Paralysis and Broken Bones

Stand Up Sunday... The Destiny of Bone Density

 

Have you ever broken a bone? Many paralysis patients are destined to break a bone because bone density loss is common for patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Low calcium and other minerals that are lacking are often a cause for bone mineral density (BMD) loss that leads to osteoporosis. Stress and weigh on a bone can cause a fracture, and is a risk Dustin takes as he works out each week. The benefits of working out and standing up far outweigh the risk of breaking a bone. Working out actually reduces the risk of BMD. It makes since to work out, but Dustin must be smart about it. Standing up is risky for a paralysis patient and there are few people in the world that are able to do it. Dustin is one of the lucky few. Dustin works with his epidural stimulator each day so he can better his life and the lives of others by showing how the cutting edge medical technology can benefit others with paralysis. It's Stand Up Sunday- Standing Up to prevent bone density loss.

Dustin continues to keep going and lets little stop him. Dustin is standing up to make a difference for himself and others. Dustin leads a foundation focused on helping others and participates in a spinal cord study that allows a cutting edge medical device, epidural stimulator, implanted inside of him to a help him stand up and reduce the side effects of paralysis including poor circulation that leads to atrophy, decreased sexual function and bone density loss.

Dustin will be in Las Vegas, NV July 30th at the Unstuck 2.0 Conference sharing his story about moving forward and making a difference.  Purchase your ticket to hear Dustin and other great speakers share their stories as they stand up for what they believe in. Use code: Dustin at checkout. It's Stand Up Sunday- What are you gonna do?

Clothing for a Cause: order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 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

Stand Up for Better Blood Flow

Stand Up Sunday...

Get the blood flowing. Once again it's Sunday. and everyday Dustin chooses to get out of this chair and work towards his goals of being able to walk again. Everyday he gets one day stronger. Everyday he gets one day closer to that goal. Today he's standing up for better blood flow.

Standing up is a big deal for a man with paralysis. Told he would never have feeling or movement below his chest, Dustin has proven doctors wrong.

There are may symptoms paraplegics deal with such as poor circulation, decreased sexual function, and bone density loss. Last week we spoke about one of the symptoms connected to paralysis, muscle atrophy; this week we wanted to share the challenges of a different symptom, lack of blood flow. 

Lack of blood flow and poor circulation, often known as Peripheral Artery Disease, are often associated with paralysis because a paraplegic can not move ones legs on their own and it narrows  and hardens the the arteries in the legs (known as Atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow and potentially leading to risks like stroke, and heart attacks. That's why a good cardiovascular workout is important. Proper movement helps prevent cardiovascular disease, a number one killer of Americans. Surviving a horrific accident was enough, who wants to think about cardiovascular disease.
 
Every day Dustin stands up to better himself and work with the epidural stimulator implanted into his body. By exercising and doing wheelchair workouts Dustin is working towards  preventing these debilitating symptoms and working on his cardiovascular health, and overall health, preparing his body for when there is a cure. Working towards a cure and standing up feels good. Each time Dustin stand, he uses a standing frame to help support his weigh and help with his balance. Dustin has a clothing line that raises funds to help others afford the necessary equipment, that allows him to stand up.  Dustin recently donated a standing frame to help others. 

...Dustin lives a lifestyle that uses his physical paralysis to create a new future and new perspective for something that was once painful. Dustin shares his inspiring story and successes on stages across America at events like the Salt Conference held earlier this year. We are excited to announce that Dustin will be in Las Vegas, as part of the Unstuck Conference, sponsored by Finding Your Happiness July 30th, 2016, where he will share the stage with John Polish, Dale Krause, Darren LaCroix, Rhonda Taylor, Frank Curreri and other great speakers delivering a powerful message about how we each have an opportunity of getting unstuck, and understanding why it is so important, as it reveals the hope and light that will guide us to brighter times if we just decide to not allow "IT" to define us.

For Dustin it's about making a difference not only for himself, but by standing up for others as well. It's Stand Up Sunday- What are you gonna do now to make a difference for your own health and to reach your own goals?
  
Take a look at Dustin's new clothing line and order your DSF Gear now to help support others with paralysis.

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 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

It's Your Choice

Sweat and Tears...

We have a lot of choices in life, when things don't go our way. Are you going to "wipe the tears from your eyes and the sweat from your brow" and keep going, or are you going to sit paralyzed, not making a move? 

As a paraplegic, Dustin does not have some of the same options we do to get up "out of his chair" and "make a run for it." Dustin does have the choice, as do we, to take a look at his circumstances and decide to make a change. Dustin is committed to his own personal growth and because of that, he can influence others to see that we are all faced with a decision to create change when things don't go our way and to decide "what (steps) are you are gonna do now." 

Dustin delivers a powerful speech encouraging us to take the "next steps" towards our own personal goals. I mentioned Dustin doesn't "make a run for it" when he is faced with challenges, but instead embraces the challenge and he is participating in runs like the New York City Marathon, Cupid Chase and Wings For Life World Run that help raise awareness for sufferers of spinal cord injuries (like his). Dustin works out regularly (at Golds Gym) to be sure he is building his upper body strength, so that he can support himself (get out of his chair), and he works out with his epidural stimulator daily to exercise his core and put the technology to use that allows him to stand up.  Dustin is one of a few people in the world with this technology implanted inside of them, and he is the only one using it to it's full capacity. Dustin will share more about this technology at the upcoming Salt Conference in Las Vegas on May 12th, 2016, when he represents the Reeve Foundation and shares the stage with big names such as Will Smith, Ron Howard, Kobe Bryant, Caitlyn Jenner and Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss.

Mental Paralysis... 

Sitting in a wheelchair is Dustin's his choice, but "sitting paralyzed" not making a choice to move forward is a choice. Dustin continues to make choices everyday that will help him reach his goal, help him move forward and he is taking steps to get out of the chair and even one day out on the dance floor where he dreams of taking Taylor Swift's hand and spinning her around while they dance together. What choice are you going to make to end the "mental paralysis" holding you back. As Dustin would say..."What are you gonna do now?" -Nickel

About 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

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

written by Nickel Lowman

Working Out- No Days Off

14 weeks into the new year, and I'm not taking a day off...

Every day is a day for me to take the opportunity of working on myself and working the muscles in my body. I don't work out at the gym 7 days a week, but I do make sure I am using my epidural stimulator to work the muscles in my body and be sure I am using the cutting edge medical technology implanted inside of me that allows me to stand up. Keeping myself fit is part of what keeps me strong, keeping focused on the stimulation is what will help my body progress  and one day help me progress from standing to walk again. For me there are no such days as a day off when it comes to standing.- Stand Up Sunday (and the rest of the week.)

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 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

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

Stand Up Sunday- Launch of DSF Gear

Stand Up Sunday... No Days Off!

It's Sunday, and I continue to work with my stimulator so that others can one day have access to the same medical technology. NO Days Off! - Dustin

Today we are 10 weeks into the new year, and Dustin posting his commitment to show there is no such thing as a day off! What will you take a stand for today?

We have officially launched DSF Wear. DSF is our new clothing line and it's made by my friends at Riven/ Fresco. You can get shirts, tanks and hats and a part of the proceeds go towards those affected by spinal cord injuries. Dustin is super excited to launch this new line and support such a great cause. Riven interviewed Dustin  a few months back, listen now!

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now!

Every Sunday I'm going to post a picture or video of me standing up. It's because of cutting edge spinal cord research and technology, I can do this. Currently, I only one of 4 people in the world implanted with this spinal cord stimulator. I work with my stimulator everyday, not only to improve myself and quality of life, but more importantly, to provide the best information I can for the research. By doing this, it will become a treatment that everyone (paralysis patients) can get!  Together we all can work towards our dream, to walk again! The pictures of me standing on Sunday are to show that I work everyday with the stimulator 7 days a week no days off!  -Dustin

Check out my video and learn more about what The Dustin Shillcox Foundation is all about. It's about improving the moment.

I can Turn Myself on... Watch the  video to see how the stimulator implanted inside of me works.

 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

Ellen DeGeneres

Dustin needs to be your next call! 307.870.6764

We want to see Dustin on the Ellen DeGeneres Show!

We are sharing this video of Dustin Shillcox to help him get his story to Ellen! Dustin is working to help raise money for spinal cord research and improve the lives for people who are living in wheelchairs. Getting him on the Ellen Show, and other similar shows, is a great way to help get his message out! We wish you the best Dustin! How about it Ellen?

-From your friends at the Dustin Shillcox Foundation

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