tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83978936602043375442024-03-13T04:45:06.032-07:00The Berkey BlogBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-41908342628445478082014-12-11T19:50:00.002-08:002014-12-11T19:50:31.950-08:00Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MdJC60v2IQ/VIkIDKckfvI/AAAAAAAAAOg/hpKhTunZcI8/s1600/Look%2Bout%2Bbelow!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MdJC60v2IQ/VIkIDKckfvI/AAAAAAAAAOg/hpKhTunZcI8/s320/Look%2Bout%2Bbelow!.jpg" /></a></div>
Family and Friends,
I hope this finds you all healthy and happy. In case you haven't picked up the word on the coconut telegraph, I'm in Colorado. With trailer loads of help from my family and friends (gracious applause), I weighed anchor in San Diego September 1 and transplanted to Steamboat Springs. As much as I love San Diego and all the friends and fond memories I've gathered there over 16 years, my craving for new experience has gotten the better of me, so here I am in the Rockies!
Shortly after my spinal cord injury, nearly 4 years ago, I promised myself I would ski again someday...someday is here! Opportunity has led me to Casey's Pond, a top-notch skilled nursing facility near the base of Mt. Werner, the location of Steamboat Ski Resort. My brother Dan, his wife Clare, and their boys Caz and Soren live just down the road and have gone out of their way to welcome me to the community. It's a huge shift, coming from San Diego to a county where there are more livestock than people. I'm loving the fresh air and I can see the mountain from my window!
I'm working with the in-house physical and occupational therapists, as well as the adaptive skiing instructors of the Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) program, to get in shape and learn how to get down the mountain on a new (to me) type of ski gear, the Sit-Ski. I'm excited to take on this new challenge, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn a new version of my life-long passion. It's definitely humbling to be a beginning skier again, but re-connecting with the mountains is already producing positive impacts on my mind, body, and spirit.
So that's the scoop- I'm thankful to be in a good place and I'm so very grateful to my family and friends for helping me get here. I wish all of you the very best this holiday season!
Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-67591378019170403602013-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:002013-09-22T21:40:22.167-07:00That Sinking Feeling"It's not an adventure until something goes wrong." - Yvon Chouinard
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A sense of dread and a wave of adrenaline rushed through me when I heard the hollow crunch and crackle of the fiberglass hull caving in. We had been struck by another sailboat while maneuvering during the starting sequence of a regatta on San Diego Bay. I asked my brother Joe to lean over the side of the boat and tell me how big the hole was, and whether it was above or below the waterline. "Pretty big, and the bottom of it is underwater," he responded. I immediately put the boat onto a port tack, hauled in the main sheet in order to get as much heel as possible, and told Joe to lean toward the starboard side in hopes of keeping the rupture out of the water. We were sailing a beam reach back toward Harbor Island but I could still hear the water rushing into the hull. I had Joe rig the handle for the manual bilge pump, but told him to forget about it when I saw that the water was already ankle-deep and rising quickly. No way would the hand powered pump be able to keep up with the volume of water flooding into the boat, so I asked him to remove the handle as it might pin my leg if we needed to abandon ship. I glanced down and confirmed that I could access the bright yellow activation pulltab on my inflatable lifejacket, and cleared loose lines that could entangle me, just to be sure. As a quadriplegic, I'm keenly aware that my swimming ability isn't what it once was.
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As we made our way toward the marina, the boat progressively sank lower into the water. I felt the steering grow more sluggish and noticed our boat speed was dropping rapidly. My crew was not pleased by any of this. I assured Joe that, theoretically, the boat shouldn't completely sink. I informed Joe that the builders of the Martin 16 had incorporated buoyant foam into the construction of the hull (good call Mr. Martin!) to keep the boat and crew afloat in case of our exact situation. Of course, that's not to say that the boat couldn't be swamped- by the time we reached the calm water behind the breakwall at the marina, we had zero freeboard (the hull was completely awash and waves were lapping across the deck). The Challenged America support boat came along side and took our 16' bathtub under tow.
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Now sitting in chest deep water, the air cushion I was sitting on began to float, lifting my body beyond my control, and I became concerned that I might simply float overboard. I asked Joe to pull the cushion out from under me and hold me in place in my seat so that I could continue to steer the boat. When we approached to within a few hundred feet of the dock, I asked the support boat to bring us alongside so that they could better control the boat in the tight spaces of the marina. Made up on the crash boat's hip, we crept toward the dock, then Joe stepped off the boat with the docklines, and we found ourselves home safe, not exactly sound, and very soggy.
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I'd like to commend and thank the volunteer staff of Challenged America, and especially my crew/ brother Joe. Everyone responded to the incident appropriately and what many would have treated as a calamity went down as a glitch in an otherwise pleasant day. Besides, although I feel horrible about the damage to the boat, it was one of the most interesting afternoons I've had in a long while.
Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-27046269609762732502012-11-10T22:36:00.000-08:002012-11-10T22:40:38.867-08:002012 US Disabled Sailing ChampionshipsOctober 25, 2012:
It's Thursday morning and the dining room at Southwestern Yacht Club is packed. Betsy Alison, Coach for the US Paralympic Sailing Team, is putting on a racing clinic for the competitors in the Rolex National Championship Regatta. As Betsy's marker squeaks across the dry-erase board, I gaze around the room in admiration. Disabled sailors have gathered from across the country, and they have brought with them an impressive variety of adaptive technology. State-of-the-art prosthetic limbs and ultra-light sport wheelchairs fill the room. One sailor drives her power-chair (and her sailboat) with a joystick controlled by her chin.
Amputation, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, ALS...whatever disability qualifies each of us for this regatta, we are all sailors, and we're here to race. Some competitors are old hands with years of experience. Other sailors, including myself, are relatively new to organized sailboats racing. Today is a practice day and we are sailing a few short races so competitors can get a feel for their boats, crews, and for the Racing Rules of Sailing.
The Racing Rules the of Sailing is 172 pages of nautical legalese that dictates how sailors conduct a regatta. The RRS are quite comprehensive (right down to how much clothing you may wear (Rule 43.1(b): no more than 8 kilograms!) and they give sailors plenty to think about (because maneuvering a sailboat in close proximity to dozens of other moving boats isn't enough), especially when sailing back to the yacht club with a fresh hole in the side of the boat. At any time other than a race, the behavior of racing sailors would certainly be considered reckless. Anchor a committee boat in the middle of the fray, however, and all of a sudden, an inconsiderate, imprudent sailor becomes a bold tactician. Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining. Racing is fun and it's the only time you can sail this aggressively and not get cited by the Coast Guard.
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October 26, 2012:
The first day of actual racing and we arrive at the marina to find all the flags hanging straight down - not a breath of wind to fill our sails, thanks to the Santa Ana weather pattern that has developed. High pressure over the Southwestern US has pushed hot desert air into the area and my teammate Ryan is sweating as he paddles us out toward the race venue (Sorry bro, if I could hold a paddle I would). The race committee has postponed the noon start for lack of wind, but the breeze starts to fill in around 1pm. We manage to get in two races before the 4pm cut-off and Ryan and I notch a 4th and a 2nd in the heats, leaving us in a respectable 3rd place overall...we are cautiously optimistic.
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October 27, 2012:
Saturday, our second day of racing and we are excited to get out there and grab some bullets (1st place in a heat). The beautiful weather has inspired every possible boater in San Diego to get out on the water. San Diego Bay is churning with the boat wakes of excursion vessels,navy warships, and large power-yachts and the tiny Martin 16 is bobbing about like a rubber duck in a bathtub. To save time, the race organizers have towed most of the fleet out to the racecourse. The wind is more cooperative today, but our boat is not. I find the steering very stiff and I struggle to make the minute course corrections that can mean the difference between a fast close-hauled reach and luffing sails. After two good starts we are frustrated to see our competitors leaving us in their wake. We sail past a safety boat and ask them to inspect our underwater appendages... our suspicions are confirmed: somewhere along the way we have snagged some kelp with our bulb keel. We back the boat down, lose the cursed seaweed, and sail the third and final race of the day. Two 5ths and a 4th knock us down to fifth overall. Cursed Seaweed.
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October 28, 2012:
After a last-minute adjustment to the tension in the steering lines that connect my joystick helm to the boat's rudder, I was both elated and infuriated. The boat now steered the way it should and I was kicking myself for having not fixed it yesterday. The wind was very light today and, unlike the previous few days, was expected to stay light (10 knots or less). A handily sailed 2nd place in the first heat had our spirits up- I was thrilled to have good helm control and we were sailing well. And then the wind dropped. We drifted around the marks until the tide carried us sideways across the finish line into 4th place for the heat.
We improved to 4th place overall for the regatta, finishing just shy of the podium. Nonetheless, I had fun, finished every race, avoided injury/drowning, met some inspiring people, and took home a cool hat. I look forward to applying all I learned (which was more than I expected on many levels) at the next race.
I can't adequately express my gratitude and admiration to Southwestern Yacht Club, US Sailing, Challenged America, and the crew of volunteers that made this event happen. Without people and organizations like you, a lot of sailors like me would be stranded, watching regattas from the beach. Thank you!
Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-60274853219779341562012-09-07T22:03:00.000-07:002012-09-07T22:03:43.224-07:00It Begins With a TwitchSlow progress is better than no progress. In the 19 months (time flies) since my injury, my left hand has shown no signs of motor control-until now! Confirmed by my PT, I'm getting minor flexion in my fingers when I attempt to form a fist. Recovery may not come in leaps and bounds, but I'm grateful for it however it comes. As long as I keep seeing improvement, I'm motivated to keep working at it...there's no knowing what else will come back!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-281817286630122782012-07-31T19:41:00.000-07:002012-07-31T19:41:23.877-07:00STRAP IN!<br /><br /><i><img src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/s480x480/531221_10150979478192639_1170016537_n.jpg" /></i><br /><br />I wanted to do something special for my brother Joe on his birthday. We had visited the Torrey Pines Gliderport for a scenic lunch a few days earlier and he had been pretty excited watching the gliders fly back and forth along the bluffs and out over the sea. I was determined to turn his "I want to do that!" into "I've done that!" Having paraglided 14 years ago in Utah, I knew what an amazing experience Joe was in for. What I had not planned on was going up for a flight myself.<div>
<br />While I was waiting for Joe to complete his paperwork I was approached by the facility owner, Robin, who asked if I wanted to fly. Knowing next to nothing about what is involved in a tandem paraglider flight, I immediately convinced myself that sending a quadriplegic aloft had to be a royal pain in the ass.<br />"Don't worry- it's a piece of cake," Robin assured me, "we'll have you up before your brother finishes his paperwork- and your flight's on me." How could I refuse?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><img src="http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/553536_10150979477232639_1513318989_n.jpg" /></i> <br /><br />I drove my chair out on to the grassy slope that serves as the launch and landing pad for the gliderport, followed Robin to a lawn chair and parked beside it. A seat harness was spread out across the chair and Robin, along with a staff member, easily transferred me from one chair to the next. Four metallic carabiner-clicks, a couple of pulls on reinforced nylon straps and I was ready. Bob my instructor, who had already launched his wing and was "kiting" it over his head effortlessly, casually walked over and connected my harness to his riser assembly. Almost instantly, I felt myself being lifted from the chair as the wing took up the combined load of Bob and myself. We bobbed around a bit like bull-riders in the gate as Bob adjusted to the increased load. Then Robin and another staffer walk/jogged with us to help stabilize the load and 15 feet later we were airborne!<div>
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I had to remind myself to breathe as the bluffs dropped away beneath us and I found myself 500 feet above the Pacific surf rolling up onto Black's Beach. As the sea breeze comes off the ocean and hits the Torrey Pines bluffs, the airflow is channeled up.This vertical air movement is what enables gliders to remain aloft for extended periods of time, as long as the wind keeps blowing. We circled around for the photographer, who was standing at the edge of the cliff with his camera snapping these photos, and a few minutes later Joe was aloft and flying next to us with his instructor Ki.</div>
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Imagine my delight when Bob asked me if I wanted to drive! Despite my limited hand function, I was able to slip my fists through the straps of the brake lines and hook them with my wrists. Bob pointed out some landmarks to steer for to ensure that I kept us in the air flow as we traveled along the bluffs. Whenever we felt lift, Bob told me to circle back so that we could gain more altitude. We flew back and forth along the bluffs, climbing with the up-drafts, descending occasionally in a spiraling turn before catching and riding another column of air back up to altitude. At one point I heard laughter above and looked up to see Joe reaching out and grabbing the tip of our wing. Icarus had nothing on us!</div>
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20 minutes later and entirely too soon, Bob informed me that it w as time to head back and land. We circled around behind the glider port so that we could make an up-wind approach into the landing zone. Bob eased us back to Earth and we touched down with no more force than if he had stepped off an escalator. I found myself sitting in the grass, smiling ear to ear, knowing that I would come back and do this again!</div>
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Thanks to Robin and all the folks at Torrey Pines Gliderport!</div>
</div>Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-24112847359539579702012-06-11T20:08:00.001-07:002012-06-11T20:08:41.271-07:00June 11, 2012Wow! I can't believe how quickly time has passed since my last post. It's been a busy seven weeks! My brother Joe has moved here from Michigan and we are now roommates sharing an apartment just a few blocks from where I had been staying with Molly and Charlie. We are all on the edge of our seats with anticipation as the Colvins' new tenant will be here any day!<br />
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Joe has started sailing with Challenged America and will soon be certified as a companion sailor- a key member of the team, as every disabled sailor in the program relies on an able-bodied crew to ensure safety. It doesn't take long to realize how small and slow a Martin 16 is when you've got Navy warships and large merchant vessels steaming past on the bay! We had a great sail last Saturday and Joe has already proven himself a capable crewman. We are looking forward to some great sailing this season...go Team Berkey!<br />
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<br />Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-3818375631545711252012-04-25T16:22:00.001-07:002012-04-25T16:22:21.526-07:00April 25, 2012I extend my heartfelt thanks to Challenged America and the Chula Vista Yacht Club for putting on the first annual "Dash to Chula Vista" this past weekend. The entire Challenged America fleet of eight Martin 16's competed in a two day race series from Harbor Island to Chula Vista and back again. I'm happy to say that my shipmate Dave Meyer and I took first place in the south-bound Race 1 on Saturday! Unfortunately, my performance was lackluster Sunday (7th place), but we were pleased to take home a trophy for third place overall.<br />
Much more important than trophies, however, is the experience of getting out of the water and sailing! In the fleet, we had paraplegic sailors, quadriplegic sailors, deaf sailors,and blind sailors- we ALL had a great time. It couldn't happen without a lot of hard work by a generous group of volunteers. For each sailor in the competition, there were three or four volunteers working to rig the boats, assist the sailors in and out of the cockpits, put on post-race parties, and clean up the entire mess when we finished.<br />
Special thanks go to my friend/tactician/bodyguard/chauffeur Dave Meyer. I can't thank him enough for not giving me more flak as I sit idly on the dock, watching him rig/de-rig our boat each time we go out sailing. Did I mention that he has not once dropped me in the water? Dave, you are the man!<br />
I hope to have some photos to post soon!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-29879599437312480032012-03-28T13:53:00.000-07:002012-03-28T13:53:19.745-07:00March 27, 2012Last weekend, Challenged America kicked off the the 2012 racing season with the first of a series of monthly regattas. Although I was unable to sail in all four heats of the race,I was happy to get second and fourth in the first two races. I'm looking forward to racing again next month! <br />
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The all-volunteer crew at Challenged America does a great job of providing boating experiences to the disabled community. They understand how much our quality of life is enhanced by getting out on the water. Selflessly giving their time and energy, these people maintain, repair, and rig the boats for participants, help us get in and out of the boats safely, and act as crew to make sure everything goes okay out on the bay. And to top it off this whole production is put on free of charge to the participants. Thanks Challenged America!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-24965894367890143202012-02-27T08:14:00.000-08:002012-02-27T08:14:14.495-08:00February 26, 2012If you have a few minutes to kill, the following link is worth watching. Josh Dueck is my new hero! It's important to dangle good motivational carrots from the end of the stick and this clip gets me fired up. Check this badass out at www.wimp.com/sitski/ <br />
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It's been almost seven weeks since I received my stem cell treatment. While every spinal cord injury is unique, 3 to 6 months is the predicted window of peak benefit. I continue regular physical therapy and weight training as well as hand cycling several days each week. I am also attending the Neuromuscular Connection, a clinic in Orange County that's using laser therapy to stimulate regeneration of neural pathways.<br />
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I'm happy to report that I continue to enjoy modest improvements in muscle function and strength in areas that were already active. I'm also feeling slightly increased core muscle recruitment below the level of my injury both in my mid-back and my abs. While the feeling of "tightness" is still fairly weak, any change-any <i>feeling</i> at all-is welcome. I'm also experiencing new "sensations" in my legs that, despite a continued lack of motor control or sense of touch, are encouraging just for the fact that they're new.<br />
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Thanks again for your support and prayers! I look forward to reporting further progress over the coming weeks and months.Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-9234392523571343832012-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:002012-02-07T13:22:26.974-08:00February 6, 2012I'm all about the gadgets. I use splints formed of thermoplastic to help me type, a wrist-activated grabber to retrieve items from the ground, and tongs made from a potato chip bag-clip and two paint sticks help me extract surface wipes from their canister. Necessity is the mother of improvisation and as a result I frequently stumble upon new and clever ways to utilize everyday objects. A bungee cord enables me to open a drawer whose handles I cannot grasp. I insert silverware into flexible irrigation pipe because the larger diameter handle is easier for my hand to hold. As a matter of fact, I'm not even typing this blog entry. I'm speaking through Dragon voice-recognition software. Despite the time I spend making corrections, using this dictation program puts text on the screen much more quickly than my painfully slow typing(which wasn't any faster when I had the use of my hands). I'm one lucky primate to have such a vast array of technology and technique available. As I work toward recovery and independence I'm always on the lookout for tricks and trinkets to help me be more productive.Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-61781124181319917772012-01-28T10:25:00.000-08:002012-01-28T10:25:40.620-08:00January 27, 2012A year has passed since I fell and injured my spinal cord. It's a date I'll never forget, but not exactly one that inspires jubilation. What IS cause for celebration is the fact that I'm still here! It has been a challenging year, to say the very least, but with the help of my family and friends, I've made it through. Words can't express how grateful I am for the kindness and generosity of all of you who have rallied to my support. I look to the future with hope, bolstered by the knowledge that whatever challenges I face, I am not alone.Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-54094917660363040622012-01-10T22:00:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:00:15.401-08:00January 10, 2011I'm sitting in my private suite at Hospital Angeles with my Brother Dan. It's actually the nicest hospital room I've ever seen. The staff is attentive, competent, and professional. I feel that I am in good hands here. Today's stem cell procedure went well and I'll be discharged tomorrow. The doctors harvested approximately 300ml of adipose fat (I have plenty to spare), isolated the stem cells, and injected them into my cerebrospinal fluid both above and below my injury site. Some stem cells were also transplanted via IV to provide systemic benefits. I'm excited to work hard, build strength, and continue my recovery (augmented by the stem cells). I'll be watching my progress and will keep you all updated. Thank you all so much for your love and support- without you we couldn't make this happen!<br />
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Love BerkeyBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-71000697646074591082012-01-09T11:08:00.000-08:002012-01-09T11:08:07.071-08:00January 9, 2012Happy 2012! Beginning a new year brings to mind fresh starts, resolutions for self-improvement, and commitments to making things better than they were last year. Today I am filled with the excitement of possibility. In a few hours, my brother Dan and I will drive to Mexico and check in to the Angeles Hospital for a three-day visit.<br />
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Tomorrow, The Regenerative Medicine Institute will harvest stem cells from my adipose tissue and inject them intrathecally into my cerebrospinal fluid. After the procedure I'll continue to work hard at physical therapy and we'll see what happens. Science! I'm acutely aware of the uncertainty and skepticism regarding stem cell therapy. I also know the proliferation of research and clinical trials in the field tells me of the promising results and flat-out miracles happening every day. Roll the dice with me and hope for the best!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-32447670233390345742011-12-15T23:39:00.000-08:002011-12-15T23:39:26.487-08:00December 14, 2011My first visit to the stem cell clinic! It felt strange to cross the border into Tijuana and not head west on the toll road to Ensenada, my historically frequent destination for yacht delivery and repair calls. Yesterday, my friend Dave and I headed southeast on Paseo de Los Heroes to Hospital Angeles, home of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI). My appointment for electromyography and blood testing served two purposes: the tests were required as part of my application for treatment, and it provided me an opportunity to inspect the facilities first-hand and meet the medical team that would potentially treat me with stem cell therapy. <br />
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When I first considered the notion of seeking medical treatment in "TJ", I had visions of waking up on the operating table to find a fresh scar across my side as I watched my kidney being carted off to the black market of vital organs. As I researched the clinic further, my fears of being taken advantage of by charlatans and snake-oil salesmen eased. A number of affiliations with US medical schools, biotech firms, and accrediting organizations had me feeling more convinced of the clinic's legitimacy. RMI has subjected itself to institutional review, site audits, and continuing oversight by the International Cellular Medicine Society, a US-based non-profit working toward the advancement and standardization of cell-medicine.<br />
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Now that I've seen the hospital and clinic, which appear perfectly modern, clean, and well-equipped, and I've met the medical professionals who will treat me (most of whom speak fluent English), I'm ready to pull the trigger. I understand that there are risks involved and that there is no guarantee of success, but the possibility of increased recovery is worth it to me. I'll keep you posted!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-47599183922797380542011-12-13T20:24:00.000-08:002011-12-13T20:24:37.152-08:00December 12, 2011A few more turns of the wrench and I'll be rolling on a new Intrepid hand cycle! Cycling has long been a favorite avocation and I'm ready to start racking up some miles on this new trike. At first, the miles will be flat and mostly downwind, but I have to start somewhere. Not only will the hand cycle be an integral part of my fitness program, it will be good for my soul! I never realized what a bike-nerd I was until I couldn't ride. I've missed the sound of the tires humming beneath me and the clean, mechanical purr of a well tuned drive-train. The moment I settled in the seat during the first fitting, I began to feel like I was back in my element. I should be riding by this weekend and will be sure to post pics as soon as I have some! Thanks again to the generous donors who made this happen, especially Cousin <br />
Lori who ran the Chicago Marathon to raise funds for the cause!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-17656803349070161412011-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:002011-12-02T21:09:05.431-08:00November 30,2011"There is nothing-absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."- The Water Rat, Wind in the Willows. Boats embody the spirit of possibility- so many places they might take you, so many things you might see and do! Many of my fondest memories involve my experiences on boats. As we drove out the Shelter Island causeway, the boatyards, marinas, and yachts stirred in me a familiar sense of wanderlust. Our destination was Challenged America, an adaptive sailing program that provides opportunities for disabled people to get out and sail, both recreationally and competitively.<br />
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We had come to the program to get my father and my sister checked out on the program's Martin 16 sailboats so they could sail as my able-bodied companion. After reviewing the rigging procedures for the two-seat, 16-foot sloops, we shoved off and set sail across Americas Cup Harbor. As we reached the open waters of San Diego Bay I heard a shout from my starboard side, "last one to the buoy is a rotten egg!" yelled Steve, the volunteer sailing with my sister. Something about the proximity of a similar boat compels sailors to coax every last bit of boat speed from the sails. The little boats handled nicely- the most fun I've had at 4 knots! <br />
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I'm excited to have been introduced to the Challenged America program and look forward to racing in disabled regattas in the near future.Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-20054900638108679642011-11-10T21:45:00.000-08:002011-11-10T21:45:59.943-08:00November 10, 2011When I turned 39 last year, I began planning for my 40th birthday. Committed to doing something adventurous to mark the big four-zero, I brainstormed over my world atlas- trekking in the Himalaya? Perhaps a multi-sport adrenalin tour in New Zealand? Whatever the trip was, wherever it might take me, I was going to go big. On January 27 I broke my neck and all plans went out the window.<br />
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Happy to simply be alive, I had no aspirations for an "extraordinary" 40th birthday. I anticipated dinner with family and a few friends- nice and mellow. Little did I know, my friends and family had something else in mind for me. <br />
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The first of many surprises last weekend occurred Thursday as I rolled up the boardwalk in Pacific Beach. Expecting to meet my brother Dan and long-time buddy Chris and his wife Gina (who gets HUGE kudos for orchestrating much of the fun last weekend!), my jaw dropped when I noticed James, Jennifer and Kellie strolling toward me- my best friends from my youth in Michigan had flown in to celebrate with me!<br />
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Saturday morning, my friend Dave arranged for me to go sailing with the Challenged America adaptive sailing program. I had not been on the water since my accident and being at the helm of a boat again was a surprisingly emotional event for me- thankfully, my sunglasses concealed the tears of joy that welled up in my eyes as we tacked across San Diego Bay.<br />
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Shortly after sailing, I was floored again as I rolled out of the elevator at The Fiddler's Green restaurant and into a chorus of "Happy Birthday" sung by the crowd of family and friends lying in wait. Friends, old and new, had gathered to wish me well- some of whom had flown in just for the day(Adam and Murph, you guys are animals!) Thank you for making my 40th a day to remember!<br />
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I also want to thank everyone who couldn't be here in person but were certainly with me in spirit. Your cards, calls, emails, texts, voicemails, and web posts have kept my spirits high and you inspire me to keep at it for another 40!<br />
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LOVE TO ALL,<br />
EricBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-63557724229583556202011-10-23T23:00:00.000-07:002011-10-23T23:00:37.125-07:00October 23, 2011Entering through the front door at Intrepid Equipment, Carl and I found ourselves in a jungle of chromoly steel, aluminum, and rubber. We visited this local builder of hand cycles a few days ago and met with the founder Graham Butler. Numerous bicycles, recumbent tricycles,and wheelchairs of various shapes, sizes, and configurations were shoe-horned into the office-cum-workshop. The sounds and smells of a metal fabrication shop filled the air and as we made our way further into the facility, I couldn't help but recall the droid recycling plant in "The Empire Strikes Back". After touring the shop and meeting the crew, I knew I had come to the right place to find a hand cycle. We spent the next hour pouring over catalogs, selecting the components, gearing, tires, and other equipment that would make this machine work for me and my capability/disability. Committed to fitting his clients with the right equipment, Graham even offered to set up a similar demo bike and invited me back for a test ride later this week. Thoroughly geeked out on bike stuff, I left excited and anxious to ride the rig we had just brainstormed into existence.<br />
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The portent of returning to cycling lifts my spirit and I thank those responsible: the family and friends who supported my cousin Lori Ervin's running of the Chicago Marathon for my benefit. You are providing me with a piece of equipment that will greatly improve my physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life. <br />
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Thank you!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-28982490965452268772011-10-09T23:17:00.000-07:002011-10-09T23:17:33.931-07:00October 9, 2011Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to my cousin Lori Ervin! Running the Chicago Marathon for my benefit, Lori CHARGED it and finished in 3:59:36. NICE! To the generous donors who supported Lori's monumental effort: thank you! Your kindness motivates me to work hard toward recovery so that I can once again be active and enjoy athletic pursuits.<br />
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I rode a hand cycle for the first time yesterday. San Diego Parks and Recreation hosts regular rides at numerous city parks and I'm glad to see our tax dollars at work in this program. The friendly and helpful staff shows up with a truckload of bikes and disabled riders are given an opportunity to try the totally awesome sport of cycling. I pedal a hand cycle frequently in the gym but, as is frequently the case, the real thing is a different animal. Despite my miserable performance, I was elated to once again pedal along the shoreline of Mission Bay. I look forward to getting onto a cycle set up for my specific condition, dimension, strengths, and weaknesses. Before long I'll be listening again to the sweet music of fat tires on dirt. Thank you Charlie and Gaen for your help to/from the bike! I hope your backs aren't too sore.<br />
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MAHALO<br />
BerkeyBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-50339437476295111082011-10-06T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:49:25.470-07:00October 5,2011: SD Zoo's Safari Park"NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WHEELCHAIRS" warned the sign, but nothing would keep us from descending the path into Tiger Territory. Our descent from Condor Ridge had gone well and <br />
I was feeling confident in the power-assist wheels and Sara's helping hands firmly planted on the push-grips of my chair. We managed the steep section smoothly,and though no tigers were visible in their paddock, we coasted through the Roar n' Snore campground and arrived victorious at Lion Camp.<br />
As I adjust to life in a wheel chair, I find myself seeking "accessible" activities. Prior to my injury, trips to museums, theme parks, and sporting events were seldom as free time was normally spent on (or off) a trail, underwater, or in the snow. Of course, adaptive sports equipment will enable me to enjoy a form of my favorite avocations, but I can't exactly hop onto a hand cycle and go for a ride on a whim- those types of outings now require planning and assistance from people who know how to deal with my particular challenges and the specialized equipment needed.<br />
I can, however, easily enjoy many of San Diego's myriad attractions with the aid of one companion. Load me in the van, strap me down, and we're off to a museum, airshow, or football game. I look forward to these outings with the anticipation of a sixth-grader going on a field-trip. Of course, none of these trips could happen without the time and effort of numerous, selfless family and friends, to whom I am deeply thankful!Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-14715582013170578172011-09-13T17:12:00.000-07:002011-09-13T17:12:50.850-07:00September 13,2011Throughout childhood, my cousin Lori Ervin and her sisters (then known as the Goetz Girls)were a consistent, positive influence on myself and my siblings. Being a year behind Lori in school, she acted as friend, role model, and mentor. Now Lori has stepped up and is taking on an ambitious project in an effort to help my cause. The following is an announcement Lori made last week. Thank you, Lori, for picking up the torch for my recovery!<br />
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Dear Family & Friends,<br />
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On October 9, 2011, I am running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for my cousin, Eric Berkey. On January 27th of this year Eric slipped and fell off of the back of his boat while it was still on its trailer. He landed on his head and broke 3 vertebrae in his neck and injured his spinal cord. Eric is a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. Eric is 40 years old.<br />
Immediately following his accident, Eric’s family started a blog to chronicle his journey. Eric now updates it himself. You can follow along at www.theberkeyblog.blogspot.com. <br />
Eric grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He attended Holy Name Grade School and Brother Rice High School (class of ’89). I have fond childhood memories of time spent with Eric and his siblings. We spent summers Up North at his family’s place on Mullet Lake, enjoyed many summer afternoons swimming in the Berkey pool and even carpooled for years to grade school and high school together. One thing has never changed over the years—Eric’s love of adventure and true enjoyment of life. Eric is a yacht captain, certified SCUBA instructor, has an MBA, and is a former professional ski patroller. <br />
On May 16th, after 4 months in the hospital and a rehab facility, Eric went “home.” Eric’s sister, Molly, and her husband, Charlie, purchased a new home and made renovations so it would be accessible for Eric. He lives in San Diego with them and is making great progress. However, Eric’s road to recovery will be ongoing. The medical costs of a spinal cord injury can be staggering. The average yearly expense for a spinal cord patient with Eric’s level of involvement the first year after the injury is $712,308. Each subsequent year the average is $105,013. While insurance covers some of these expenses, there are many expenses above and beyond what insurance will pay. Some of these expenses include purchasing a car that is wheelchair accessible, hiring home health aides, and paying for emerging treatments and therapies. <br />
This is where I am asking for your help. There are two ways to help Eric. The first is to keep Eric in your prayers as he meets new challenges each day. I also ask that if you are able, to make a donation to help with the significant expenses of a spinal cord patient. A special needs trust has been established for Eric. While these donations are not tax deductible, they do go directly to Eric via his trust. To make a donation via PayPal, click on the “Donate” button on the right side of Eric’s blog (www.theberkeyblog.blogspot.com), or you can write a check made payable to "The Eric J. Berkey 2011 Special Needs Trust" and send it to me at 4121 Antique Lane Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.<br />
As an alternative, you can also make a tax-deductible donation to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) and Catastrophic Injury Program, which offers fundraising assistance and support for those who have experienced a transplant or catastrophic injury. More information on how to donate to NTAF in Eric’s name can be found on his NTAF page, and if you plan to donate, you may want to consider checking with your employer to see if it will match your charitable contribution.<br />
Eric has faced this life altering accident with an unbelievable attitude. His positive outlook and “can do” attitude are an inspiration to me. On October 9th in Chicago I will be running for Eric.<br />
Thank you for your support,<br />
Lori ErvinBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-33119022588938309552011-09-04T20:35:00.000-07:002011-09-04T20:35:04.917-07:00September 4, 2011Go Padres! While San Diego isn't exactly in the running for any title this season, I live here so they're my team. Today, I had the privilege of watching the Padres break a 9-game losing streak when they beat the Rockies 7-2. The combination of a good game, great company (Thank you Jasmyn and Dave!), and a wheelchair-friendly crowd made for an epic Sunday.<br />
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Since becoming wheelchair-bound, I have developed an aversion to crowds. Being a few heads shorter than when I was walking, I find myself struggling to blend with the flow of congested foot traffic. Despite copious apologies (both offered and accepted), the frequent near-misses inherent to navigating a crowded venue in a wheelchair can be flustering. But not today!<br />
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Doors were opened, paths were cleared, and not one child was run-over. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, I breezed through the crowd incident-free. Petco Park was a most gracious host and I look forward to going back! I hope to soon have the opportunity to test the waters at Qualcomm Stadium- go Chargers!<br />
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Cheers, Berkey<br />
Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-43845059052185583112011-08-17T13:09:00.000-07:002011-08-17T13:09:50.056-07:00August 17, 2011Since my injury, so many of my family and friends have stepped up and helped out. Your generous support has come in numerous forms- emotional, spiritual, logistical, and financial. Every day, your kindness and caring motivates me to work hard toward my recovery. I don't know how to adequately express the gratitude felt by myself and my family. <br />
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I have, however, found a way for people to benefit from any monetary contributions they might make to my cause. The National Transplant Assistance Fund and Catastrophic Injury Program (NTAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that I've engaged to assist in fundraising. Funds raised through NTAF will be used to pay for uninsured medical expenses (stem cell therapy, for example). Thanks to NTAF's 501(c)(3) status, any donations made in my honor are tax-deductible! <br />
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Any one wishing to make a donation can follow the link on the right side of this blog page<br />
To my NTAF web page. Thanks again to all who have helped me out, your kindness shall not be forgotten!<br />
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Sincerely, Berkey<br />
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Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-74718987606246385242011-08-04T18:09:00.000-07:002011-08-04T18:09:58.331-07:00August 4, 2011The ball is rolling! I've embarked on a path that will hopefully lead to Central America and stem cell therapy. My ultimate destination is The Stem Cell Institute (cell medicine.com) in Panama City. Since the beginning of this journey of recovery, my doctors, family, friends, and myself have been discussing and researching the possibilities, as well as the realities, of numerous alternative or progressive treatments (amazing how open-minded one becomes when put in this situation). Stem cell therapy is one of the most important developments in modern medicine, promising potential benefits for numerous afflictions and ailments, including spinal cord injury.<br />
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Stem cell therapy is not readily available in the U.S., although clinical trials are on the rise. Most patients seeking this cutting-edge treatment must travel internationally at significant expense, but the possibility of increased and/or accelerated recovery is well worth the effort- nothing ventured, nothing gained!<br />
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We have approached researching this subject with a level of skepticism as there are, indeed, quacks out there who are little more than snake-oil pitching charlatans.<br />
I've been in contact with the Stem Cell Institute via e-mail and phone and, so far, I'm encouraged by the exchanges we've had. The next step for me is to submit an MRI scan of my injury site and an x-ray of my lumbar spine(where stem cells will be injected directly into my spinal fluid).<br />
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I am excited by the possibilities of the future, and promise to keep updating as this journey unfolds!<br />
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Cheers, BerkeyBerkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8397893660204337544.post-88251315598524962512011-07-29T11:28:00.000-07:002011-07-29T11:28:48.624-07:00July 28, 2011Every few weeks I come into contact with an acquaintance who has not yet heard of my injury- the friend-of-a-friend or a professional relation from a job held years ago. Not everyone is connected to the same coconut telegraph. <br />
Yesterday I rolled into my local dive shop for the first time since I hurt myself. I was there to drop off some gear for repair and was making my way to the service counter when I saw a familiar face. Some of the more tenured employees have known me from ten years ago when I was skippering dive boats out of Mission Bay. After I took off my sunglasses the manager did a triple-take before recognizing me. After he picked his jaw up from the floor I explained what had happened. I felt a little bit guilty for throwing my friend such a curve-ball on a Thursday afternoon but found quickly that if I didn't dwell on it, neither would he. We chatted about the dive business a while and it was like old times...and I think I may get a discount on my bill.Berkeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02680470207915002297noreply@blogger.com0