India

In January 2012, Team JC decided to pursue ayurvedic treatment in India. JC and the family were planning to go in December of 2008, but because of the accident were not able to go. At that time, we never imagined that he would be able to go ever again. However, by his pure determination, faith, and the love and support of all of you, JC returned home this past January, after nearly 7 years, to see his mother, brothers and family.

It was not going to be an easy trip, he would have to travel for 22 hours, be transferred multiple times in a plane and car, which is not something he had done here often. He would need to tolerate being in a manual wheelchair everyday, as there was no way to bring his power wheelchair. He would also have to endure transfers up and down multiple stairs and unlevel surfaces. Additionally, a new team of caretakers would have to be trained! We would have to figure out how to complete all our routines there, without many of the resources so readily available to us here. JC would also have to continue with all the exercises and manage the crowds of people that were eagerly awaiting his arrival!

The plan was for JC to spend 2 weeks at home and 4 weeks at the Rajah Beach Ayurvedic Center. For 2 weeks, JC spent time at his home in Muvattupuzha, Kerala, traveled around the area and went to visit family in Champakulam. He also traveled to his wife’s home in Palai, which was not an easy journey or one that very few expected him to make, but he was determined, despite how many people told him not to. In his words, “I want to go see Amachie, go see Sebastian Achen, go to see P.S. John, and then go see Mini Auntie’s mom at Caritas Hospital. Then from there we will go to Palai.” I said, “Sure boss, if you want to, then I will find a way.” So with boys from Team JC - India Edition (Gibin, Jobin, and Thomachen) we planned a schedule. It was not going to be the easiest journey, but they said “koripam illa. . .sheri aki tharam.” In other words, “no worries…we will make it all work.” So the next day we set out to put JC’s plan to work and our champion of champions did amazing! After 13 hours, 12 car transfers, 6 stops, 300 kilometers later, and an added stop at Bharananganam to St. Alphonsa’s Church, we accomplished all that he had wanted… and then some!

During our time in India, we also consulted Dr. P.S. John, a pioneer in stem cell treatment for Spinal Cord Injury. He has been administering stem cells with incredible results. He is a quiet, reserved man, and brilliant doctor, who was impressed by JC’s progress thus far. He gave us our options for the long process of stem cells transplantation and ordered urodynamic tests to be done. He also prescribed medicine, to aid in nerve regeneration. However this medicine could not be combined with ayurvedic treatment. At this time, we were at a crossroad and decided that we should try the ayruvedic treatment first and then start taking the medicine. Unfortunately, as the two weeks at home were ending, JC got sick. He had a UTI (urinary tract infection) that required hospitalization. Although this was a setback, it did not deter him. After several courses of antibiotics and a stressful few weeks, JC recovered and they continued on to pursue the ayurvedic treatment. For one week JC underwent therapy at the ayurvedic center and showed some improvements in muscle strength, length and flexibility.

After all this, we had learned, and JC had proven to us that: where there is a will, there is a way. With love, faith, and determination, anything is possible. To be honest, this journey to India, at times seemed daunting and almost impossible, similar to how a person with a complete spinal cord injury feels to walking again. However, JC has proven every such medical theory wrong and we are SURE he will continue to do so.    

JC returned home to the US with a firm resolve to continue to improve, with new ayurvedic massage techniques to add to our routine. Soon after his return, JC started his program once again. Ayurvedic massage was added 2X week to his current therapy program which includes:

Standing frame + glider: 7 days a week for 1-2 hrs

E-stim bike: 2-3 days a week for 1hr

Athlete evolution program: 2 days a week for 3 hrs

Total gym and pilates reformer: 1X week

By God’s grace, an incredible team, and an amazing captain, our trip to India went relatively smoothly. There were a few challenges along the way, but the memories created and lessons learned in that trip will stay with us forever. Every car transfer, daily shower, bathroom routine, and long journey went smoothly. The trip was filled with amazing moments of love, family, well wishers, and people who were in similar situations that came to see JC - inspired by his strength, determination and positive outlook. He continues to pursue our miracle with determination, love, and an unwavering faith. Let’s keep going….