Thank you so much to everyone for making today a success! In particular, Tasha for organizing and getting Aaron's Journey involved, my mother and Aunt Den for selling raffle tickets, Angie and my wife Melissa helping with cleanup and last but not least, all of you who came to support the cause! I appreciate it so very much! Like I said before, you/this type of event is why I'm able to do what I do. Thanks again and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!
Hope you all have a great start of the week tomorrow! Keep checking back!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
I promised a blog...
Unfortunately it's going to be a really short one. Actually, not unfortunately because it's all for good reasons! Tonight we're having dinner at the house with my mom. Melissa is cooking steaks on the grill! Tomorrow we're going to a Phillies game. They are playing the Dodgers, who have turned things around since the All-Star break and are doing amazing, so hopefully it's a good game but you never know with the Phillies. Sunday there is a basket bingo fundraiser going on and I did not know when I will be home. Hopefully I can write something Sunday late afternoon or evening. After all, that is my special day, if you want to call it that. Like Melissa, I don't know what to call it!
Thanks for following and talk to you soon!
Thanks for following and talk to you soon!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Some Truths
I really enjoy writing and I love being honest, sometimes to a fault, but I have to admit - I have not utilized my blogs like I really intended. I always think I'm going to offend someone. Maybe I will say something someone doesn't appreciate. I'm sorry but that has to change. I have to be honest with myself and anyone who might enjoy reading what I have to say. Otherwise it's just a sham. Let's try it out...
August 18 will mark four years since my accident. This time of year is the hardest for me. Everyone has to know that. As much as I try to not allow my disability have any more control over my life than it already does, it happens. It's really hard to keep from happening. Indescribably hard.
Obviously it has physically crippled me. What some people don't understand is, it can do the same to me mentally. In a bad way. I hate it. At the very least the one thing I should have going is a strong mind. Right? Most of the time I have that. Then there are those days. Sometimes those days turn into a week. Since I don't have a better explanation, the only way I can convey how it feels is mental torture. I'm trapped inside this body that refuses to move. I'm just a puppet more or less. My arms and legs might as well be on strings. I'm fed, dressed, sat up in bed and put into my chair to go through my mundane routine. I know life is better than that but that's what those days can feel like.
I try so hard to wear that smile everyone would like to see. I feel fake sometimes. If everyone could live this life to feel what it's like then maybe they would understand, but at the same time thank god they do not have to. As far as spinal cord injuries go, mine is pretty serious and at a high level but heaven knows it could be so much worse. I've been worse. I've heard about worse situations. I've seen those worse off. I know as far as this life goes, I'm pretty lucky. For as much as I've lost because of my disability, I've gained just as much.
I'm obsessed with music and this song just happens to describe what I'm feeling perfectly. Maybe this will do some of the talking for me.
There's a lot I want to say, especially because of my gimpiversary looming in the next few days, and I will. For now, that'll do. There will be another blog tomorrow. After all...
This is just the start.
August 18 will mark four years since my accident. This time of year is the hardest for me. Everyone has to know that. As much as I try to not allow my disability have any more control over my life than it already does, it happens. It's really hard to keep from happening. Indescribably hard.
Obviously it has physically crippled me. What some people don't understand is, it can do the same to me mentally. In a bad way. I hate it. At the very least the one thing I should have going is a strong mind. Right? Most of the time I have that. Then there are those days. Sometimes those days turn into a week. Since I don't have a better explanation, the only way I can convey how it feels is mental torture. I'm trapped inside this body that refuses to move. I'm just a puppet more or less. My arms and legs might as well be on strings. I'm fed, dressed, sat up in bed and put into my chair to go through my mundane routine. I know life is better than that but that's what those days can feel like.
I try so hard to wear that smile everyone would like to see. I feel fake sometimes. If everyone could live this life to feel what it's like then maybe they would understand, but at the same time thank god they do not have to. As far as spinal cord injuries go, mine is pretty serious and at a high level but heaven knows it could be so much worse. I've been worse. I've heard about worse situations. I've seen those worse off. I know as far as this life goes, I'm pretty lucky. For as much as I've lost because of my disability, I've gained just as much.
I'm obsessed with music and this song just happens to describe what I'm feeling perfectly. Maybe this will do some of the talking for me.
There's a lot I want to say, especially because of my gimpiversary looming in the next few days, and I will. For now, that'll do. There will be another blog tomorrow. After all...
This is just the start.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Wish I Would Have Looked at This the Morning of August 18, 2009!
Maybe just a little something for everyone to think about...
Don’t jump into the unknown. Consider the dangers before you take the plunge:
- Check for hazards in the water. Rocks or other objects may be submerged and difficult to see.
- Check the depth of the water. Remember tides can rise and fall very quickly. The difference in water depth between the peaks and troughs of waves can be many metres.
- As a rule of thumb, a jump of ten metres requires a depth of at least five metres.
- Never jump whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Check for access. It may be impossible or very difficult to get out of the water.
- Consider the risks to yourself and others. Conditions can change rapidly. Even if you are jumping safely, children may be watching and copy your actions.
Think before you jump. Don't let alcohol, drugs or peer pressure affect your judgement. If you jump when you feel unsafe or pressured, you probably won’t enjoy the experience.
Be safe out there!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Donations.
To all of my amazing and loyal followers, I'm writing you this blog cringing. I hate to beg but eventually I feel like that it's what this might turn into, and I'm sorry!
The money that has been donated over almost the past four years has been amazing. I've been able to purchase multiple pieces of equipment that I've benefited from greatly. My FES RTI 300 was over $20,000. My stander was $12,500 I believe. Those are obviously the most expensive and important pieces. I've been able to go to Kennedy Krieger and actually stay in Baltimore, rather than commute from Harrisburg to Baltimore every single morning and evening, but at a cost. This past time it was over $2500 if I'm not mistaken. On a smaller scale, I just ordered some tape so that I'm able to tape up my shoulders like my therapists from Kennedy would like me to. That's $30.00. I also ordered a drinking apparatus that I will be able to connect to my wheelchair so I will not have to constantly bother someone and ask for a drink. Really excited for that! After that was said and done I think that was $74.99. This is all just done recently and I'm sure I'm missing some things.
Not to mention my handicap van. Gas, inspections, repairs and so on. I would love to be able to contribute and take care of these things myself but it is not feasible as I'm getting income once a month. Unfortunately that's from the government and its disability so we're not talking a lot of money. Hardly enough to pay my bills.
Monies are also used to cover any medical expenses in which my insurance does not. This can be quite expensive as you may imagine or unfortunately even know firsthand.
Believe me, I would much rather go to work and never ask for a penny from anyone but at this point of my life, that's just not possible. My main focus needs to remain on my occupational and physical therapy. I need to keep pushing said that maybe one day when stem cells are approved, I'm physically healthy and in some kind of shape to be a good candidate. At the very least, I need to keep doing my therapy so something clicks and I'm able to move my arms in the very very near future! I wish! We shall see.
OK, the not so fun part. We have not had any big fundraisers in a long time and my fund is dwindling. If you would be interested in giving a donation of any denomination, I would be so grateful and so would my family. When these donations are made I do not see firsthand, just so everyone knows. There are two options. You may donate through Paypal or sending a check directly to the attorney who handles my fund. Here is the information:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=3Sia3bMN5yPanaRBoDJwJ3SEO-rhyP6grtar_815V08Qy5ieGCObTFoAbXC&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4e181b3aff599f99a338772351021e7d
Aaron's Journey
P. O. Box 267
Elizabethtown, PA 17057
Here is also a link from my original web site which I'm having trouble accessing...
http://www.aaronwood.us/?page_id=38
Thank you so much to everyone for everything you've done for me over the years and will continue doing going forward! I cannot express my gratitude. I can just say it means the world to me and has helped my family so much. Thank you thank you thank you!
The money that has been donated over almost the past four years has been amazing. I've been able to purchase multiple pieces of equipment that I've benefited from greatly. My FES RTI 300 was over $20,000. My stander was $12,500 I believe. Those are obviously the most expensive and important pieces. I've been able to go to Kennedy Krieger and actually stay in Baltimore, rather than commute from Harrisburg to Baltimore every single morning and evening, but at a cost. This past time it was over $2500 if I'm not mistaken. On a smaller scale, I just ordered some tape so that I'm able to tape up my shoulders like my therapists from Kennedy would like me to. That's $30.00. I also ordered a drinking apparatus that I will be able to connect to my wheelchair so I will not have to constantly bother someone and ask for a drink. Really excited for that! After that was said and done I think that was $74.99. This is all just done recently and I'm sure I'm missing some things.
Not to mention my handicap van. Gas, inspections, repairs and so on. I would love to be able to contribute and take care of these things myself but it is not feasible as I'm getting income once a month. Unfortunately that's from the government and its disability so we're not talking a lot of money. Hardly enough to pay my bills.
Monies are also used to cover any medical expenses in which my insurance does not. This can be quite expensive as you may imagine or unfortunately even know firsthand.
Believe me, I would much rather go to work and never ask for a penny from anyone but at this point of my life, that's just not possible. My main focus needs to remain on my occupational and physical therapy. I need to keep pushing said that maybe one day when stem cells are approved, I'm physically healthy and in some kind of shape to be a good candidate. At the very least, I need to keep doing my therapy so something clicks and I'm able to move my arms in the very very near future! I wish! We shall see.
OK, the not so fun part. We have not had any big fundraisers in a long time and my fund is dwindling. If you would be interested in giving a donation of any denomination, I would be so grateful and so would my family. When these donations are made I do not see firsthand, just so everyone knows. There are two options. You may donate through Paypal or sending a check directly to the attorney who handles my fund. Here is the information:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=3Sia3bMN5yPanaRBoDJwJ3SEO-rhyP6grtar_815V08Qy5ieGCObTFoAbXC&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4e181b3aff599f99a338772351021e7d
Aaron's Journey
P. O. Box 267
Elizabethtown, PA 17057
Here is also a link from my original web site which I'm having trouble accessing...
http://www.aaronwood.us/?page_id=38
Thank you so much to everyone for everything you've done for me over the years and will continue doing going forward! I cannot express my gratitude. I can just say it means the world to me and has helped my family so much. Thank you thank you thank you!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Quick Post
Just saw these two articles popup and I thought I would share it with my SCI friends out there!
Check it out! Who knows what may happen for us in the future. I would say these are good reasons to stay positive...
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/03/hiv-aids-stem-cells/2485971/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2013/07/03/liver-buds-stem-cell/2486013/
Check it out! Who knows what may happen for us in the future. I would say these are good reasons to stay positive...
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/07/03/hiv-aids-stem-cells/2485971/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/sciencefair/2013/07/03/liver-buds-stem-cell/2486013/
Pay It Forward
It's a wonderful movie. If you've never seen it, you have to add it to your list! I say list because Melissa and I have about 100 waiting to be watched. I guess I assume a lot of people are like that.
This weekend my family and I witnessed the greatest example of paying it forward and complete selflessness from a few friends and people we've never met then we could have ever imagined. How they orchestrated everything is beyond me, but I'm sure it was not an easy task.
It all started with our friend Tasha asking if we would mind having some people over to help clean up our yard. She knew about these bushes/trees/shrubs/whatever they were, growing along one of our property lines, and just how much I hated them. They were an absolute eyesore. Tasha's husband, Andy, came to look at them and informed us that they were infested with poison ivy. Obviously the decision was ours but he more or less suggested that we get rid of them. He didn't have to twist my arm because I've wanted to see these things go since we moved in! See how much I hate these things? They've taken over my blog!
Anyway, we were very touched that this group, mostly consisting of members or parents of Raider Extreme, a cheerleading team located right here in Middletown! They gave our yard a complete makeover! One that it desperately needed might I add. What they accomplished in one day blows my mind. My words cannot do it justice and I know my wife is planning on doing a blog as well, so I will let her include before and after pictures and explain everything that's changed. She's better with words anyway!
I cannot thank everyone enough, especially Tasha, for everything that they've done for my family. We appreciate this so very much but myself so in a completely different way because of my injury. Things that this group accomplished are some that I wish I could have done myself but because of my obvious physical limitations and inability, I can not. I'm just so grateful someone was able to get those things done probably better than I could have even on my best day! Here is a list of those who helped and hopefully we did not forget anyone. Thank you a million times over every single one of you! The work you did is priceless to us and hopefully someday we can pay it forward!
Angie Keefer
Mckenzie Keefer
Amanda Moore
Lani Moore
Kristen Runion
Lily Runion
Chase Runion
Leisyl Yohn
Abby Yohn
All dayers
Jami Hiner
Kyle Hiner
Taylor Hiner
Zach Hiner
Norma Albright
Dan Shank
Olivia Shank
Andy
Tasha
Charity
Landon
Coach Tammy James and her husband
Ken, family friend
This weekend my family and I witnessed the greatest example of paying it forward and complete selflessness from a few friends and people we've never met then we could have ever imagined. How they orchestrated everything is beyond me, but I'm sure it was not an easy task.
It all started with our friend Tasha asking if we would mind having some people over to help clean up our yard. She knew about these bushes/trees/shrubs/whatever they were, growing along one of our property lines, and just how much I hated them. They were an absolute eyesore. Tasha's husband, Andy, came to look at them and informed us that they were infested with poison ivy. Obviously the decision was ours but he more or less suggested that we get rid of them. He didn't have to twist my arm because I've wanted to see these things go since we moved in! See how much I hate these things? They've taken over my blog!
Anyway, we were very touched that this group, mostly consisting of members or parents of Raider Extreme, a cheerleading team located right here in Middletown! They gave our yard a complete makeover! One that it desperately needed might I add. What they accomplished in one day blows my mind. My words cannot do it justice and I know my wife is planning on doing a blog as well, so I will let her include before and after pictures and explain everything that's changed. She's better with words anyway!
I cannot thank everyone enough, especially Tasha, for everything that they've done for my family. We appreciate this so very much but myself so in a completely different way because of my injury. Things that this group accomplished are some that I wish I could have done myself but because of my obvious physical limitations and inability, I can not. I'm just so grateful someone was able to get those things done probably better than I could have even on my best day! Here is a list of those who helped and hopefully we did not forget anyone. Thank you a million times over every single one of you! The work you did is priceless to us and hopefully someday we can pay it forward!
Angie Keefer
Mckenzie Keefer
Amanda Moore
Lani Moore
Kristen Runion
Lily Runion
Chase Runion
Leisyl Yohn
Abby Yohn
All dayers
Jami Hiner
Kyle Hiner
Taylor Hiner
Zach Hiner
Norma Albright
Dan Shank
Olivia Shank
Andy
Tasha
Charity
Landon
Coach Tammy James and her husband
Ken, family friend
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