Valentine's Day- A Lovely Day to Stand Up

Stand Up Sunday... No Days Off!

 Is Valentine's Day a BIG DEAL for you? "For Me... Standing up is."

After being told he would never again stand up, walk, or dance again, Dustin has proved the doctors wrong. It's because of an experimental study through the University of  Kentucky  in Louisville that it is possible. As part of Dustin's commitment to advancing his own progress so he can walk and dance again, and because of his commitment to the advancement of the study, Dustin works out regularly and makes sure he uses his stimulator daily. It's a BIG DEAL to be able to stand again.

In addition to his regular work outs and working with the stimulator, today Dustin will be participating in the Cupid Run, a 5K run-walk to benefit people with disabilities.  What a way to show others his love this Valentine's Day.

Dustin would love to dance one day; and Taylor Swift is at the top of his list of who he would like to have his first dance with. Dustin has a goal of sharing his story with as many people as possible, and dreams of being a guest on The Ellen Show. Dustin has been featured on the Ask Dr. Nandi Show, CNN, People, Today Show, KLC, CBS,NBC, BBC, WallStreet Journal, Sweetwater Now, and many local TV and News stations. What can you do to help Dustin reach his goals? Who do you know that he can connect with? Wheel You Be My Valentine and share my message?

I shared this blog just over a year ago about being set up on a blind date. Dating is a whole different story when you are in a wheelchair. I hope you enjoy it.- Happy Valentine's Day!

Today we are 7 weeks into the new year, and Dustin posting his commitment to show there is no such thing as a day off!

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

Dating...

My sister is trying to set me up on a blind date.

The dating world is a whole different story when you're in a wheelchair. I'm sure most people, in a wheelchair or not, get the pre-date nerves...is she as cute as her picture (or in this case as everyone says she is)? Will she think I'm good looking? Will we have enough to talk about? And of course the dreaded awkward silence that is bound to occur. Beyond that though I've got a lot more to think about--will the place we meet be handicap accessible? Will she be thinking the whole time about me being in wheelchair? Will she treat me differently?

For the most part, once you get enough confidence to actually set up the date, the first encounter can be awesome. I can plan enough ahead to make sure the odds are in my favor for handicap accessibility and I'm happy to share my story and answer the questions she's probably wondering. It's the thoughts of the potential next time that make dating stressful. What if she wants me to go to a party or meet her friends? Or maybe eventually her parents?

I've been to enough of my friends' houses to know most homes aren't easy to get in or around. At a friends house I am usually comfortable enough to do what I have to do to make it work--whether that is having someone carry me up the stairs, setting up makeshift ramps or using the bathroom in a closet or bedroom if the doors are too narrow to get in the actual bathroom. But how do you explain that situation to someone you're just starting to date, her friends or family?

These are just some of the thoughts running through my mind when I think about dating. The list goes on and on although it isn't enough to keep me from trying. I'm building my confidence by going to the gym and staying in shape. It's amazing how a great work out can make you feel like you can take on the world...or a blind date!

This isn't me--just some random image from Google but someday maybe it will be...