Topic: Health & Wellness

In 2007, Amanda Perla was one month away from graduating high school when a car accident changed the course of her life in an instant. Her friend fell asleep at the wheel. Amanda broke her neck and nearly severed her spinal cord completely, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down and facing a future that doctors said would never include walking or living independently. What happened next is not just a story of personal recovery. It is the story of a woman who turned her own experience of paralysis into a resource for hundreds of others facing the same diagnosis.

About Amanda Perla

Amanda Perla is a speaker, social media adviser, head of client services at NextStep Orlando, and Brand Ambassador for Myolyn, a company that uses functional electrical stimulation to support therapeutic exercise and functional recovery for people living with paralysis. She is also, by any measure, someone who refused to accept the limits she was handed.

Following her accident and six months of inpatient rehabilitation, Amanda was diagnosed as a C6 incomplete quadriplegic. Doctors told her she would never walk or live an independent life. They suggested to her mother, Liza, that Amanda be placed in a nursing home. Liza’s response was to quit her job and dedicate herself entirely to finding a better path forward.

That path led them to Project Walk, an intensive exercise-based recovery center in California. Amanda and Liza made multiple trips across the country for treatment and were so struck by what they experienced that they began exploring whether something similar could exist closer to home. In 2009, they made it happen. NextStep Orlando opened its doors as one of the first facilities of its kind in Florida, affiliated with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network and now one of four NextStep locations nationwide.

Amanda continues her own recovery journey while helping others navigate theirs. In her spare time she surfs, skis, and pursues adaptive sports of all kinds. She and her husband, Matt Jereczek, are members of The7line, a New York Mets fan club that travels the country watching games at ballparks across the US.

Living with a Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord results in a loss of function, sensation, or mobility. The level and completeness of the injury determines how much function is affected. A C6 incomplete injury, like Amanda’s, means the injury occurred at the sixth cervical vertebra in the neck region, and that some sensation or movement below the injury site remains, even if significantly limited.

For Amanda, the physical reality of her injury was profound. But equally significant was what she was told about her future. Being told at seventeen years old that you will never walk, never live independently, and should consider a nursing home is not just a medical prognosis. It is a statement about what your life is worth. Amanda and her mother chose not to accept it as the final word, and their refusal to do so ultimately created a recovery resource that has given that same choice to hundreds of other people.

NextStep Orlando and the Power of Community Recovery

NextStep Orlando was born directly out of Amanda’s experience as a person living with paralysis and her family’s frustration with the limits of what was being offered. The facility provides intensive, activity-based recovery programs for people living with spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis, grounded in the belief that recovery does not stop at the point where traditional medicine says it does.

As speaker representative and head of client services, Amanda brings something to her work that no training program can provide: she knows exactly what it feels like to sit across from someone who has just been told their life as they knew it is over. And she knows what it means to have someone tell you otherwise.

On a spring day in 2001, Chad Hymas was loading hay on his Utah farm when a 2,000-pound bale collapsed and shattered his neck. He was 27 years old. In an instant, he became a quadriplegic, unable to move his hands, his arms, or most of his body. What happened next is not a story about recovering what was lost. It is a story about discovering what was possible.

About Chad Hymas

Chad Hymas is a best-selling author, world-class wheelchair athlete, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world. In 2003, just two years after his accident, he set a world record by wheeling his chair from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, 513 miles. He is one of the youngest people ever to receive the Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) and to be inducted into the National Speaker Hall of Fame, two of the highest honors in professional speaking.

Chad has served as president of the National Speakers Association Utah chapter and holds membership in the elite Speakers Roundtable, a group of just twenty of the world’s top speakers. He travels as many as 300,000 miles a year, speaking to organizations including Wells Fargo, American Express, AT&T, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Merrill Lynch. The Wall Street Journal has recognized him as one of the ten most influential people in the world.

His speaking work spans leadership, team building, customer service, and navigating life-altering change, topics he does not just speak about, but has lived.

Life as a Quadriplegic

Quadriplegia, also called tetraplegia, is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs and typically the torso as well. It results from injury or illness affecting the spinal cord in the cervical region of the neck. For people living with quadriplegia, daily life requires significant adaptation – from mobility and personal care to communication and independence. No two people experience quadriplegia in exactly the same way, and the degree of function retained depends on the location and severity of the injury.

For Chad, the injury was catastrophic by any measure. Yet the life he has built since 2001 – the records, the accolades, the hundreds of thousands of people he has moved from stages around the world – is not defined by what the accident took from him. It is defined by what he chose to build in its wake.

In this interview with D&A President and Founder Alexandra Nicklas, Chad discusses safety, perspective, faith, and family. He talks about how he transformed his mindset after his life-altering accident, the life lessons he learned from his father, and what it truly means to become the best version of yourself when you feel like you have lost everything.

What Chad Wants You to Know

• A life-altering moment does not have to be a life-ending one. The story continues, you get to decide what it says.
• Perspective is everything. How you choose to see your circumstances shapes everything that follows.
• The people around you, family, community, faith, are not a luxury when you are rebuilding. They are essential.
• There is no greater time to build yourself than when you feel like you have lost everything.
• Disability changes your life. It does not have to diminish it.

Chad Hymas did not survive his accident and go on to do great things despite becoming a quadriplegic, he went on to do great things because of who he chose to become afterward.

Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, group fitness instructor, disability advocate, extreme athlete, and the award-winning author of the book, Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found. Rebecca earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and two master’s degrees from Columbia University in Public Health and Clinical Social Work. In addition, she has received post-graduate training at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy at the Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia and her psychodynamic psychotherapy training from the American Institute for Psychoanalysis. Rebecca is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), she is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), and Tactile Sign Language.

Rebecca was diagnosed at the age of nineteen with Usher Syndrome III, a rare genetic mutation disorder that causes a progressive loss of hearing and vision; it also causes balance issues. Rebecca is completely deaf without the usage of cochlear implants and suffers from severe vision impairment, called retinitis pigmentosa. This vision impairment progresses both centrally and peripherally, resulting in tunnel vision; or as Rebecca calls it, “donut” vision.

Usher’s Syndrome III has not stopped Rebecca from living out her dreams. She has a full-time psychotherapy practice, working with individuals, couples, and families, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, grief/loss, disordered eating, disability, and terminal illness. Rebecca has participated in the 600-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles AIDS Lifecycle ride and has also reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, named Uhuru Point. Her book, Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found, will be the subject of a major motion picture in the future. Rebecca has presented for TEDx Cape May “What’s The Story?” and has been seen on many talk shows, such as the Today Show. Rebecca has also been featured in many major publications such as, The New York Times and The Boston Globe.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Rebecca shares information about her diagnosis, the accommodations she uses daily, and how her remaining senses are heightened. Rebecca advocates for discussion about living with adversity and acknowledges the significance of feeling all her emotions, including loss. Throughout the interview, Rebecca amazes with gumption, grace, and her ingenious nature. She has been quoted saying, “Living with a disability means you have to live creatively, always working to find alternative, imperfect ways to make life work.”

Tasha Schuh is a speaker, resilience expert, singer, songwriter, and author of two books, My Last Step Backward and My Next Move Forward. Tasha started the PITCrew Movement, which is a support team for mental health analogous to a racing team; “It shows the importance of asking for help, supporting one another, and knowing who is there to help us when we need it.” In support and expansion of the PitCrew Movement, Tasha founded the Power of PATH: Building Resilience for Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Curriculum™, which is SAVE* Certified.

Tasha has learned to live life to its fullest despite any obstacles. At sixteen, Tasha was rehearsing for a theatrical performance of “The Wizard of Oz” on her high school stage. During a scene change, she inadvertently fell backward through an open trap door. Tasha fell sixteen feet to the concrete below, ultimately leading to paralysis from the chest down. Doctors were pleasantly surprised when they realized Tasha still had function in her wrists. This realization allowed Tasha to maintain her autonomy; she had the ability to drive, independently eat, apply her own make-up, and complete other tasks.

Tasha has stated that, “To have a wonderful life, people must endure the bad times. When they come out on the other side, they will see that everything is even better than it was before.” With this positive and inspiring life view, Tasha was able to journey forward; earning two bachelor’s degrees, one from Winona State University and one from Maranatha Christian College, being crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA, and receiving the National Rehabilitation Champion Award in 2012. Today, Tasha continues her inspiring path presenting her speech, “Enjoy Your Ride” and through her album, Hold on to Hope. The album features Tasha’s cover of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland, and her first original song entitled, “Hope.”

Alexandra Nicklas, our Different & Able President and Founder, interviews Tasha about her diagnosis, her love of musical theatre, and her work as a motivational speaker. Tasha’s vivacious personality, her empathetic nature, and her amazing spirit illuminates this video, as she shares her amazing life story. Tasha’s vision for her future and others is clear; “Make sure you love every moment of today. Live in a state of awe of your blessings. And never settle for anything that steals your joy.”

*SAVE is an acronym for the following: Signs of suicide, Asking about suicide, Validating feelings, Encouraging help and Expediting treatment.

Dr. Elliot Kaminetzky is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, member of the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT), and the founder CBT Base Camp, a community for mental health professionals. He specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), other anxiety-based disorders in adults and children, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

Dr. Kaminetzky’s My OCD Care, an educational program and clinical treatment process, provides individuals with a goal-forward approach to high quality well-rounded care. With his wealth of knowledge and friendly nature, Dr. Kaminetzky shares his highly praised My OCD Care lecture series to the world. His lectures are free of charge and accessible to anyone that is seeking information and/or treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder.

Dr. Kaminetzky’s affability greets individuals seeking advice and treatment options for OCD, in a compassionate manner. Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, he discusses symptoms, treatments, and innovative strategies for a person living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Kaminetzky encourages those living with OCD to practice mindfulness, find strength in adversity, and seek treatment options, so they can live their best lives.

Victoria Arlen’s life drastically changed in 2006 at the tender age of eleven when she developed two rare conditions known as Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. This was an incredibly rare scenario and Victoria quickly lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move. She slipped into a vegetative state in which doctors had written her off as a lost cause. Victoria spent nearly four years “locked” inside her own body completely aware of what was going on, just unable to move or communicate. Doctors believed there was little hope of survival and recovery was unlikely. Victoria, however, was not ready to give up. In 2010 after almost four years, she began the nearly impossible fight back to life. Learning how to speak, eat and move all over again.

Victoria went on to exceedingly defy the odds and not only recovered but has since become an accomplished Motivational Speaker, Television Host and Swimmer. Her swimming resume includes three Silvers and a Gold medal from the London 2012 Paralympic Games as well as multiple World, American and Pan American Records.

In April 2015, Victoria made the transition from professional athlete to sportscaster and joined ESPN as one of the youngest on air talents hired by the company and reports and hosts across all platforms. In the Spring of 2016 Victoria defied yet another odd and after spending nearly a decade in a wheelchair paralyzed from the waist down was able to learn how take one step after another and eventually not only did she learn how to walk but within a year and a half in the Fall of 2017 she learned to dance as a contestant on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. Victoria and her dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy quickly became fan favorites.

Victoria is also carrying out her dream of helping others, serving as the Founder and Co-Chair of Victoria’s Victory Foundation, a nonprofit that assists those with mobility challenges to achieve their own personal victory.

Victoria’s book, titled Locked In, hit stores worldwide in August of 2018. In July of 2019 in addition to her ESPN duties, Victoria was announced as the new host of American Ninja Warrior Jr, Season 2 which launched in February 2020. Victoria has also branched into more creative spaces in acting, producing, fashion and hosting.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Victoria opens up about the importance of creating a bucket list, the smartest ways to stay physically strong, and her tactics for facing and embracing challenges. In the interview, viewers can clearly see that Victoria continues to push the boundaries of what others see as impossible. Victoria has become world famous, not only for her story and accomplishments, but for her message: “Face It, Embrace It, Defy It, Conquer It.”

Dr. Junella Chin is an integrative cannabinoid medicine physician, having received her Medical Degree from Touro University and her BS in Nutrition & Food Science, Biochemistry from Cornell University. She is a Board Member of American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM), Co-founder & Medical Director at Medical Cannabis Mentor, Chief Medical Advisor at CannabisMD.com, Miraculo, and Chief Medical Advisor at Artemis CBD Shop.

For over a decade, Dr. Chin lived and practiced medicine in California, a state with legalized medical cannabis since 1996. Her integrative medical practice focuses on children and adults with intractable epilepsy, autism, cancer, and chronic pain. She has seen firsthand just how much medical cannabis can benefit patients.

Dr. Chin is a chronic pain survivor. Doctors suggested opiate pain medications, steroids, epidurals, and ultimately surgery to fuse the spine. As a result of her experience, Dr. Chin decided to dedicate her medical career to finding effective, integrative and holistic approaches to patient care. She has been an advocate for better understanding of the science and medicine of cannabis and has been profiled for her work in St. Jude’s Medical Center, Huffington Post, Cornell University, Good Housekeeping, USA Today, and NBC TODAY.

Dr. Chin and her team of doctors are now bicoastal, servicing patients of California and New York. They have been integrating medical cannabis since 2001. She is a frequent keynote speaker on the science and medicine of cannabis and has spoken at hospitals, conferences, and events all over the world.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Dr. Chin discusses her experience with chronic pain, the intricacies of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD), and how important it is that patients form a relationship with their doctor while being treated. She also talks about how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) can be used to support our sleep. In the interview, viewers will see how Dr. Chin is a powerhouse of knowledge in medical and consumer perspectives about CBD applications in modern medicine and culture.

Josh LaBarge is a personal trainer, the owner of Conquer Fitness, and an epilepsy advocate. Throughout his life, he has struggled with a genetic form of epilepsy. Josh uses his own story and fitness journey to empower others to “conquer” their own fitness and wellness goals. Josh recently sat down with our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas to chronicle his life with epilepsy.

In the interview, Josh discusses the challenges of his medication regimen, the injuries he has sustained during seizure episodes, the support of his family and friends, his life-long mission to stay active, and succeed in seizure self-management. Josh’s charismatic personality and honest manner is evident through the course of the video. His attitude towards obtaining and sustaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount for him and his clients.

Like most, Josh looked for structure and wellness in his college years. He knew he had to curb his unhealthy routines; and he succeeded to forge a future, that has enabled his inner and outer strength. His “lick your wounds and move on” mentality, has helped him earn role model status and be seizure free for three years.

Amy Zellmer is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, editor in chief of The Brain Health Magazine, and advocate of traumatic brain injury (TBI). She hosts the “Faces of TBI” podcast series as well as “TBI TV” on YouTube, and co-hosts The Brain Health Online Summit. She is a frequent contributor to Thrive Global, and has created a private Facebook group for TBI survivors.

In February 2014, Amy Zellmer slipped on a patch of ice and fell, forcibly landing on the back of her skull. The impact briefly knocked her out, and when she started to get up, she immediately knew something was very wrong. Amy had suffered a TBI and her life had changed forever. Amy struggled with daily routines and became frustrated. Through research and the help of Jeremy Schmoe, DACNB, a chiropractic functional neurology diplomate who runs the Functional Neurology Center, Amy was able to recover and advocate for others with TBI.

Amy sits on the Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC) through the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) and is involved locally with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. Her two books, Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal and Embracing the Journey: Moving Forward After Brain Injury both received a silver medal in the Midwest Book Awards. As a motivational speaker, Amy travels with her Yorkie, Pixxie, to help raise awareness about TBI, which is a silent and invisible injury that affects over 3.5 million Americans each year.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Amy discusses her life as a TBI survivor and advocate. She also clears up some common misconceptions regarding brain injuries and survivors, talks about the importance of self-care, and shares her top three success strategies for recovery. Amy is out to change the landscape of what brain care looks like for herself and other TBI survivors. “I am hopeful that my memory will continue to improve, and that my cognitive function comes back to full capacity. But for now, I am who I am,” Amy states.

Brooke Pelczynski is an artist, illustrator, and comic creating multiple sclerosis fighter, based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of The School of Visual Arts and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration. Brooke recently became the art director for Health Union, an online health community.

In 2012, Brooke was diagnosed with a neurological degenerative disease, known as multiple sclerosis, when she was a junior in college. After finding out she was diagnosed, she did not want to draw anymore. However, Brooke now uses her art to express the challenges of multiple sclerosis and has spoken openly about the struggles that come with it. Her main objective is to produce as much work as possible and to learn how to adapt and be open to new ways to create.

Brooke has spoken at Columbia University about the challenges multiple sclerosis has taken on her artistic life and continues to speak openly about the struggles it will cause in the future. Her work has been honored by the society of illustrators, she has been featured by Yahoo for International Women’s Day and is an Adobe Creative Jam winner.

Brooke was also featured as a consultant and illustrator on the revisited “DarkHawk” Marvel comic book for the 30th anniversary celebration of the superhero. Written by Kyle Higgins, the main character of a new, five-issue reprise of the original “Darkhawk” Marvel comic battles crime while navigating his way through being newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “It’s very, very cool to see MS in the mainstream where it’s not portrayed as some super-debilitating disease,” said Brooke in the edited transcript. “And it’s nice to see a character go through the diagnosis process — which is the worst part — and then see them do something with it.”

In this interview, with our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Brooke speaks about adapting to adversity, knowing your value as an artist, and about the challenges multiple sclerosis has taken on her artistic life. Brooke also discusses how her art has helped her communicate, connect with others, and cope with this chronic disease. Brooke states that her work is now “more abstract and more beautiful than it used to be, and I think that has made me a better artist. I’m making work that makes sense to me and to my life and my diagnosis.”

To find out more about Brooke Pelczynski:

• IG: @brookepelczynski
• FB: Brooke Pelczynski | Facebook
• Fine art on @b.zinski
• Illos // art direction @brookepelczynski_art