Unstuck and in Vegas for a Moment

Stand Up Sunday...

Dustin blew in out of Vegas as quickly as the Summer Monsoon winds whisked by. The weather in Vegas this weekend was gloomy and the skies were smoke filled, but Dustin's message light up The Orleans and the audience a the Unstuck 2016 Conference with positivity. 

Dustin shared his story about overcoming the initial challenges from his car accident and about his opportunity to stay focused and positive in light of paralysis. He stood up and shared about the epidural stimulator and the opportunities it has created for him. Keep an eye on his blog this week for video clips and pictures from the event.
 
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.

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

Standing Frame Donation

307.870.6764

DSF Gear Helps Make  A Difference...

My good friend, Lizzy Pritchett, like me, is living with a spinal cord injury and she has been the best person I could ask for to have in my life. I'm so honored and glad that the Dustin Shillcox Foundation was able to make a positive impact on her life. Below is one example of how purchasing DSF Gear can make a difference. I want to say thank you for the support as we continue to make help others! -Dustin

By Lizzy Pritchett:

I am beyond thankful for the generosity of the Dustin Shillcox Foundation. The standing frame that has been donated to me has been such a blessing. I live four hours away from any physical therapy clinic that might have this kind of equipment so now that I have a standing frame at home, I can ensure that I am standing multiple times throughout the week. As most spinal cord injuries know; standing and weight-bearing helps with bone density and organ function. The Dustin Shillcox Foundation has literally helped me sustain my health.

Not only has Dustin given me a standing frame, but he has been an amazing mentor and friend. I have a C5 spinal cord injury and, with the advice and encouragement of Dustin, I went from fully doubting myself to finding my most powerful self.

Thank you Dustin Shillcox Foundation!

Learn more about Lizzy's story here. One way Dustin is helping raise awareness is through the clothing line that was recently launched, it's called DSF Gear. The proceeds benefit those with spinal cord injuries. Dustin believes in giving back and recently donated an FES Bike.  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

Stand Up Sunday- Do for One That You Wish You Could Do For Many

What Would You Do...

It's Stand Up Sunday and it represents standing up for what you believe and making a difference everyday to reach your goals.  What would you do if you could change the world? What would you do if you could make the difference for many?  What would you do to make the difference for one? 

Take a look at the starfish story. You can make a difference!... What are you gonna do now?

Take a look at the new clothing line and order your DSF Gear Now to support others with spinal cord injuries. You can make a difference for one and many!

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

Do it with passion

307.870.6764

 Do it with passion or not at all...

What did you do today? Did you do it with passion? Was it worth doing? Rosa Nochette Carey says to "Do it with passion or not at all."  

What do you think about that? Webster's defines passion as: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something. It's a great definition and it makes me wonder as I sit on the patio at the coffee shop enjoying the beautiful Las Vegas Spring afternoon, who really lives that way? Are the people around me living with passion? Am I living that way? 

After some reflection, I decided, I just as most of us, still have some fine tuning to do. And it's a daily work in progress. Keeping passionate about what we do is easy when life is going well and flowing naturally, I think when things start getting rough is when we can loose focus and loose the passion for what we are doing (whatever that may be) based on our commitment to it. Rather it be a daily exercise routine or commitment to a relationship or our careers, we get to choose to find passion in it each and every day. I find it's about looking internally and making small adjustments that allows me to keep the passion and some days it comes easier than others. 

I look at the challenges that Dustin overcame after his car accident and the small adjustments he had to make every single day once he woke up from the coma, and then again after her was released from the hospital, and again once the epidural stimulator was implanted inside of him. And today, just a few years later, he continues to make adjustments based on his surrounding and obstacles both minor and major that get in the way of a free flowing day, but yet he keeps going. Dustin focuses on "what he is gonna do now" and shares a powerful message during the speeches he delivers to encourage us to go after what we want- that passion. Dustin wanted to stand again (and now he can.) Dustin wants to walk again. To dance. And keeping his focus and passion on his goals is how he will achieve it. "What are you gonna do now" to find and keep the passion alive? Afterall- it's about doing it with passion or not at all...

-Nickel

Take a look at the new clothing line Dustin had designed to help people in wheelchairs, 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

Star Struck

Who would you be start struck to meet?

Sitting back stage in the greenroom getting ready to go on stage for The Salt Conference, Dustin shared with me about his unsuspecting meeting. Now you may wonder with BIG names like Will Smith, Ron Howard, Kobe Bryant, Caitlyn Jenner and Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss that he would be sharing the stage with, how could one be unsuspecting? Well I share this because I would be just as unsuspecting- if I even noticed, or happened to recognize who was sitting next to me. Let's just say when you don't watch much TV you don't often recognize the stars. And being as I'm not one who is usually star struck, I can relate to Dustin's experience. So Dustin, tell us who you didn't recognize and how it all went down after you were introduced and even then what happened....

It's Sunday and I'm sharing Dustin's pictures from the recent Salt Conference in Las Vegas... There are no days off when you are working at reaching your goals, but Dustin I suggest you turn on the TV every now and again and you may recognize who you are sitting next to (I'll do the same and we may just be star struck.)- Nickel

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

What is within you?

Have you discovered your greatness? 

"A man who as a physical being is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him."-Soren Kierkegaard

Where have you been looking? It is within you. Take a step today to see it  and be grateful for your inner beauty.

 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

Do you know someone disabled?

Attitude-

Back in 2015, President Barack Obama announced a Proclamation -- International Day of Persons with Disabilities as December 3rd. Scott Hamilton once said "The only disability in life is a bad attitude" and in many ways we at the Dustin Shillcox Foundation agree. Sitting in a wheelchair however, does give "us" a different perspective on what it means to have a disability. 

25 years ago the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was established and helped make our country more accessible and inclusive. For Dustin, it's not until he runs into an obstacle that  he can't easily overcome, that he is even reminded he has a "disability". Dustin often writes and speaks in short inspirational videos and a short time ago, he shot a video showing what it's like to fuel up for gas from a wheelchair in 10 degree temperatures and a second video about what it's like to assemble his wheelchair in the snow and a third (that he thought was really funny) about getting in and out of the truck from his wheelchair. His attitude reflects Scott Hamilton's voice- it's about attitude. Most people would see these video and notice a "disability". Dustin does whatever he can to keep a positive attitude and is committed to working everyday, towards his goals of one day walking again, he shares weekly in a blog called Stand Up Sunday- No Days Off. In November, Dustin completed a marathon in New York City, The Cupid Run in February and in 2015 was Ambassador for the Wings For Life World Run that has the 2016 event coming up on May 8th with the hope to make spinal cord injuries curable.  Dustin is excited on sharing about these and other opportunities to raise awareness and funds for spinal care research and support those with injuries.

Dustin is exceeding his expectations and that of doctors and because of cutting edge medical technology he can once again stand, and has gained back important bladder and sexual function. You would think after loosing these abilities Dustin would consider himself disabled, but no- he has the attitude of a champion!

In a press statement date December 3, 2015, the State Department announced "On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the State Department reiterates its commitment to disability inclusive diplomacy, including doing our part to support disability advocates around the world in advancing disability rights." Dustin's focus is on regaining the use of his so called "disabled" body and helping others do the same. -"It's just a different perspective of what a true disability is. Attitude. What is yours?" -Nickel

Dustin launched a new clothing line to help support those affected by spinal cord injuries you can 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