On Sunday and Monday September 10th and 11th, 2023, Carlos began his rehabilitation at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center (UHealth Jackson Rehabilitation Care | Inpatient & Outpatient Services  (https://rehabilitation.jacksonhealth.org/)).  Carlos was met by his rehabilitation team which includes staff from occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy (ST), physical therapy (PT), and members of the Miami Project to Cure paralysis headed by Dr. Barth A. Green (Barth A. Green, M.D. - The Miami Project (https://www.themiamiproject.org/faculty/barth-green/)).  

Carlos was able to begin learning the use of a specialized wheelchair that offers him the ability to not only finally get out of his bed and his room, but provides him the support and ability to frequently change positions to keep his spine moving rather than remaining stationary.

His OT provided Carlos and his family a tour of the facility and even got some sunshine outside on the rooftop terrace.  The facility provides extensive PT/OT resources to include a state of the art gym, adaptive swimming pool, a lifestyle lab where Carlos can become familiar with daily routines like getting into and out of a car, driving, getting in and out of an airplane, doing laundry, and cooking.  We’re told that Carlos will be cooking his family and the OT meals in just a few weeks!

Carlos and his family have a challenging road ahead but they cannot thank the community and loved ones that have provided words of encouragement, support and assistance enough.  

Carlos is a fighter and is ready to get to work!