In January 2015, after playing golf, I experienced neck pain and numbness in my arms and fingers. At the time, I was at the top of my game, both personally and professionally. I thought I was invincible. . . until I wasn’t.

My surgery was scheduled for February 25, 2015, for a cervical fusion on my neck. Because of an undetected spinal epidural abscess, I woke up from the surgery paralyzed. The term used for me was “quadriplegic.” I was unable to walk or have any function with my hands, and my life changed as I knew it.

Dr. Morgan told me she was currently running a spinal cord injury clinic. She asked if I would be interested in being evaluated to determine if I qualified for the clinic. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity, finding out that I still have circuitry in my spinal cord. This, in fact, could allow me to walk again. . . possibly without a cane.

The UT Health Charity Care Clinic is an affiliate of the NeuroRecovery Network, which was founded by the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation. I started receiving treatment at the clinic in March 2024. With the help of the Clinic and my faith, I have been able to regain my mobility. I still have a few obstacles to go through, but I am walking again. The goal for the New Steps Initiative is to help Dr. Morgan continue with the research, helping others achieve their dream of walking again. Your donation to the New Steps Initiative will help expand the program at the UT Health Center in San Antonio which will continue to support patients in achieving their goals of walking and improving their quality of life.