A little snow

I'm from Wyoming and I've spent all of my life dealing with the cold and snow during the long winters. The last 5 years have been a little different, because I've battled the winter from a wheelchair. I'm thankful that I'm able to do all the things I do, even when the easiest thing to do is stay at home or give up, Be thankful everyday, even when the times are tough you never know when it can all change!

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

What Turns Me On?

What Turns You on May Be Completely Different...

I have a stimulator that has been implanted inside me, it allows me to stand up, move my legs, toes, and ankles. It has to be turned on. It's amazing the feeling I get when I stand up, after being told that it wouldn't ever happen again.

Sometimes people ask me "how do you turn the stimualtor on and how does it work?" Take a look... I even come with a remote control.

Besides standing it also has improved my bone density, increased blood flow, and circulation. I've also received improvement in my bowel, bladder, and sexual function and that puts my life at a different level.Its has giving me confidence to do things that maybe I wouldn't have ever tried without the stimulator, and that's why I have started the Dustin Shillcox Foundation to help improve the lives of people who are in wheelchairs and do everything I can to help make the stimulator a procedure that everyone can get. Then, together, we all can work towards our dream! To walk again!!  -Dustin

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Stuck in my wheelchair. Getting into your car/truck!

307.870.6764

Stuck in a Wheelchair... Who would ever guess...

Dustin Shillcox, paraplegic and inspiration shares how it is done: Stuck in my chair. Getting into your car/truck...

When I get into my truck everyday, it takes me about 45 seconds to get in and out. I'm grateful that I have the ability to get in and drive my own truck even though it's hard sometime. On the days when I'm at the gym and have had a great workout the last thing I want to do is go transfer into my vehicle. On a day when it's raining, the wind is blowing or just freezing cold, those are the days when it gets frustrating. I'm not complaining this is just one thing that I do a little different than most, but now you can see how I get into my ride.

Getting into my Truck- Take One: (It's OK to Laugh)

It's not always easy, especially when my foot and leg get stuck in the chair.(Wheelchairs suck a little for this reason).

Getting into my Truck- Take Two:

This is how it's done.  

Oh yeah, remember to buckle up. I wasn't strapped in the day of my accident. Things could have been much different.

-Dustin
 

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Standing Again, Moving My Legs it's Happening

 

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Progress Boom!!!!!

Goal Setting...

I know it takes time and some things longer than others, but when you have a vision and you set goals anything is possible. 

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

Faith

Reflections from a Wheelchair...

As I've been reflecting on my life, being in a wheelchair, facing challenges that most people don't realize, I have learned quite a bit about myself. 

When I was first injured, I knew that it would be a lot of hard work and time in order for me to get back on my feet and into the life I once had. As time went on, I started to wonder if I would ever be able to walk or even stand again. 

From the beginning my family, friends, and I all hoped that I would be back on my feet in no time. After two years of hard work I had seen no progress. That's when I decided that I was no longer going to rely on hope, but have faith. I'm not talking about religion, but "faith" believing in something and knowing that it will happen. Like Jim Carry said "hope is for beggars, hope walks through fires, when faith leaps over it".

I put faith in my goal to walk again with hard work and dedication, I'm now standing, moving my legs, toes, and ankles. I've even have improvement back in my bathroom abilities and sexual functions. It may not be back to 100% but it's a good start, I'm going to keep pushing forward and having the faith that I will walk again one day.

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman

The next step...

My experience in New York and for the entire preparation to be there has been a great learning point for me. I've worked out, trained hard, went on a diet, and worked on my public speaking over the last 6 months. Being in New York and completing the New York City Marathon was a great achievement for me even though I was 11 minutes over my predicted time. I also had the opportunity to be in magazines and covered by some local news casts which kind of brought me to the next step.

photo by Christine DiPasquale

The goals I have now are a little different...

First, I'm still going to work with the stimulator and keep making progress in spinal cord research.

Second, I plan to keep doing motivational speaking, improving peoples lives, and growing the Dustin Shillcox Foundation.

Third, now that I can stand, I'd like to do things that are challenging for me and dancing is one of them. So, if Taylor Swift would accompany me in my first dance, that would be amazing. (After all, wheelchair dating is difficult.)

Fourth, I'm going to keep working out, staying fit, training and improving my life because I know that walking one day will be in my future. It's just going to take dedication and hard work, but I'm ready for the "next steps" in my life!

Fifth, The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is partnering with Rivengear and going to start a clothing line and the proceeds will go towards individuals who are in need of assistance for physical therapy and spinal cord research. 

I have so many goals to work on right now, but one step at a time!!

-Dustin 

Dustin Shillcox’s life drastically changed when he was in a car accident August 2010 and sustained major spinal cord damage, a broken upper arm, collapsed lungs, broken ribs, cracked sternum & mild brain injury. Dustin’s complete T-5 spinal cord injury (SCI) left him with no feeling below his mid-chest, causing paralysis from the chest down.

Now paralyzed, and living his life in a wheel chair, Dustin was told he would never again be able to move below his waist again, but after participating in a cutting edge SCI research project, at the University of Kentucky in Louisville, he is now able to move his legs and stand once again. Dustin is living his life to the fullest, sharing his story, journey of overcoming obstacles, and faith while raising funds for spinal cord research. Through his motivational speaking and the Dustin Shillcox Foundation, he is helping to improve the lives of people in wheelchairs.

Dustin delivers an inspiring message about never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude in his speech "What Are You Gonna Do Now?" Inquire about Dustin's availability to speak at your next business meeting, conference, charity event, school, church or graduation event. If you are looking to inspire your crowd to overcome personal challenges, and motivate into action, Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

written by Nickel Lowman