HELP PATIENTS IN ASIA

Chandrika

I met Chandrika, 30 years old, during my 'therapeutic' holiday in Kerala, South-West India, in 2005. She has been partially paralyzed as from her hip for a few years. Though she does have quite a few muscles she can control below her injury, she is still bound to a wheelchair.

I was so happy to meet her, and so was she, among all those 'walking' people. Together with Priyankari, the person taking care of Chandrika on daily basis, we try to help her and boost her progress. I was there again in April 2006 , brought Chandrika the 4-wheel-walker which was generously donated by my neighbour and we exercised together. That walker is definitely a plus in Chandrika's rehabilitation program. But there is so much more to be done !

Later-on, if we can get/build up the necessary equipment and professional support on the spot, we might start some locomotor training [see example here]. There is a possibility to build a local a cheap version, which could look like Bruce 's own home-made suspended treadmill or like Pat's. This was not possible during my latest visit, but I do hope to implement it next time.

So far Chandrika is more than happy of what has been a very little help and a bit of attention.

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It is only one person in this big world... I 'd obviously like to do more and help more patients ! It might be done step by step, in a very simple and light manner, without any administrative structure.

Do you wish to help ? You can help by providing some rehabilitation equipment you do not use anymore, or some logistic advise to get that equipment overthere at no cost. For feedback please mail me at corinne4cure@gmail.com !

Stepnow global campaign.

Such cure campaign was initiated by a few voluntary SCI cure activists from the carecure forum on global level. It is not a new association, all is done in a lean and virtual way, involving a global SCI grassroots. All projects are currently discussed on : http://www.stepnow.org/. As an active member of this group, I try to support the actions for a few countries including The Netherlands, France. For more questions on this, please mail me at www.corinne4cure@gmail.com

Step Together to End Paralysis

Here is very brief summary of our actions: For more news, be sure to check in the section 'spotlight' of Stepnow forum, and SIGN UP NOW TO SHOW YOUR MORAL SUPPORT TO OUR MOVEMENT [free of charge and responsibility !] REGISTER IN www.stepnow.org !

See Stepnow movie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=N35uUIIVYkQ

3rd Action: January-February 2007: global mailing to national parliament's health committes.

- Netherlands : Stepnow NL's representatives visited the Dutch Parliament , Tweede Kamer, to meet members and chairman of the Health Committee and hand over our letter and folder. See article in the Eindhovensdagblad [Nederlands !!] , here: http://www.stepnow.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3779#3779

Inbetween action: December 2006: Letter to the French Catholic Church further to the controverse started by Msg Barbarin on embryonic research. See [French] http://www.liberation.fr/forums/forum.php?Forum=583

http://forums.lefigaro.fr/user/non-frames/message.asp?forumid=198&messageid=1121854&threadid=1121854&parentid=3

2nd Action: November 2006: Letter to the European Parliament, Health Commission. See article published by Agence Europe in the European Community Newsletter.

1st Action: 4th October 2006, global mailing to heads of various governments asking for more research against paralysis]. Stepnow is now in the spotlight! see various articles:

In the Netherlands, Metro news October 23, link to be updated. In Florida

In Uruguay_noticia, picture

In Global press from Ireland

THE RIDE4RESEARCH

They did it ! He did it ! 1200km on arm power through the Netherlands !
More info on that achievement on Matt's website : http://www.invanet.org/ride_for_research_en/the_ride.html

You may still, even after the ride, support Matt in anyway you can ! His ride was and is for a good cause, ie to support Spinal Cord Injury Research. Sponsors welcome !

The media appreciated Matt's adventure and lots of papers were written about it, not to mention a few TV programs. Here are some links to papers:

Acupunctuur wonder (Tubantia) (augustus 7, 2006)
Respect voor een immense inspanning (Tubantia) (augustus 7, 2006)
Fietsers blij verrast door veelzijdig Nederland (Dagblad van het Noorden) (juli 31, 2006)
Met dwarslaesie door het land (Eindhovens Dagblad) (juli 24, 2006)
“Het is belangrijk om actief te blijven en niet op te geven” (Yvonne Baars) (juli 23, 2006)
‘Samen zijn we gewoon een sterk team’ (Tubantia) (juli 21, 2006)
Rondje Nederland met dwarslaesie (Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant) (juli 19, 2006)
Dadendrang is bij Matt Cole niet te sluiten (Tubantia) (juli 10, 2006)
Een rolstoel is één ochtend leuk (Tubantia) (juli 7, 2006)
Matt Cole begint zaterdag aan monstertocht (juli 2, 2006)
1200km in a wheel chair (juni 9, 2006)
In Handbike Land Rond (maart 17, 2006)