Project Walk Press Release

[Snowman]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PROJECT WALK, INC. TEAMS WITH REHABILITION INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN
AND WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
FOR GROUNDBREAKING SPINAL CORD INJURY RECOVERY
RESEARCH PROJECT



CARLSBAD, CA - October 10, 2002 - Project Walk, Inc. Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Program in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine will begin an intensive year-and-a-half research project documenting the progress and success of a new SCI recovery program. Launch date is scheduled for October 15, 2002. The first round of findings will be presented at the annual American Paraplegia Society scientific meeting in Las Vegas, NV in 2003 with a more comprehensive research report to be released in 2004 comparing patient results in Project Walk vs. traditional rehabilitation programs over a 15 month timeframe.

Researchers will begin testing new clients on their first day at Project Walk and will continue follow-up testing and on-going documentation of each client's progress via monthly/bi-monthly meetings. Doctors and researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine are very interested in studying and documenting the Project Walk methodology and hope to provide on-going assistance to help continuously improve the program with the ultimate goal of shortening recovery time.

In the last three years, clients participating in Project Walk have experienced recovery beyond that predicted during their initial rehabilitation. Now, in collaboration with the medical and scientific communities, the data to be acquired over the next 15 months will help to support the importance of Project Walk's methods for enhancing recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury. "We are the only recovery center that is not driven by research, but rather by our clients' individual goals", said Ted Dardzinski, founder of Project Walk, Inc. based in Carlsbad, CA. "Project Walk is different because we believe that an SCI patient can recover. We promise to match each client's efforts and to work the clients harder than they would be worked anywhere else. Our job is to assist the client in achieving their recovery goal."

The team at Project Walk has engaged in thousands of hours working with and understanding the needs of SCI clients. Their program was developed primarily through hours of hands-on work resulting in repeated patterns of improvement and recovery. According to Tammy Dardzinski, co-founder of Project Walk, "After interviewing over 30 new clients from around the United States this summer, we know that our program is very unique and not currently offered anywhere else which is why our partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine comes at a very important time. There are so many individuals who have suffered from spinal cord injuries that need the hope and results we believe Project Walk can provide."

Currently Project Walk has over 30 SCI clients. Never before have so many SCI clients been in one center with one common goal. The Project Walk team is currently recruiting for SCI clients who would like to participate in this active recovery research program.

They are currently seeking out clients who have been injured less than six months or up to two years post injury. For more information or to arrange for a trial visit, please email them at projectwalk@cox.net.

Founded in 1999, Project Walk is a worldwide leader in the SCI recovery arena. It is an intensive workout program for people with spinal cord injuries and a goal of full recovery. The Project Walk program was developed through non-traditional methods by non-traditional trainers. Each has degrees in various fields including kinesiology, exercise physiology and nutrition. Their out-of-the-box thinking comes from expertise in the fields of posture and gait analysis, and performance training.

The company's headquarters are in Carlsbad, CA. Project Walk's web site is located at http://www.projectwalk.org.

PROJECT WALK, INC.
2738 LOKER AVENUE, SUITE C, CARLSBAD, CA 92008
OFFICE: (760) 734-4588
E-MAIL: projectwalk@cox.net

Eric Harness,CSCS
Project Walk (http://www.projectwalk.org)

[Jim]

Keep kickin SCI's ASS Snowman!


peace, jim

... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif...

[MADPRODUCER]

Originally posted by Snowman:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PROJECT WALK, INC. TEAMS WITH REHABILITION INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN
AND WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
FOR GROUNDBREAKING SPINAL CORD INJURY RECOVERY
RESEARCH PROJECT



CARLSBAD, CA - October 10, 2002 - Project Walk, Inc. Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Program in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine will begin an intensive year-and-a-half research project documenting the progress and success of a new SCI recovery program. Launch date is scheduled for October 15, 2002. The first round of findings will be presented at the annual American Paraplegia Society scientific meeting in Las Vegas, NV in 2003 with a more comprehensive research report to be released in 2004 comparing patient results in Project Walk vs. traditional rehabilitation programs over a 15 month timeframe.

Researchers will begin testing new clients on their first day at Project Walk and will continue follow-up testing and on-going documentation of each client's progress via monthly/bi-monthly meetings. Doctors and researchers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine are very interested in studying and documenting the Project Walk methodology and hope to provide on-going assistance to help continuously improve the program with the ultimate goal of shortening recovery time.

In the last three years, clients participating in Project Walk have experienced recovery beyond that predicted during their initial rehabilitation. Now, in collaboration with the medical and scientific communities, the data to be acquired over the next 15 months will help to support the importance of Project Walk's methods for enhancing recovery following traumatic spinal cord injury. "We are the only recovery center that is not driven by research, but rather by our clients' individual goals", said Ted Dardzinski, founder of Project Walk, Inc. based in Carlsbad, CA. "Project Walk is different because we believe that an SCI patient can recover. We promise to match each client's efforts and to work the clients harder than they would be worked anywhere else. Our job is to assist the client in achieving their recovery goal."

The team at Project Walk has engaged in thousands of hours working with and understanding the needs of SCI clients. Their program was developed primarily through hours of hands-on work resulting in repeated patterns of improvement and recovery. According to Tammy Dardzinski, co-founder of Project Walk, "After interviewing over 30 new clients from around the United States this summer, we know that our program is very unique and not currently offered anywhere else which is why our partnership with the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan (RIM) and Wayne State University School of Medicine comes at a very important time. There are so many individuals who have suffered from spinal cord injuries that need the hope and results we believe Project Walk can provide."

Currently Project Walk has over 30 SCI clients. Never before have so many SCI clients been in one center with one common goal. The Project Walk team is currently recruiting for SCI clients who would like to participate in this active recovery research program.

They are currently seeking out clients who have been injured less than six months or up to two years post injury. For more information or to arrange for a trial visit, please email them at projectwalk@cox.net.

Founded in 1999, Project Walk is a worldwide leader in the SCI recovery arena. It is an intensive workout program for people with spinal cord injuries and a goal of full recovery. The Project Walk program was developed through non-traditional methods by non-traditional trainers. Each has degrees in various fields including kinesiology, exercise physiology and nutrition. Their out-of-the-box thinking comes from expertise in the fields of posture and gait analysis, and performance training.

The company's headquarters are in Carlsbad, CA. Project Walk's web site is located at http://www.projectwalk.org.

PROJECT WALK, INC.
2738 LOKER AVENUE, SUITE C, CARLSBAD, CA 92008
OFFICE: (760) 734-4588
E-MAIL: projectwalk@cox.net

Eric Harness,CSCS
http://www.projectwalk.org Im still waiting on my free trial... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[antiquity]

Great news, way to go PW!

[Schmeky]

I contacted Ted Dardinski via e-mail on 10-9-02 and he provided a prompt reply. Cost of the program is $3,000.00 per month, plus per diem, which could easily cost $1,500.00 (or more) per month. $4,500.00 x 12 months = $54,000 per year. Is there any form of financial assistance available?

[-Andrea-]

From what I've heard and read, PW is a gimmick. I, too, experienced function beyond what was "predicted" for me -- I still am regaining function. For a C4 C5 quad, I am able to stand, do facilitated walking, have normal sensation, etc., etc. And ALL without ever attending PW. Join a gym and get a personal trainer...it's a lot cheaper!

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. ~Albert Einstein

[foster]

From what I hear and read Mimia Project is just building penthouses and wasting money. But you know what, unless I was there and saw for my own eyes I can"t say anything bad about them. We are here seeing with our own eyes whats going happening with the people here. So please don't put something down untill you see for yourself.

[-Andrea-]

I was not "putting anything down." I was simply stating MY opinion. I am just as "pro-cure" as the rest of you, but judging from what I have read, PW seems like a waste of $$. What Miami exactly does, I do not know, but I sure haven't seen any "penthouses" at the LIFE Center. Furthermore, I DO know Miami has been GREAT to me: I've participated in studies w/them and hope to do the Lokomat. When I have free time, I work out to keep my body in top shape should a cure arrive.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. ~Albert Einstein

[Chris Chappell]

Andrea, PW is not a "gimmick". And calling something a gimmick when many clients have invested their lives into an opportunity is putting something down. Could MP be called a gimmick? And Foster didn't knock your opinion nor question your passion for a cure. Why be defensive?

Personally Andrea, as someone who has been to and experienced PW they are the real thing and accomplishing real results. If you'd like details I'd be happy to share. Don't knock something unless you have first hand experience.

And as far as therapies go when one calculates the investment into recovery do you think that any of us will be able to undergo any cure treatments without laying out big (six figure) bucks? If recovery through exercise comes at a price tag of $50,000 or $10,000 or $70,000 then in the greater context of things isn't it relatively inexpensive?


As far as MP, your experiences there, return of function, etc. Good for you. I don't know why people always want to bash them (MP)? I've heard both good and bad.

Let's try and remember that we're all after a common goal. Whether it be at PW, MP, etc. Hope and hard work towards the cure.

Are you sure you're not echoing your boyfriend's (Rus's) comments / attitude? They sound pretty similar.

Peace.

Onward and Upward!

[blue]

Sounds like PW might be a good investment. Are they welcoming any interested investors?

[dahliasinbloom]

You mentioned in a previous post that you had worked out at Project Walk and plan on returning. I don't remember how long you were there. Could you please share with us what type of exercises you did at PW and any recovery (or sign of recovery) you saw.

Thank you, Jan

P.S. I agree, we all need to keep an open mind. No sense discarding a therapy before it even has a chance to prove itself, one way or the other. And as far as I'm concerned, ANY return is an accomplishment and should be celebrated.

[Chris Chappell]

Jan,

I was at PW from 09/09 - 09/14. I did spend one day the previous week just checkin' it out and talking to people. Something I would recommend before starting a workout.

Workouts; When I got to PW on the 9th (my session started at 10:00am) I immediately got on the floor/mat. Range of motion / stretching to begin. Then a variety of strength tests for balance, coordination, function and stabilization. Push-ups, medicine ball exercises, abdominal, lower back, bridging. For example, we used a product from www.bosu.com (http://www.bosu.com) to facilitate some of the exercises. This was intensive and lasted about 2 1/2 hours.

After lunch it was on to the total gym (www.totalgym.com (http://www.totalgym.com)) for assisted leg presses as well as 'lat'strengthening exercises. Then to the spin-bike for 15mins - 1/2 hour (its amazing to ride a spin bike with no motor control of your legs. By using a hip to hip side to side motion and zero resistance I was able to "spin". Talk about a http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif high!) Lastly I was harnessed in and hoisted above an elliptical trainer (also called a natural runner www.startrac.com (http://www.startrac.com)) and had my feet positioned and locked down with snowboard bindings. Pressed the button and I was 'walking'. Did that for about an hour.

Day 2-4 was the same although the variations were different, as well as the sequence and duration.

I need to get going but let me end with this. The exercises and equipment at PW are easily repeatable and achievable within your own home. You are not paying, necessarily, for the equipment at PW. What you are paying for is the customization of YOUR workouts to achieve YOUR goals which may be different than the next person (strength, balance, coordination is different for everyone). You're paying for the experience, guidance, camaraderie, motivation and support. And besides are you going to kick your own butt for 5hrs a day, 5 days a week for however long it takes? Personally, I find it very difficult to do it on my own.

Barring any unscheduled problems, I'm scheduled to go and start my recovery program in January.

Hope I answered your question(s)?

Onward and Upward!

[Jim]

Chris,

I understand why you feel the need to defend Project Walk, I fully support them also.

Bringing Rus up in your response to Andrea, was not cool man. Andrea is a strong and intelligent woman who thinks and speaks on her own. Rus has nothing to do with it.

peace, jim

... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif...

[Schmeky]

I have no voluntary movement below my T-4 injury level 6 months post. However, I have regained some sensation below my injury level, i.e. some abs, hip sensation, etc. Does PW accept, and most importantly, achieve gains with individuals similiar to myself? You've been there and talked with people, so what's your take?

[-Andrea-]

Thanks, Jim. Rus and I have never even discussed Project Walk! And, believe it or not, I *am* able to think for myself. Sorry if you construed what I posted as "defensive". I was just offering my opinion. Good for you, Chris ~ I hope you improve. As for me -- I'll keep an open mind and keep doing the same thing you are...but, for free http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Andrea

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. ~Albert Einstein

[-Andrea-]

And as far as the "big bucks" are concerned, I agree...6-figures is nothing. I'd hand over everything I have in exchange for my life back.

Good luck w/everything

A. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. ~Albert Einstein

[Chris Chappell]

Schmeky,

Yes, as a T4 or really any injury PW can try to help you. In fact as I think about it about half the clients at PW were/are paras and the other half quads.

Additionally, I would guess that most of us who were diagnosed as 'complete' and that are now 'incomplete' have either gotten improvement naturally or through exercise (my case).

My experience at PW was that every client I met was diagnosed 'complete' and is now 'incomplete'.

Go for it!

Onward and Upward!

[MADPRODUCER]

Originally posted by JLB:

Keep kickin SCI's ASS Snowman!


peace, jim


you work forp



... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif...you work for pj walk. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[T-Bone]

Has Project Walk's web site been down? I have not been able to get into it for some time. I think project walk would work better for people who do not live in the area if there was an organized bording & transportation arangement i.e. arranged room mates, etc. I agree that that the cost for the therapy is worth the quality of therapy you get; however, Carlesbad is a high rent district...meaning for the most of us, the other members of the family need to stay in their home town to work and pay for the therapy, room and board, etc. Has Project Walk looked into converting a nearby building into a dormatory? This could be more equitable for your business and attract more people from out of the area? Also, how about franchising your company?

[Chris Chappell]

T-bone, smart thinking.

When I was there and talking to Ted he genuinely understands the issues of relocation, etc. Ultimately, in a perfect setting, there would be a "campus" atmosphere with housing (maybe a dormitory), nursing / aide staff, a cafeteria, pool, etc. Being that its still in its infancy PW has a long way, if they choose, to go inm terms of expansion and other services. As of now PW is more concerned with results. Obviously with results comes opportunity to expand.

You're right though it is a relatively high rent district.

If anyone happened to catch 60 Minutes last night. There was a great piece about the company SAS in NC and the myriad of services they provide their employees. I sat there imagining such a place for CNS recovery. Maybe someday.

Btw, I think they're trying to update their site. Sometimes trying .org vs .com seems to work. Give it a try.
Onward and Upward!

[Snowman]

Our website is at www.projectwalk.ORG (http://www.projectwalk.ORG) not .COM

If you go to .COM it is a website under construction.

If you click on the link under my name it will take you right to it.



We are currently working on the materials necessary to franchise our program to other areas. This may take some time as we are growing rapidly and are trying to keep up. Last year at this time it was Ted, Tammy, and myself working with 7 or 8 clients. We now have 16 trainers and 30+ clients, with new clients entering the program every week.

We are also working with the SCI Special Fund to raise money to help people pay for housing and transportation in the area.

http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

Eric Harness,CSCS
Project Walk (http://www.projectwalk.org)

[Schmeky]

I spoke with Tammy on 10/15/02 about a resource list on places to rent/stay in the near vicinity of their center. Chris, where are you staying and do you have any info you can share? I am scheduling a trip the first or second week in Nov. 02, for a one week workout to see if I can cut the mustard. I plan on staying a minimum of six months, hopefully beginning in Nov or Dec of this year.

Tammy indicated they have clients with my injury level and similiar return that are taking their first steps after two months of therapy. Another person is now standing on their own. I'm ready.

I am not willing to wait for a cure for 10 years or longer.

[T-Bone]

Snowman, Would it be possible to list possible housing arranagements near your facility and possible transportation on your website. We want to go to Project Walk within the next 4 months but we do not know how to go about housing & transportation.

[Chris Chappell]

Guys, under the site www.projectwalk.org (http://www.projectwalk.org) there are hotel suggestions. Also, make a few calls to the Marriott for their 'residence stay' program or other extended stay programs (Hilton, Sheraton, etc.). Also, try going to www.qwestdex.com (http://www.qwestdex.com) , looking up Carlsbad, CA then "hotels" under the business listing and that should find you more options.

You can rent vehicles with hand controls from Hertz, Avis, National, etc. There is also taxi service. You might be able to rent a ramp van as well but you'll need to get on the phone and hunt.

Good luck.

Onward and Upward!

[Schmeky]

These hotels are EXPENSIVE, I've called several in the area. The best "extended" rate I was quoted was $74.00 a day, which equates to $2,294.00 a month, ouch! An apartment is a lot cheaper and Tammy Darzinski says they are working on a list of apartments in the immediate area.

[Schmeky]

For those that may be considering making a pilgrimage to PW, this is the best way I have found for locating an apartment (in case you didn't already know of this website) www.apartment.com (http://www.apartment.com)

[Schmeky]

I have reserved a 1 bedroom apartment in Vista, California. I will take occupancy on November 18, 02. This is also my first scheduled therapy day at Project Walk. I will look for you in January, 03, when you arrive. Good luck!!