Neuro Note 2: Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies

The Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies is a competitive, nationally ranked wheelchair basketball team in Memphis that travels all over to play. We, as a class, were lucky enough to be invited to watch a practice where I was surprisingly enlightened about what wheelchair basketball really is. The team scrimmaged for about an hour and a half to where I couldn’t look away. These guys are powerful. If you think about how much upper body strength and coordination goes in to wheelchair basketball, it’s amazing. Trust me. I tried it. A few of us tried the wheelchairs, which are specialized for the sport, and it wasn’t pretty.

Aside from these guys’ incredible talent, they all have a unique story that I loved to hear about. We had just discussed spinal cord injury in class before attending this event. Not all of the players have had a SCI, but some did. It is one thing to learn about SCI in class, but it's another thing to get to talk with someone who has experienced it. That's a whole new learning experience. That was my favorite part of this event. I think we could have stayed for hours talking with the guys, but, unfortunately, we had to leave because the facility was closing.

The opportunity to attend this event is something that I’ll never forget. The Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies bring so much to the Memphis community. I can’t wait to keep up with them on their upcoming season!

http://www.rollingrizzlies.org

Comments

Neuro Note 1: Me Before You

Me Before You I chose to watch Me Before You for my first neuro note. I chose this movie because of the hype it has received. Critics claimed that the movie misportrayed disability. I wanted to see for myself. Although the movie is probably the saddest movie I’ve ever seen, it left me with many reflections. Will Traynor was a successful, fun loving young man whose life was altered when he was hit by a motorcycle which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Will became depressed and felt like there was no reason to live. I think sometimes it’s too easy to just think about the physical changes when you think of SCI, but it’s important to recognize the emotional toll as well. His life was completely turned upside down and he had a difficult time dealing with it. I’m sure this is a common theme with SCI and I think it can be difficult for people to imagine. I’ve always, from a young age, strived to treat everyone equal because you NEVER know what someone is going through. ...

OT 640 Debrief

Neurological Aspects of Occupational Performance 4/5/17

My first experience with traumatic brain injury was in high school when a close friend's dad was in a horrible motorcycle accident. He was in a coma for months while we all tried to remain positive that he would survive. He miraculously came out of the coma, although he had a long road ahead of him. After an extensive rehabilitation period, he was able to return home. This was an important experience for me as I saw first hand not only how a TBI affects the person, but how it affects the family and the importance of support from community and health care professionals.

Whitney OT425

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