Jeffrey Balencia's life took an unexpected turn on July 4, 2017, during a day at Laguna Beach. While enjoying the ocean, Jeffrey dove under a wave and struck a hidden sandbar beneath the water. The impact instantly broke his C5 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed. Despite this life-altering injury, Jeffrey’s resilience and determination have driven him to rebuild his life and achieve extraordinary milestones.
Read MoreAndy Groebner sustained a T10 spinal cord injury on December 23, 2023, due to a fall while on a family vacation in Mexico. Just one year post-injury, Andy is proud to say that he is nearly able to function independently—a milestone he attributes to his commitment to daily physical activity, whether working out, using his standing frame, or playing adaptive golf. Golf has played a vital role in Andy’s recovery, providing him with not only physical and mental benefits but also a way to stay socially connected and avoid the isolation often associated with a life-changing injury.
Read MoreCasey McGinnis, a 38-year-old stroke survivor, faced significant challenges after a severe stroke on September 6, 2024. The stroke occurred during surgery to remove a brain tumor, leaving Casey with left-sided weakness, limited use of their left arm and hand, and slight movement in their left leg. After spending six weeks in a critical rehabilitation hospital, Casey returned to live with their parents in a home that was not wheelchair accessible, presenting further barriers to recovery and independence.
Read MoreBelkacem Terki's life changed dramatically on the morning of October 18, 2020. While traveling to university with friends in Algeria, the car they were in veered off course, resulting in a serious traffic accident. Inside the car, Belkacem flipped over, sustaining a spinal fracture and a T8 spinal cord injury. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors explained the extent of his injury and the long journey of rehabilitation he would need to walk again. After beginning motor rehabilitation in Algeria, he made progress but realized he needed more advanced treatment. In 2024, after completing his university studies, Belkacem applied for a medical visa to the United States and began therapy at The Perfect Step Clinic, where his condition improved significantly.
Read MoreJohn F. Buckley sustained severe compression of his spinal cord at the C3 to C5 level, a condition possibly exacerbated by previous military injuries. His injury, which occurred on January 10, 2022, has presented significant challenges, but with the support of the Be Perfect Foundation, John has made remarkable progress in his rehabilitation at Journey Forward, a spinal cord injury recovery center. The specialized therapists at Journey Forward have been instrumental in helping him regain strength, coordination, and balance over the past year and a half.
Read MoreRiver Keough sustained a severe, lifelong injury on November 16, 2020, shortly before his birth. At just 19 years old and 34 weeks pregnant, River's mother noticed that he wasn't kicking as much as usual following her baby shower. Despite being reassured by others that this was normal, she had a deep feeling that something was wrong. She tried everything to get River to move—playing music, eating her favorite foods, and talking to him—but nothing worked. Concerned, she went to the hospital, where doctors conducted a 45-minute ultrasound and found that River wasn’t breathing. An emergency C-section was performed, and River was rushed to the NICU, spending 18 days there before his family even learned he had suffered a brain injury at birth. It wasn’t until over a year later that they realized the extent of his injury.
Read MoreRandy Haught's life changed dramatically on December 15, 2023, when he went for a solo mountain bike ride shortly after returning from his job in Alaska. While exploring a new trail, Randy dropped off a ledge much higher than expected, breaking his C4 vertebra in multiple places. The impact left him instantly paralyzed. Fortunately, a stranger passed by and called 911, saving his life.
Read MoreAntoinette Haddad's journey with the Be Perfect Foundation began after a life-altering injury on December 22, 2023. She suffered an aortic dissection, a tear in her aorta that led to severe internal bleeding. Without immediate emergency surgery, she would have died within two hours. Although she survived, the loss of blood flow to her spinal cord resulted in paralysis from the waist down, leaving her paraplegic. Despite having some feeling, she has no control over her lower body.
Read MoreLaThea Adams suffered a spinal cord injury caused by transverse myelitis on September 8, 2005, at the tender age of 17, leaving her completely paralyzed from C4 to C7. This devastating event occurred just three days into her senior year of high school. Since then, LaThea has faced numerous challenges in her journey toward regaining independence and an active lifestyle.
Read MoreGregory Lee's life took a dramatic turn on September 28, 2015, when he was rushed to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms by his then-girlfriend. Initially thought to have the flu, his condition worsened, leading to the discovery of West Nile Virus through a spinal tap, complicated by his status as a double kidney transplant recipient. Following a series of medical challenges, including an allergic reaction to medication that caused cardiac arrest, Lee was placed in a medically induced coma.
Read MoreAllen Daniels Jr. sustained significant injuries on May 1, 2021, when he was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in his vehicle flipping three times and landing upside down on a guardrail. He suffered injuries to his C3, C5, C6, L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae, with a fusion from T12 to L1.
Read MoreDawson Niblett's life took an unexpected turn on May 16, 2021, when he experienced sudden numbness in his hands and lost function in both legs, diagnosed as a spinal stroke at the C1-5 level. This devastating event left him with limited movement in his left fingers, challenges with his left leg, and weakness in his torso. Despite these challenges, Dawson remains determined to pursue his aspirations, especially in the field of welding, a passion he held even before his stroke.
Read MoreEmil Dahalic faced a life-altering event on April 10, 2023, when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident, resulting in a T-11 spinal cord injury. Recounting the incident, Emil describes the ordeal, "I broke 19 bones including my spine in three places and sustained a major spinal cord injury, had two deep gashes in my head, and a lung contusion." His wife, Tina, tirelessly searched for him, and after two weeks in a coma and multiple surgeries, Emil found himself grappling with a new reality. However, amidst the challenges, Emil found hope through the assistance of the Be Perfect Foundation.
Read MoreTaran Nolan's life took a drastic turn on September 10, 2020, when she suffered a C3-C5 incomplete tetraplegia, rendering her quadriplegic. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Taran remains determined to regain mobility and independence. Describing her current state, Taran explains, "I am quadriplegic. I can move my arms some now. I cannot walk unaided. One arm does not straighten, and my fingers do not straighten. I have a lot of pain, body spasms from my spinal cord injury."
Read MoreLuke Sharp's life changed dramatically on April 11, 2015, when he was involved in a head-on collision while riding his dirt bike in the desert, resulting in a C3-C4 incomplete spinal cord injury. Recalling the incident, Luke recounts, "I was riding my dirt bike in the desert, and I was involved in a head-on collision with a dune buggy."
Read MoreLauren Messer, a 27-year-old from Whittier, has navigated life's complexities with Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder diagnosed when she was just 3 years old. The condition, which primarily affects females, has placed numerous obstacles in Lauren's path, rendering her unable to walk unassisted, non-verbal, and with limited hand use. Additionally, she contends with scoliosis, seizures, breathing abnormalities, and GI issues, each adding layers of difficulty to her daily existence.
Read MoreArthur Martinot, a 44-year-old with a profound love for the outdoors, found his life irrevocably changed following a diving accident in Spain in July 2022. An avid enthusiast of the ocean, surfing, mountain biking, camping, and hiking, Arthur's passion for adventure was abruptly paused. Choosing to undergo rehabilitation in Spain, Arthur and his wife, Megan, did not return to their Los Angeles home but instead embarked on a new journey that led them to Casa Colina in Pomona, California, and eventually to Claremont, CA, to be near The Perfect Step and Casa Colina for continued rehabilitation.
Read MoreLuke Madson, whose injury occurred on June 16, 2019, resulting in a C2-C3 Cervical Incomplete level of injury, wishes to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Be Perfect Foundation. Luke's injury stemmed from a traumatic birth experience, as he was born prematurely. The Be Perfect Foundation has played a crucial role in Luke's journey towards regaining independence and an active lifestyle.
Read MoreIn December 2022, Douglas found himself in excruciating pain, and after seeking medical attention, he was initially prescribed painkillers for what seemed like a temporary issue. However, his pain persisted, prompting him to return to the hospital. A series of tests revealed the presence of MSSA bacteria affecting his heart valve, as well as severe lumbar and thoracic issues. Douglas underwent two surgeries in quick succession, along with the implantation of a pacemaker to address his heart condition.
Read MoreThiago Pinheiro, whose life was profoundly altered by an auto accident on December 1st, 2022, resulting in a complex array of injuries including a brain injury, stroke, brachial plexus issues, nerve damage, and multiple fractures (ribs, right knee, right arm, left arm, and four fingers), wishes to convey his heartfelt appreciation to the Be Perfect Foundation. Their support has been pivotal in his journey toward recovery and a return to an independent and active lifestyle.
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