Leslie's story
Leslie Segars, a dedicated program director from the Bronx, loved spending time with her family. However, in an instant, her cherished family life came to sudden halt due to an accident at home.
One morning, she fell out of bed and hit her head and neck on her dresser. She was rushed to the hospital, and tests confirmed that the blow to her head and neck resulted in an incomplete spinal cord injury.
As a result, Leslie experienced tetraplegia, paralysis and weakness affecting all four limbs. Because her injury was incomplete (meaning that the brain can still communicate to the areas of the body below the injury), there was hope that she could regain movement and strength in her body. Leslie faced profound physical challenges including weakness in her legs and hands, numbness in her fingers and toes.
After she was medically stable, Leslie needed intense rehabilitation to regain the skills that she lost and re-learn to do everyday tasks. She chose to go to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - West Orange.
Upon admission, Leslie faced numerous challenges including poor proprioception (sense of where your body is and how it is moving), balance issues and diminished strength and coordination. Her goals were clear: to regain the ability to walk and return to her career. Under the care of a physician-led team of therapists, Leslie began an arduous rehabilitation program tailored to her needs and goals.
When Leslie first arrived, she had to be moved using a mechanical lift, which allows a person to be lifted and transferred. Her occupational therapy sessions focused on activities of daily living (ADLs), such as sitting, balance and transfers. She was introduced to theraputty to help her regain strength and coordination in her hands.
A pivotal moment in Leslie's recovery came when her therapist encouraged her to push beyond her comfort zone. “After my first weekend, [she] encouraged me to try,” she recalled. “That was my turning point for healing after being down on myself ... and then graduating from the [mechanical] lift.”
Physical therapy interventions included cardiac walker training, wheelchair skills and exercises to enhance Leslie’s strength and endurance. Using state-of-the-art equipment, including weight-assisted treadmills, Litegait and EKSO robotics, Leslie began to regain the strength to move her body, giving her the chance to relearn key motor skills.
Additionally, vocational rehabilitation initiatives were implemented to facilitate Leslie's return to work, a crucial aspect of her recovery.
Reflecting on her experience, Leslie expressed gratitude for the care and encouragement of her therapy team. "Being supportive, compassionate and challenging me to progress," she said, were instrumental in her rehabilitation success.
Throughout her rehabilitation, Leslie's daughters and brothers participated in training programs and provided support and motivation.
As she looked forward to transitioning to outpatient rehabilitation, Leslie offered words of advice for those who find themselves in a similar situation: "You have to put in the work, and you have to choose to be a part of your recovery."
One morning, she fell out of bed and hit her head and neck on her dresser. She was rushed to the hospital, and tests confirmed that the blow to her head and neck resulted in an incomplete spinal cord injury.
As a result, Leslie experienced tetraplegia, paralysis and weakness affecting all four limbs. Because her injury was incomplete (meaning that the brain can still communicate to the areas of the body below the injury), there was hope that she could regain movement and strength in her body. Leslie faced profound physical challenges including weakness in her legs and hands, numbness in her fingers and toes.
After she was medically stable, Leslie needed intense rehabilitation to regain the skills that she lost and re-learn to do everyday tasks. She chose to go to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (KIR) - West Orange.
Upon admission, Leslie faced numerous challenges including poor proprioception (sense of where your body is and how it is moving), balance issues and diminished strength and coordination. Her goals were clear: to regain the ability to walk and return to her career. Under the care of a physician-led team of therapists, Leslie began an arduous rehabilitation program tailored to her needs and goals.
When Leslie first arrived, she had to be moved using a mechanical lift, which allows a person to be lifted and transferred. Her occupational therapy sessions focused on activities of daily living (ADLs), such as sitting, balance and transfers. She was introduced to theraputty to help her regain strength and coordination in her hands.
A pivotal moment in Leslie's recovery came when her therapist encouraged her to push beyond her comfort zone. “After my first weekend, [she] encouraged me to try,” she recalled. “That was my turning point for healing after being down on myself ... and then graduating from the [mechanical] lift.”
Physical therapy interventions included cardiac walker training, wheelchair skills and exercises to enhance Leslie’s strength and endurance. Using state-of-the-art equipment, including weight-assisted treadmills, Litegait and EKSO robotics, Leslie began to regain the strength to move her body, giving her the chance to relearn key motor skills.
Additionally, vocational rehabilitation initiatives were implemented to facilitate Leslie's return to work, a crucial aspect of her recovery.
Reflecting on her experience, Leslie expressed gratitude for the care and encouragement of her therapy team. "Being supportive, compassionate and challenging me to progress," she said, were instrumental in her rehabilitation success.
Throughout her rehabilitation, Leslie's daughters and brothers participated in training programs and provided support and motivation.
As she looked forward to transitioning to outpatient rehabilitation, Leslie offered words of advice for those who find themselves in a similar situation: "You have to put in the work, and you have to choose to be a part of your recovery."