One in a million. Those were the odds that were given to Aaron Baker for his chances to ever feed himself again. Aaron suffered a Spinal Cord Injury similar to mine 14 years ago and these were the words that his doctor told his mother. Nothing about walking, nothing about standing up on his own, or even pushing himself in a wheelchair, but just simply his chances for feeding himself.
In my last post I shared the new page on my blog highlighting the stories that are inspirational to me and front and center among those is Aaron’s story. Through years of hard work and unwavering determination, not to mention incredible support from his mother and community, Aaron slowly regained control of his body and was able to fight his way back to his feet, and to his bike! A formerly sponsored motocross racer, he traded his motorized dirt bike for a road bike and ended up crossing the country twice, riding over 6,000 miles to share his story and raise awareness about SCI. Now he has opened a rehab gym north of Los Angeles with the intention to help as many other people with SCI and other injuries as possible.
I bring this up not only because of the continued inspiration I get from Aaron’s story but also because after speaking to him on the phone and learning more about the methods that he used for his recovery and his amazing, one-of-a-kind therapist Taylor (a kinesiology mastermind who now runs the therapy program at Aaron’s gym), I’ve decided to take a short break from my typical schedule and come to Southern California for a few days to mix things up again. I’ve mentioned how helpful it is for me to change my patterns, go somewhere new, meet new people and have different people work with me so that’s what has brought me here.
I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to come and meet people who in my eyes are like superheroes. I see people like Aaron, Laquita (his mother), and Taylor as beacons of shining light amidst a pervasive darkness in the SCI recovery world. For every one like them there are too many other people who say that to not get used to this “disabled” reality is to do yourself an injustice and to put “unrealistic” dreams of recovery to the side and move on with life. I’m honored to have this opportunity to meet these incredible individuals and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience with them in my next post.
Arash Recovery 
Knowing my son’s story, Arash, you might like this post… especially the last picture 🙂
http://scvincent.com/2013/09/04/the-soggy-hobbit/
Love love love this! Yes the dancing was awesome. As I mentioned in my comment on your blog, your emotions do come through beautifully and your both of them look so happy and excited in those photos. My love and best wishes to all of you -AB
Rock on! Enjoy the trip – sending you good energy as you travel and mix things up in therapy!
Thanks so much. Full report to come soon! -AB
What a beautiful post full of light, life & hope! I’m going to check this guy he seems tremendous! All the best of luck may you get there what you are looking for 🙂
Yeah his story is astounding. It literally drives me to keep working hard everyday. I don’t think you could read his story and not feel inspired by it. Thanks for the kind wishes -AB
Fantastic perspective and way to beat the odds of SCI!!
Seriously right??!! -AB
so exciting, Arash! Kinesthesiology is wonderful–when I was incapacitated by back pain years ago when I was a student in Paris, I was sent by their health care system to a kinesthesiologist who was extraordinary. helped me so much. Never had any dr. in the US prescribe it. Hard to find here. So yeah! Check it out!! and tell us all about it!
Yeah it’s an interesting science I’m learning more about everyday. So fascinating and it takes such a holistic approach to the body instead of segmenting different parts and systems out and treating them separately. Much love to you -AB
Enjoy LA and the new experience. With your intelligence and attitude, nothing will get in your way. Looking forward to your next post.
Thanks so much. I look forward to sharing -AB
I have put the video of Aaron Baker’s story on my blog and have mentioned your link. It’s a very inspiring story he truly has a heroic personality.
Thanks for sharing this gem with the world 🙂
Thank YOU for taking the time to read his story and share it. I’m glad it can inspire others. -AB
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You are still my hero. You will make it. There is nothing that can stop you!! I will follow you every inch of the way. At least as long as I can. I’m 82 you know! Bless you!!
82 years YOUNG my friend. Thank you for your amazing support and positive spirit. I greatly appreciate it. -AB
Arash! I live in LA! I’d love to see you if your schedule allows for it. Where are you gonna be? “LA” can mean many places 🙂 Shoot me a text/email/call. 530.400.2624
If we don’t get a chance to meet up, good luck with the trip! I think it will be great for you body to experience these new therapies.
Hi Dani! Sadly, I think my time is pretty limited this time around. Pretty much just living at that rehab center all day and crashing hard at night. Would love to see you sometime soon though. Best to you -AB
Arash, Xander has been going to CORE since the beginning…you guys must meet…are you in LA now? have Aaron introduce you…Xander’s cell 818.738.8625…he’ll probably be there today, Sep 14
mine is 818.738.8623
cheryl
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