Dan Cummings, Formerly Paralyzed, Walks a Mile

Dan Cummings, who was paralyzed in an accident, just walked a mile to support his non-profit Journey Forward.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on October 14 2010

A decade ago, Boston man Dan Cummings broke his neck in a diving accident. He lost the use of his arms and legs, and was told that he would never walk again.

But he didn’t believe it. He decided to move to California, where he could take part in an intense physical therapy regime with a program called Project Walk, which uses standing-frame therapies, electrical stimulation, and other innovative methods to help patients regain their motor skills. And, after four years, his exercise regime had begun to work: he returned home to Boston, walking with the help of a walker.

Cummings’ friends and relatives were amazed by the transformation that Project Walk had made in him—and now that Cummings was walking, he had a new resolution.

“I had a new goal to bring that program back to Boston so others wouldn’t have to move 3,000 miles away to find a place that would help them walk,” he told the Boston Herald.

So two years ago, Cummings founded a non-profit physical therapy center in his hometown, called Journey Forward. Now, the center has five full-time specialists and 33 clients, including Matt Brown, a paralyzed teenage athlete who had regained the ability to move his feet thanks to his sessions there.

And on Saturday, Cummings showed how far he had come in a fundraising walk for his organization. Using his walker, he walked a full mile—and helped to raise $75,000 in donations for Journey Forward.

“Physically, I’m beat,” Cummings said after the walk, “but emotionally I feel like I’m flying.”

Filed under: Health and Wellbeing, Heroes, Non-Profits,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

8 Surprising Strategies for Becoming a Centenarian

If you want to live to 100 and beyond, try these expert-recommended tips for longevity. Read More
Paralyzed Woman Claire Lomas Completes London Marathon in Bionic Suit

Wearing a ReWalk suit, paraplegic Claire Lomas walked the entire London Marathon in 16 days. Read More
Anti-CD47 Drug Proven to Shrink All Tumors in Mice with Cancer

Researchers have successfully stopped the spread of cancer, and even shrunk existing tumors, in animal trials for a promising new drug. Read More
Ten Tips for Rebooting Your Life by Taking a Break

Feeling stressed out by work? Try these tips for taking a sabbatical from your busy job. Read More
6 Good Reasons to Buy Locally

Check out these benefits for buying your fruit and vegetables from a local farmer or market. Read More