. I believe strongly that we need to work for both if we want to lead
> long, healthy, productive lives in spite of our conditions.
>
>
>
> Every morning when I wake up I try to move, and when I find once again that I
> am unable to do so, I go about the business of living as good and as
> productive of a life as I can. This has served me well these 23 years. It
> allowed me to accomplish much post injury including obtaining computer
> training shortly afterward, a 17 year career with the federal government, and
> a comfortable early disability retirement a few years ago which frees me up
> for more of my personal interests and community activities.
>
>
>
> A cure would be wonderful and I don't think anyone should give up hope, but I
> also think it is in one's best interest to live and move forward as best they
> can given the likelihood that a cure is at best several years and most likely
> many years away.
>
>
>
> I am grateful for all of the assistance and support I have received from my
> family, friends, coworkers, hired caregivers, and medical professionals over
> the years. I hope to have many more good years like Glenn Henry, Arizona
> Dave, and others who have shared their experiences, knowledge, and opinions
> on this list. Cheers to all of you!
>
>
>
> Steve - C4, 23 years
