Quadriplegic is offered chance for mobility – KeysNews.com (registration)

KEY LARGO For 23 years, Zech Carsons body has been paralyzed. He went in for a tackle on the football field his senior year at Island Christian School and never got back up. Hes been in a wheelchair since.

Being on the field that night changed his life forever. Carson was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center where he endured a 10-hour surgery to repair his neck and spine. The burst fracture of his C4 vertebra left him a quadriplegic.

He spent the remainder of his senior year in the hospital and underwent physical therapy five days a week for five years.

My body feels like when you go to the dentist and get Novocain and your cheek is all swollen and numb, Carson said, but its my whole body.

But he has newfound hope that he will walk again. Carson has been given a chance for epidural stimulation therapy to possibly regain lost mobility and dramatically improve his quality of life.

This experimental treatment involves surgically implanting a computer chip in the lower spinal cords protective membrane combined with intensive physical therapy and stem-cell injections.

The 41-year-old Key Largo native is giddy with excitement over this opportunity thats been given to him.

Carson said he dreams of doing the little things that mostable-bodiedpeople take for granted.

Since his accident, Carson has accepted his fate and kept an upbeat attitude, he said, largely due to his faith. Hes been actively working at his familys marine repair business and is a car-loving gearhead.

Spinal cord injury treatment has come a long way since the 1990s, and while Carson was recently researching stem-cell therapy, he came across an article about epidural stimulation surgery.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation provided funding forSCIresearch from 2009 to 2013 and treatment for four people with spinal injuries.

With all four able to stand and move voluntarily in the presence of stimulation, theyve demonstrated theres huge potential forepidural stimulation,the foundations website says.Even more encouraging is the fact that theyve recovered autonomic functions like bowel and bladder control and sexual function.

Unfortunately, Carson said,23 years is a long time to be injured.Several facilities that do this research and treatment wouldnt take his case.

But he has found a place in Bangkok, Thailand, that offers SCI treatment and he was recently accepted there for treatment in an intensive rehabilitation program.

The medical coordinator assigned to him, Hanna Borek with Unique Access Medical, requested MRI records of his C3 to C5 spinal cord taken after his injury. After reviewing them, the medical team feels confident that it can improve Carsons mobility.

I should be able to stand up and walk across the room with assistance, of course, Carson said.

During his physical therapy, hell have to support his weight using his upper body.Hes determined to train using resistance bands and weights. His friend, Mike Hampson, is on board as a workout partner.

Borek told the Free Press that the surgery is to be performed at the World Medical Center in Narathiwat Rachanakarin. Borek said they accept only four candidates annually as its an intensive regimen with a successful track record. Theyve earmarked December for Carsons procedure.

Carson will undergo a four-hour non-intubated procedure to implant the stimulator. Hes then to undergo at least 40 days of approximately 125 intensive physical, occupational and aquatic therapy sessions under medical director Dr. Nasir Majeed and a team of 10 to 15 medical professionals.

He needs to raise $92,000, which is 3,135,057.37 baht, the currency in Thailand. That figure does not cover Carsons personal expenses stateside, though.

His friend, Hammond Meredith, is planning on making the trip with Carson to help him navigate the 27-hour plane ride into foreign territory.

Hes like a brother to me. Hes an inspiration to so many people. Its an honor that he wants me by his side, Meredith said.

Carson hasnt been on a plane since he was 5 years old and has never been out of the country. Hes hopeful that his girlfriend, Kristin Lavigne, will be able to go with him as well.

Carsons friend Jay LeBlanc set up a GoFundMe account to help him raise the money. Last week, he reached $15,374of his goal.

Carson said hes thankful for the support hes received.

The community outpour has been outrageous, he said.

Carson has also submitted an application for funding to the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative Member Charitable Trust, acommunity assistance program funded by the co-ops Operation Roundup.

I keep praying, and God keeps opening doors for me. Ive got to stay positive that this will just keep working out. I want a better future, Carson said.

For more information on the procedure, visit uniqueaccess.com. To donate to Carsons GoFundMe account, visit gofundme.com/zech-carsons-spinal-cord-injury.

tjava@keysnews.com

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