Jim, Army Veteran, and Semi-Pro Roper, Thanks NeuroRestorative for Getting Him Back to Happiness
Jim, 78, an Army Veteran, came to our NeuroRestorative Austin, TX, Day Program after a rodeo accident in August 2020, falling off of a horse and sustaining a spinal cord injury. Jim grew up in Austin, TX, and after 36 years of civil service, having a successful career in the Army and serving under President Bush as an appointed Homeland Security Leader, Jim retired to focus on his family, caring for his ranch, and becoming involved in semi-pro team roping. After his injury, Jim never thought he would use the rope again.
Jim was referred to NeuroRestorative after not having success at a previous rehabilitation facility. Soon after, he joined our NeuroRestorative Austin program to receive occupational, speech, and physical therapy. Jim has made great progress, like walking several hundred feet a day with a walker and gaining memory skills back, and even using the rope in some of his therapy sessions. “I am doing things I never thought I’d be able to do. The facilities are great, and I like my relationships with the therapists; it’s like being their friend. Knowing they care about me getting better – they are great people,” said Jim. In addition, the team has also helped Jim with daily life skills such as getting in and out of vehicles and short-term memory.
When asked any advice he would give someone who is going through something similar, Jim responded, “Always look for the right place that people really want you to get well. Rehab has got a lot to do with patience. It is a very slow process. You have got to have faith in where you are and trust the people who are working with you, and keep going. It does not happen overnight. Keep working hard and trust the NeuroRestorative staff.”
Jim has four children, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. With only a few therapy sessions left, Jim is looking forward to being home full-time with his family and getting back out to the ranch. At NeuroRestorative, we are proud to work alongside Jim and many other Veteran and Military Service Members in providing care to those recovering from traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries as well as other complex injuries and illnesses.