What The Big Idea means to me | by Eric LeGrand

Posted by Reeve Staff in Daily Dose on February 07, 2018 # Research, Team LeGrand

When I was first injured nearly a decade ago, the doctors told me that I wouldn't be able to breathe on my own or eat solid foods again. However, within a few months, I overcame both those obstacles and have even regained some movement in my upper body. And now with recent discoveries from the Reeve Foundation, the thought that I will never walk again is a thing of the past.

Epidural stimulation has given others vital improvements in their bowel and bladder control, in regulating their blood pressure and body temperature, along with the ability to stand. And now with full FDA approval, we can start the The Big Idea to further test the benefits and possibilities of this treatment on others. This study keeps me motivated to continue my therapy so that when this is available to everyone living with a spinal cord injury I'll be ready to get up and walk out of this chair.

As an athlete, I know that small wins lead to big victories, and this study is one win that can lead to a tremendous victory. That is why it is so important that we get The Big Idea fully funded, so it can continue without disruption.

This treatment has the potential to change millions of lives -- like mine -- for the better, but in order to do so, we need to work together.

Get us to the end-zone.

Keep #bELieving,
Eric LeGrand
Team LeGrand of the Reeve Foundation

Note: There are companies and clinics in other parts of the world that are falsely advertising epidural stimulation treatments and may pose a danger to the paralysis community. Please read the Reeve Foundation's statement on off-shore stimulation treatments.

Blog categories
Tags

The National Paralysis Resource Center website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8,700,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.