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Everyone Has a
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Here you’ll find inspiring stories, educational tips and updates from the Get Back Up Today community. Want to share your own story with the world? Click “Share Your Story” and tell us how you’ve worked to “get back UP!”
Alli’s Journey: A Sister’s Tribute
Anesa Hughes wanted to share this story with our Get Back UP Today community. It’s about her twin sister, Alli, whom she recently asked to be her maid of honor due to their strong bond and inseparable love. Read on to learn of Anesa’s fiancé’s additional surprise!...
What’s Up, TeamUP? : Steven Peace Checks In
The following is a recent update from TeamUP Co-Captain Steven Peace, who has been a long-term advocate for people living with mobility challenges. When a severe stroke unexpectedly derailed his career in the US Navy, Steven found that competitive cycling was a key...
“Master of my Fate”: Jacopo Parizzi’s Story
I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. I was a “normal” young Italian boy like every other young Italian boy: in love with soccer, pasta and holidays at seaside. I was, until the age of 8. I still remember the feelings; my feet were weaker than...
Raising a Son with a Rare Disease: The Clayton Journey
The following is a blog post written by Darla Clayton, the mother of TeamUP Co-Captain Trent Clayton. Both she and Trent have CCM, or Cerebral Cavernous Malformations, which is a rare genetic disease that causes brain and spinal tumors. Recently they took part in a...
“My Miracle Boy”: The Story of Tasha & Zak
After years of infertility I was elated to finally become pregnant naturally, and I breezed through my pregnancy without a single complication. I utterly glowed and loved every second of carrying Zak, my miracle baby, to term. Unfortunately, labour and delivery are...
Every Step Beats MS: Gene Caffrey’s Story
My Multiple Sclerosis (MS) story started in November of 2009. I was competing in the 2009 Florida Ironman in Panama City, and after the first 1.2-mile lap of the swim I got out of the water and couldn’t feel my legs. They went numb and had bad cramps. I thought it...
CMT Warrior: Laura Werlinger’s Story
Hi! My name is Laura Werlinger and I live in Jaffrey, New Hampshire with my husband John and my dog Dexter. I am a recovery coach/peer recovery specialist for a recovery center and am working on obtaining my Certified Recovery Support Worker certification from...
Guest Blogger’s Tips: Finding “Mr. Right Boot” (for AFOs)
READERS' NOTE: This post has been updated to include MEN'S BOOTS, TOO! See end of this post for Men's boot options for AFO-wearers. Just in time for fall, we want to share an article written by GetBackUPToday friend and fellow blogger, Lainie Ishbia. Lainie...
The Courage to Change: Kristina McCormick’s Story
My name is Kristina McCormick, and I am 27 years old. I’ve lived with Cerebral Palsy my whole life, but I’ve never let it stop me from enjoying the adventures that life brings. I have Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy and enjoy wearing colorful socks with my AFOs,...
Stroke Survivor’s Journey: “Happier Now Than Ever”
In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, I decided to tell my brief story and how I responded to having a traumatic stroke. I had an entirely different career path in mind but one night changed the course of my life forever. On October 16, 2006, while serving in the...